WO2005053490A2

WO2005053490A2 - Primary examiner excess of 7 words

Info

Publication number: WO2005053490A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/040561
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerard Rijn
Original assignee: Thetford Corporation
Priority date: 2003-12-01
Filing date: 2004-12-01
Publication date: 2005-06-16
Also published as: WO2005053490A3

Abstract

A waste transfer system includes a bench assembly and a toilet. The toilet is carried by the bench assembly. The bench assembly includes a cover integrally defining a shower tray. The bench assembly defines a storage area for removably receiving a waste holding tank.

Description

WASTE TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH INTEGRATED SHOWER TRAY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to sanitary systems for use in vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a self- contained sanitary system for a vehicle having a removable holding tank and an integrated shower tray. INTRODUCTION [0002] Vehicles, including but not limited to recreational vehicles ("RVs" in the United States and "Caravans" in Europe), tractor trailers, airplanes, boats, trains, and the like, often incorporate sanitation systems for the comfort and convenience of the occupants. In one particular type of known sanitation system, a removable waste holding tank is adapted for use with a toilet positioned within an interior compartment of a recreational vehicle. Waste is transported by the toilet structure to the holding tank where it is stored. The holding tank can be conveniently removed from the recreational vehicle through an exterior access door and then transported to a waste disposal site for emptying. [0003] To enable the holding tank to accept waste products from the toilet of the sanitary system, a waste holding tank of the above mentioned type generally includes a centrally disposed fill opening located within its top wall. A seal element surrounds the fill opening of the tank and includes an upper portion which seals against an outlet opening of the toilet bowl. So constructed, waste can be easily and sanitarily transferred into the holding tank. [0004] United States Patent Nos. 4,776,631 ; 4,892,349; 5,031 ,249; 5,318,275; and 6,189, 161 , all owned by the assignee of this application, show examples of the self-contained toilet systems of the type including a waste receptacle having a downwardly directed outlet opening and a storage compartment defined and located below the outlet opening along with a waste holding tank removably disposed within the storage compartment. These systems enable the vehicle operator to remove the holding tank from the vehicle through a small door in a wall of the vehicle. United States Patent Nos. 4,776,631 ; 4,892,349; 5,031 ,249; 5,318,275; and 6,189,161 are each incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. [0005] Waste disposal systems utilizing a removable holding tank have been in extensive use for more than ten years. These systems, such as those described in United States Patent Nos. 4,776,631 ; 4,892,349; 5,031 ,249; 5,318,275; and 6,189,161 , have proven to be effective and convenient, and have resultantly become popular in the marketplace. Since manufacture of sanitary systems of this type is typically not within the province of RV builders, an entirely self-contained system can be shipped from the sanitary system manufacturer to the RV builder and essentially all that the RV builder has to do is provide a space in which to mount it. In other words, the RV builder does not have to go to the trouble of separately mounting a toilet bowl on the floor, mounting a waste tank under the floor, connecting it to the toilet bowl outlet, or attaching the usual conduits and termination valves to the outside of the holding tank. [0006] Despite the commercial success achieved by known self- contained sanitary systems, a need for continuous improvement in the pertinent art remains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a self- contained sanitary system for a motor vehicle that improves upon the state of the art. [0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a self- contained sanitary system for a motor vehicle that is integrated with a shower tray. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0010] Figure 1 is an environmental view of an exemplary use application for a self-contained sanitary system for a motor vehicle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. [0011] Figure 2 is a simplified environmental view illustrating a waste transfer system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the waste transfer system shown integrated with a shower tray. [0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the holding tank of the self- contained sanitary system for a motor vehicle of the present invention shown removed from the bench assembly for purposes of illustration. [0013] Figure 4 is a top view of the holding tank of Figure 3. [0014] Figure 5 is another perspective view of the holding tank of Figure 3, illustrated with a closure plate translated to an open position.

[0015] Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a waste transfer system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. [0016] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the bench frame of the waste transfer system of Figure 6. [0017] Figure 8 is a simplified cross-sectional view taken through the bench assembly of the waste transfer system of Figure 6. [0018] Figure 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a waste transfer system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. [0019] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the waste transfer system of Figure 9. [0020] Figure 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a waste transfer system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0021] The following description of the embodiment(s) of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. [0022] With initial reference to Figure 1 , a representative vehicle 10 is illustrated that is particularly adapted to incorporate a self-contained sanitary system according to principles of the present invention. Prior to addressing the details of the sanitary system, a brief understanding of this exemplary use environment is warranted. The vehicle 10 is illustrated as a travel trailer which is adapted to be pulled behind a towing vehicle (not shown). Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, however, that the various aspects of the present invention are applicable to other types of vehicles. As used herein, the term "vehicle" shall be interpreted to include both self-propelled (i.e., motorized) and towed structure. [0023] The vehicle 10 includes a wheeled chassis 12 on which is supported a vehicle body 14. The body 14, in general, includes a floor 24, vertical sides (one of which is shown at reference character 26), and a roof 28 forming an enclosure. The body 14 is shown to be generally rectangular in shape although it is to be appreciated that any given body may have departures from such a shape. The side 26 is arranged at a right angle to the floor 24 and is provided with a rectangular opening 30. The rectangular opening 30 is shown in Figure 1 to be closed by a door 32. As will be appreciated below, this opening 30 provides external access to a holding tank of the sanitary system 10 of the present invention. [0024] With continued reference to Figure 1 and additional reference to Figure 2, the self-contained sanitary system according to principles of the invention will be generally addressed. The self-contained sanitary system is generally identified in Figure 2 of the drawings at reference character 50 and is shown to include three major components. These components include a toilet 52, a mobile holding tank 54, and a bench assembly 56 having an integrated shower tray 58. As will be discussed further below, the mobile holding tank 54 cooperates with the toilet 52 to define a self-contained system 50. [0025] With particular reference to Figures 3-5, an exemplary holding tank 54 suitable for use with the teachings of the present invention will be described. The teachings of the present invention are equally applicable for other types of holding tanks. The holding tank 54 provides a receptacle for receiving waste from the toilet 52 that can be quickly and easily removed from the vehicle 10 through the door 32 for emptying. [0026] The holding tank 54 has a generally overall rectangular shape. A top wall contains a central dome which has a circular opening 60 which is opened and closed by a blade valve within the tank 54. When the tank 54 is stowed within a stowage compartment 59 defined by the bench assembly 56, the opening 60 in the tank 54 registers in a sealed manner with an outlet from bowl, and the blade controls the passage from the bowl into the holding tank 54. The holding tank opening 60 automatically connects to and disconnects from the toilet bowl outlet in response to movement of the holding tank 54 into and out of the stowage compartment 59. [0027] The holding tank 54 is provided with a pair of rails 62. The rails 40 slidably receive a closure plate 64. The closure plate 64 translates between open and closed positions. The rails 62 cooperate with a structure of the toilet 52 for mechanically aligning the toilet 52 with the tank 54. [0028] The blade is operated between an open and a closed position from a knob through a coupling mechanism. A portion of this coupling mechanism that is an actuating member is disposed on the bench 54. A cooperating portion of the coupling mechanism is carried by the holding tank 54. The portion of the mechanism carried by the holding tank 54 comprises an actuated member 66 disposed on the top wall of the holding tank 54 when the holding tank 54 is in the stowed position. In the tanks' stowed position, the actuating and the actuated members are operatively connected in a driving relationship whereby motion of the actuating member imparts rotary motion to the actuated member 66 which in turn operates the blade. Further details concerning the construction and operation of the holding tank 54 are generally beyond the scope of the present invention and are further described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,776,631 referenced above. [0029] Turning to Figures 6 and 7, a more detailed embodiment of a waste transfer system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention to integrally include a shower tray is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 100. Like reference numerals will be used to identify similar elements relative to those introduced with respects to Figure 2. The waste transfer system 100 is generally shown to include a toilet 52 and a bench assembly 56 that cooperate with the removable holding tank 54. The bench assembly 56 includes a cover 102 and a frame 104. [0030] The base frame 104 provides the weight-bearing structure of the bench assembly 56 and defines a storage area 106 for receiving the holding tank 54. For this purpose, the base frame 104 includes opposed ends 108 (only one of which is shown in Figure 6) which can either receive the holding tank 54. In this manner, either lateral side of the system 100 can be positioned adjacent the sidewall 26 of the vehicle 10 for access through the door 32. In one particular application, the bench frame 104 is vacuum formed of a plastic material. [0031] The bench frame 104 is illustrated most particularly in Figure 7 to define a front side 110 defining an opening 112. The opening 112 is sized and shaped to receive a water tank 114 for providing a source of flush water to the toilet 52. The water tank 114 may be vacuum formed of a plastic material. [0032] The bench assembly 56 is additionally shown to include a mounting plate 116. The mounting plate 116 is roll formed of metal or otherwise suitably formed and securely attached to the underside of the bench frame 104. The mounting plate 116 can be secured with fasteners (not shown). The mounting plate 116 includes a pair of mounting rails 118 for slideably receiving the holding tank 54 in a known manner. The mounting plate 116 is illustrated to include an aperture 120 which aligns with an aperture 122 of the bench frame 104. These apertures 120 and 122 in turn, align with an aperture 124 in the cover 102 which provides for communication between the toilet 52 and the holding tank 54. [0033] The cover 102 is integrally formed to include a bench portion

126 having an upper surface 128 to which the toilet 52 is mounted. In this regard, conventional bolts pass through mounting holes of the toilet 130, through apertures 132 provided in the cover 102 and engage the bench frame 104. [0034] The bench cover 102 is further shown to be integrally formed to define a shower tray 134. A front face 136 of the bench portion 126 cooperates with three lower profile sides 138 to define a basin 140 for collecting shower water. The shower tray 134 includes a drain opening 142 which may be closed by a drain cover 144. [0035] The bench portion 126 of the cover 102 includes opposing open ends 146 for selectively receiving the holding tank 54 therethrough. One of the ends 146 may be positioned adjacent the door 32 of the vehicle sidewall 26. The other end 146 may be closed with a door panel 148. The bench cover 102 may be vacuum formed or alternatively formed in any other manner well known in the art of plastic or any material having suitable strength and durability characteristics. [0036] The toilet 52 may be constructed of china, plastic or a combination of these or other suitable materials. The toilet 52 includes a lid and hinge assembly 150 pivotally mounted to an upper surface 152 in a conventional manner. In the embodiment illustrated, the toilet 52 further includes a cover 154 injection molded of plastic which wraps around a base 156 of the toilet 52 to provide an improved appearance while reducing required materials and weight. [0037] Turning to Figures 9 and 10, another embodiment of a waste transfer system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention to integrally include a shower tray is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 200. Common reference numbers will be used to identify elements similar between the embodiment of Figures 6 through 8 and the embodiment of Figures 9 through 10. The description of the embodiment 200 of Figures 9 and 10 will be limited to the differences. The toilet 52 may be rotatably mounted to the bench assembly 56. In this regard, the toilet 52 is permitted to rotate in opposing directions (indicated by arrows A and B and Figure 9) from a centered position (as shown in Figure 9). Rotation of the toilet bowl 52 creates additional space in the bathroom 202 (shown in Figure 2) of the vehicle 10. Again, the toilet 52 may be constructed of china, plastic or other suitable materials. [0038] The bench assembly 56 is shown to include a pair of circular openings 204 in an upper surface thereof. One of the openings 204 is adapted to receive a control arrangement 206 for controlling the operation of the toilet. Insofar as the present invention is concerned, the control arrangement 206 will be understood to conventionally function to control such items as flushing and the addition of water to the bowl, among other functions. The other opening 204 is similarly sized and adapted to receive a bath caddy 208 for receiving soap, toilet paper or other personal items. The provision of similarly sized openings within the bench assembly 56 allows for alternate mounting of the control assembly 206. [0039] In the embodiment illustrated, the frame 104 of the bench assembly defines a cavity 210 for storing flush water. The integral nature of the cavity with the frame 104 eliminates the need for a discreet water tank. Again, the bench frame 104 may be vacuum formed of plastic. [0040] Turning finally to Figure 11 , another embodiment of waste transfer system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention to integrally include a shower tray is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 300. Again, like reference numerals will be used to indicate similar components to those previously introduced. In this embodiment, the bowl (not specifically shown) of the toilet 52 extends below an upper surface 302 of the bench assembly 56. The lid and seat assembly 150 is pivotally mounted in a known manner to the bench assembly 56. The bench assembly 56 similarly defines a storage area 304 for removably receiving the holding tank 54. [0041] It will now be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention provide various embodiments of a waste transfer system which include a bench assembly integrally including a shower tray. It should be noted that the teachings of the present invention are not necessarily limited to an environment utilizing a removable holding tank. In this regard, the teachings of the present invention are equally applicable to an environment in which waste is routed to a fixed holding tank or pumped from the vehicle to a sewer. [0042] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments having many common and some distinct features. One skilled in the art will recognize that these features may be used singularly or in any combination based on the requirements and specifications of a given application or design.

Claims

1. A waste transfer system for a motor vehicle, the waste transfer system comprising: a bench assembly; a toilet carried by the bench assembly; and a show tray integrally formed with the bench assembly.

2. The waste transfer system for a motor vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the bench assembly defines a storage area for removably receiving a waste holding tank.

3. The waste transfer system for a motor vehicle of claim 2, in combination with the waste holding tank.

4. The waste transfer system for a motor vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the bench assembly includes a cover and a frame, the cover defining the shower tray.

5. The waste transfer system for a motor vehicle of claim 4, wherein the cover is integrally formed of plastic.

6. The waste transfer system for a motor vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the cover includes a first generally horizontal surface covering a top of the frame and a second generally horizontal surface at least partially defining the shower tray.

7. The waste transfer system for a motor vehicle of claim 6, wherein the shower tray further includes four upwardly extending sides.