AU2014203169A1 - Portable modular toilet assembly and method of assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular toilet cubicle assembly capable of assembly into three separate toilet cubicles and disassembly into a transportable configuration in which parts of the assembly are retained within a space defined by a base assembly; the cubicle assembly comprising a base including a plurality of support members extending from the base, the support members defining a space in which the three cubicles are assembled, two dividing partition mountable on the base for dividing one cubicle from another; at least one side panel forming side walls of said cubicles; at least one panel forming a back of the cubicles and at least one panel forming a roof of said plurality of cubicles; wherein when the modular assembly is formed into a transport configuration, the base assembly is capable of receiving and storing panels and brackets used in formation of the three cubicles and supporting at least one other modular assembly. - - - ---- ------ ---- - ----- - ---~ ~ ~ ~ ------- ----- tO // CD /61' V - / --- -. ----- C-- N < \/ -~ \\ ------ ! -N -- -- -- - - - ----------- -----

Description

PORTABLE MODULAR TOILET ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY 5 10 15 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 20 25 The invention is described in the following statement: 30 35 1 5 PORTABLE MODULAR TOILET ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND 10 [0001] The present invention relates to the manufacture, construction and assembly of portable cubicles for use in particular though not exclusively as on site toilet cubicles. More particularly the invention relates to a modular cubicle capable of assembly and disassembly for transport purposes. The invention further relates to an assembly which allows a plurality of cubicles to fit a base 15 foot print when disassembled for transportation purposes compared to known demountable cubicles. The invention also relates to a method of transportation of portable toilet cubicles in which an increased number of cubicles can be transported in a reduced volume. The invention further provides a toilet cubicle which is capable of stacking in a way that allows at least nine cubicles to be 20 stacked for transportation in a footprint area which is the equivalent of the base of three cubicles. PRIOR ART [0002] There are in existence a variety of modular portable toilet cubicles which 25 are used largely for temporary purposes such as occurs on building sites, outdoor concerts, or during special events drawing large crowds. One form of temporary toilet cubicle comprises a moulded plastics housing, a door to the housing, a toilet pan and means to store sewage waste. This type of module toilet is not demountable into a smaller volume than the normal volume taken 30 up by the toilet housing. Nor is it adapted for stacking one on top of the other. These toilets though transportable take up relatively large space on a transport vehicle which reduces the numbers that may be transported per load. This adds to the costs of transportation and contributes to handling difficulties. Another 2 known arrangement of temporary on site toilet rooms involves construction of internal rooms and cubicles from panels and like products. Toilets used in major events are usually portable but are labour intensive to set up as tens or hundreds of the toilets maybe required. Ideally, the toilets are placed in rows so that any 5 associated plumbing infrastructure is adjacent. In some cases the plumbing infrastructure is integrated with the portable toilets. [0003] An objective in the portable toilet industry has been to create products which are relatively easy to handle, are cheap to transport, take up the smallest 10 possible footprint. It is a further objective to carry as many cubicles within that foot print. Another form of portable toilet are those which can be assembled and disassembled on site and transported either in pieces or in partly assembled components. For example doors can be removed and panels separated so they can be stacked for transportation. Assembly and dismantling of toilet modules 15 can be time consuming and labour intensive with this increasing depending upon the extent to which the modules must be dismantled for transportation. If a module is transported partially assembled, this reduces the labour involved in the site assembly and eventual disassembly and the space volume required for transportation. 20 [0004] Although the above examples show various forms of portable toilet cubicles, there remain opportunities for improvements in the efficiency of assembly and disassembly. The prior art does not teach an assembly which enables modular cubicles to be dismantled,stacked, transported and re 25 assembled in a two, three or more cubicle footprint. There is an ongoing need to constantly improve modular toilet assemblies to reduce time and labour costs, transportation costs, installation costs and wear and tear on the cubicles. 30 3 INVENTION [0005] The present invention provides an alternative to the known portable modular toilet cubicles. In attempting to ameliorate or eliminate the prior art limitations and to provide a useful alternative to the known methods of portable 5 toilet assembly and to seek to provide a more efficient method of transportation and assembly of modular toilet cubicles, there has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, 10 additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. [0006] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the 15 components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 20 [0007] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be 25 regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [0008] In its broadest form the present invention comprises: a toilet cubicle module capable of assembly and disassembly between a partially 30 assembled state and a fully assembled state, the module comprising a base 4 assembly comprising a base, support members extending form the base, the support members including means to enable stacking of additional components of the module within a space defined by the support members such that the height of the stacked module when fully disassembled is less than the overall 5 height of the module when fully assembled. [0009] Preferably the height of the stacked module is in the order of one third the height of the assembled cubicle. According to a preferred embodiment, the base assembly comprises a base platform, from which extend the support members defining at least part of the volumetric space of at least one module. 10 According to one embodiment the base platform has a footprint which is the equivalent of the footprint area defined by three said modules. Preferably the base platform includes openings for receiving a lifting machine for transportation purposes. The openings allow for instance a fork list to [0010] The assembly is capable of transition from a first state in which parts of 15 the module are stacked within a base component of the module to a second state in which the parts stacked within the base component are assembled in co operation with the base to form at least one completed module. According to one embodiment the support members allow support of at least one module base assembly on top of another module base assembly during transportation. 20 [0011] In one broad form the present invention comprises: a modular toilet cubicle assembly capable of assembly into a plurality of toilet cubicles and disassembly into a transportable configuration in which parts of the assembly are retained within a space defined by a base assembly; the cubicle assembly comprising a base including a plurality of support members extending from the 25 base, the support members defining a space in which the plurality of cubicles are assembled, at least one dividing partition mountable on the base for dividing one cubicle from another; at least one side panel forming side walls of said cubicles; at least one panel forming a back of the cubicles and at least one panel forming a roof of said plurality of cubicles. 5 [0012] According to a preferred embodiment the roof and back panels are common to each said plurality of cubicles. The assembly further comprises a partition support associated with each dividing partition and a detachable door on each cubicle. Preferably there are three adjacent cubicles for each assembly. 5 Each cubicle includes a toilet pan which is integrated with the base assembly. The base assembly when isolated has the support members extending to a height higher than the toilet pans which avoids labour in removing the pans when the assembly is prepared for transportation. Each said panels which form the roof, sidewalls and dividing partitions along with the doors, are when disassembled 10 laid flat within the space defined by the base and the support members. This allows the cubicles to be dismantled from a required volumetric size to accommodate users, to a size approximating one third the volume of the three cubicles. [0013] In another broad form the present invention comprises: 15 a modular toilet cubicle assembly capable of assembly into three separate toilet cubicles and disassembly into a transportable configuration in which parts of the assembly are retained within a space defined by a base assembly; the cubicle assembly comprising a base including a plurality of support members extending from the base, the support members defining a space in which the three cubicles 20 are assembled, two dividing partition mountable on the base for dividing one cubicle from another; at least one side panel forming side walls of said cubicles; at least one panel forming a back of the cubicles and at least one panel forming a roof of said plurality of cubicles; wherein when the modular assembly is formed into a transport configuration, the base assembly is capable of receiving 25 and storing panels and brackets used in formation of the three cubicles and supporting at least one other modular assembly. [0014] The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art and the shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made 6 to the accompanying representations, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that 5 other embodiments may be utilised and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0015] The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein; 15 Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a portable toilet cubicle assembly according to one embodiment; Figure 2 shows a top isometric view of a set of three toilet cubicles partially assembled without doors. 20 Figure 3 shows an underside view of the set of three toilet cubicles of figure 2. Figure 4 shows a perspective rear view of a base assembly of the cubicles of figures 1-3 Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of the base assembly of figure 4. Figure 6 shows an underside view of the base assembly of figure 4 25 Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of the isolated base assembly of figure 2 with toilet pans installed. Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of the assembly of figure 7. Figure 9 shows with corresponding numbering a front elevation view of a portable 30 cubical module of figure 2 prepared for transportation. Figure 10 shows a plan view of the module of figure 9 Figure 11 shows an end view of the module of figure 9 7 Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the module of figure 9 Figure 13 shows the modular assembly of figure 9 prepared for supporting like modular assemblies. Figure 14 shows a side elevation view of the stacked modules of figure 13. 5 Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the stacked modules of figure 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] The examples referred to herein are illustrative and are not to be 10 regarded as limiting the scope of the invention. While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated that these are capable of modification, and therefore the disclosures herein are not to be construed as limiting of the precise details set forth, but to avail such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the description. Although the 15 method and apparatus aspects of the invention will be described with reference to their application to a three cubicle module it will be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in one cubicle or at least two cubicles. [0017] Referring to Figure 1 there is shown an exploded view of a portable 20 toilet cubicle assembly 1 according to one embodiment. Assembly 1 comprises a base 2 including a mainframe 3 and a floor panel 4 which is connected to mainframe 3. Mainframe 3 takes the full weight of the cubicles when constructed. Extending from base 2 are support posts 6, 7, 8 and 9. Posts 8 and 9 receive and respectively retain panel support struts 10 and 11 which locate 25 side panels 12 and 13 (see figure 2). Assembly 1 further comprises lower side panels 14 and 15. As shown in figure 1 the exploded view is assembled into three cubicles as indicated by toilet pans 16, 17 and 18. Support struts 19 and 20 ( see figure 2) secure dividing panels 36 and 37. Panels 22 and 23 form a common back for the three cubicle assembly and panel 24 form a common roof. 30 Once the cubicles 25, 26 and 27 are completed doors 28, 29 and 30 are fitted. Door 28 obtains its support from strut 10. Door 29 obtains its support from strut 8 19 and door 30 obtains its support from strut 20. Door 28 has pivot elements 31 and 32 which engages respectively sleeves 33 and 34 to enable pivoting of door 28. Strut 19 includes a bottom recess 35 which engages protrusion 40 extending from floor 4. This locates strut 19 in position and enables proper alignment of 5 dividing partition 36. Door 29 includes pivot elements 44 and 45 which respectively engage recesses in sleeves 38 and 39 allowing swing of door 29. Strut 20 includes a bottom recess 42 which engages protrusion 43 extending from floor 4. This locates strut 20 in position and enables proper alignment of dividing partition 37 ( see figure 2). 10 [0018] Figure 2 shows with corresponding numbering a top isometric view of a set of three toilet cubicles 25, 26 and 27 partially assembled prior to installation of doors 28. 29 and 30. Door 30 includes pivot elements 46 and 47 ( see figure 1) which respectively engage sleeves 48 and 49 allowing swing of door 30. 15 Base 2 includes a series of spaced apart lifting formations 55, 56, 57 and 58. Each panel is secured to the cubicle and to adjacent panels via bracket assemblies. Panel 14 connects to support posts 6 and 9 via co operating brackets 60a and 60b. Panels 22 and 23 are mutually joined by brackets 61a and 61b and 62a and 62b. panel 23 connects to roof panel 24 via bracket assemblies 20 63 and 64. Panel 22 engages posts 6 and 7 via brackets 65. From this view further lifting formations 59 and 60 are shown in base 2. [0019] Figure 3 shows with corresponding numbering an underside view of the set of three toilet cubicles of figure 2. 25 9 Figure 4 shows a perspective rear view of base assembly 2 of the cubicles of figures 1-3. Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of the base assembly of figure 4. Figure 6 shows an underside view of the base assembly of figure 4 Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of the base assembly 1 of figure 2 with 5 toilet pans installed. Figure 8 shows with corresponding numbering rear perspective view of the base assembly shown in figure 7. [0020] Figure 9 shows with corresponding numbering a front elevation view of the portable cubical module of figure 2 prepared for transportation. Support 10 posts 8 and 9 remain engaged with base 2. Likewise toilet pans 16, 17 and 18 remain in position. Support posts 8 and 9 terminate at a height which allows a space 68 between the pans 16, 17 and 18 and the end 66 of post 8 and end 67 of post 9. When assembly 1 is dismantled, roof panel 24, side panels 12 and 13, panels 14 and 15, dividing panels 36 and 37, back panels 22 and 23, and doors 15 28, 29 and 30 lie flat in either space 68 or along floor 4 of base 2. This allows a module assembly 1 which takes up a height of h (see figure 2) to reduce to height 1. Thus a fully assembled module can be reduce in volume such that is defines height 1 which represents a significant saving in space. To prepare the base 2 for transportation and to receive a module on top, each of posts 8 and 9 20 receive and retain locating lugs 70 and 71. [0021] Figure 10 shows a plan view of the module of figure 9. From this view lugs 70, 71, are shown located in posts 8 and 9. Likewise locating lugs 72 and 73 are shown located in posts 6 and 7. Plates 74, 75, 76 and 77 provide bearing 25 stops for a base module to be stacked on top of posts 6, 7, 8 and 9 of base 2. Figure 11 shows an end view of the module of figure 9. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the module of figure 9. Further lifting formations 59 and 60 are shown. Assembly 1 can be lifted from any direction front back or sides due to the present of the lifting formations. 30 10 [0022] Figure 13 shows modular assembly 1 configured for transportation as described with reference to figure 9 but now with identical modules 80 and 81 stacked on posts 8 and 9. Posts 84 and 8 of module 81 transfer load to posts 82 and 83 of module 80 which in turn transmit load to posts 8 and 9 of module 1. 5 From figure 13 it can be seen that nine cubicles ( three per module ) can be stacked and transported in a base foot print which would be taken up by three modules. Figure 14 shows a side elevation view of the stacked modules 1, 80 and 81 of figure 13. Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the stacked modules of figure 13. Figure 14 shows with corresponding numbering a side elevation 10 view of the stacked modules 1, 80 and 81 of figure 13. Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the stacked modules of figure 13. Each of modules 1, 80 and 81 are disassembled sets of three separate toilet cubicles. Each module has an internal space which accommodates most of the skeletal components of the particular module. In the case of module 1 internal space 90 receives for 15 example, dividing partitions 36 and 37. In addition, supporting struts and roof, wall and back panels can be stored in space 90 for transportation. Similar stacking and transportation arrangements apply for modules 80 and 81. Typically a stack of three modules which provides nine toilet cubicles when each are fully assembled, will preferably have a height of around 2300 20 2400mm, a width of between 1100mm - 1200 mm and length of between 2200 - 2300mm. This is a compact arrangement for transportation of high numbers of toilet cubicles and is more space in comparison to the footprint which wold otherwise have been taken up by nine toilet cubicles. 25 [0023] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that although the example described with reference to the illustrations show a three cubicle assembly, it will be appreciated that the assembly and disassembly technique described can be adapted for additional or less cubicles in one modular unit. For example the assembly can be adapted for two four or more cubicles. The 30 assembly could also be adapted to one cubicle which can be disassembled to enable stacking of like cubicle modules ( at least two stacked) within the foot 11 print of one module. The modular toilet cubicle assembly is capable of assembly into a plurality of toilet cubicles and disassembly into a transportable configuration in which parts of the assembly are retained within a space defined by a base assembly. The modules are stacked in top of each other suing a 5 forklift. This allows transportation of at least three times the number of cubicles within a footprint which would be taken up by three cubicles. This significantly increases the number s of cubicles that can be transported on one trip and so reduces overall transport costs and time. 10 [0024] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes 15 and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 20 12

Claims (35)

1. A toilet cubicle assembly capable of assembly and disassembly between a disassembled state and a fully assembled state, the cubicle assembly including a base module comprising a ground engaging base and extending therefrom anchorage members; the base defining an internal space which receives and retains therein, at least one toilet; the anchorage members capable of receiving and retaining support members; the cubicle further comprising wall panels which are mountable on the cubicle to at least partially enclose the internal space.

2. A cubicle assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support members are detachably connected to the anchorage members.

3. A cubicle assembly according to claim 2 wherein the wall panels together define a back and sides of the cubicle.

4. A cubicle assembly according to claim 3 wherein at least some of the support members support a roof.

5. A cubicle assembly according to claim 4 wherein the anchorage members are spaced apart and lie along at least a front edge of the base module.

6. A cubicle assembly according to claim 5 wherein doors are detachably mountable on the cubicle assembly.

7. A cubicle assembly according to claim 6 wherein, the cubicle assembly comprises three toilet cubicles each accommodating a toilet pan.

8. A cubicle according to claim 7 wherein the wall panels are disposed in vertical alignment. 7. A cubicle according to claim 8 wherein, the roof and panels of the back and side walls are detachable and are proportioned to fit within the base module when the assembly is disassembled. 1 8. A cubicle according to claim 7 wherein, when the cubicle assembly is disassembled, the base module height approximates one third the height of a toilet cubicle.

9. A cubicle according to claim 8 wherein the base module is proportioned so that when three like base modules are stacked one on top of the other, the height of the stack approximates the height of an assembled toilet cubicle.

10. A cubicle according to claim 9 wherein, the support members are disposed peripherally about edges of the base.

11. A modular toilet cubicle assembly capable of assembly into at least one toilet cubicle and disassembly for transportation; the assembly comprising a base module including a ground engaging base having front, sides and back edges; extending from the base a plurality of support members; the base and support members defining a space within the module which receives at least one toilet pan; the assembly further comprising a back, sidewalls and a roof; wherein when the assembly is in a disassembled state the base module is capable of storing wall members a roof and a door within a space volume defined by the base module.

12. An assembly according to claim 11 wherein the area of the base module accommodates at least two toilet cubicles

13. An assembly according to claim 12 further comprising detachable dividing walls which divide one toilet cubicle from an adjacent toilet cubicle.

14. An assembly according to claim 13 further comprising detachable support struts each having a first end which engages the base module and a second end which supports a roof of a toilet cubicle.

15. An assembly according to claim 14 further comprising detachable panels which form sidewalls, the roof and a back of said assembly.

16. An assembly according to claim 15 wherein, at least four of the support members extending from the base module are located at corners of the base module. 2

17. An assembly according to claim 16 wherein, the detachable support struts engage the support members via their second end to form a frame which receive said detachable panels.

18. An assembly according to claim 17 wherein, at least two support struts extend from the base to the roof, thereby providing roof support.

19. An assembly according to claim 18 wherein, the base module includes a back side recess which accommodates plumbing infrastructure.

20. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein a rear wall formed by said detachable panels is offset from a rear wall of the base module.

21. An assembly according to claim 20 wherein, two internal dividing panels are employed to form three toilet cubicles.

22. An assembly according to claim 21 wherein the base module of the toilet assembly when the toilet assembly is in the disassembled state is capable of receiving and retaining thereon in stacked relationship at least one other like module.

23. An assembly according to claim 22 wherein a plurality of said stacked base modules lie within the foot print of one base module when stacked for transportation.

24. An assembly according to claim 23 wherein the base module is proportioned to accommodate three toilet cubicles abreast.

25. An assembly according to claim 24 wherein the base module includes a rear recess which accommodates plumbing infrastructure which connects a plurality of cubicles to wast lines.

26. An assembly according to claim 25 wherein the panels which form the walls and back are retained on the assembly via fastening strips.

27. A toilet cubicle module capable of assembly and disassembly between a partially assembled state and a fully assembled state, the module comprising a base module comprising a base, support members extending from the base, the support 3 members including means to enable stacking of additional components of the module within a space defined by the support members such that the height of the stacked module when fully disassembled is approximately one third the overall height of the module when fully assembled.

28. A toilet cubicle module according to claim 27 wherein the support members allows stacking of at least one other base module on top of a first base module.

29. A toilet cubicle module according to claim 28 wherein the base includes openings which allow access for a lifting machine for transportation purposes.

30. A toilet cubicle module according to claim 29 wherein the assembly is capable of transition from a first state in which parts of the module are stacked within a base component of the module to a second state in which the parts stacked within the base component are assembled in co operation with the base to form at least one completed module.

31. A toilet cubicle module according to claim wherein roof, side and back panels are common to each said plurality of cubicles.

32. A toilet cubicle module according to claim 31, further comprising a partition support associated with each dividing partition and a detachable door on each cubicle.

33. A toilet cubicle module according to claim wherein each said panels which form the roof, sidewalls and dividing partitions along with the doors, are when disassembled, laid flat within the space defined by the base and the support members.

34. A modular toilet cubicle assembly capable of assembly into three separate toilet cubicles and disassembly into a transportable configuration in which parts of the assembly are retained within a space defined by a base assembly; the cubicle assembly comprising a base including a plurality of support members extending from the base, the support members defining a space in which the three cubicles are assembled, two dividing partition mountable on the base for dividing 4 one cubicle from another; at least one side panel forming side walls of said cubicles; at least one panel forming a back of the cubicles and at least one panel forming a roof of said plurality of cubicles; wherein when the modular assembly is formed into a transport configuration, the base assembly is capable of receiving and storing panels and brackets used in formation of the three cubicles and supporting at least one other modular assembly.

35. A modular toilet cubicle assembly capable of assembly into a plurality of toilet cubicles and disassembly into a transportable configuration in which parts of the assembly are retained within a space defined by a base assembly; the cubicle assembly comprising a base including a plurality of support members extending from the base, the support members defining a space in which the plurality of cubicles are assembled, at least one dividing partition mountable on the base for dividing one cubicle from another; at least one side panel forming side walls of said cubicles; at least one panel forming a back of the cubicles and at least one panel forming a roof of said plurality of cubicles. 5