Abstract
A urinal unit for temporary providing an urinal including a L-shaped unit body with a base platform which forms a pedestal to stand in front of a urinal and an upstanding wall which forms a privacy separation. At least one urinal is connected to a front side of the upstanding wall. The urinal unit includes a pair of a male and a female lock member to engage with each other in a transport assembly of an assembly of urinal units. In the transport assembly one of the urinal units is stacked in an upside down orientation onto another urinal unit in which the lock members engage with each other to provide stability. The transport assembly may be further compacted by collapsing the upstanding wall of each urinal unit.
Claims
1. A urinal unit for temporary providing an urinal in an environment, wherein the urinal unit comprises a L-shaped unit body, wherein the unit body comprises a base platform at a bottom region of the unit body which base platform forms a pedestal for a user to stand in front of a urinal; an upstanding wall at a back region of the unit body which upstanding wall forms a privacy separation from the environment; and at least one urinal connected to a front side of the upstanding wall, wherein the urinal unit further comprises a pair of a male and a female lock member which are complementary shaped to each other to engage with each other in a transport assembly of a plurality of urinal units, in which transport assembly one of the urinal units is stacked in an upside down orientation onto another urinal unit in which the male and female lock members of the stacked urinal units engage with each other.
2. The urinal unit according to claim 1, wherein the male lock member is formed by an upwardly directed protrusion, in particular integral with the unit body, and the female lock member is formed by a recess which is complementary shaped to the protrusion for receiving said protrusion in the transport assembly to prevent a relative movement of the urinal units in a lateral direction.
3. The urinal unit according to claim 1, wherein one of the male or female lock member is positioned on a top surface of the upstanding wall, and wherein the complementary other female or male lock member is positioned at a top surface of the base platform, such that said male and female lock members engage to each other when the first urinal unit is placed upside down on top of the second urinal unit.
4. The urinal unit according to claim 3, wherein two lock members are positioned at a distance from each other on the top surface of the upstanding wall, in particular adjacent a corner of the upstanding wall.
5. The urinal unit according to claim 1, wherein the urinal unit has at least two urinals at a front side of the upstanding wall, wherein a wall portion forming a privacy partition is positioned in between each urinal.
6. The urinal unit according to claim 5, wherein both the male and female lock member are positioned on an end face of said wall portion in between two urinals.
7. The urinal unit according to claim 1, wherein the male lock member is a separate item, in particular an elongated pin-shaped item.
8. The urinal unit according to claim 7, wherein the male lock member is axially movable connected to the unit body.
9. The urinal unit according to claim 8, wherein the male lock member is non-releasable connected to the unit body.
10. The urinal unit according to claim 1, wherein the upstanding wall has an upstanding wall upper portion and an upstanding wall lower portion, wherein the upstanding wall upper portion can be lowered relative to the upstanding wall lower portion to obtain a compact configuration, wherein in particular the upstanding wall upper portion is telescopically connected to the upstanding wall lower portion.
11. The urinal unit according to claim 1, wherein the transport assembly of urinal units is a 2-unit assembly which is formed by a first urinal unit in an upstanding orientation and a stacked second urinal unit in an upside down orientation.
12. The urinal unit according to claim 1, wherein the transport assembly of urinal units is a 4-unit assembly which is formed by a first, second, third and fourth urinal unit, wherein the first and second urinal unit are placed opposite each other in which the urinals are facing each other and wherein the third and fourth urinal units are stacked onto the first and second urinal units in an upside down orientation.
13. The urinal unit according to claim 12, wherein the upstanding wall of each urinal unit has chamfered side edges for fitting the third and fourth urinal unit in between the first and second urinal unit.
14. The urinal unit according to claim 1, wherein the urinal unit further comprises a connector, in particular a U-shaped connector, for connecting adjacently positioned urinal units.
15. The urinal unit according to claim 14, wherein the connector comprises a U-shaped connector body including a first pin-shaped connector member and a second pin-shaped connector member, wherein the second pin-shaped member is longer than the first pin-shaped member and non-releasable connected to the unit body.
16. A sanitation system comprising a plurality of urinal units according to claim 1.
17. A restroom area for providing a sanitary facility for a public comprising a sanitation system according to claim 16, wherein a sanitary wall is arranged in which at least two urinal units are arranged in an array.
18. A method for transporting a plurality of urinal units comprising the steps of: providing at least two urinal units according to claim 1 in which each urinal unit comprises an L-shaped unit body; orienting a first urinal unit in particular in a stand-up orientation; orienting a second urinal unit in an upside down orientation with respect to the first urinal unit, such that the L-shaped unit bodies are facing each other; and stacking the second urinal unit onto the first urinal unit to obtain a transport assembly of said urinal units.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the method comprises a step of combining two or four urinal units to obtain respectively a 2-unit or 4-unit transport assembly.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0120] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawings. The drawings show practical embodiments according to the invention, which may not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Specific features may also be considered apart from the shown embodiment and may be taken into account in a broader context as a delimiting feature, not only for the shown embodiment but as a common feature for all embodiments falling within the scope of the clauses above, appended claims, aspects, sub-aspects or facets, in which FIGS. 1-34 show embodiments of the first aspect of the invention and FIGS. 35-51 show embodiments of a second aspect of the invention:
[0121] FIG. 1-4 show an embodiment of a stackable urinal unit according to the invention;
[0122] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the stackable urinal unit in which in comparison with the embodiment of FIG. 1-4, a pair of lock members is seen in a top projection positioned at corner positions of the urinal unit;
[0123] FIG. 6-8 show an alternative embodiment of the stackable urinal unit in which a pair of lock members is seen in a top projection positioned in a central region of the urinal unit;
[0124] FIG. 8A, 8B-8D show the stackable urinal unit as shown in the FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively provided with a solid or telescopic upstanding wall;
[0125] FIG. 9-13 show an embodiment of the stackable urinal unit in which four urinal units are combined to obtain a transport assembly;
[0126] FIG. 14-23 show an embodiment of the stackable urinal unit in which an non-releasable axially movable pin is provided to lock urinal units together;
[0127] FIG. 24-32 show an U-shaped connector for interconnecting adjacently positioned urinal units; and
[0128] FIG. 33, 34 show an alternative embodiment of the urinal unit in which an upstanding wall has recessed side edges which provide an engagement between combined urinal units;
[0129] FIGS. 35 and 36 show in a perspective view a sanitary wall formed by a sanitation system in which the sanitation system comprises an array of urinal units and a urinal unit accessory placed in between each neighbouring urinal units;
[0130] FIG. 37 shows an urinal unit in a perspective view which is when seen from above cross-shaped and providing four urinal compartments;
[0131] FIG. 38 shows a urinal unit accessory formed as a reservoir;
[0132] FIG. 39 shows a urinal unit accessory formed as a garbage bin;
[0133] FIG. 40 shows a urinal unit accessory formed as a hand wash station;
[0134] FIG. 41-43 show the urinal unit accessories of FIG. 38-40 which are insertable into the urinal compartments as shown in FIG. 37;
[0135] FIG. 44 shows in a cross-sectional view a lockage by a form-closure of the urinal unit accessory in the urinal compartment of the urinal unit;
[0136] FIG. 45 shows an enlarged view of the lockage of FIG. 44;
[0137] FIG. 46 shows a further embodiment for locking an accessory inside a urinal compartment;
[0138] FIG. 47 shows a urinal unit accessory formed a reservoir positioned in between two urinal units;
[0139] FIG. 48-49 show a liquid interconnection of the reservoir with both urinal units aside the reservoir; and
[0140] FIG. 50-51 show a flexible hose for interconnecting the reservoir in fluid communication with the urinal unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0141] FIGS. 1-34 relate in particular to the first aspect of the invention. Identical reference signs are used in the drawings 1-34 to indicate identical or functionally similar components. Specific features may also be considered apart from the shown embodiment and may be taken into account in a broader context as a delimiting feature, not only for the shown embodiment but as a common feature for all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
[0142] To facilitate comprehension of the description and of the claims the words vertical, horizontal, upside down, down wards etc.—with reference to gravity—are used in a non-limiting way. FIG. 1 shows a coordinate system including a X-, Y-, Z-axis. The Z-axis defines a height or vertical direction. The X- and Y-axis define a horizontal plane, in which the X-direction defines a length direction and the Y-direction defines a width direction. The X- and Z axis define a XZ-plane which is a vertical plane in length direction defining a front F and back B. The Y- and Z-axis define a YZ-plane which is a vertical plane in width direction defining a left L and right R.
[0143] FIG. 1 shows in a perspective view an embodiment of a urinal unit 100 according to the invention. The urinal unit is a sanitary unit adapted for outdoor use. The urinal unit is adapted for a temporary placement in an outdoor environment, like at a festival or sports terrain. During an event, a placement of a plurality of such urinal units 100 provides a quick and easy sanitary capacity available for a large crowd of people.
[0144] The urinal unit 100 is a one-piece item. The urinal unit is made out of plastic by moulding, in particular by rotation moulding. The urinal unit comprises a L-shaped unit body 1. At a bottom region BR, the unit body comprises a base platform 11. The base platform 11 forms a pedestal for a user to stand in front of a urinal 13. The base platform 11 has an underside which is provided with several supporting feet 110 to support the base platform 11 onto an underground. At least one fork opening 111, in particular two fork openings at a side, are provided in between neighbouring feet 110 to allow a forklift to insert its forks into the fork openings 111 for lifting the urinal unit 100 to place the urinal unit 100 onto a trailer for transport.
[0145] The urinal 13 is connected to a front side of an upstanding wall 12. The upstanding wall 12 is positioned at the back region of the unit body 1. The upstanding wall 12 forms a privacy separation in between a front F and a back B of the unit body 1. The privacy separation shields a user from the outdoor environment.
[0146] Here, the unit body 1 comprises two urinals 13, a left and right urinal 131, 132. A privacy partition 14 is provided in between the urinals 131, 132. The privacy partition 14 is positioned in a middle region of the unit body 1. The privacy partition 14 has an upper portion 140 and a lower portion 141. The lower portion 141 extends a distance above the urinal 13. The lower portion 141 has a height which is substantially half a height of the upstanding wall 12. The lower portion 141 has an end face 142. The end face 142 delimits the lower portion 141 from the upper portion 140.
[0147] FIG. 2-4 show a stacking of identical urinal units 100 onto each other according to the invention in successive drawings to obtain a transport assembly. FIG. 5 shows a similar stacking of identical urinal units in which embodiment the locking members 5 are disposed at another position.
[0148] FIG. 2 shows a first and second urinal unit 101, 102. The first urinal unit 101 is oriented in a normal orientation in which orientation the urinal unit is normally used. In the normal orientation, the base platform 11 of the unit body 1 is placed onto an underground. The second urinal unit 102 is oriented in an upside down orientation to stack the second urinal unit 102 onto the first urinal unit 101.
[0149] A pair of lock members 5 is provided to lock the urinal units together. The pair of lock members 5 comprises a male lock member 51 and a female lock member 52. The male and female lock member 51, 52 are complementary shaped to engage to each other. The pair of lock members 5 provide a form closure in a lateral direction, in a horizontal plane. One of the male and female lock member 51, 52 is positioned on a top surface of the upstanding wall 12, and the other complementary lock member is positioned on a top surface of the base platform 11.
[0150] FIG. 3 shows the stacked first and second urinal units 101, 102 which stacking forms the transport assembly TA. In the transport assembly TA, the bottom region BR of the second urinal unit 102 fits onto the top region TR of the first urinal unit 101. The top region TR of the second urinal unit 102 fits onto the bottom region BR of the first urinal unit 101.
[0151] The first and second urinal units 101, 102 are locked in a lateral direction. The second urinal unit 102 can only be released from the first urinal unit 101 by lifting the second urinal unit 102 in upwards direction. A gravity force keeps the two urinal units stably together.
[0152] Herewith, a transport assembly TA is obtained which has a stable and compact configuration of two urinal units 101, 102 which is beneficial in transporting the urinal units. The stacked urinal units can easily be placed onto a trailer floor by a forklift. The box-shaped configuration of the transport assembly allows a close side-by-side arrangement of the units, such that a space efficient gathering of stacked urinal units can be achieved.
[0153] As shown in a cross-sectional views in further detail in a left and right sided view in FIG. 4, the male and female members 51, 52 are integrally formed with the unit body 1. The lock members 5 are integral with the unit body 1 and formed during the moulding process, in particular the rotation moulding process. The male member 51 is formed by a protrusion 53. The female member 52 is formed by a recess 54. The recess 54 is complementary shaped to the protrusion 53. The protrusion 53 closely fits into the recess 54. As shown in the left sided view, the upper portion 140 serves as a guidance to align the pair of lock members 5 onto each other. The upper portion 140 has a frontal surface 143. When stacking a first and second urinal unit 101, 102, the frontal surfaces 143 of each urinal unit mate with each other.
[0154] As shown in the right sided view of FIG. 4, in the transport assembly TA, the end faces 142 of each urinal unit 101, 102 are mating, in particular in an abutting engagement with each other or closely spaced.
[0155] Here, seen in a top projection, in FIG. 1-4, the male and female lock member 51, 52 are positioned in a middle region of the top surfaces of the base platform 11 and the upstanding wall 12. The male and female lock member 51, 52 are centrally positioned on respectively the base platform 11 and the upstanding wall 12. As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2, when moving the upside down positioned urinal unit 102 in a downward direction (gravity direction), the male and female lock member 51, 52 engage with each other to lock the urinal units 101, 102 to each other.
[0156] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the urinal unit in which the pair of lock members 5 is arranged double. Instead of a single pair of lock members 5, a first and second pair of lock members 5 is provided. Each pair of lock members 5 is provided at a corner position on the upstanding wall 12 and at a corresponding position on the base platform 11. Advantageously, the double pair of lock members 5 provide a more stable locking in comparison with a single pair of lock members 5 is shown in FIG. 2.
[0157] FIG. 6-8 show an alternative embodiment of a urinal unit 100 in which the pair of lock members 5 is disposed at the end face 142 of the privacy partition 14. FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the pair of lock members 51, 52. The pair of lock members 5 comprises a male lock member 51 which is positioned aside the female lock member 52 at the end face 142. The male and female lock members 51, 52 are positioned in the vertical YZ plane. It does not matter whether the male or female lock member is positioned at the front or back, the aligned positioning in the vertical YZ plane enables a combination of two identically configured urinal units 101, 102 to obtain a transport assembly TA.
[0158] As shown in FIG. 8A, analogous to FIG. 2, to obtain the transport assembly TA, the second urinal unit 102 is oriented upside down and backwards before lowering the second urinal unit 102 onto the first urinal unit 101. The frontal surface 143 of the upper portion is beneficial in aligning the urinal units 101, 102. When lowering the second urinal unit 102, the pair of lock members 5 are mated to lock the urinal units in a horizontal plane.
[0159] FIG. 8B-8D show an alternative embodiment of the urinal unit 100 according to the invention. The upstanding wall 12 has an upstanding wall lower portion 123 and an upstanding wall upper portion 124. The upstanding wall 12 can be compacted to obtain a transport state. In a raised position of the upstanding wall upper portion 124, the urinal unit 100 is in a use state.
[0160] To compact the upstanding wall 12, the upstanding wall upper portion 124 may be removed from upstanding wall lower portion to transport the upstanding wall upper portion 124 is a separate item. Here, advantageously, the upstanding wall upper portion 124 is slidable with respect to the upstanding wall lower portion 123. The upstanding wall upper portion 124 is slidable to a lower position in preparing the urinal unit 100 for transport. The upstanding wall lower portion 123 may slidably engage the upstanding wall upper portion 124, e.g. by engaging side edges of the upstanding wall upper portion 124. Preferably, as shown, the upstanding wall 12 has a telescopic configuration in which the upstanding wall lower portion 123 circumvents the upstanding wall upper portion 124. The upstanding wall upper portion 124 can be lowered into a hollow shaped upstanding wall lower portion 123.
[0161] FIG. 8B shows a preparing step before stacking a first and second urinal unit 101, 102 for transport. The telescopically connected upstanding wall upper portion 124 is lowered into the upstanding wall lower portion 123 as indicated by the arrow. Herewith, a height of the urinal unit may be reduced by at least 40%.
[0162] FIG. 8C shows a first urinal unit 101 and an upside down oriented second urinal unit 102. The second urinal unit 102 is oriented in a backwards position and can be placed onto the first urinal unit 101 as indicated by the arrow to obtain the transport assembly as shown in FIG. 8D. The shown embodiment in FIG. 8B-8D lacks a pair of lock members. Advantageously, the combination of the first and second L-shaped urinal units 101, 102 transformed to a compact configuration before stacking may provide a stable transport assembly TA in which any lock member may be redundant. A pair of lock members 5 may be provided as for example shown in FIG. 2,5 or 8A at a top surface of the upstanding wall upper portion 124 or at the upstanding wall lower portion 123 to further stabilise the transport assembly.
[0163] FIG. 9-13 show an alternative embodiment of the urinal unit 100 according to the invention. Here, the transport assembly TA is obtained by combining four urinal units 100 as shown in FIGS. 10-13. Again, all combined urinal units 100 have the same configuration.
[0164] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the urinal unit 100 in a perspective view. The embodiment of this urinal unit 100 is similar to the configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. However, this configuration of the urinal unit 100 is distinguished by the feature of the privacy partition 14 and chamfered side edges 120 of the upstanding wall 12. The privacy partition 14 has no upper and lower portion 140, 141 which are delimited by an end face 142. The privacy partition 14 has a height which continuously extends along a distance which is larger than half a height of the upstanding wall 12. Here, the privacy partition 14 extends from the base platform 11 to a top surface of the upstanding wall 12. The side edges 120 of the upstanding wall 12 are chamfered to allow stacking of four urinal units. The side edges 120 are chamfered about at least 45° along an edge extending in a height direction along a whole height of the upstanding wall 12.
[0165] A pair of lock members 5 including a male and female lock member 51, 52 is provided on top of the base platform 11 and the upstanding wall 12. Here, the male and female lock members 51, 52 are positioned at a corner position of respectively the upstanding wall 12 and the base platform 11. One of the lock members 51, 52 is positioned at a corner at a back side of the unit body 1. The lock member is positioned at the intersection of the upstanding wall 12 and the base platform 11. Here, a female lock member 52 is shown at the corner. Alternatively, the unit body 1 may be embodied by a male lock member 51 at this corner.
[0166] FIG. 10 shows a first step of an embodiment of a method of combining urinal units 100 to obtain a transport assembly TA. In the first step, a first and second urinal unit 101, 102 are positioned opposite each other. The first and second urinal unit 101, 102 are positioned in mirror symmetry. Each frontal surface of each base platform 11 of each urinal unit 101, 102 is mated with another. In the first step, the first and second urinal unit 101, 102 are placed, such that the frontal surface of the base platform 11 of the first urinal unit 101 is facing the frontal surface of the base platform 11 of the second urinal unit 102.
[0167] FIG. 11 shows a subsequent step of the embodiment of the method of combining urinal units 100 to obtain the transport assembly TA. A third urinal unit 103 is combined with the positioned first and second urinal units 101, 102. The third urinal unit 103 is oriented upside down. The third urinal unit 103 is right angled oriented with respect to the first and second urinal units 101, 102.
[0168] As shown in FIG. 11, after the first step of combining the first and second urinal units 101, 102, a clearance 55 is left between each of the privacy partitions 14. The privacy partition 14 of each unit body 1 is shaped in which a frontal surface of the privacy partition 14 is inclined in height direction. Along its height from the base platform 11, the frontal surface of the privacy partition 14 is slightly extending in a direction towards the upstanding wall 12. The privacy partition 14 has a partition base which has a larger length (in Y direction) than a length of a partition top. The privacy partition 14 of the third urinal unit 103 fits into this clearance 55 when building the transport assembly TA.
[0169] FIG. 12 shows the combined first, second and third urinal units 101, 102 and 103. The third urinal unit 103 fits in between the chamfered side edges 120 of the opposite positioned first and second urinal unit 101, 102. The chamfered side edges serve to align the third urinal unit 103 during placement. The pair of lock members 5 are in engagement. A male lock member 51 of the first urinal unit 101 is in engagement with a female lock member 52 of the third urinal unit 103. In the same way, at an opposite position, a male lock member 51 of the second urinal unit 102 is also engaging the female lock member 52 of the third urinal unit 103.
[0170] FIG. 13 shows a transport assembly TA of urinal units, in which a fourth urinal unit 104 is placed upside down onto the first and second urinal unit 101, 102 facing the third urinal unit 103. Several pairs of lock members 5 engage to each other. Pairs of lock members 5 are situated at the bottom region BR and the top region TR of the combined urinal units in the transport assembly. The provision of lock members 5 at the bottom and top region of the stacked urinal units prevent an undesired release of a urinal unit. Herewith, a stable and compact configuration is obtained.
[0171] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the urinal unit 100 according to the invention. Instead of an inclined privacy partition 14—as shown in FIGS. 9-13, here a straight privacy partition 14 is provided. The frontal surface 143 of the privacy partition 14 is right angled with respect to a top surface of the base platform 11. The frontal surface 143 of the privacy partition 14 is spaced at a distance from the frontal surface of the base platform 11 to provide the clearance 55.
[0172] FIG. 15-17 show an alternative embodiment of the pair of lock members 5. The pair of lock members 5 comprise a pin 57, a so called non-releasable pin. In its normal use of the urinal unit, non-releasable means that the pin 57 cannot be taken away from the aperture 58 without demounting components.
[0173] FIG. 16 shows the pin 57 in further detail. The pin 57 has an elongated pin body 570. The pin body 570 may have a circular or rectangular, in particular square cross-section. Here, a square cross-section is shown. The pin body 570 has a pin head 571 and a pin base 572. In between the pin head 571 and the pin base 572, the pin body is recessed. The pin body 570 has a narrowed section 573 in between the pin head 571 and the pin base 572. The aperture of the unit body 1 is complementary shaped.
[0174] As shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 17, the pin 57 is positioned in the aperture 58. The aperture 58 has a narrowed section 583 which is smaller than the narrowed section 573 of the pin 57 which allows the pin to axially move inside the aperture. The pin 57 is axially movably received in an aperture 58 of the unit body 1, but cannot be removed.
[0175] The pin 57 is movable in the axial direction under gravity. The pin 57 has a sunken position in which the pin 57 is sunk in the unit body 1, in particular below the top surface of base platform 11 or below the top surface of the upstanding wall 12. This sunken position is shown in FIG. 17.
[0176] FIG. 18 and the enlarged view of FIG. 19 show that when the unit body 1 is placed upside down, the pin 57 axially moves under gravity (as indicated by the arrow) relative to the unit body 1 to a protruding position. In particular, in the protruding position, the pin 57 protrudes above the top surface 112 of respectively the base platform 11 and the upstanding wall 12.
[0177] As shown in the FIGS. 15-19, the pin 57 is preferably positioned in an aperture 58 of the base platform 11. In normal use, the pin 57 is in the sunken position in which the pin head 571 is laying deeper or at most flush with the top surface 112 of the base platform 11. Herewith, the pin head 571 prevents a presence of an open pocket in the base platform which is beneficial in preventing contamination.
[0178] FIGS. 20-22 show a combination of a first, second, third and fourth urinal unit 101, 102, 103 and 104 to obtain a transport assembly TA as shown in FIG. 22. In combining the urinal units, as shown in FIG. 20, the first and second urinal unit 101, 102 are facing each other, and the third urinal unit 103 is placed upside down onto the first and second urinal unit 101, 102. Due to gravity, the pins 57 of the third urinal unit 103 are in the protruded position and form the male lock members 51. Each pin 57 fit into a female lock members 52 formed by a recess at the upstanding wall top surface 122. The placement of the third urinal unit 103 onto the first and second urinal unit is shown in FIG. 21. After placing a fourth urinal unit in a same manner as the third urinal unit on top of the first and second urinal unit, the transport assembly is completed.
[0179] FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the transport assembly TA in which the pair of lock members 5 is engaging in the top region TR of the transport assembly which provides stability.
[0180] FIG. 24 shows a U-shaped connector 6 in a perspective view. The connector 6 is a separate item of an embodiment of the urinal unit according to the invention. The connector 6 has a connector body 60 including a first and second pin-shaped member 61, 62. The connector is adapted to connect adjacently positioned urinal units, in particular to connect adjacently positioned base platforms 11, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. Use of the connector 6 may be beneficial to increase stability of combined urinal units in a bottom region BR of the transport assembly TA, as for example shown in FIG. 22. Together with the pair of lock members 5 at the top region of the transport assembly, the at least one connector 6 at the bottom region may prevent any lateral displacement of urinal units. Besides increasing stability of stacked urinal units, the connector 6 may be further beneficial in normal use in connecting base platforms 11 of multiple side-by-side arranged urinal units, as shown in FIG. 27.
[0181] FIG. 28 shows in a cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment of the U-shaped connector 6 which is positioned at a corner position of the base platform 11. Here, the connector 6 is axially movable, but non-releasable connected to the urinal unit. The connector 6 has a connector body 60 comprising a first and second pin shaped member 61, 62. The connector body 60 is plate-shaped. The second pin shaped member 62 is analogous to the above-described non-releasable pin 57 provided with a narrow section. The second pin-shaped member 62 has an enlarged extended portion 621. The extended portion 621 has an enlarged diameter. The second pin-shaped member 62 has a narrowing in between the plate shaped connector body 60 and the extended portion 621. The pin-shaped first and second member 61, 62 are respectively received in a first and second hole 681, 682. The second hole 682 includes a narrow section. Here, the second hole 682 is a through hole which extends through the base platform 11. The first hole 681 is a blind hole. In the shown assembly, the narrow section of the second hole 682 is positioned in between the extended portion 621 and the plate shaped connector body 60. The narrowing of the second pin-shaped member extends over a larger distance in the axial direction than the narrow section 681 such that the second pin-shaped member is axially movable. The connector 6 is axially movable about a distance, but the extended portion 621 prevents a complete removal.
[0182] FIG. 29-32 show in successive views operational steps for using the connector 6 to connect two adjacent positioned urinal units 1. In a first step of a method for connecting urinal units, the non-releasable connector 6 is moved in the axial direction as indicated by the arrow. The connector 6 is lifted. The first pin-shaped member 61 is lifted out of the first whole 681. Hereafter, as shown in FIG. 30, the connector 6 is rotated. The second member 62 is tubular which allows a rotation of the connector 6. The first member 61 is rotated to a first hole of the adjacent urinal unit as shown in FIG. 31. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 32, the connector is lowered, such that the first member 61 is inserted into the first hole 681 of the adjacent urinal unit. Herewith, the two urinal units are easily connected. In the method for connecting or disconnecting urinal units, the connector 6 is not separated from the unit body which beneficially prevents a loosening of the connector.
[0183] Numerous variants are possible in addition to the embodiments shown in the figures.
[0184] In a variant of the illustrated embodiment of the combined four urinal units as shown in FIGS. 9-13 in which each urinal unit has an upstanding wall provided with chamfered side edges, in an alternative embodiment, this feature of chamfered side edges may be substituted by recessed side edges as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. Here, the side edges 120 of the upstanding wall 12 have a regular pattern of at least one recess. When placing a urinal unit upside down, this urinal unit fits to an upstanding urinal unit as shown in FIG. 34.
[0185] In a variant, the transport assembly TA may be obtained by stacking an upside down oriented urinal unit onto an urinal unit which stands on an underground. It is apparent that in an equivalent way, the transport assembly TA may be obtained by stacking urinal units laying down on an underground in which one urinal unit is in an upside down orientation with respect to the other urinal unit.
[0186] As shown in FIGS. 8B-8D, in a variant on the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the upstanding wall 12 may be formed by a collapsible upstanding wall to reduce a height of the urinal unit before combining four urinal units together to obtain the transport assembly.
[0187] Although the first aspect of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1-33, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. It is intended that all such changes and modifications be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure and claims.
[0188] It is remarked that aspects and facets according to the invention and in particular mentioned in the dependent claims are considered patentable as such. The features mentioned to define aspects and faces are considered patentable independent of other features.
[0189] Thus, according to the first aspect, the invention provides a urinal unit and transport method for temporary providing an urinal comprising a L-shaped unit body with a base platform which forms a pedestal to stand in front of a urinal and an upstanding wall which forms a privacy separation. At least one urinal is connected to a front side of the upstanding wall. The urinal unit comprises a pair of a male and a female lock member to engage with each other in a transport assembly of an assembly of urinal units. In the transport assembly one of the urinal units is stacked in an upside down orientation onto another urinal unit in which the lock members engage with each other to provide stability. The transport assembly may be further compacted by collapsing the upstanding wall of each urinal unit.
[0190] FIGS. 35-51 relate in particular to the second aspect of the invention. Identical reference signs are used in the drawings 35-51 to indicate identical or functionally similar components. Specific features may also be considered apart from the shown embodiment and may be taken into account in a broader context as a delimiting feature, not only for the shown embodiment but as a common feature for all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
[0191] FIG. 35 shows in a perspective view an embodiment of the sanitation system 9 according to the invention. The sanitation system 9 is configured to temporary provide at least one urinal. The sanitation system is a robust system and adapted to be placed at an outdoor terrain at public events, like a music or sports event. The sanitation system 9 is typically a rental product which can be hired by an event organisation to provide a sanitary provision for a large crowd.
[0192] As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the sanitation system 9 is formed by a plurality of urinal units 1 and urinal unit accessories 2. Here, the urinal units 1 and the urinal unit accessories 2A, 2B, 2C are together positioned in an array. A variety of arrangements is possible. One or more urinal unit accessories 2 can be placed in between a pair of urinal units. The urinal unit accessories 2 are of different types.
[0193] FIG. 37, 38-40 respectively show the urinal unit 1 and some different types of urinal unit accessories 2. Here, a reservoir 2A, a hand wash station 2B and a garbage bin 2C are depicted, but other types of urinal unit accessories are also conceivable, e.g. a coat rack, a cable cover etc. A urinal unit accessory 2 is an accessory which is configured to be used in combination with the urinal unit 1. The reservoir 2A may form an external tank to the urinal unit to increase a storage capacity of the urinal unit. The hand wash station 2B is to be used in combination with the urinal unit 1 to allow a user to wash his hands after visiting the urinal unit 1. The garbage bin 2C is to be used in combination with the urinal unit 1 and the hand wash station 2B to allow a user to put away a paper for drying hands.
[0194] FIG. 37 shows an urinal unit 1 which has a unit body 10. The unit body 10 has a first, second, third and fourth urinal compartment 111, 112, 113, 114. The urinal compartments 11 are equally arranged around a circumference of the unit body 10.
[0195] Each urinal compartment 11 is formed by a pair of opposite positioned sidewalls 121, 122 of an upstanding wall 12. Seen from above, the upstanding wall 12 has a cross-shape. A urinal compartment 11 is provided at each corner of the unit body 10. Each urinal compartment 11 has an entrance at a rear side which entrance may have a door but which entrance is preferably free and open from outside to allow a user without any burden to step into the urinal compartment. The sidewalls 121, 122 of the upstanding wall 12 delimit an inner space IS which forms the urinal compartment 11. These sidewalls 121, 122 provide privacy to a user when standing in front of an urinal 13 at a front side of the urinal compartment 11.
[0196] The unit body 10 has an upper portion formed by the upstanding wall 12 which is manufactured as a one-piece item, e.g. by moulding. Preferably, the upper portion of the unit body 10 is made by rotation moulding, in particular from a plastic material, e.g. HDPE. The upstanding wall 12 provides privacy to a user in the urinal compartment 11. The upstanding wall 12 extends in a height direction from a platform 15. Preferably, the upstanding wall 12 has a height of at least 1.5 m. Preferably, the upstanding wall 12 and at least an upper portion of the platform 15 are made as a one-piece item. The one-piece item is beneficial in that it provides a robust structure which may prevent damage by vandalism.
[0197] The platform 15 has a rectangular, in particular square, shape. The platform 15 forms a pedestal for a user to stand in front of the urinal 13. The platform 15 provides a stable base to the unit body 10 which is beneficial in an outdoor environment which may have a rough or muddy underground. Forklift openings 151 are provided at a bottom side of the platform 15 which allow the unit body 10 to be easily displaced by a forklift truck.
[0198] Further, the upstanding wall 12 has an internal volume which forms an internal reservoir. The upstanding wall 12 may have a constant wall thickness, such that a hollow inner space results forming the internal reservoir. The internal reservoir is centrally positioned in between the surrounding urinals 13. The internal reservoir is positioned at a central region of the platform 15. The internal reservoir is in fluid communication with the at least one urinal 13 and has a capacity for storing urine.
[0199] FIG. 38 shows an urinal unit accessory 2 which has an accessory body 20 which is here configured as a reservoir 2A, also called a waste tank, for collecting urine from the urinal unit 1. The reservoir 2A has a hollow accessory body 20. The reservoir is configured to be placed adjacent to the unit body 10 of the urinal unit 1. The reservoir has an oblong shape. The reservoir has a block-shaped lower portion 21 and a bevelled, in particular roof shaped, upper portion 22. Although the reservoir has a relative small footprint and a relative height centre of gravity, a stable arrangement is obtained due to the combination of the urinal unit 1 and the reservoir. The urinal unit 1 supports the reservoir in a lateral direction.
[0200] FIG. 39 shows an urinal unit accessory 2 which has an accessory body 20 which is here configured as a garbage bin 2C. The garbage bin 2C has a hollow block-shaped accessory body 20 which is adapted for collecting garbage, like tissues etc. In a longitudinal section, the garbage bin has a shape which corresponds with the shape of an outer side face of the upstanding wall 12. Herewith, the garbage bin has an outer shape which can be aligned with the upstanding wall of the urinal unit 1.
[0201] FIG. 40 shows an urinal unit accessory 2 which has an accessory body 20 which is here configured as a handwash station 2B. At an upper region, the handwash station 2B has a sink and a water tap. At a lower region, the handwash station may have a foot pedal to operate the water tap.
[0202] The urinal unit accessories 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 38-40 have some features in common. All accessory unit bodies 20 have a block-shaped lower portion 21. This lower portion 21 is sized in correspondence with a lower portion of the upstanding wall 12 of the unit body 10, such that each urinal unit accessory 2 can be aligned with each other and with the urinal unit 1 as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. In FIGS. 34 and 47, only a single urinal unit accessory 2 is positioned in between 2 urinal units 1, but it is of course conceivable that an array of sanitation systems can be arranged in which each urinal unit 1 is combined with a reservoir, a hand wash station (as in FIG. 36) and/or a garbage bin. As shown in the FIG. 36, for example, in between two urinal units 1, a reservoir 2A, a hand wash station 2B and a garbage bin 2C can be arranged. The modularity of the sanitation system 9 allows a high variety of arrangements. Preferably, in each arrangement, a urinal unit 1 is at least combined with a reservoir 2A, such that each urinal unit 1 has its own reservoir.
[0203] FIG. 41-45 illustrate a major benefit provided by the sanitation system 9 according to an aspect of the invention is that each urinal unit accessory 2 fits in a urinal compartment 11 of the unit body 10 of the urinal unit 1 to obtain a transport assembly TA.
[0204] As also shown in FIGS. 38-40, each urinal unit accessory 2 has an accessory body 20 which is provided with a urinal recess 23. The urinal recess 23 is adapted for receiving the urinal 13 in the urinal compartment. The urinal recess 23 extends in a longitudinal direction from a bottom face about a distance at least equal to a height of the urinal 13 of the unit body 10, such that the urinal recess 23 fits over the urinal 13. In particular, the urinal recess 23 extends along the whole length of the accessory body 20 as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40.
[0205] As shown in FIG. 41, when inserting the urinal unit accessory 2 into the urinal compartment 11, the urinal recess 23 is aligned with the urinal 13. In the transport assembly TA, when the urinal unit accessory 2 is placed in the urinal compartment 11, the urinal recess 23 is facing the urinal 13.
[0206] FIG. 41-43 show how the urinal unit accessories 2 fit into the urinal compartments 11 of the unit body 10 of the urinal unit 1. The urinal unit accessories 2 are placed from above into the urinal compartments 11 to obtain a transport assembly TA. In the transport assembly TA, the at least one urinal unit accessory 2 is packed onto the urinal unit 1. The urinal unit accessories 2 are lowered—as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 40—into the urinal compartments 11. After inserting the urinal unit accessory 2 into a urinal compartment 11, the urinal unit accessory 2 is supported by a floor area of the urinal compartment 11. The shape of each lower portion of each urinal unit accessory 2 substantially equals an inner shape of a lower region of each urinal compartment 11. Here, the footprint of each urinal unit accessory 2 substantially equals the floor area of the urinal compartment 11.
[0207] Advantageously, the packaging of the at least one urinal unit accessory 2 into a urinal compartment 11 provides a very compact configuration of the sanitation system 9 which is beneficial in transport. In addition, the corresponding shapes of the urinal unit accessory 2 and the inner shape of the urinal compartment 11 provides a maximum volume available to the urinal unit accessory 2 for storing or collecting water or other materials.
[0208] FIGS. 44 and 45 show a cross-sectional view across a lower portion of the sanitation system 9. The urinal unit accessory 2 is placed on a floor area of an urinal compartment 11. The urinal unit accessory 2 has an accessory body 20 which has a rectangular, in particular square, cross-section. The urinal recess 23 is positioned at a first corner of the accessory body 20. The remaining corners of the accessory body 20 are rounded. The accessory body 20 has an outer circumferential side which is sized to fit in between the urinal 13 and the left and right side wall 121, 122 forming the inner compartment 11.
[0209] FIGS. 43-45 show a further improvement in which at least one lock member 14, 24 is provided for locking the urinal unit accessory 2 to the urinal unit 1. The lock member 14, 24 prevent the urinal unit accessory 2 from falling sidewards out of the urinal compartment 11. The at least one lock member 14, 24 is beneficial in that additional tooling, e.g. a tension strap, to keep the urinal unit accessory 2 in the urinal compartment 11 is superfluous. Due to the at least one lock member 14, 24, the urinal unit accessory to is stably placed in the urinal compartment of the urinal unit 1.
[0210] As shown in FIG. 43, the urinal unit accessory 2 fits by a form closure inside the urinal compartment. The form closure is provided by a compartment lock member 14. The compartment lock member 14 is integrally formed with a side wall of the urinal compartment 11. Here, as shown in FIG. 44, both sidewalls 121, 122 are each provided with respectively a first compartment lock member 141 and a second compartment lock member 142.
[0211] As shown in FIG. 45, the form closure can be provided by a compartment lock member 14 of the unit body 10 which cooperates with an accessory lock member 24 of the urinal unit accessory 2. The compartment lock member 14 and the accessory lock member 24 are complementary shaped. The compartment lock member 14 and the accessory lock member 24 together form a pair of a male and a female locking member.
[0212] Here, the compartment lock member 14 is formed as a male member by a lock ridge 140 which extends along the upstanding wall 12 in height direction. The compartment lock member 14 is integrally shaped with the unit body 10. Both the left and the ride side wall 121, 122 are each provided with such a compartment lock member 141, 142.
[0213] The accessory lock member 24 is positioned at a corner neighbouring the recessed corner of the accessory body 20. Two opposing corners of the accessory body 20 are provided with an accessory lock member 241, 242. Here, the accessory lock member 24 is a female lock member which is formed by a lock recess 241, 242 extending in a longitudinal direction of the accessory body 20. The accessory lock member 24 is integral shaped with the accessory body 20.
[0214] FIG. 46 shows an alternative embodiment of the urinal unit 1. The urinal 13 has a urinal bowl opening 130 which functions as a compartment lock member 14. The urinal unit accessory 2 has an accessory body 20 which fits inside the urinal compartment 11. Here, the urinal unit accessory 2 is further provided with an accessory lock member 24. The accessory lock member 24 is formed as a male member. The accessory lock member 24 is downwardly protruding from an upper portion 22 of the accessory body 20. When inserting the urinal unit accessory to into the urinal compartment 11 by a downwardly directed movement, the accessory lock member 24 enters the urinal bowl opening 130. By receiving the accessory lock member 24 in the urinal bowl opening 130, the urinal unit accessory 2 becomes locked in a lateral direction.
[0215] FIGS. 47-51 show in further detail a combination of a reservoir 2A as shown in FIG. 38 and at least one urinal unit 1 as shown in FIG. 37. The reservoir 2A is positioned in between a first and second urinal unit 1. The reservoir 2A is positioned in an upright position and in an abutting engagement with a left sided positioned urinal unit and a right sided positioned urinal unit.
[0216] The reservoir 2A has a same height as the urinal unit 1. At the upper portion 22, the reservoir 2A is coupled by a reservoir coupling member 293 to an adjacent urinal unit 1. The reservoir 2A is provided with a left and right coupling member 293. Each coupling member 293 is laterally protruding from the upper portion 22 of the reservoir.
[0217] Here, a plate shaped coupling member 293 is respectively positioned at a front and back side for interlocking the reservoir in between two neighbouring unit bodies. Each coupling member 293 engages to an adjacent upstanding wall 12 of a unit body.
[0218] Other embodiments of the coupling member 293 are conceivable, e.g. a U-shaped coupling member, to engage with an adjacent unit body. Herewith, the reservoir is stabilised in between the neighbouring unit bodies.
[0219] The reservoir 2A has an outer shape which can be aligned with the upstanding wall 12 of the urinal unit 1. In a longitudinal section, the reservoir has a shape which corresponds with a shape of an outer side face of the upstanding wall 12. As the upstanding wall 12, an upper region of the reservoir is also inclined, and a lower region of the reservoir is block-shaped. Herewith, the reservoir can be aligned with the upstanding wall 12 of the urinal unit 1. The reservoir 2A contributes to an increase in privacy by creating a privacy shield together with a side wall 121 of the urinal unit.
[0220] Preferably, the reservoir 2A is mechanically connectable to the urinal unit 1. A connector element may be positioned at the top portion of the reservoir to connect the reservoir to the top portion of the upstanding wall 12.
[0221] FIGS. 48 and 49 show the combination of FIG. 47 in a bottom view. The reservoir 2A is a modular item of the sanitation system 9 which is connectable in fluid communication with the urinal unit by a conduit, in particular a drain hose 29. The drain hose 29 is a flexible conduit which may prevent connection failures due to movements of the sanitation system during use. One end of the drain hose 29 is connectable at one side to the unit body 10, in particular to the platform 15. The other end of the drain hose 29 is connectable to a bottom region of the reservoir 2A. Herewith, the externally positioned reservoir 2A is fluidly connectable to an internal reservoir of the unit body 10 to increase a total storage capacity of the sanitation system 9.
[0222] FIG. 50 shows an enlarged view of the drain hose 29 connectable to the platform 15 of the urinal unit 1. In between the forklift openings 151, the platform has a drain outlet 191 for draining stored liquid. The drain outlet 191 is situated in a drain recess 159. The drain outlet 191 is spaced at a distance from a side face of the upstanding wall 12, such that drain outlet 191 is positioned at a shielded place to prevent damage. Preferably, the drain outlet 191 comprises a valve which is openable by an insertion of the drain hose.
[0223] FIG. 51 shows a connection of the reservoir 2A to the urinal unit 1 by connecting the drain hose 191 to a reservoir port 291. The reservoir port 291 is positioned close to a bottom face 201 of the reservoir. Preferably, the reservoir port 291 comprises a valve which is openable by an insertion of the drain hose. A disconnection of the drain hose 29 from either the drain outlet 191 or the reservoir port closes the valve to prevent spilling liquid. Herewith, the external reservoir 2A is connectable to the internal reservoir 19 of the urinal unit 1 according to the principle of communicating vessels. A liquid balances out to the same level in both containers provided by the internal and external reservoir 191,2A.
[0224] Summarised, as illustrated in FIG. 42, according to the second aspect of the invention, a sanitation system 9 and a method for transporting such a sanitation system comprising an urinal unit 1 which has a unit body 10 having at least one urinal compartment 11 and at least one urinal unit accessory 2 which has an accessory body 20. An outer shape of the accessory body 20 is adapted to an inner shape of the inner compartment 11 of the unit body 10. A close fit between the urinal unit accessory and the inner compartment of the unit body is obtainable to provide a stable transport assembly. Preferably, the urinal unit is provided with a compartment lock member 14 and the urinal unit accessory is provided with a cooperating accessory lock member 24.
[0225] Numerous variants are possible in addition to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 35-51. In a variant of the illustrated embodiment of the urinal unit, the urinal unit may have only two or six urinal compartments instead of the four illustrated.
[0226] Thus, according to the second aspect, the invention provides a sanitation system and a method for transporting such a sanitation system comprising an urinal unit which has a unit body having at least one urinal compartment and at least one urinal unit accessory which has an accessory body. An outer shape of the accessory body is adapted to an inner shape of the inner compartment of the unit body. A close fit between the urinal unit accessory and the inner compartment of the unit body is obtainable to provide a stable transport assembly. Preferably, the urinal unit is provided with a compartment lock member and the urinal unit accessory is provided with a cooperating accessory lock member.
[0227] Although the present invention has been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various combinations, changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. It is intended that all such combinations, changes and modifications be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure and claims. Aspects and facets which are disclosed in the above are disclosed independently of other described features and are considered to define patentable subject matter on its own merits without a combination of those features or in a technical practical sense with any of these features to define an improved embodiment.
TABLE-US-00001 Reference signs list regarding FIGS. 1-34: F front TA transport assembly B back 100 urinal unit L left 101 first urinal unit R right 102 second urinal unit BR bottom region 103 third urinal unit TR top region 104 fourth urinal unit 1 unit body 142 lower portion end face 11 base platform; pedestal 143 upper portion frontal 110 foot surface 111 opening 5 pair of lock members 112 base platform top surface 51 male lock member 113 base platform frontal surface 52 female lock member 12 upstanding wall; privacy separation 53 protrusion 120 upstanding wall side edge 54 recess 122 upstanding wall top surface 55 clearance 123 upstanding wall lower portion 57 pin 124 upstanding wall upper portion 570 pin body 13 urinal 571 pin head 131 left urinal 572 pin base 132 right urinal 573 narrowed section 14 privacy partition 58 aperture 140 upper portion 6 connector 141 lower portion 60 U-shaped connector 61 first pin-shaped connector member 62 second pin-shaped connector member 621 extended portion Reference signs list regarding FIGS. 35-51: TA transport assembly 10 unit body IS inner space 11 urinal compartment FA floor area 111 first urinal compartment FP footprint 112 second urinal compartment 9 sanitation system 113 third urinal compartment 1 urinal unit 114 fourth urinal compartment 12 upstanding wall 2A reservoir 121 left sidewall 2B hand wash station 122 right side wall 2C garbage bin 13 urinal 20 accessory body 130 urinal bowl opening 201 bottom face 14 compartment lock member 21 lower portion 140 lock ridge 22 upper portion 141 first compartment lock member 23 urinal recess 142 second compartment lock member 24 accessory lock member 15 platform 240 outer rounding 151 forklift opening 241 lock recess 159 drain recess 29 drain hose 19 internal reservoir 291 reservoir port 191 drain outlet 292 conduit cover 2 urinal unit accessory
