System And Method For Portable Restroom Structure Assembly

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for a portable restroom structure and assembly thereof.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Portable restrooms provide a convenience popular at large gatherings, construction sites, and other sites lacking permanent plumbing systems. Conventionally, these restroom enclosures are constructed of sheets of molded plastic, making them lightweight and easily transportable. These enclosures are generally constructed using a series of through holes in the sheets and fasteners, including the assembly of the enclosure walls, which adds additional steps and costs to both the manufacturing and assembly processes.

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Disclosed is a portable toilet or restroom assembly. The portable assembly may include a plurality of enclosure walls, including at least a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and second wall are joined together at or near a corner or edge. The edge may extend a length (e.g., height of the wall when the wall is in an assembled configuration). Generally, the wall may extend from a base to a top of the portable toilet assembly.

A connection member is provided to connect at least two of the enclosure walls at the respective edges. The connection member may be positioned over at least a portion of the edges to connect or urge the two edges together. According to various embodiments, the connection member may include a first and second member edge or end that may be urged toward each other when connecting the first and second edge of their respective enclosure walls. The connection member may further include a second connection portion that can further engage an additional or second connection portion of the edge of the enclosure walls.

The connection member may be slid over the positioned edges of the enclosure walls. The connection member may also be snapped or pushed over the positioned edges of the enclosure walls. The connection member, however, may be provided as one or a plurality of portions that may engage the respective edges of the enclosure walls.

The connection member may be provided as a single member that connects at least two of the enclosure walls at the respective edges. Thus, the number of items needed to assemble a portable toilet assembly may be minimized or reduced. Further, a single individual may assemble the portable toilet assembling in an efficient manner with the single or efficient connection member.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

illustrates a portable restroom or toilet assemblythat may also be referred to as a portable restroom or toilet enclosure. The portable restroom enclosuremay include various shapes or constructions and may include side walls(one illustrated inand two illustrated in), a front wall, and a rear wall(). The side wallsmay be substantially similar in shape, but in various embodiments mirror configurations of each other. The front walland rear wall may additionally be substantially similar in shape, but distinct from the side walls.

The portable restroom enclosuremay be formed of a resilient polymer material that may be formed into sheets or other suitable shapes. The material from which the enclosuremay be formed may be selected of one or more appropriate commercially available materials as is understood by one skilled in the art. The front wallmay be provided with an openingfor a door. The doormay be attached with hinges to the front wallto selectively cover the openingto provide access to the interior of the portable restroom enclosureand privacy during use.

The interior of the portable restroom enclosuremay include a toiletand a holding tankfor waste. The enclosuremay further enclose or include a product holder(e.g., toilet paper) or a vent stack. The portable restroom enclosureis additionally provided with a base or floor panel, which may be formed of the same material as the walls, or another suitable material. The floor panelincludes a baseupon which the walls may be vertically arranged to form the interior of the portable restroom enclosure. The floor panel may have a lipextending up from the baseand along an outer perimeter, and the walls may be affixed to the lipof the floor panelby passing fasteners such as screws or bolts through a series of through holes or boreslocated in the bottom portion of the walls and the lip. The floor panelmay be configured to rest upon or be affixed to a pair of skids. The skidsmay hold the enclosureoff of a surface, serve to ease movement of the portable restroom enclosureby providing a low friction surface upon which the portable restroom enclosurecan slide along the ground, and/or protecting the floor panelfrom an environment.

The portable restroom enclosureis further equipped with a roof panelconfigured to cover the portable restroom enclosure. The roof panelmay also have a lipextending out along an outer perimeterand may be affixed to the top of the portable restroom enclosureby utilizing a series of through holesand fasteners.

The various components of the portable restroom enclosuremay be assembled in various manners. The portable restroom enclosuremay include the plurality of walls, as noted above, that are assembled with one or more fasteners. In various embodiments, the various walls or components may be provided separately and assembled at a selected site for use of the portable restroom enclosure. In various embodiments, the components of the portable restroom enclosuremay be provided to a selected vendor or user and assembled thereat. The assembled portable restroom enclosuremay then be provided for use. Regardless, in various embodiments, the components of the portable restroom enclosuremay be formed separately and then assembled prior to use.

As illustrated in, the portable restroom enclosuremay be provided with the walls extending from (e.g., vertically) from the floor. When extending vertically, the floormay be near or in contact with a surface, such as a ground surface. The walls may then extend vertically (e.g., up) from the floor. The various walls may be assembled to one another and the floor and roof in any appropriate direction or configuration.

As discussed herein, each of the walls of the portable restroom enclosuremay have at least one long edge. The long edge may extend, when assembled, from the floorto the roof. The portable restroom enclosuremay be square or rectangle in shape, thus two long edges of two walls may be assembled relative to one another when the portable restroom enclosureis assembled. The discussion herein to a connection of two long edges of two walls will be understood to relate or be similar or identical to an edge-to-edge connection of any other two walls of the portable restroom enclosure.

A first wall which may be the side wallmay be connected to a second wall which may be the front wall. When vertically arranged, the walls of the portable restroom enclosuremeet along respective long edges of each respective wall. The side wallincludes the long edgeand the front wallincludes the long edge. A discussed further herein, a connecting membermay be used to connected the side walland the front wallnear or adjacent the long edges,. While the following discussion exemplary refers to these portions, one skilled in the art will understand that any of the of walls will or may include respective long edges and a connecting member may be used to connect the respective walls according to exemplary discussion of the connection of the front walland the side wall.

The front wall has a first connecting region or edgeextending from the long edgeand generally co-extensive in length therewith. The side wallhas a second connecting region or edgeextending from the long edgeand generally co-extensive in length therewith. The first edgeand second edgemay be fastened or connected together by the connecting member. The connecting membermay connect at least two of the walls, such as the front walland side wallwhen the first edgeand second edgeare near each other, as discussed herein and illustrated in the figures.

When connected, the side walland the front wallare assembled together and the connection member may extend the length of the long edge. As discussed herein, the connecting membermay engage the first edgeand the second edge. The connecting membermay be formed of one piece which extends the full length or may be comprised of any number of elongated pieces that may or may not contact each other along the first edgeand the second edge.

With continuing reference toand additional reference tothe assembly will be described in greater detail. Inan entire portable restroom assembly is illustrated. Inand assembled corner is illustrated, inthe connecting member is illustrated exploded from the walls and inthe connecting member is illustrated alone. The connecting membermay be formed of the same material as the portable restroom enclosureor another acceptable material, such as an engineered polymer or polyolefin. Generally, the connecting memberis formed of a material with appropriate material properties to hold the walland the front walltogether during use of the portable restroom.

The connecting memberincludes a main wall or body portionwhich may be an appropriate configuration, such as substantially flat for at least a portionthereof (e.g., about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 55 mm) and forms a longitudinal plane along the length of the connecting member. The main wall, however, may also pr alternatively be curved and/or include curved portions. A first wallmay be formed with or is contiguous with the main wall. The first wallfirst extends by a first or curved portiontowards a central planeand a second or straight portionthat extends along a length. The curved portionhas an arc length and a radius such that the curved portionand the straight portionform a first acute anglerelative to at least a portion, such as the flat portion, of the main wall. Also, the straight portionmay form an acute anglewith the central axis. The straight portionmay be substantially straight or at least extend straight over a portion of the straight portion, such as about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

Similar to the first wall portionthere may be a second wall portion. The second wall portion may include various portions or regions that are substantially similar to or identical to the portions of the first wall. Accordingly, the second wallmay include a first curved portionthat extends from the main wall. The second wall portionmay further include a second or straight portionthat extends from the curved portion. The curved portionand the straight portionallow the straight portionto generally form or define an acute anglerelative to the main wall. Further, the straight portionmay define an acute anglerelative to the central axis. The second wall, therefore, may include portions substantially similar to the first wall.

Taken together, the first walland second wallform a generally at least partially enclosed region that may be where the first wallterminates in a first endand the second wallterminates at a second endof. A distancemay be defined between the two ends,. The distancemay be a first or relaxed distance between the two ends,, when the connecting memberis disassembled from the first edgeand the second edge. The distancemay be about 10 mm to about 60 mm, or any appropriate distance. The distancemay depend on the size of the first edgeand the second edge, the size of the portable restroom, the resilience of the material form which the member is made, or other appropriate considerations.

The connection memberfurther includes a central post or wallwhich extends a distancefrom the main walltowards the terminal ends,. A third wallextends away from the central postand is generally parallel to the main wall. A fourth wallextends away from the central postin the opposite direction of the third walland is also generally parallel to the main wall. Observed collectively, the central post, the third wall, and the fourth wallform a generally T-shaped region. Each of the walls,may extend from the postto a respective terminal end,a selected distance. The distance may be an appropriate distance that may relate to the member.

The first terminal endmay extend toward the main wall. Therefore, the terminal endmay also form or define an anglerelative to the third wall. Similarly, the endmay extend toward the walland define the anglerelative to the fourth wall. The two ends,may, therefore, define respective capture regions. A first capture regionis formed between the first walland the third wall. A second capture regionis formed between the second walland the fourth wall. The first and second capture regions,may capture portions of the respective edges,as discussed further herein.

Further, the distanceof the postmay also include a relaxed or non-engaged dimension, such as when the memberis not engaging the edges. Further the respective ends,may have respective distances,relative to an internal surfaceof the member. The distances,may also be relaxed (or minimal) distances when the memberis not engaging the respective edges,.

As discussed herein, the membermay engage the edges,of the walls,at the relaxed dimensions or distances, as discussed above, which may include those that are formed in the memberduring the manufacturing. The membermay be formed of a material that allows it to elastically bend or deform to engage the edges,. The distances may be extended and/or collapse during installation. The membermay then resiliently deform or return to the relaxed dimension to allow for a compression to be formed onto the edges,as discussed further herein and illustrated in.

The edgemay be a capture edge or capture region that may also be referred to as a connecting edge and may be engaged by the connecting member, as discussed further herein. The connecting edgemay extend to be formed within an interior that is defined by an outer dimension that may be enclosed by a plane or linethat extends from the front walland an outer line or dimensionthat extends from the side wall. The connecting edge, however, may have a first (e.g., curved) portion or regionthat may extend at an angle or be curved to extend away from a first surfaceof the front wall. A second regionmay extend from the first region. The second regionmay be of an appropriate shape, such as substantially flat or extend along a flat surface or portion for selected distance.

The connecting edgemay further include a second curved portionthat has a selected arc length or radius. The connecting edgemay further include an exterior edge or wall. Each of the portions,,,may be formed as a single member with the connecting edgethat is formed with the wall. Further, the various portions may be connected together, according to various embodiments, such as with adhesives, connectors (e.g., rivets), or welding. Nevertheless, the various portions,,,allow for the connecting edgeto be formed with the front wallto be engaged by the connecting member, as discussed herein.

The connecting edgeof the side wallmay include portions similar to those of the first connecting region or edge. Therefore, they will be described only briefly here and may be understood to be substantially mirror those of the first connecting edge. The connecting edgemay include a first curved portionthat extends from a wall or surfaceof the side wall edge. The connecting edgemay further include a substantially straight or flat portionthat may extend a distance. A curved portionmay be formed to extend from the flat portion. Further, a terminal or exterior portionmay extend from the curved portion.

The two edges,may be positioned adjacent or in contact with one another, as illustrated inand. The connecting edges,when positioned near each other, such as in an assembled form, may generally define a protrusionthat extends from the respective surfaces,. The protrusionmay be engaged by the connecting member. The protrusionof the connecting edges,may be maintained within the exterior dimensions,of the respective side walland front wall. The protrusion of the connecting edges,, however, may have any appropriate dimension.

According to various embodiments, the connecting edges,may form the protrusionand may have various dimensions, as illustrated in. For example, the two curved regions,may define an exterior dimension. The flat or straight portions,may define variable exterior dimensions between the surfaces,and the outer portions,. In various embodiments, the flat portions,may have a minimum dimensionand a maximum dimensiongenerally at or defined by the second curved portions,. Therefore, the projectionas defined by the two edges,may allow for the two walls,to form the connection or projection portionto be engaged by the connecting member. The various portions of the respective edges,may allow for a gap or spacebetween terminal endsandof the respective end portions,. The gapmay have an appropriate dimension. The dimensionmay be a dimension that allows for passage of the postas the connecting memberis assembled, such as slid down or over, the projectionas illustrated in.

The connecting membermay be assembled to the projection, as defined by the two connection edges,, in an appropriate manner. According to various embodiments, for example, the connection membermay be expanded or stretched and moved substantially in the direction of arrowas illustrated in. The two external or terminal ends or edges,may generally spread apart to pass over the maximum dimensionof the projection. In various embodiments, however, the connecting membermay be slid over the projection, as illustrated ingenerally the direction of arrow.

With continued reference to, the membermay be initially engaged at a top edge or portionof the projection. The side walls,may be expanded such that the terminal ends,move away from the central axisof the member. For example, the terminal endmay generally move in the direction of arrowand the terminal endmay move in the direction of arrow. Therefore, the dimensionmay be increased to allow for the memberto be at least initially positioned onto the projection. The membermay then be passed generally in the direction of arrowover the projection. In various embodiments, the membermay be slid, such as by an assembler (e.g., person or machine) over the projectiongenerally in the direction of arrow.

The resilient nature of the membermay allow for a compressive force to be applied at compressed regions,at or near the edge or surfaces, such at least the surfaces,of the respective edges,. The force is generated by at least one of the dimensions, nature, and composition of the member, including at least one of its shape, construction, dimensions, or materials relative to the walls,and the respective and combined dimensions, nature, and composition thereof. Thus, the membermay urge or cause a force applied to the respective edges,as the memberresiliently returns or attempts to return to the relaxed dimension.

The force may be formed at least in part because the dimensionis greater than the dimension. The force (e.g., compressive force) applied by the membermay assist in holding or positioning the memberrelative to the side walland the front walland holding the side walland the front wallrelative to one another in the assembled portable restroom. In various embodiments, the memberalone and be the only member or portion that connects and holds the various walls, such as the side walland the front wallrelative to one another for use of the portable restroom. As illustrated in, the force may be applied directly between the connecting memberand the respective walls,.

According to various embodiments, the wall,, such as including the terminal ends,may also engage the respective edges,. According to various embodiments, the postand walls,may at least resist a movement of the connecting memberonce in the assembled position. While the compressive force of the external walls,may hold the side wallrelative to the front wallthe post and wall portion,,may resist movement of the connecting member.

For example, the external wall of portions,may have a respective thickness or dimension,that are equal to or less than the respective dimension,between the terminal ends,and the wall surfaceB. Therefore, the walls,may be bent generally in the direction of arrow,, respectively, as the connecting memberis slid over the projection, as illustrated in. The walls,may attempt to resiliently return to the relaxed dimension,such as due to construction or materials forming thereof. The resilient return may thereby apply a force to the respective wall portions,, such as an internal surface,thereof.

Thus, the connecting membermay both hold the respective walls, such as the side walland the front wallwhile also resisting movement once installed. The connecting memberallows the portable restroomto be assembled without forming additional bores or inserting additional connectors or fasteners, at least at the corners of the walls to assemble the walls together. The portable restroommay be assembled with minimal components and with efficiency, such as after delivery thereof. Further the reduction of components allows for minimization of loss and waste. And efficient packing and delivery of the portable restroomin the component format.

The portable assemblymay be provided as a plurality of members, such as the wallsand connection members. In various embodiments, one entire assemblymay be provided with all portions needed for assembly (e.g., a kit). In various embodiments, a plurality of assemblies may be provided as parts for assembly. In any various, a user (such as a supplier or manufacturer) may assembly the portable assembly with the connection memberas discussed above (e.g., a plurality of kits). The various portions provided separately, e.g., the sidewalls 12 separate from one another may allow for ease of storage and shipment. For example, a plurality of the portions (e.g., walls) may be laid flat on a pallet for efficient and secure transport.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.