Toilet booth
The portable toilet cubicle addresses the challenge of transporting seated toilet cubicles by using an inflatable support device and adjustable floor system, allowing for a compact pack size and spacious interior, enhancing mobility and usability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2020184046
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2020-07-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-01
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Conventional toilet cubicles, especially those with seated toilets, are cumbersome to transport due to their large pack size and require more space, making them inefficient for portable use on construction sites, parties, or festivals.
A portable toilet cubicle design featuring an inflatable support device and enclosure that can be easily packed and set up, allowing for a spacious interior with a seated toilet, where the enclosure is connected to the support device and can be inflated using a hand-operated pump or electrical device, with adjustable side elements forming a floor system that pivots for transport and use positions.
The design enables a compact pack size for easy transportation while providing a spacious and comfortable interior for users, allowing the cubicle to be easily set up and dismantled, enhancing mobility and usability.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a toilet cubicle comprising a sit-down toilet, an enclosure with an inflatable support device and a covering carried by the support device.
[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for setting up a toilet cubicle.
[0003] Toilet cubicles, which include a solid enclosure, e.g. made of a plastic material, are often used on construction sites, at parties or festivals.
[0004] However, such toilet cubicles are difficult to transport.
[0005] Inflatable toilet cubicles do exist, but the disadvantage of these toilet cubicles is that they also pack down large and are therefore difficult to transport. However, even with a small pack size, the interior of the toilet cubicle is also very small.
[0006] US 8 001 985 B1 discloses a cabin with inflatable elements and a floor system.
[0007] US 2017 / 081867 A1 describes a container with inflatable elements.
[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a cabin and a method for setting up a toilet cabin which provides a large interior space with a small pack size.
[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter / methods of the independent claims.
[0010] The cubicle features a sit-down toilet. Sit-down toilets are significantly more comfortable for the user than squat toilets and are widely available.
[0011] However, sit-down toilets require significantly more space than squat toilets.
[0012] It was surprising that even a cabin with a sit-down toilet could pack down to a small size.
[0013] The cabin comprises an enclosure with an inflatable support device and a cover supported by the support device. The cover is preferably connected to the support device, e.g., sewn, riveted, and / or glued. A detachable connection, e.g., by means of buttons, a zipper, and / or Velcro, is also conceivable. Sections of the cover can thus be opened and / or completely removed.
[0014] The covering can be stretched, for example, by the carrying device.
[0015] When inflated, the carrying device and the enclosure form an interior space in which a sit-down toilet is located. The interior space is preferably large enough for a user to comfortably stand and / or sit within it.
[0016] The dimensions are basically arbitrary. For example, the height can be between 1.5 m and 2.5 m, preferably between 2.0 m and 2.2 m, e.g., 2.1 m. The length and / or width can be, for example, between 0.5 m and 1.5 m, preferably between 0.8 m and 1.2 m, e.g., 0.9 m.
[0017] The enclosure, for example, directly surrounds the toilet seat and / or represents a boundary for the toilet. The cabin itself is therefore partially inflatable and / or made of non-rigid material.
[0018] The carrying device can be inflated using a hand-operated air pump, for example. Alternatively, an electrical device can be used for inflation. This can be powered by a cigarette lighter, a battery, and / or an accumulator, such as a cordless screwdriver. Inflation can also be achieved using a gas cartridge, for example.
[0019] The cabin comprises a floor system with a base assembly and at least two side elements pivotable relative to the base assembly. The side elements can preferably be designed as side panels.
[0020] The base device can preferably comprise a base plate. The length of the base plate can be, for example, between 0.5 m and 1.5 m, preferably between 0.6 m and 1.0 m. The width of the base plate can be, for example, between 0.3 m and 0.6 m, preferably between 0.4 m and 0.5 m.
[0021] The length of a side element can be, for example, between 0.5 m and 1.5 m, preferably between 0.6 m and 1.0 m. The width of the side element can be, for example, between 0.2 m and 0.6 m, preferably between 0.3 m and 0.5 m.
[0022] The side elements are adjustable, preferably pivotable, between a transport position and an operating position.
[0023] In the transport position, the side elements, together with the base assembly, preferably the base plate, form a storage unit for the enclosure and, preferably, for a toilet seat. An air pump can also be accommodated in the storage unit if necessary.
[0024] The side elements are folded up. Preferably, the side elements form a right angle with the base plate.
[0025] In the operating position, however, the side elements are folded down. These preferably form a 180° angle with the base plate.
[0026] The side elements are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the base device or the base plate.
[0027] For example, a further side element, preferably designed as a front element, e.g., a front panel, can be provided. This front element can also be adjusted between a transport position and an operating position. The front element can preferably be arranged between the two other side elements.
[0028] Alternatively or additionally, a further side element can be provided. This can be designed, for example, as a back element, e.g., a back plate. The back element can preferably be arranged between the two other side elements. The front element and the back element are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the base device or the base plate.
[0029] The back element is preferably rigidly connected to the base device or the base plate and is, for example, not adjustable. Furthermore, the back element can form part of the base device.
[0030] The base unit or base plate, together with the side elements and, if applicable, the front element and / or the back element, form a storage unit for the enclosure. Once the air is released from the support unit, the enclosure can be easily stowed in the storage unit. Optionally, the toilet seat, for example, can also remain in the storage unit, meaning the storage unit is large enough to accommodate the enclosure and a toilet seat.
[0031] In the transport position, the cabin essentially forms a travel bag in which all components are stowed. For example, one or more straps, e.g., two, can be provided to close the transport unit. A snap buckle can preferably be arranged on the strap to enable securement.
[0032] The transport unit can optionally have one, two, three, four or more rollers to enable the transport unit to be pulled.
[0033] The cabin is extremely mobile. Its compact size makes it easy to transport.
[0034] In the operating position, the side elements form a floor with the base device.
[0035] In contrast to a suitcase, which is designed in two parts and opens in the middle, the invention features several pivoting side elements. The floor system can thus be folded multiple times, resulting in a comparatively large footprint.
[0036] The base area can preferably be formed by the side elements, if necessary with the front element, and the base plate.
[0037] In the operating position, for example, the side elements, possibly with the front element, together with the base plate can form a flat base plate.
[0038] A sit-down toilet can be placed on the base plate. The base plate also serves as the floor for the enclosure and a step for the user.
[0039] Further developments of the invention can also be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.
[0040] According to one embodiment, the floor system comprises a textile carrier, wherein the side elements and / or a base plate of the basic device are arranged on and / or in the textile carrier.
[0041] For example, the floor system, preferably the textile carrier, can have pockets made of a textile material in which the side elements and / or a base plate of the base device are accommodated. The side elements and / or the base plate can be inserted into the textile carrier in this way.
[0042] Preferably at least one pocket is provided, preferably two, three, four or more.
[0043] The elements can preferably be inserted into the pockets. The pockets of the elements can be connected to each other or attached to a common carrier material.
[0044] For example, the pockets can be permanently closed after the elements have been inserted, for example, by sewing, riveting, and / or gluing. A removable closure, such as buttons, a zipper, and / or Velcro, is also conceivable. In this case, the elements can be removed from the pockets, for example, for maintenance and / or repair.
[0045] Alternatively, the side elements and / or a base plate of the base device can be arranged on the textile carrier. For example, the base plate can be attached to the textile carrier, preferably on an inner side of the textile carrier, for example, using a hook-and-loop fastener. Furthermore, the side elements can be attached to an inner and / or outer side of the textile carrier.
[0046] The enclosure, such as the wrapping and / or the carrying device, can be attached to the textile carrier, preferably at the outer end areas of the bags, e.g., sewn, riveted, and / or glued. A detachable attachment, e.g., using buttons, a zipper, and / or Velcro, is also conceivable.
[0047] According to a further embodiment, the floor system has a textile strip as a hinge for pivoting the side elements relative to the base device.
[0048] The textile strip may preferably form part of the textile carrier.
[0049] If a textile support is provided and / or the side elements and the base plate are each inserted into a pocket, and the pockets are connected to each other or attached to a common carrier material, a textile strip is already present between the side element and the base device. This textile strip is used as a hinge. Thus, no additional components are necessary.
[0050] Alternatively, the side elements can be attached to the base device via a joint.
[0051] According to a further embodiment, the side elements and / or a base plate of the base device comprise or consist of a metal material, preferably an aluminum material, and / or a plastic material.
[0052] The metal material can be flat or corrugated. A corrugated structure increases grip. The metal material can also be honeycombed. This also increases grip. This also makes the elements lighter yet stable.
[0053] According to a further embodiment, the side elements and / or a base plate of the basic device are constructed in a sandwich-like manner.
[0054] For example, a sandwich material can be used, e.g., with layers of flat and corrugated aluminum. Insulation, e.g., foil or tarpaulin, can also be provided.
[0055] According to a further embodiment, the floor system, preferably the base device, has a pedestal, e.g. for the sit-down toilet.
[0056] The pedestal can be between 5 cm and 50 cm high, preferably between 10 cm and 15 cm.
[0057] For example, a sit-down toilet can be raised to allow for comfortable sitting.
[0058] The pedestal comprises or consists of, for example, a metal material, preferably an aluminum material, and / or a plastic material.
[0059] The platform can be connected to the base plate and / or the back element, for example screwed, riveted, glued, soldered and / or welded.
[0060] In another embodiment, the sit-down toilet is designed as a camping toilet. This can be a cost-effective solution based on conventional camping toilets. Camping toilets have a small pack size and can therefore be stored and transported in the storage unit.
[0061] According to a further embodiment, the sit-down toilet is detachably connected to the floor system, e.g. the pedestal, the base plate and / or the back element.
[0062] The connection to the floor system prevents the toilet from accidentally tipping over, unlike free-standing sit-down toilets.
[0063] For example, the toilet seat can be connected to the platform via a bracket. The toilet seat can preferably be removed without tools, for example, to empty it.
[0064] According to a further embodiment, the sit-down toilet is connected to the floor system by means of a hanging, Velcro, clip, clamp, plug, snap, magnet, pin and / or screw device.
[0065] This enables quick assembly and / or disassembly.
[0066] According to a further embodiment, the support device has at least two inflatable support columns.
[0067] For example, three, four, or more support columns can be provided. The support columns can be connected to each other, preferably via air-conditioning. This allows the support columns to be inflated as a single unit. Alternatively, the support columns can also be designed as separate chambers. Central inflation is not possible in this case.
[0068] The term "support column" is to be understood broadly and also includes vertical or inclined sections of a support structure. For example, even arches have a support column.
[0069] In the operating position, the support column, or at least a portion of it, is oriented vertically. Preferably, the support column can be bent inward in an upper section, e.g., at two-thirds of its height.
[0070] The support columns can be connected to each other via horizontal connecting elements, for example, allowing them to inflate together.
[0071] According to a further embodiment, the support device has exactly four inflatable support columns. The cabin is preferably cuboid-shaped in the deployed position.
[0072] For example, the two rear support columns may be bent inwards in an upper area, e.g. at 2 / 3 of the height.
[0073] According to a further embodiment, the covering comprises a textile material. The textile material is preferably waterproof.
[0074] The enclosure can be stretched between the support columns. Preferably, the enclosure can have at least one ventilation opening and / or a lockable door.
[0075] For example, a zipper can form a door. The part of the cover that forms the door can be opened by the zipper and secured at the side, for example, using a cord, a tab, and / or a hook-and-loop fastener.
[0076] Other segments of the enclosure, such as side panels, can also be removed. This allows for better ventilation. Furthermore, dirty segments can be washed or damaged segments replaced.
[0077] The interior of the enclosure can contain nets, pockets, straps, ropes, and / or hooks for securing items. For example, toilet paper, sanitary wipes, disinfectant, and / or users' jackets can be stored there.
[0078] On the outside of the enclosure, preferably near the ground, there are tabs for pegs. This allows the cabin to be anchored to the ground.
[0079] The enclosure can preferably be printed. This allows the booth to be used as an advertising space, for example.
[0080] According to a further embodiment, a roof is provided which comprises a plastic and / or metal material.
[0081] The roof can, for example, have a panel and / or struts. The panel can, for example, be inserted into an upper pocket.
[0082] Furthermore, the support columns can converge in an upper area to form a roof. At least one, preferably two, three, four, or more, inflatable struts can also be provided.
[0083] The invention also relates to a method for erecting a cabin according to the invention, in which side elements of a floor system are adjusted from a transport position, in which the side elements form a storage body for an enclosure and for a toilet seat with a base device of the floor system, into an operational position in which the side elements form a floor with the base device.
[0084] A support structure of the enclosure is inflated, with an envelope being carried by the support structure.
[0085] For example, the side elements can automatically adjust from the transport position to the use position when inflated.
[0086] To dismantle, the air is first released from the support structure. The enclosure is positioned centrally. The side panels are folded upwards into the transport position, forming a storage unit for the enclosure. The assembled cabin can then be secured using at least one strap, button, zipper, and / or Velcro fastener. Alternatively or additionally, fastenings using tabs, eyelets, ropes, cords, and / or magnets are possible.
[0087] Visually and in terms of dimensions, the cabin in the transport position corresponds to a travel bag.
[0088] All embodiments and components of the device described here are preferably designed to be installed according to the method described here. Furthermore, all embodiments of the device described here, as well as all embodiments of the method described here, can be combined with one another, preferably independently of the specific configuration in which they are mentioned.
[0089] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 a front perspective view of an embodiment of a housing of a cabin according to the invention, Fig. 2 a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a housing of a cabin according to the invention, Fig. 3 a perspective view of an embodiment of a floor system of a cabin according to the invention with a seat toilet, Fig. 4 a perspective view of another embodiment of a floor system of a cabin according to the invention, Fig. 5 a perspective view of the floor system according to Fig. 4 with a sit-down toilet, and Fig. 6 a perspective view of an embodiment of a cabin according to the invention in the transport position.
[0090] First, it should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are purely exemplary in nature. Individual features can be implemented not only in the combination shown, but also individually or in other technically feasible combinations. For example, the features of one embodiment can be combined in any way with features of another embodiment. Preferably, more or fewer support columns can be provided. These can also be shaped differently.
[0091] If a figure contains a reference symbol that is not explained in the immediately corresponding description, reference is made to the corresponding preceding or following explanations in the figure description. Thus, the same reference symbols are used for identical or comparable components in the figures and these are not explained again.
[0092] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2show various views of an enclosure 10 of a cabin with four inflated support columns 12 of a support device 14. The support device 14 can preferably be inflated centrally, ie the support columns 12 are connected to one another and form a chamber.
[0093] The support columns 12 may have a bend. This increases stability in the operating position.
[0094] The enclosure has a casing 16 which is carried by the support device 14 and extends between the support columns 12.
[0095] The front segment of the enclosure 16 can be designed as a door 18. This allows access to the interior.
[0096] Ventilation openings 19 allow ventilation even when the door 18 is closed.
[0097] Fig. 3shows a floor system 20 with a base device 24 having a base plate 22 and two side elements 26 pivotable relative to the base device 24. The side elements 26 are designed as side plates.
[0098] A front element designed as a front panel 28 forms a further side element.
[0099] The side elements 26, 28 can be adjusted between the illustrated use position, in which the side elements 26, 28 form a floor with the base device 24, and a transport position in which the side elements 26, 28 form a storage body for the housing 10 with the base device 24.
[0100] A sit-down toilet 30 is arranged on the base plate 22. This sit-down toilet 30 can also be arranged in the storage body in the transport position.
[0101] A back element designed as a back plate 32 is firmly connected to the base device 24.
[0102] The base plate 22 and the side elements 26, 28 can be inserted into pockets (not shown). A textile strip between the plates 22, 26, 28 forms a hinge and allows the side elements 26, 28 to pivot relative to the base plate 22.
[0103] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 and 5 As shown, the base device 24 comprises a pedestal 34 in addition to the base plate 22. This enables an elevated seating position.
[0104] A storage space for an air pump can be provided between the platform 34 and the back panel 32. An opening in the textile material allows access to the air pump from the outside, even in the transport position. The opening can be closed, for example, with buttons, a zipper, and / or Velcro.
[0105] Fig. 6shows the cabin in the transport position. The side elements 26, 28 are folded up and the enclosure 10 is housed in the storage body.
[0106] For fixation, straps 36 with snap buckles 38 are provided.
[0107] The cabin has an extremely compact pack size and can therefore be used in different locations. List of reference symbols
[0108] 10 Enclosure 12 Support column 14 Support device 16 Enclosure 18 Door 19 Ventilation opening 20 Floor system 22 Base plate 24 Base device 26 Side element, side panel 28 Side elements, front panel, front element 30 Toilet seat 32 Back panel, back element 34 Platform 36 Belt 38 Buckle
Claims
1. A toilet cubicle comprising a sitting toilet (30), an enclosure (10) with an inflatable support device (14) and an enclosure (16) supported by the support device (14), and a floor system (20) with a base (24) and at least two side members (26) which can be pivoted relative to the base (24), wherein the side members (26, 28) are adjustable between a transport position, in which the side members (26, 28), along with the base (24), form a storage body for the enclosure (10) and the sitting toilet (30), and an operating position, in which the side members (26, 28), along with the base (24), form a floor, wherein the toilet cubicle in the transport position corresponds to the dimensions of a suit case.
2. Toilet cubicle according to claim 1, characterised in that the floor system (20) has a textile support, wherein the side members (26, 28) and / or a base plate (22) of the base (24) are disposed on and / or in the textile support.
3. Toilet cubicle according to claim 2, characterised in that the textile support has pockets made of a textile material, in which the side members (26, 28) and / or the base plate (22) are accommodated and / or in that the side members (26, 28) and / or the base plate (22) are attached to the textile support.
4. Toilet cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the floor system (20) has a textile strip that acts as a hinge for pivoting the side members (26, 28) relative to the base (24).
5. Toilet cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the side members (26, 28) and / or a base plate (22) of the base (24) are of a sandwich-like construction.
6. Toilet cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the floor system (20), preferably the base (24), comprises a platform (34), preferably for the sitting toilet (30).
7. Toilet cubicle according to claim 6, characterised in that the sitting toilet (30) is detachably connected to the platform (34).
8. Cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sitting toilet (30) is detachably connected to a rear member (32).
9. Toilet cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sitting toilet (30) is designed as a camping toilet.
10. Toilet cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sitting toilet (30) is connected to the floor system (20) by means of a hook-in, hook-and-loop, clip, clamping, plug-in, latching, magnet, peg and / or screw device.
11. Toilet cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support device (14) has at least two inflatable support columns (12), which are preferably connected to one another.
12. Toilet cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support device (14) has exactly four inflatable support columns (12).
13. Toilet cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the enclosure (16) comprises a textile material.
14. Toilet cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a roof is provided which comprises a plastic and / or metal material.
15. Method for setting up a toilet cubicle according to any of the preceding claims, in which side members (26, 28) of the floor system (20) are moved from a transport position, in which the side members (26, 28), along with the base (24) of the floor system (20), form a storage body for the enclosure (10) and the sitting toilet (30), into an operational position, in which the side members (26, 28) form a floor with the base (24), and the support device (14) of the enclosure (10) is inflated, wherein the enclosure (16) is supported by the support device (14).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Air Frame Expandable Shelter
US20170081867A1