Floor Assembly and Method

Abstract

To provide an assembly and a method for providing a floor for collecting and / or removing a liquid.SOLUTION: There is provided a floor assembly. The floor assembly is configured to form a floor of a closed space or arranged on the floor. The floor assembly includes a lattice, a pan and a surrounding member. The lattice has an array of an opening passing through a liquid. The pan is arranged right under the lattice, and defines a gap part. The pan includes a pan floor and a frame. The frame is arranged outside in a horizontal direction of the pan floor and supports the lattice. The surrounding member is supported by the frame. The surrounding member is arranged outside in a horizontal direction of the lattice, and the surrounding member and the lattice do not overlap each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to assemblies and methods for providing a floor for the collection and / or removal of liquids, such as a lavatory floor on a commercial aircraft. [Background technology]

[0002] In various environments, floors may be subject to spills or leaks of liquid. It may be impossible or impractical to manually remove liquid from floors in as short a time as may be desired. For example, commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. During flight, particularly during transoceanic or other long distance flights, passengers are typically confined within several areas (e.g., cabins) of the aircraft. Various individuals (passengers, pilots, flight attendants, etc.) use several interior portions of the aircraft during flight. For example, multiple individuals may use the toilet within the interior cabin during flight. Liquid may be spilled (e.g., from a sink) onto the toilet floor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Aircraft toilets are typically cleaned between flights. For example, maintenance or cleaning personnel board the aircraft on the ground before and / or after a flight to clean the toilet. However, the toilet cannot be cleaned regularly during flight. As a result, the dryness of the toilet floor in the aircraft may be compromised, especially during flight. Furthermore, servicing of the floor assembly used to drain or remove liquids from the floor may be difficult or inconvenient, for example, in the tight spaces typically found in aircraft toilets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a floor assembly. The floor assembly is configured to form or be disposed on the floor of an enclosed space. The floor assembly includes a grid, a pan, and a surround member. The grid has an array of openings that allow liquid to pass therethrough. The pan is disposed beneath the grid and defines a void. The pan includes a pan floor and a frame. The frame is disposed laterally outward of the pan floor and supports the grid. The surround member is supported by the frame. The surround member is disposed laterally outward of the grid, and the surround member and the grid do not overlap.

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of installing a floor assembly configured to form or be disposed on a floor of an enclosed space. The method includes disposing a tray. The tray defines a cavity and includes a tray floor and a frame, the frame being disposed laterally outward of the tray floor. Additionally, the method includes disposing a grid supported by the tray frame above the cavity. The grid has an array of openings that allow for the passage of liquid. The method further includes disposing a wrap member over the frame. The wrap member is supported by the frame. The wrap member is disposed laterally outward of the grid, the wrap member and the grid not overlapping.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method. The method includes forming a tray for a floor assembly. The floor assembly is configured to form or be disposed on a floor of an enclosed space. The tray defines a cavity and includes a tray floor and a frame. The frame is disposed laterally outward of the tray floor and defines an inner zone and an outer zone. The method also includes forming a ridge interposed between the outer zone and the inner zone. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an aircraft in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an interior cabin of an aircraft, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a floor assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the floor assembly of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tray of the floor assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the frame of the floor assembly of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the floor assembly of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the floor assembly of FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a flow diagram of a method of providing a floor assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dry floor, such as a toilet floor. The embodiments may be used in a variety of settings, such as in a vehicle toilet, a public washroom in a building, a laboratory, and / or the like. Examples of vehicles for the various embodiments include aircraft, ships, or ground vehicles such as buses and trains.

[0009] Various embodiments provide methods and floor assemblies that can improve ease of use, including component maintenance and replacement. Various embodiments can effectively and efficiently provide a dry toilet floor that improves the convenience of maintenance and servicing performed on board an aircraft, particularly during flight.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a floor assembly (e.g., a dry floor assembly) for removing liquids from a floor or walking surface. Various embodiments can provide that a grid or structure disposed above an absorbent pad is easily and conveniently removable for pad replacement and / or maintenance on the floor assembly tray. For example, the perimeter portion of the floor assembly in various embodiments does not overlap with the grid, allowing the perimeter portion to remain in place while the grid is removed.

[0011] In various embodiments, the perimeter portion of the floor assembly is integrated with the dry floor tray or pan and the wall or other surrounding structure so that the grid of the assembly can be removed without removing the perimeter portion. Liquid that falls on the perimeter portion is directed toward the grid (and ultimately toward an absorbent member, such as a pad, placed under the grid). In various embodiments, the perimeter portion has an angled or sloped surface to direct liquid toward the grid. The grid can be removed with the perimeter portion in place, so that servicing (e.g., removal of pads or liquid from the pan) is easily accomplished by lifting the grid.

[0012] Various embodiments can provide for the removal of liquids from the floor. Additionally, various embodiments can provide easily replaceable components that seamlessly interface with existing infrastructure (e.g., aircraft infrastructure).

[0013] 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an aircraft 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Aircraft 10 includes a fuselage 18. It should again be noted that while various embodiments are discussed in connection with an aircraft, other embodiments may be utilized in connection with other vehicles, such as, for example, watercraft, or ground vehicles, such as buses or trains.

[0014] The fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10 defines an interior cabin 30, which may include a cockpit, one or more work sections (e.g., a galley, a crew carry-on baggage area, and the like), one or more passenger sections (e.g., a first class section, a business class section, and an economy class section), and an aft section in which an aft rest area assembly may be located. The interior cabin 30 includes one or more toilets, such as the toilet 99 shown in FIG. 2. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to automatically dry floors within the toilets.

[0015] Alternatively, instead of aircraft, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotive and train cars, watercraft, spacecraft, etc. Additionally, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for stationary structures, such as commercial and residential buildings. As an example, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to automatically dry a toilet floor, whether or not the toilet is in a vehicle.

[0016] 2 illustrates a top plan view of an interior cabin 30 of an aircraft, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The interior cabin 30 may be within the fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10 shown in FIG.

[0017] One or more toilets 99 may be disposed within the interior passenger compartment 30. Each toilet 99 includes a toilet floor 98. The toilets 99 may include a floor assembly (e.g., floor assembly 100) that may be secured within a portion of the fuselage, as discussed herein. The floor assembly 100 is configured to reduce or eliminate the amount of visible liquid on an exposed upper surface.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the floor assembly 100, and FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the floor assembly 100. As seen in FIG. 3, the floor assembly 100 of the illustrated example includes a grate 110, a drip tray 130, and a wrap member 140. The floor assembly 100 may also include an absorbent member 195 (e.g., an absorbent pad). Optionally, a wicking layer and / or a support layer (not shown in FIG. 1) may be included. The floor assembly 100 is configured to form part of a floor 105 (e.g., a toilet floor 98) in an enclosed space 106 (e.g., an aircraft toilet, a ship toilet, or a ground vehicle toilet such as a bus or train), or to be disposed on or within the floor 105 of the enclosed space 106. Generally, the grate 110 provides a surface to be walked on and has openings through which liquid spilled on the walking surface may pass.

[0019] The wicking layer ### is configured to direct liquid that passes through the grid 110 towards the tray 130. The tray 130 is used to collect, store and / or direct the liquid to be discarded. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, an absorbent member 195 is disposed beneath the grid 110 (e.g., within the tray 130) and is used to absorb liquid that passes through the grid 110. The absorbent member 195 may be replaced, for example, after the absorbent member 195 has absorbed a predetermined amount of liquid and / or at predetermined time intervals.

[0020] Since the lattice 110 and the enclosing member 140 do not overlap (e.g., when viewed from above), the lattice 110 can be conveniently removed to access the absorbent member 195 without removing the enclosing member 140. As seen in FIG. 3, the innermost edge of the enclosing member 140 is positioned a distance X laterally outward from the outermost edge of the lattice 110 such that the enclosing member 140 and the lattice 110 do not overlap when viewed from above. In the illustrated example, the innermost edge of the enclosing member 140 is positioned a distance above the lattice 110 and a distance laterally outward from the lattice 110. In other embodiments, the enclosing member 140 and the lattice 110 can be adjacent to each other and laterally spaced apart a distance. In some embodiments, the enclosing member 140 and the lattice 110 can laterally abut each other.

[0021] Although various embodiments herein are discussed with respect to use in commercial aircraft (e.g., in aircraft toilets), it should be noted that alternative embodiments may be used in other applications. It should be noted that the examples of the grate 110 and absorbent member 195 are provided by way of example and not limitation.

[0022] As best seen in FIG. 3, the pan 130 is disposed beneath the grid 110 when the floor assembly 100 is in place. The pan 130 includes a pan floor 132 and a frame 134, with the frame 134 disposed laterally outward (e.g., farther along the direction 101 from the center point 103) of the pan floor 132. The frame 134 supports the grid 110. The pan 130 defines a cavity 131. For example, the cavity 131 may be defined above the pan floor 132 and between at least portions of the frame 134. In general, the cavity in various embodiments is used to collect and / or remove liquid that accumulates within the pan 130. For example, in the illustrated example, the cavity 131 is used to place an absorbent member 195. In other examples, the void 131 may be used to route liquid through a drain or plumbing system, or as another example, the void 131 may define a reservoir for storing liquid for later removal.

[0023] In some examples, the pan floor 132 and the frame 134 may be integrally formed from a single piece. In other examples, the pan floor 132 and the frame 134 may be separate parts that are later formed to form the pan 130. For example, FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of an example pan 130 of the floor assembly 100. In the example of FIG. 5, the pan floor 132 is made using a metal material and the frame 134 of the pan 130 is made from a plastic material. The material of the pan floor 132 in various examples is selected to provide a desired stiffness while maintaining a desired weight. The metal material in various embodiments can provide the pan floor with light weight, high strength, and high corrosion resistance. For example, in one example, the pan floor 132 is formed from 0.020 inch (0.5 millimeter) thick titanium and bonded to the frame 134. The frame 134 in various examples is molded into a desired shape.

[0024] For example, in various examples, the frame 134 is formed using a thermoplastic or thermoset plastic that may or may not be fiber reinforced, as appropriate for a given application. The frame 134 may be molded as a single piece or may be formed from separately molded pieces that are later joined together. In various embodiments, the frame 134 (or at least the top surface of the frame 134) is coated with a hydrophobic material to encourage liquids that fall onto the frame 134 to flow out of the frame 134. All or a portion of the frame 134 may be sloped toward the pan floor 132 or the cavity 131 to direct the flow of liquid toward the absorbent material (e.g., absorbent member 195) in the cavity 131.

[0025] 3 and 4, the wrap member 140 is supported by the frame 134 when the floor assembly 100 is assembled. The wrap member 140 is positioned laterally outboard of the grid 110 (e.g., further from the center point 103 along the direction 101). The wrap member 140 and the grid 110 do not overlap (e.g., when viewed from above as in FIG. 4). Thus, the grid 110 may be removed while leaving the wrap member 140 in place, improving convenience and ease of access to the void 131 (e.g., to remove / replace the absorbent member 195 and / or perform other cleaning or maintenance to the pan floor 132).

[0026] In various embodiments, the wrap member 140 is formed of a plastic material. Additionally, in various embodiments, the wrap member 140 (or at least the top surface of the wrap member 140) is coated with a hydrophobic material to encourage liquid that falls on the wrap member 140 to flow out of the wrap member 140. All or a portion of the wrap member 140 may be sloped toward the frame 134 as well as the tray floor 132 or the cavity 131 to direct the flow of liquid toward the absorbent material (e.g., absorbent member 195) in the cavity 131.

[0027] It should be noted that although the wrap member 140 is shown as a single piece in the illustrated example, the wrap member 140 may include or be formed from multiple pieces. For example, in some examples, the wrap member 140 is formed from four pieces, one piece on each side of the floor assembly 100.

[0028] In general, the encasement member 140 is formed to conform to or complement the environment in which the floor assembly 100 will be placed. Thus, while the illustrated example is shown as generally rectangular, it should be noted that a variety of different shapes of the encasement member 140 may be used in various embodiments to accommodate or conform to structures within the environment in which the floor assembly 100 will be placed. Additionally, while the example of FIG. 3 is shown as being supported only by the frame 134, it should be noted that each portion (e.g., portions disposed laterally outboard of the frame 134) may be supported by the floor of the environment in which the floor assembly 100 will be placed and / or may abut a wall, sink, or other structure in which the floor assembly 100 will be placed.

[0029] As discussed above, the wrap member 140 (e.g., a portion of the wrap member 140) is supported by the frame 134 (e.g., a portion of the frame 134). In various embodiments, the wrap member 140 and the frame 134 overlap partially, but not completely, when viewed from above (as in FIG. 4). In the illustrated example, the frame 134 defines an outer zone 136 and an inner zone 138, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. The wrap member 140 is attached to the outer zone 136, and the lattice 110 is supported by the inner zone 138.

[0030] The outer zone 136 and the inner zone 138 may be contiguous or, alternatively, separated by one or more intermediate portions. In various embodiments, the wrap member 140 may contact one or more portions laterally inward of the outer zone 136, but may be adhered (e.g., using tape or other adhesive) to the outer zone 136.

[0031] As best seen in FIG. 6, the example frame 134 includes a ridge 150 interposed between the outer zone 136 and the inner zone 138. As seen in FIG. 6, the ridge 150 defines an outer bevel 152 (on an outer surface 153) and an inner bevel 154 (on an inner surface 155). The outer bevel 152 is disposed laterally outward of the inner bevel 154. The outer bevel 152 slopes laterally outwardly and downwardly, and the inner bevel 154 slopes laterally inwardly and downwardly. In general, the outer bevel 152 is configured to support or otherwise cooperate with the wrap member 140 to position and / or support the wrap member, and the inner bevel 154 is configured to direct liquid toward an absorbent material (e.g., absorbent member 195) disposed within the void 131.

[0032] As discussed above, portions of the frame and / or surround member may be sloped toward the void 131 or pan floor 132. The slope may be generally continuous in various embodiments. For example, as best seen in FIG. 7, the illustrated surround member 140 includes a lower surface slope 142 (defined by the lower surface 141) that is complementary to an outer slope 152 of the raised portion 150 of the frame 134. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower surface slope 142 and the outer slope 152 are complementary in that the sum of the angle defined by the lower surface slope 142 with respect to the horizontal and the angle defined by the outer slope 152 with respect to the horizontal is approximately 180 degrees, thereby allowing a seamless connection between the slopes while providing firm, accurate, and reliable positioning of the surround member 140 with respect to the frame 134.

[0033] 7, the wrap member 140 extends slightly laterally inward beyond the apex or peak of the ridge 150, which can ensure that liquid exiting the wrap member 140 is directed toward the inner slope 154 of the ridge 150 and ultimately toward the void 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope defined by the upper surface 143 of the wrap member 140 and the inner slope 154 of the ridge 150 is substantially continuous and provides a slope of about 15 degrees relative to the horizontal. The frame 134 (and / or other aspects of the floor assembly 100) in various embodiments includes configurations that improve the ease of installing and / or maintaining the floor assembly 100.

[0034] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in FIGS. 6-8, the illustrated frame 134 includes trenches 137. The trenches 137 are disposed laterally inward of the raised portions 150 (e.g., in inner zones 138) and include openings 139 through the frame 134. In the illustrated example, the trenches 137 extend along substantially straight lines laterally outward of the gaps 131 on each side of the frame 134, and the openings 139 are aligned along lines substantially parallel to the lines of the trenches 137. The openings 139 are used to secure the lattice 110 to the frame 134. For example, magnets may be disposed within the openings 139 to removably secure the lattice 110 (e.g., the metal pieces of the lattice 110) to the frame 134.

[0035] As best seen in FIGS. 6-8, the illustrated example frame 134 includes a notch 156 that extends through the ridge 150. The notch 156 is sized and configured to allow for placement of a finger within the notch 156 to facilitate convenient removal of the lattice 110 using a finger. In the illustrated example, the notch 156 extends laterally outwardly beyond the ridge 150 and terminates at the boundary 133 of the outer zone 136. The notch 156 extends laterally outwardly beyond the ridge and is configured to provide a notch large enough for placement of a fingertip. Additionally, in the illustrated example, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the enveloping member 140 has a complementary notch 144 that aligns with the notch 156 of the frame 134, further improving ease of finger placement for removal of the lattice 110.

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 900 (e.g., of installing a floor assembly (e.g., assembly 100) configured to form or be placed on a floor of an enclosed space (e.g., an aircraft toilet). It should be noted that one or more aspects of the illustrated method 900 may be utilized independent of installing an assembly or in conjunction with an installation or assembly step in forming or manufacturing one or more portions of a floor assembly. The method 900 may use, for example, structures or aspects of various embodiments discussed herein. In various embodiments, some steps (or operations) may be omitted or added, some steps may be combined, some steps may be performed simultaneously, some steps may be performed in parallel, some steps may be split into multiple steps, some steps may be performed in a different order, or some steps or series of steps may be iteratively re-performed.

[0037] At step 902, a tray (e.g., tray 130) is placed (e.g., in a pre-formed depression or other predetermined location proximate the floor surface). For example, placing the tray in various embodiments includes placing the tray in or on a portion of a floor (e.g., a portion of floor 105) within the enclosed space (e.g., enclosed space 106). For example, the tray may be sized to fit into an existing opening or depression in the floor, and the tray may be placed inside the existing opening or depression. The tray defines a void (e.g., void 131). The void in various embodiments is used to collect and / or remove liquid that accumulates in the tray (e.g., by housing an absorbent pad to absorb the liquid, routing the liquid via a piping system, or storing the liquid in a reservoir defined by the void for later removal). The tray includes a frame (e.g., frame 134) and a tray floor (e.g., tray floor 132). The frame is disposed laterally outward of a tray floor. The tray may be disposed in or on a floor, such as, for example, the floor of an aircraft toilet.

[0038] Various techniques may be used in forming the pan. For example, the pan may be formed by joining a metal pan floor with a plastic frame. In the illustrated example, forming the frame for the pan, step 904, includes forming a ridge (e.g., ridge 150) on the frame, the ridge being interposed between the outer zone 136 and the inner zone 138. In various embodiments, the ridge defines an outer bevel 152 that slopes laterally outwardly and downwardly and an inner bevel 154 that slopes laterally inwardly and downwardly. Other configurations may be formed as part of the frame.

[0039] For example, in the illustrated example, a trench (e.g., trench 137) is formed in the frame in step 906. The trench is disposed laterally inward of the ridge and includes an opening (e.g., opening 139) through the frame. The opening may be used, for example, to secure or position the floor assembly in a predetermined position using (e.g., in conjunction with a magnet).

[0040] As another example, in step 908 of the illustrated embodiment, notches (e.g., notches 156) are formed in the frame. For example, the notches in various embodiments extend through ridges in the frame. The notches can be used during removal of the grating from the floor assembly.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, an absorbent member (e.g., absorbent member 195) is placed in the cavity of the tray at step 910. The absorbent member is used to collect liquid that is directed toward the tray. In other embodiments, for example, the liquid may pool in the tray for later removal (e.g., by vacuum) or may be directed from the tray via a drain or plumbing line.

[0042] At step 912, a grid is placed over the cavity (e.g., grid 110 is provided) and supported by the frame of the pan. The grid can include, for example, metal pieces used to secure the grid to the frame with magnets. The grid has an array of openings through which liquid can pass from the top surface of the grid into the cavity (e.g., into an absorbent member disposed in the cavity). In general, the grid is configured to provide a support surface for walking or standing, and also to provide openings for drainage or removal of liquid from the walking surface. In various embodiments, the grid includes members extending from a base to the top surface on which the walking is to be performed. In the illustrated example, the frame includes an outer zone and an inner zone. Thus, the step of placing the grid in the illustrated example includes, at step 914, placing the grid in the inner zone.

[0043] At step 916, an enclosure member (e.g., enclosure member 140) is placed on the frame. The size and shape of the enclosure member may be tailored to the particular environment in which the floor assembly will be used. The enclosure member is supported by the frame and is positioned laterally outboard of the lattice. As discussed herein, the enclosure member and the lattice do not overlap (e.g., when viewed from above), allowing for easy removal of the lattice and / or access to the void for servicing and / or maintenance of the void and any associated components, such as the absorber member.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the frame includes an outer zone and an inner zone. Thus, the step of positioning the wrap member in the illustrated example includes attaching the wrap member to the outer zone, step 918. Further, in the illustrated example, the step of positioning the wrap member includes positioning a lower surface bevel of the wrap member against an outer bevel of the raised portion of the frame, step 920. Further, in the illustrated example, the wrap member includes a complementary notch (e.g., complementary notch 144), and the step of positioning the wrap member includes aligning the complementary notch of the wrap member with the notch of the frame, step 922.

[0045] As discussed herein, various embodiments improve the ease of use of the floor assembly by allowing easy removal of the grid while leaving the encasement member in place. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, after a period of use, when it becomes desirable to access the void, the grid is removed (e.g., by fingers placed in the notches in the frame) in step 924 while the encasement member remains in place. Once the grid is removed, for example, the absorber member may be removed or replaced. Once desired maintenance or servicing activities have been performed on the void or associated components, the grid may be replaced in its original position above the frame.

[0046] The disclosure further includes embodiments according to the following examples.

[0047] Example 1. A floor assembly configured to form or be placed on the floor of an enclosed space, the floor assembly comprising: a grid having an array of openings to permit the passage of liquid; a tray positioned directly beneath the grid, the tray defining a void, the tray comprising a tray floor and a frame, the frame being positioned laterally outward of the tray floor and supporting the grid; and a surround supported by the frame, the surround being positioned laterally outward of the grid, the surround and the grid not overlapping.

[0048] Example 2. A floor assembly as described in example 1, wherein the frame defines an outer zone and an inner zone, the enclosure member is attached to the outer zone, and the grid is supported within the inner zone.

[0049] Example 3. A floor assembly as described in example 2, wherein the frame comprises a ridge interposed between the outer zone and the inner zone.

[0050] Example 4. The floor assembly of example 3, wherein the ridge defines an outer slope sloping laterally outwardly and downwardly and an inner slope sloping laterally inwardly and downwardly.

[0051] Example 5. The floor assembly of example 4, wherein the wrap member comprises a lower surface bevel that is complementary to the outer bevel.

[0052] Example 6. A floor assembly as described in any one of Examples 3 to 5, wherein the frame comprises a trench disposed laterally inward of the ridge, the trench comprising an opening extending therethrough.

[0053] Example 7. A floor assembly as described in any one of Examples 3 to 6, wherein the frame includes a notch extending through the ridge.

[0054] Example 8. A floor assembly as described in Example 7, wherein the notch extends laterally outward beyond the ridge and terminates at the boundary of the outer zone.

[0055] Example 9. The floor assembly of example 8, wherein the wrap member has a complementary notch that aligns with the notch.

[0056] Example 10. The floor assembly of any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the tray floor is constructed from a metal material and the tray frame is constructed from a plastic material.

[0057] Example 11. A method of installing a floor assembly configured to form or be placed on the floor of an enclosed space, the method comprising the steps of: placing a tray, the tray defining a void, the tray comprising a tray floor and a frame, the frame being positioned laterally outward of the tray floor; placing a grid supported by the tray frame above the void, the grid having an array of openings that allow the passage of liquid; and placing an enclosure member on the frame, the enclosure member supported by the frame, the enclosure member being positioned laterally outward of the grid, the enclosure member and the grid not overlapping.

[0058] Example 12. The method of example 11, wherein the frame defines an outer zone and an inner zone, the method including attaching an enclosure member to the outer zone and positioning a lattice within the inner zone.

[0059] Example 13. The method of example 11 or 12, wherein the frame includes a raised portion defining an outer slope that slopes laterally outwardly and downwardly, and the step of placing the wrap member on the frame includes placing a lower surface slope of the wrap member against the outer slope of the raised portion of the frame.

[0060] Example 14. The method of example 13, wherein the tray includes a notch extending through the raised portion and the wrap member has a complementary notch, and the step of placing the wrap member over the frame includes aligning the complementary notch in the wrap member with the notch in the frame.

[0061] Example 15. The method of any one of Examples 11 to 14, wherein the step of placing the tray includes placing the tray in a toilet of the vehicle.

[0062] Example 16 The method of any one of examples 11 to 15, further comprising removing the lattice while the wrap member remains in place.

[0063] Example 17. A method of making a floor assembly, the method comprising the steps of forming a tray configured to form or be placed on a floor of an enclosed space, the tray defining a void, the tray comprising a tray floor and a frame, the frame being positioned laterally outward of the tray floor and defining an inner zone and an outer zone, and forming a ridge interposed between the outer zone and the inner zone.

[0064] Example 18. The method of example 17, wherein the step of forming the ridge includes forming an outer slope that slopes laterally outwardly and downwardly, and forming an inner slope that slopes laterally inwardly and downwardly.

[0065] Example 19. The method of example 17 or 18, comprising forming a trench disposed laterally inward of the ridge, the trench comprising an opening extending therethrough.

[0066] Example 20. The method of any one of examples 17 to 19, comprising forming a notch through the ridge.

[0067] Various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, with it being understood that such terms are used only with reference to the orientation shown in the drawings. The orientation may be flipped, rotated, or otherwise changed so that an upper portion becomes a lower portion and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0068] As used herein, a structure, constraint, or element that is "configured to" perform a task or operation is specifically structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to that task or operation. For clarity and avoidance of doubt, an object that can merely be modified to perform a task or operation is not "configured to" perform a task or operation as used herein.

[0069] It should be understood that the above description is illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects of those embodiments) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of those embodiments. The dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, and are in no way limiting, but are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description. Thus, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the terms "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on the objects of those terms. Moreover, no claim limitation below is recited in a means-plus-function format, and such claim limitation is not to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless such claim limitation expressly uses the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function without further structure.

[0070] This specification uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any device or assembly, and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that have insubstantial differences from the language of the claims.

[0071] The foregoing summary and detailed description of some embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, an element or step described in the singular and preceded by the words "a" or "an" should be understood not to necessarily exclude a plurality of elements or steps. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described form. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, an embodiment "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular condition can include additional elements that do not have that condition. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 aircraft 18 Torso 30 Interior Guest Rooms 98 Toilet Floor 99 Toilet 100 Bed Assembly 101 directions 103 Center point 105 Beds 106 Confined Space 110 Lattice 130 Saucer 131 Cavity 132 Tray Floor 133 Boundary 134 Frames 136 Outer Zone 137 Trench 138 Inner Zone 139 Opening 140 Enclosure material 141 Lower surface 142 Lower surface slope 143 Upper surface 144 Complementary Notch 150 Ridge 152 Outer slope 153 Outer surface 154 Inner Slope 155 Inner surface 156 Notch 195 Absorbing material 900 ways

Claims

1. A floor assembly (100) configured to form or be placed on a floor (105) of an enclosed space (106), comprising: a grid (110) having an array of openings (139) that allow the passage of liquid; a tray (130) disposed beneath the grid (110), the tray (130) defining a gap (131), the tray (130) comprising a tray floor (132) and a frame (134), the frame (134) disposed laterally outward of the tray floor (132) and supporting the grid (110); a surrounding member (140) supported by the frame (134), the surrounding member (140) being disposed laterally outward of the lattice (110) and the surrounding member (140) and the lattice (110) not overlapping; Equipped with the frame (134) includes an outer zone (136) and an inner zone (138), the enclosure member (140) is attached to the outer zone (136) and the lattice (110) is supported within the inner zone (138); The floor assembly (100), wherein the frame (134) comprises a ridge (150) interposed between the outer zone (136) and the inner zone (138).

2. The floor assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the ridge (150) defines a laterally outwardly downwardly sloping outer bevel (152) and a laterally inwardly downwardly sloping inner bevel (154).

3. 3. The floor assembly (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame (134) comprises a trench (137) disposed laterally inward of the ridge (150), the trench (137) comprising an opening (139) extending therethrough.

4. the frame (134) includes a notch (156) extending through the raised portion (150); said notch (156) extends laterally outward beyond said ridge (150) and terminates at the boundary (133) of said outer zone (136); the wrap member (140) has a complementary notch (144) that aligns with the notch (156); A floor assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 1. A method (900) of installing a floor assembly (100) configured to form or be placed on a floor (105) of an enclosed space (106), comprising: positioning a tray (130), said tray (130) defining a cavity (131), said tray (130) comprising a tray floor (132) and a frame (134), said frame (134) being positioned laterally outward of said tray floor (132); placing a grid (110) supported by the frame (134) of the tray (130) above the cavity (131), the grid (110) having an array of openings (139) allowing the passage of liquid; placing a surround member (140) on said frame (134) so ​​that said surround member (140) is supported by said frame (134), said surround member (140) being positioned laterally outward of said lattice (110) such that said surround member (140) and said lattice (110) do not overlap; Including, said frame (134) comprising an outer zone (136) and an inner zone (138); The method (900), attaching said wrap member (140) to said outer zone (136); placing said grating (110) within said inner zone (138); Including, The method (900), wherein the frame (134) comprises a ridge (150) interposed between the outer zone (136) and the inner zone (138).

6. the frame (134) comprises a raised portion (150) defining an outer slope (152) sloping laterally outwardly and downwardly, and the step of placing the enveloping member (140) on the frame (134) includes placing a sloped lower surface (141) of the enveloping member (140) against the outer slope (152) of the raised portion (150) of the frame (134); the tray (130) includes a notch (156) extending through the raised portion (150), the wrap member (140) has a complementary notch (144), and the step of placing the wrap member (140) on the frame (134) includes aligning the complementary notch (144) of the wrap member (140) with the notch (156) of the frame (134); 6. The method of claim 5 (900).

7. A method (900) of making a floor assembly (100), said method (900) comprising: forming a tray (130) configured to form or be placed on a floor (105) of an enclosed space (106), said tray (130) defining a cavity (131), said tray (130) comprising a tray floor (132) and a frame (134), said frame (134) being positioned laterally outward of said tray floor (132) and including an inner zone (138) and an outer zone (136); forming a ridge (150) interposed between said outer zone (136) and said inner zone (138); Including, The floor assembly (100) comprises: a grid (110) having an array of openings (139) that allow the passage of liquid; the tray (130) disposed beneath the lattice (110), the frame (134) supporting the lattice (110); a surrounding member (140) supported by the frame (134), the surrounding member (140) being disposed laterally outward of the lattice (110) and the surrounding member (140) and the lattice (110) not overlapping; The method (900), wherein the enclosure member (140) is attached to the outer zone (136) and the grid (110) is supported within the inner zone (138).

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