GB2510943A

GB2510943A - A restroom stay

Info

Publication number: GB2510943A
Application number: GB201320710A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Breitag
Original assignee: PT INVENTIONS; PT INV S
Current assignee: PT INVENTIONS; PT INV S
Priority date: 2012-11-24
Filing date: 2013-11-25
Publication date: 2014-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-25
Also published as: GB201221182D0; GB201320710D0; GB2514528A; GB2510943B

Abstract

The present invention discloses a restroom stay for staying movement of a moveable portion 100, 101 of a lavatory 200 relative to a lavatory pan, said portion moveable between a first closed position and a second open position as shown. The stay comprises a first part 1 arranged to be mounted remote to the moveable portion 100, 101 by a mount mechanism (11, Fig 2) for fixing the position of the first part 1 relative to the lavatory pan. A second part 2 is configured to be secured on the moveable portion of the lavatory. The first and second parts are connected to one another by a retractable leash 3 for resisting movement of the moveable portion of the lavatory when the second part is secured to the moveable portion. Preferably, the leash 3 is provided on a sprung bobbin (5, Fig 2) for biasing the connection between the first part and the second part.

Description

A RESTROOM STAY

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a restroom stay, or more particularly a stay for staying movement of a moveable portion Qf a lavatory, such lavatory being a lavatory that is liable to move.

Background

Toilets, water closets or lavatories present particular challenges on boats, water-going vessels, or indeed other vehicles for movement with a lavatory installed, such as recreation vehicles, campervans or motor vehicles or trailers equipped with living space and amenities found in a home.

In particular for male users such lavatories can be problematic in use, as the lid where installed, and/or seat, are liable to displace under or during movement of the vessel, vehicle or means of transport in which the lavatory is included.

Where a male user is using the lavatory from a standing position for urination, displacement of the lid and/or seat can be an irritation, and may be dangerous, particularly where the lavatory is installed or arranged for use in a water going means of transport, and in rough or unstable conditions.

Movement in any number of directions is inevitable while the means of transport is on or in the water, which movement in particular is liable to move the lavatory lid and or seat, even when closed.

S

* *.*.. * .

*:...: 30 Summary of the Invention *

S..... * .

According to the present invention there is provided a restroom stay for staying movement of a moveable portion of a lavatory relative to a lavatory pan, said portion moveable between a first closed position and a second open position; wherein the stay comprises: a first part arranged to be mounted remote to the moveable portion by a mount mechanism for fixing the position of the first part relative to the lavatory pan, and a second part configured to be secured on the moveable portion of the lavatory; said parts being connected to one another by a retractable leash for resisting movement of the moveable portion of the lavatory when the second pad is secured to the moveable portion.

In this way pads of the lavatory such as the seat and/or lid may be secured by the restroom stay in order to prevent movement.

Advantageously the restroom stay may be used in mobile restrooms such as those found in vehicles such as recreational vehicles or boats so that despite movement of the vehicle, pads of the lavatory remain fixed by means of the restroom stay.

Ideally after the connection is formed said connection is reversible but inclined to stasis, and consequent movement between positions is only under predefined or predetermined conditions, such as by deliberate movement instituted by a user.

The first part is advantageously formed at least in part in a deformable, resilient material such as a silicone, rubber or elastomer, at least where envisaged to come into contact with portion and/or second part. In this way the portion is arranged to be opened against the first part and the first part enabled to deform to accept the portion, and minimise damage to or from the portion, and/or proclivity to bounce or inverse movement between positions.

Preferred embodiments of the first part may further include a resiliently deformable cover, for example a soccer ball, basketball, American football or rugby ball; in order to provide space to accept and accommodate deformation of a tip or leading edge, which tip or leading edge ideally provides a reduced contact zone for the portion.

4*44*4 * In preferred embodiments the first part has a reversible, displaceable or detachable *.... 30 mount mechanism in order that the first part may be repositioned or resituated on the means of transport, so as to accommodate or anticipate different movements of the means of transport, the lavatory and/or portion(s). * .* * . 4 *.**

In addition or the alternative, in this way the stay can serve more than one purpose, such that in rough water, or fast-moving conditions for the means of transport, the stay is suitable to hold the portion to the pan, said portion comprising the lid and/or seat.

In preferred embodiments the mount mechanism of the first part is arranged to be displaceable fixed relative to the lavatory pan.

In some embodiments the first part may be fixed to the lavatory pan, for example so as to hold the lid and/or seat closed.

In preferred embodiments the mount mechanism comprises a suction cup for fixing the first part at any one of a plurality of locations.

In embodiments comprising a displaceable first part, the mount mechanism may comprise at least one suction cup or sucker wherein the mount mechanism reversibly enables the user to attach or mount the first part to a surface such as a smooth or glossy surface, such as synthetic plastic, metal, tiling or painted surface, all of which may be expected in lavatory environments.

In preferred embodiments the restroom stay comprises a base including said mount mechanism and a cover detachably secured to the base to allow removal of the cover from the base for access to components of the first part or for replacing one said cover with a different said cover.

Preferably the cover may be detachably secured to the base by one or more of at least one clip or catch, a twist mechanism, push fitting, friction fitting, magnetic means or hook and loop means. * . *

* * In some such embodiments the mount mechanism may comprise multi-part * ** *** * construction, for example wherein the mount mechanism comprises a base providing ri 30 at least one suction cup attaching to an adhesive plate, wherein said plate may be attached to a myriad of surfaces, and including non-glossy surfaces, so as to in turn provide a suitable surface for the base. In some embodiments the adhesive pad may further include foam padding to accommodate uneven surfaces. * * * * * * **

The mount mechanism may therefore include or provide a suitable temporary means of attachment between the base and plate, so that the base may be displaced and used on a second surface or second plate, and so as to provide ability to prevent movement of the portion in respect of more than one position of a portion in relation to the pan. Said means of attachment may include or combine such as a short screwthread, magnet and/or detent mechanism.

In some other embodiments the mount mechanism may be fitted to a surface by means of adhesive. For example the mount mechanism may comprise adhesive tape.

The first part in all preferred embodiments includes a catch for cooperation with the second part, so as to form the connection between the parts of the stay and prevent, limit or minimise movement or undesirable movement of the portion or portions both locally and/or at a distance.

In preferred embodiments this catch is provided distally on a leash, said leash being extendable and automatically retractable, so as to allow a user to pull the catch out to engage or form connection of the parts at a distance. Therefore the least is retracted when the connection is not connected to the moveable portion of the lavatory In such embodiments the leash is consequently provided on a sprung spindle or bobbin so as to allow the leash to retract automatically, and pull the parts together, minimising and acting against movement of the portion between positions. Therefore the sprung bobbin is for biasing said connection and when connected, holding the moveable portion of the lavatory towards the first part.

In some embodiments the leash may be lockable so as to prevent further extension or retraction of the leash. For example the restroom stay may include a button or lever which when pressed locks the spindle or bobbin in position so as to prevent extension or retraction of the leash.

r'i 30 *.... In a preferred embodiment the first part is capable of receiving a displaceable cover.

In this way the cover may be interchangeable so as to change the appearance of the first part.

Ideally the cover can be easily attached to and removed from the first part, for example by at least one clip or catch, a twist mechanism, push fitting, friction fitting, magnetic means or hook and loop means. In this way the cover can be displaceable attached to the first part.

In some embodiments the cover may be themed for example to have a sporting them, such as to represent a tennis ball or baseball, or the cover may have a nautical theme such as to represent a buoy or anchor.

Advantageously the cover may include an opening so that the leash can pass through the cover in order to be connected to the second part. Typically the opening may comprise a slot through which the leash is fed.

Preferably the second part comprises a securing means for securing the second part to the moveable portion of the lavatory. For example the second part may be secured to the moveable portion of the lavatory by adhesive, at least one clip, catch, hook1 loop or magnet.

Ideally the second part includes an anchor to allow connection of the first part to the second part by a user.

Advantageously the second part may have an anchor for establishment of the connection such that said anchor cooperates with the first part to make said connection.

In some embodiments the anchor may be hook or loop material such as Velcro (RTM) which cooperates with an opposing hook or loop material contained or provided on the catch. *

* In other embodiments the anchor may be a hook or eye to form a connection with a S.....

* corresponding eye or hook provided on the first part, or more particularly at an end of the leash distal to the mount mechanism.

S

*5**SS * In preferred embodiments the catch is provided on an end portion of the leash distal from the first part and is extendable away from the first part. * .

Advantageously in some embodiments said anchor may form a connection with the catch through magnetism, wherein the anchor and catch include or comprise opposing magnets.

A plurality of said anchors may be available for, and in use about, the means of transport therefore ideally forming in combination the second part.

In preferred embodiments therefore there is installed on the lavatory or means of transport a plurality of said anchors, for example wherein an anchor may be included on and situate about more than one lavatory portion, said portions to comprise a lid underside, lid topside; and seat underside and seat topside; in order that the user is enabled to prevent movement of the lid and/or seat as required, and in relation to movement from or to the first or second positions.

In this way and more generally through use of plural dispersed anchors the user can adjust the anchor in use to accommodate prevailing conditions and/or for example whether the lavatory is in use.

In further embodiments the stay may accommodate different movements of the means of transport and/or movement of the portions between positions by other rearrangement of the parts, wherein parts may be combined, amended or adjusted in use.

For example, some further embodiments of the anchors may provide intermediate or ancillary functions, for example wherein the leash may be utilised around or through an anchor so as to batten or strap down a portion where required.

In use therefore the second part and/or stay, may be available as a kit of parts with a selection of varying anchors wherein the anchors may be defined and described by anticipated use, and may be disposed or arranged in use further about the means of transport so as to accommodate or anticipate different movements or movement * patterns. Some anchors may take form of hooks grips or flaps. r" 30

In some embodiments said anchor or anchors may be displaceable in use for : example so as to include at least one suction cup or magnet.

In some embodiments the connection may be formed automatically at least in some conditions or after certain user or means of transport movements or behaviour, wherein for example the stay includes a resiliently deformable member that deforms to allow passage of the portion into the second position, whereupon the connection is made. In such embodiments in order to allow passage of the portion and return to or towards the first position the member must preferably be moved manually by the user.

In preferred embodiments the catch includes a holder for the user to grip, pull on or otherwise manipulate the catch and form or break the connection, so as to avoid contact with portions of the lavatory. Said holder may project orthogonally or at an acute angle to the leash or catch.

Preferably the restroom stay is for use in a vehicle comprising: a restroom (or head) having a lavatory, the lavatory comprising a lavatory pan and a lavatory seat or lid rnoveable relative to the lavatory pan, and a restroom stay for staying movement of the lavatory seat and/or lid during movement of the vehicle.

More specifically the restroom stay is for use in a lavatory comprising: a lavatory pan and a lavatory seat or lid moveable relative to the lavatory pan, and a restroom stay as for staying movement of the lavatory seat and/or lid during movement of a vehicle.

Brief DescriDtion of Figures Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the stay in use; Figure 2 shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment of the first part of the stay as pictured in Figure 1; s * Figures 3A and 3B show isometric views of embodiments of the first part of the stay nt.

* with leash and catch retracted; *.**.

* Figures 4A and 4B show isometric views of embodiments of the first part of the stay * with leash and catch extended; * S. * S... And * S * * 5'

Figures 5 show isometric views of preferred embodiments of the second part of the stay.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures, wherein all like parts assume like numerals, as shown in Figure 1 the first part 1 is mounted on a means of transport 1000, wherein the second part 2 (constituted by an anchor) is secured to at least one moveable part, which in the illustration includes the lid 100, and the seat 101 of the lavatory 200.

Therefore the lid 100 and/or the seat 101 can be held open by the restroom stay to prevent closure of the lid and/or seat when the means of transport 1000 is moving and thus the lid 100 and the seat 101 may be liable to close due to the movement if not secured.

The second part 2 is shown in Figure 1 secured to the seat 101 and is thereby securing the lid 100 and seat 101 in position. However a second part 2 may be provided on the lid 100 the seat 101 so that the first part may be connected to either of the second parts.

The parts 1, 2 are connected by a leash 3. The leash 3 extends from the first part 1 to the second part 2. The leash 3 is connected to the second part 2 by a catch 13.

In Figure 2 an embodiment of the first part 1 is shown including a leash 3, wound about a bobbin 5, passing through an opening 6 in a resiliently deformable cover 4.

The cover 4 serves to enclose the bobbin 5 and leash 3 when retracted.

* .* *** * The cover 4 resembles a sports ball. a

****.* * S The bobbin 5 is mounted rotatably on a bar 7, through which the leash 3 passes to securement on a coiled spring 8. * S. * S

The cover 4 is displaceably fixed to a base 9 in a manner ideally allowing the base 9 and cover 4 to be disconnected for attendance to the parts located under the cover 4as required or to exchange the cover 4 for an alternative. The base 9 includes studs 10 which engage with Iacunae or slots (not shown) on the cover 4.

The base 9 is attached to a mount mechanism 11. The mount mechanism 11 is received by a distal socket 12 on the base 9 so that the base 9 and mount mechanism 11 are connected to one another.

The mount mechanism 11 comprises a suction cup which can be displaceable fixed to a surface such as a wall.

Figures 3A and 3B show two different embodiments of the cover 4 wherein Figure 3A shows the cover 4 representing a baseball and Figure 38 shows the cover representing a football.

Figures 4A and 48 show the first part 1 wherein the leash 3 is partially extended through an opening 6 on the cover 4.

The distal end of the leash 3 includes a hook 13 that in use connects with the second part 2 so as to secure the lease 3 and thereby enabling the lid 100 and or seat 101 to be secured in an open position.

Figure 5 shows various embodiments of the second part 2. The second part 2 in use is fixed to the moveable part of the lavatory 200. The first part us connected to the second part 2 by means of the leash so as to secure the moveable part of the lavatory. * * S

* The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated * *.*e* * that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. ** S.

* With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the pads of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. * * . * * * *

*..**. * *

S..... * . * .. * * . **. ** . S 54 * *4

Claims

Claims 1. A restroom stay for staying movement of a moveable portion of a lavatory relative to a lavatory pan, said portion moveable between a first closed position and a second open position; wherein the stay comprises: a first part arranged to be mounted remote to the moveable portion by a mount mechanism for fixing the position of the first part relative to the lavatory pan, and a second part configured to be secured on the moveable portion of the lavatory; said parts being connected to one another by a retractable leash for resisting movement of the moveable portion of the lavatory when the second part is secured to the moveable portion.
2. A restroom stay according to claim 1 wherein the mount mechanism of the first part is arranged to be displaceable fixed relative to the lavatory pan.
3. A restroom stay according to claim 2 wherein the mount mechanism comprises a suction cup for fixing the first part at any one of a plurality of locations.
4. A restroom stay according to claim I wherein the mount mechanism comprises an adhesive.
5. A restroom stay according to any preceding claim, wherein the first part comprises a base including said mount mechanism and a cover detachably secured to the base to allow removal of the cover from the base for access to components of the first part or for replacing one said cover with a different said cover.

*....: 30
6. A restroom stay according to claim 5, wherein the cover is fixed to the base by one or more of at least one clip, a twist mechanism, push fitting, friction fitting, magnetic means or hook and loop means.
7. A restroom stay according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part comprises a securing means for securing the second part to the moveable portion of the lavatory.
8. A restroom stay according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part includes an anchor to allow connection of the first part to the second part by a user.
9. A restroom stay according to any preceding claim wherein a catch is provided on an end portion of the leash distal from the first part and is extendable away from the first part.
10. A restroom stay according to claim 9 wherein said leash is provided on a sprung bobbin for biasing said connection and when connected holding the moveable portion of the lavatory towards the first part.
11. A restroom stay according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 1 5 leash is automatically retracted when the connection is not connected to the moveable portion of the lavatory.
12. A restroom stay according to claim 5 or any claim dependent on claim 5, comprising a plurality of said covers, wherein one said cover is interchangeable with another of said covers.
13. A restroom stay according to claim 5 or any claim dependent on claim 5, wherein the cover includes an opening through which the leash extends.
14. A restroom stay substantially as herein described and/or as shown in the figures.
15.A vehicle comprising: a restroom (or head) having a lavatory, the lavatory comprising a lavatory pan and a lavatory seat or lid moveable relative to the lavatory pan, and a restroom stay as claimed in any one of the preceding claims for staying movement of the lavatory seat and/or lid during movement of the vehicle.S
16. A lavatory comprising: a lavatory pan and a lavatory seat or lid moveable relative to the lavatory pan, and a restroom stay as claimed in any one of the claims I to 14 for staying movement of the lavatory seat and/or lid during movement of the vehicle.