GB2567933A - Improvements to a portable toilet and lifting frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A lifting frame 10 suitable for use with a portable toilet 50, the frame comprising a base 12 with opposing first and second edges. At least an upwardly extending first bar 14-17 is mounted at a first end to the upper surface of the base, wherein the first bar is mounted at the first or second edge of said base. At least a first circumferentially arrayed support 18 is attached to the upwardly extending bar or bars. The circumferentially arrayed support defining an area suitable for insertion of a portable toilet. A top frame 20 is detachably secured to the free ends of the upwardly extending bar or bars. The top frame incorporating at least a first bracket attachment 22 suitable for attachment to lifting machinery 27. A later embodiment relates to a toilet seat having a sealing ring between a lid portion and the seat portion whereby when the lid is closed, fluid cannot exit through the toilet seat.

Description

Improvements to a Portable Toilet and Lifting Frame

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a portable toilet and lifting frame system and device.

Background to the Invention

Portable toilets have become an essential and ever present feature in a variety of sites and locations where basic sanitation facilities are lacking, such as building sites, festivals, oil rigs and wind farms. By their very nature, these sites are often in remote and inaccessible locations making the transportation and installation of these toilets, logistically difficult, expensive and potentially dangerous.

Traditionally, installing portable toilets in offshore locations such as oil rigs and wind farms, has been particularly difficult and necessitates the use of shipping containers. The individual portable toilets are loaded into a shipping container and strapped into place to prevent them from moving around and potentially being damaged during transit. The containers are then lifted by crane onto a boat and transported to the desired site where they are again lifted onto site. Once there, they must be manually unpacked and installed at the desired location. The whole process is incredibly time and labour intensive and as a result very expensive. Furthermore, due to the size and comparative immobility of shipping containers, large boats are required simply to install what might be only a couple of portable toilets. The cost of renting the boat for installation often well outweighing the cost of renting the toilets themselves.

The current invention seeks to overcome this limitation, providing a lifting frame suitable for transporting individual or multiple portable toilets into a variety of sites and in particular, inaccessible sites such as oil rigs and wind farms.

In addition, once on site, toilets can be subjected to extreme conditions including accidental collisions, storms, crashing waves and powerful winds. In such conditions, it is very possible that the toilets might be knocked or tipped over. Traditional portable toilets, such as those described, feature a standard toilet seat installed above a compost or chemical tank and enclosed within a cubicle arrangement. The passage from toilet seat through to tank, where the human effluent is stored during use, is open relying on gravity for the waste to enter the tank and stay within its confines. When tipped over the contents of this tank will pour out of the open top and spread throughout the unit and likely the surrounding area. The human effluent and chemical additives used to disinfect, breakdown and deodorise waste in most portable toilets are considered potential health and safety hazards. In extreme cases, after spillage from a portable toilet, it may be deemed necessary to shut down the site whilst the spill is cleaned up.

The current invention seeks to overcome the above limitation providing a portable toilet and system resistant to spillage.

Summary of invention

According to a first broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a lifting frame suitable for use with a portable toilet, the frame comprising: a base with opposing first and second edges; at least an upwardly extending first bar mounted at a first end to the upper surface of said base, wherein the first bar is mounted at the first or second edge of said base; at least a first circumferentially arrayed support attached to said upwardly extending bar or bars, said circumferentially arrayed support defining an area suitable for insertion of a portable toilet cubicle; a top frame detachably secured to the free ends of said upwardly extending bar or bars, said top frame incorporating at least a first bracket attachment suitable for attachment to lifting machinery.

This is particularly advantageous because the frame provides a secure means of transporting a portable toilet cubicle without the need for large shipping containers and therefore large boats to transport such containers. The top frame is removable allowing the toilet cubicle to be moved into place within the frame without undue construction or alteration of the frame. The support bar circumferentially arrays the frame providing a wall to the frame and preventing the enclosed toilet cubicle from falling out. The frame has minimal structural elements and is therefore lightweight and easy to crane into location.

Preferably, the or each circumferentially arrayed support does not define a closed loop. This is particularly advantageous because it allows the toilet cubicle door to be accessed and opened whilst still within the frame. As a result the toilet cubicle does not need to be removed from the frame in order to be use, and can remain within the frame whilst on site. This increases the speed of installation and removal in addition to providing added support to the toilet whilst on site.

Preferably, the frame comprising at least a second bar mounted by a first end to the upper surface of said base, wherein said second bar is mounted at the opposite edge of said base to said first bar. This increases the strength and stability of the frame, providing a bar at either edge of the base.

Further preferably, the frame comprising at least a third bar mounted by a first end to the upper surface of said base, wherein said third bar is mounted at the opposite edge of said base to said first bar.

Optionally, the frame further incorporating links for securing adjacent lifting frames together. This is beneficial because it provides the toilet cubicles with added support and reduces the possibility of tipping over.

Preferably, said base incorporates at least a first attachment means for securing a toilet cubicle to said base. This is beneficial because it prevents the toilet cubicle from moving around within the frame during transit. This in turn makes the frame more stable and easier to situate and also stops the toilet cubicle from becoming damaged as it hits into the frame.

Optionally, the or each attachment means is a clamp. Further optionally, the or each attachment means incorporates a pivoting flange to clamp the toilet to the base. Further optionally, the or each flange pivots around the or one of said upwardly extending bars. This is advantageous because the pivoting flange arrangement is easy to attach and detach quickly and requiring minimal tools. Furthermore, the flange clamp can accommodate toilet cubicles which have a variety of shapes and sizes and therefore is not confined to one type or style of toilet cubicle.

Preferably, said base is rectangular and incorporates four upwardly extending bars mounted by their first ends to the upper surface of said base, wherein said bars are disposed at the corners of said base This configuration provides strong structural support and protects the edges of the toilet cubicle should the toilet be knocked or tips over.

According to a second broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable toilet cubicle suitable for use at a remote location, the toilet cubicle comprising: a cubicle; a toilet comprising a lid portion and a seat portion hingedly attached to a base, at least said lid portion movable from a first closed configuration parallel to said seat portion to a second open configuration perpendicular to said seat portion; a waste tank housed within said base and accessible via an aperture beneath said toilet seat, wherein said toilet seat incorporates a sealing ring between said lid portion and said seat portion, whereby when in a closed configuration fluid contained within said tank cannot exit through the toilet seat. This is particularly advantageous because should the toilet cubicle be knocked or tipped over, it prevents chemicals and human waste from spilling out of the tank into the surrounding area.

Preferably, said toilet seat further incorporates a second sealing ring between said seat portion and said base.

Preferably, a locking means secures said lid portion in a closed configuration. Optionally, said locking means is a strap in fixed attachment to said lid portion and releasably securable to said base. This is beneficial because it improves the strength of the seal and prevents the lid of the toilet from lifting away from the seat until required.

Brief Description of Figures

The invention is now described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only, one embodiment of a portable toilet and lifting frame. In the drawings:

Figures 1a and 1b are front and back perspective views of a first embodiment of a portable toilet and lifting frame in linked use; and

Figure 2 is a close up perspective view of a first embodiment of a securing means; and

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a toilet in open configuration; and

Figure 4 is a front view of a first embodiment of a toilet in closed configuration.

Detailed description

With reference to the above drawings, the following detailed description provides an understanding of the present invention. The invention discloses a spillage resistant portable toilet housed within a toilet cubicle unit and a lifting frame for installing such units at inaccessible locations such as oil rigs and wind farms. Furthermore, the proposed invention discloses a system and device for increasing the stability of the portable toilets when installed at the desired location further decreasing the possibility of spillage.

The following description refers to the lifting frame for use with the portable toilet cubicle disclosed as part of the invention. However, it should be understood that the lifting frame is designed to function with almost all portable toilet cubicles known in the art. Moreover, although the description makes specific reference to the lifting frame for use with portable toilets, it should be understood that the disclosed invention is suitable for use with all welfare units including toilets, showers, tool lofts, wide access units and first aid units.

The invention is described for use at inaccessible sites such as oil rigs and wind farms; however, it is envisaged that the invention is suitable for use at a variety of sites including festivals, building sites, parties and events.

The term toilet cubicle from herein refers to the entire unit, including the walls, base and roof of the cubicle, the waste tank, the toilet seat and any other features such as a sink and flush contained within the cubicle. The term toilet from herein refers to the lid, the seat, the hinge attachments and the sealing means attached to the lid and seat.

To provide clarity, the components of the invention which are common to each figure have retained identical numerical references throughout all figure descriptions.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a portable toilet cubicle 50 and lifting frame 10, in linked use. The toilet cubicle 50 is secured within the lifting frame 10, which in turn is hoisted by a crane (not shown). The lifting frame 10 has a rectangular base 12 with four substantially identical, upwardly extending bars 14, 15, 16, and 17 mounted to its upper surface. The bars 14 - 17 extend perpendicularly from, and in use, substantially vertically from the base 12. In a preferred embodiment, the bars 14 -17 are mounted one at each corner of the base 12. In a preferred embodiment, the base 12 is rectangular to complement the shape of the recess between the feet 52 and 54 of the toilet 50. In an alternative embodiment, the base 12 one of square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, oval, circular, or any other suitable shape. In an alternative embodiment, the frame 10 has one or two upwardly extending bars mounted to the upper surface of the base 12. In the embodiment where two upwardly extending bars are mounted to the upper surface of the base 12, the first bar is mounted at the opposing edge of the base 12 to the second bar. In the embodiment where the base 12 is circular, the term opposing edge means approximately on the opposite side of the circle.

In a further alternative embodiment, the frame 10 has three upwardly extending bars mounted to the upper surface of the base 12. A first and a second bar located at adjacent corners of the base 12 and the third bar attached to the base along the opposing edge to the first and the second bars.

At the upper end of the frame 10, distal from the base 12, a top frame 20 is detachably affixed to the free ends of the bars 14-17 respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the top frame 20 is a substantially rectangular frame with the bar attachment points disposed at the corners of the top frame 20. In a further preferred embodiment, the shape and dimensions of the top frame 20 are substantially identical to the base 12. In an alternative embodiment, the top frame 20 is a solid plate. In a further alternative embodiment, the top frame 20 is one of square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, oval, circular, or any other suitable shape. In an embodiment where the top frame 20 is not rectangular, the bars are secured to the top frame 20 forming a substantially rectangular footprint.

The top frame 20 is secured to the bars 14 -17 via an attachment means 22. In the displayed embodiment, the attachment means 22 is a bolt 23 inserted through recesses in the top frame 20 and threaded into a corresponding cavity in the top of the bars 14 -17. In use, the top frame 20 is entirely detachable from the frame 10 by unthreading the bolts 23 from the recesses in the bars 14 -17. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment means 22 is one of a catch, latch, pin or key arrangement.

Attachment padeyes 24 are fixed to the corners of the top frame 20 and extend inwards. Shackle holes 26 incorporated into the attachment padeyes 24 provide a means of attaching rigging 27 to the frame 10. The benefit of having an attachment padeye 24 at each of the corners of the top frame 20, and therefore a point of attaching rigging to each corner, increases stability of the toilet 50 during transit and installation.

A ventilation pipe 56 extends from the roof of the portable toilet 50 in order to release odours and provide gaseous exchange. In a preferred embodiment, the pipe 56 incorporates a valve (not shown) which prevent the escape of liquid from within the portable toilet to outside. This helps to prevent spillage of noxious chemicals and human effluent should the toilet 50 tip or be knocked over.

A circumferential support 18 attaches to the bars 14-17 providing structural support to the frame 10 and defining a wall, such that the toilet 50 retained within the frame 10 cannot be removed. The support 18 is substantially horizontal, extending around the circumference of the frame perpendicular to the bars. In the Figure 1b, we see the reverse view of the portable toilet 50 and lifting frame 10, in linked use. In the embodiment of Figure 1b, the support 18 does not continue between the bars 15 and 17, and therefore does not define a closed loop. This break in the support 18 defines a space which allows the door of the enclosed toilet cubicle 50 to open unhindered by the support 18.

In a preferred embodiment, the support 18, is of a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above, with the portion between bars 15 and 17 removed. The straight sides of the support 18 allow the frames to be placed in a closely packed arrangement. The corners of the support 18 are rounded to avoid sharp points which may injure or snag passing clothing. In an embodiment, the sides 19a and 19b of the support 18 incorporate links (not shown) for attaching adjacent frames to one another. By attaching adjacent frames 10 together their stability is increased and the likelihood that they will fall or be knocked over is reduced.

In an embodiment, the links are differentiated into male and female attachments such as a hook and hoop configuration. The male links attached to the side 19a of the support 18 and the female links attached to side 19b. When adjacent frames (with or without a toilet cubicle 50 enclosed) are brought into proximity, the hook is threaded though the corresponding hoop fixing the frames together.

The width of the support 18, defined as the distance between the sides 19a and 19b is longer than the width of the base 12 or the top frame 20. The length of the support 18 is substantially equal to the length of the base 12 or top frame 20. Furthermore, width of the support 18 is longer than the width of the toilet cubicle 50, whereas the width the top frame 20 is shorter than the width of the toilet cubicle 50. As a result, a toilet cubicle 50 can move within the circumference of the support 18 but is unable to pass through the top frame 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the support 18 is equidistant from the base 12 and the top frame 20, providing optimal structural support for the frame 10. In an alternative embodiment, the support 18 is located closer to the top or the bottom of the frame 10. In a further alternative embodiment, the frame 10 incorporates a plurality of supports 18 distributed along its length from the base 12 to the top frame 20 to provide additional structural strength if required by the conditions. The supports can be evenly distributed along the length of the frame 10 or alternatively focussed to certain areas which may experience increased stress.

In a preferred embodiment, the base 12 of the frame 10 is a rectangular plate. In an alternative embodiment, the base 12 is one of square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, oval, circular, or any other suitable shape. In an embodiment where the base is not rectangular, the bars are mounted to the base 12 forming a substantially rectangular footprint. In a further alternative embodiment, the base 12 is a frame or mesh arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment, the base 12 incorporates a securing means 28 for securing a toilet cubicle 50 housed within the lifting frame 10. The securing means 28 prevents the toilet cubicle 50 from moving around within the frame 10 during transit and installation and potentially becoming damaged. Furthermore, by securing the toilet cubicle 50 to the frame 10, should the toilet cubicle fall over, the support 18 will take the impact of the fall and the toilet cubicle 50 will not be damaged. In a preferred embodiment, the frame 10 provides a securing means 28 at each corner of the base 12.

Figure 2 shows a close up of a first embodiment of a securing means in use with a toilet cubicle 50. In the first embodiment, the securing means 28 is a clamp. The flange 30 is rotateably attached to the bar 16. A securing bolt 32 is inserted up though an aperture in the base 12, through the flange 30 and into a corresponding threaded cavity in the bar 16. Tightening the bolt 32 pulls the base 12 and the bar 16 closer together and increases the frictional contact with the flange 30, which in turn stops it from pivoting. During installation, the securing bolt 32 is loosened such that the flange can be pivoted to extend towards the bar 14. The toilet cubicle 50 can then be lowered into position within the frame 10. The elongate feet 52 of the toilet cubicle 50 extend along the sides of the base

12. The flange 30 is pivoted so that its lower surface is resting on the upper surface of the foot 52. The securing bolt 32 is then tightened, pulling the base 12 and the bar 14 together, securing the flange 30, and locking the toilet cubicle 50 in place.

In an alternative embodiment, the securing means 28 clamps or otherwise secures the toilet to the frame. In an embodiment, the securing means 28 is one of a hook, latch, straps, bolts or close frictional fit.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame 10 is made from a metallic material such as steel. In a further preferred embodiment, the frame 10 is made from a metallic material coated to resist rust and other damage caused by the weather and environmental factors which may weaken the structure. To provide a lighter frame, aluminium can be used for some of the components. In an alternative embodiment, the frame 10 is made from one of wood, glass, plastics, Perspex (RTM), resin, rubber, stone or synthetic material.

In use, in order to prepare a toilet cubicle 50 for transportation and installation, it must first be secured within the frame 10. The first stage is to remove the top frame 20. The bolts 23 are removed from their respective recesses in the tops of the bars 14-17 and the top frame 20 is lifted away. The toilet cubicle 50 is lifted above the support bar 18 and arranged between the bars, such that bars 15 and 17 are proximal to the door of the toilet. The toilet is lowered towards the base 12, within the support 18. The feet 52 of the toilet cubicle 50 are arranged wither side of the base 12 and the securing means is clamped to the toilet cubicle 50 as described above. The top frame 20 is returned to its original location and the bolts 23 tightened to secure the top onto the frame 10. The toilet cubicle 50 is secure within the frame 10 and suitable for transportation and installation. A crane or similar machine is used to attach to the rigging and move the toilet to the desired site location.

When in the desired location on site, the toilet cubicle 50 does not need to be removed from the frame 10 in order to be used. In a preferred embodiment, the frame 10 allows access to the toilet cubicle 50, by providing a break in the support 18 allowing access to the door, whilst providing additional support and protection to the toilet cubicle 50. Furthermore, when it is time for the toilet to be removed from site, to have the frame 10 still attached saves on time and causes the least disruption to the site.

Figures 3 and 4 shows a first embodiment of a toilet 60 in, respectively, an open and closed configuration for use in a portable toilet cubicle 50. The toilet 60 has a traditional configuration with the lid 61 attached to the seat 62 via a hinge 63. A ring 68 is affixed to the underside 71 of the lid 61. In a preferred embodiment the ring 68 is made from a natural or synthetic rubber material or a rubberised or rubber coated material suitable for forming a seal. In a further preferred embodiment, the ring 68 is made from neoprene.

The upper surface 64 of the seat 62 is planar. In use, when the lid 61 is moved towards the closed configuration proximal to the seat 62, the ring 68 makes contact with the upper surface 64 of the seat 62 forming a seal. The planar upper surface 64 is unusual for toilet seats which traditionally incorporate a concave profile for the user's comfort. However, the planar upper surface 64 is beneficial because to provides an optimal seal with the ring 68.

In an embodiment, the toilet 60 further incorporates stops 74 attached to the underside of the lid 61. The stops 74 are rigid and prevent the ring 68 from deforming beyond a set amount should a user sit on the closed lid 61.

Figure 4 shows the first embodiment of the toilet 60 from front on and in closed configuration. A second ring 69, identical to the first ring 68 in composition and configuration, is affixed to the underside 65 of the seat 62. When closed, the ring 69 is in sealing contact with the base 72 of the toilet cubicle 50, which contains the waste tank (not shown).

In an embodiment, a locking means 80 is used to secure the toilet 60 into a closed configuration. In an embodiment the locking means 80 is a strap. The strap 80 is attached to the lid 61 and a buckle 82 is fixed to the base 72 of the toilet cubicle 50. After closing the toilet lid 61, the free end of the strap 80 is threaded through the buckle 82, and tightened. The pressure created by the strap helps to maintain the seal created by the rings 68 and 69.

In an alternative embodiment, the toilet 60 is secured into a closed configuration by a clasp, catch, latch, or any other suitable means. In a further alternative embodiment, the toilet 60 is held in a closed configuration by a electromagnets contained within the lid 61, seat 62 and base 72. The switch controlling the locking of the electromagnets may be linked to the light switch. Additionally, or alternatively, permanent magnets can be utilised to hold the lid in the closed configuration.

When in a closed configuration the rings 68 and 69 attached to the toilet 60, in concert with the strap 80, function to create a seal around the entrance to the waste tank. This has the added benefit that should the toilet tip or be knocked over, the chemicals and human effluent contained within the waste tank are unable to pass through the toilet 60 and into the main body of the toilet 60.

Claims (15)

1. A lifting frame suitable for use with a portable toilet cubicle, the frame comprising: a base with opposing first and second edges, at least an upwardly extending first bar mounted at a first end to the upper surface of said base, wherein the first bar is mounted at the first or second edge of said base, at least a first circumferentially arrayed support attached to said upwardly extending bar or bars, said circumferentially arrayed support defining an area suitable for insertion of a portable toilet, a top frame detachably secured to the free ends of said upwardly extending bar or bars, said top frame incorporating at least a first bracket attachment suitable for attachment to lifting machinery.

2. A lifting frame according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each circumferentially arrayed support does not define a closed loop.

3. A lifting frame according to claim 1 or two, comprising at least a second bar mounted by a first end to the upper surface of said base, wherein said second bar is mounted at the opposite edge of said base to said first bar.

4. A lifting frame according to claim 3, comprising at least a third bar mounted by a first end to the upper surface of said base, wherein said third bar is mounted at the opposite edge of said base to said first bar.

5. A lifting frame according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base incorporates at least a first attachment means for securing a toilet cubicle to said base.

6. A lifting frame according to any of the preceding claims, further incorporating links for securing adjacent lifting frames together.

7. A lifting frame according to claim 6, wherein the or each attachment means is a clamp.

8. A lifting frame according to either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the or each attachment means incorporates a pivoting flange to clamp the toilet cubicle to the base.

9. A lifting frame according to claim 8, wherein the or each flange pivots around the or one of said upwardly extending bars.

10. A lifting frame according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said base is rectangular and incorporates four upwardly extending bars mounted by their first ends to the upper surface of said base, wherein said bars are disposed at each corner of said base.

11. A portable toilet cubicle suitable for use at a remote location, the toilet cubicle comprising: a cubicle; a toilet within the cubicle comprising a lid portion and a seat portion hingedly attached to a base, at least said lid portion movable from a first closed position parallel to said seat portion to a second open position substantially perpendicular to said seat portion, a waste tank housed within said base and accessible via an aperture beneath said toilet seat, wherein said toilet seat incorporates a sealing ring between said lid portion and said seat portion, whereby when in a closed configuration fluid contained within said tank cannot exit through the toilet seat.

12. A portable toilet according to claim 11, wherein said toilet seat further incorporates a second sealing ring between said seat portion and said base.

13. A portable toilet according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein a locking means secures said lid portion in a closed configuration.

14. A portable toilet according to claim 13, wherein said locking means is a strap in fixed attachment to said lid portion and releasably securable to said base.

15. A portable toilet as defined in any of claims 11 -14 for use with the lifting frame of any of claims 1 to 10.