WO2006002256A2

WO2006002256A2 - Self-contained sanitary system

Info

Publication number: WO2006002256A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/022095
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Wissinger; Mark D. Good
Original assignee: Thetford Corporation
Priority date: 2004-06-23
Filing date: 2005-06-22
Publication date: 2006-01-05
Also published as: WO2006002256A3

Abstract

A self-contained sanitary system includes a stand alone structure carrying a toilet with a flush tank for storing a source of flush water. The system further includes a holding tank. The holding tank is removably associated with the toilet.

Description

SELF-CONTAINEDSANITARYSYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the . benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/582,327 and 60/582,328, both filed on June 23, 2004. The disclosure of U. S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/582,327 and 60/582,328 are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to sanitary systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a self-contained sanitary system having a removable holding tank.

BACKGROUND [0003] United States Patent Nos. 4,776,631 ; 4,892,349; 5,031 ,249; 5,318,275; and 6,189,161 , all owned by the assignee of this application, show various examples of self-contained toilet systems of the type including a waste receptacle having a downwardly directed outlet opening and a storage compartment defined and located below the outlet opening along with a waste holding tank removably disposed within the storage compartment. These systems enable a user to remove the holding tank from the system. United States Patent Nos. 4,776,631 ; 4,892,349; 5,031 ,249; 5,318,275; and 6,189,161 are each incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. [0004] Waste disposal systems utilizing a removable holding tank are generally known. For example, waste disposal systems utilizing a removable holding tank have been in extensive use in vehicles such as recreational vehicles ("RVs" in the United States and "Caravans" in Europe) for a number of years. These systems, such as those described in United States Patent Nos. 5,776,631 ; 4,892,349; 5,031 ,249; 5,318,275; and 6,189,161 , have proven to be effective and convenient, and have resultantly become popular in the marketplace. [0005] It remains a need in the area of waste transfer to provide a stand alone waste transfer arrangement having a removable holding tank that provides improved accessibility and functionality for mobility limited users.

SUMMARY [0006] In one form, the present invention provides a self-contained sanitary system including a stand alone bench, a toilet and a removable holding tank. The stand alone bench defines a storage area. The toilet is carried by the housing and has a bowl with a discharge. The removable holding tank is removably positionable with the storage area. [0007] In another form, the present invention provides a self-contained sanitary system including a stand alone bench and a toilet. The toilet is carried by the bench. The bench includes a load bearing frame and a plastic housing. [0008] In another form, the present invention provides a self-contained sanitary system including a stand alone bench carrying a toilet. The bench defines a storage chamber. The system further includes a holding tank removably associated with the toilet when positioned in the storage chamber. The bench includes a load bearing frame and a plastic housing. In yet another form, the present invention provides a self-contained sanitary system including a stand-alone structure in the form of a chair. The system further includes a storage chamber defined by the chair. A portable toilet is received in the storage chamber. [0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a self-contained sanitary system constructed in accordance with the teachings of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0012] Figure 2 is a front view of the self-contained sanitary system of the present invention. [0013] Figure 3 is a side view of the self-contained sanitary system of the present invention. [0014] Figure 4 is a rear view of the self-contained sanitary system of the present invention. [0015] Figure 5 is a top view of the self-contained sanitary system of the present invention. [0016] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the self-contained sanitary system of the present invention. [0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the frame and bracing members of the self-contained sanitary system of the present invention. [0018] Figure 8 is an enlarged and exploded view illustrating the interconnection between the tubular components of the frame. [0019] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken through the inner bench portion, the base member, the toilet and the removable holding tank. [0020] Figure 10 is an enlarged detailed view further illustrating the area A of Figure 9. [0021] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the holding tank of the self- contained sanitary system of the present invention shown removed from the bench for purposes of illustration. [0022] Figure 12 is a top view of the holding tank of Figure 11. [0023] Figure 13 is another perspective view of the holding tank of Figure 11 , illustrated with a closure plate translated to an open position. [0024] Figure 14 is a side view of the holding tank of Figure11 , illustrated with a handle of the holding tank extended and the holding tank oriented for transportation. [0025] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a. base of the self-contained sanitary system for a motor vehicle of the present invention. [0026] Figure 16 is a bottom view of the holding tank. [0027] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a self-contained sanitary system constructed in accordance with the teachings of another embodiment of the present invention, a padded seat portion partially articulated up to a toilet mode. [0028] Figure 18 is a perspective view similar to Figure 17, illustrating the padded seat portion articulated down to a chair mode. [0029] Figures 19A and 19B are additional perspective views of the self-contained sanitary system of Figure 17, the padded seat portion articulated partially up in Figure 19A and completely up in Figure 19B to a toilet mode, a first storage compartment door open in Figure 19A for access to toilet paper and cleaner area, and a second storage compartment door open partially in Figure 19A and fully in Figure 19B to provide access to a portable toilet. [0030] Figure 20 is another perspective view of the self-contained sanitary system of Figure 17, the system shown being transported by a user. [0031] Figure 21 is an exploded view of the self-contained sanitary system of Figure 17. [0032] Figure 22 is a partially exploded perspective view of another self-contained sanitary system constructed in accordance with the teachings of an embodiment of the present invention. [0033] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the self-contained sanitary system of Figure 22. [0034] Figure 24 another perspective view of the self-contained sanitary system of Figure 22. [0035] Figure 25 is a perspective view of another self-contained sanitary system constructed in accordance with the teachings of an embodiment of the present invention. [0036] Figure 26 is another perspective view of the self-contained sanitary system of Figure 25. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0037] The following description of the embociiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. [0038] With initial reference to Figures 1-16 of the drawings, a self- contained sanitary system according to principles of the invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 10. The self-contained sanitary system 10 is generally shown to include a stand-alone structure. The stand¬ alone structure may be in the form of a bench or bench section 12. The system 10 further includes a base member 14, a holding tank 16 and a toilet 18. As will become more apparent below, the holding tank 16 may be removably stowed between the bench section 12 and the base member 14 in a stowage compartment 20 (see Figure 9, for example). In this stowed position, the holding tank 16 may be removably positioned in fluid communication with the toilet 18. [0039] The bench 12 may be a stand alone structure. In certain embodiments, the bench 12 may include an outer bench portion 22 and an inner bench portion 24. The inner bench portion 24 may cooperate with the toilet 18 to define a subassembly that is received by the outer bench portion 22. The outer bench portion 22 may include a housing 26 and a frame 28. [0040] In certain embodiments, the bench section 12 of the sanitary system 10 may be elongated in a lateral direction and include two lateral sides 30. As shown particularly in Figures 1 and 3, at least one of the lateral sides 30 may be provided with an access door 32. In certain applications, it may be desirable to provide both lateral sides 30 with an access door 32 for purposes of flexibility. The access door 32 provides access to the storage area 20 for insertion and removal of the holding tank 16. [0041] The access door 32 will be understood to be secured to the bench 12 with hinge and a latch (not specifically shown) or other conventional structure. As a result, the access door 32 is moveable between open (not specifically shown) and closed positions. A handle 34 may be provided to facilitate grasping of the door 32. [0042] Insofar as the bench section 12 is described to be elongated in a lateral direction and include lateral sides 30, such terminology and any related terminology directed to orientation or direction is simply for convenience in description and is not to be construed in a limiting sense affecting the scope of the present invention. Indeed, it is entirely possible that the bench section 12 could be alternatively configured and that insertion and removal of the holding tank 16 could be accomplished in a direction perpendicular to the direction shown and described. For example, in certain applications it may be desirable to provide an access door provided in a rear side of the bench 12. [0043] With particular reference to the perspective view of Figure 7, the frame 28 of the bench section 12 is illustrated removed from the remainder of the sanitary system 10. In certain embodiments, the frame 28 may be constructed of tubular steel and define a closed loop. As illustrated, the frame 28 may be constructed of a minimal number of total components and a minimal number of distinct components. In certain applications, the frame 28 may be constructed to include four components. These components may include front and rear lower components 36 and 38 and left and right upper components 40 and 42. To reduce the number of distinct components of the sanitary system 10, it will be understood that the front and rear lower components 36 and 38 may be substantially identical. Both of the front and rear lower components may include a pair of upwardly extending segments 44 and 46 and a laterally extending segment 48. The respective upwardly 'extending segments 44 and 46 are connected to the laterally extending segment 48 through foot portions 50. The laterally extending segments 48 are raised from the foot portions 50 and function to support the base member 14. [0044] The left and right upper components 40 and 42 of the frame 28 are similarly constructed in an identical fashion for purposes of reducing distinct parts of the system 10. Both of the left and right upper components 40 and 42 of the frame 28 may include a pair of downwardly extending segments 52 and 54. The downwardly extending segments 52 and 54 may be connected by an intermediate portion 56. The intermediate portion 56 may extend in a fore and aft direction relative to the system 10 and provide handle structures positioned above the bench 12 for supporting the user. [0045] With particular reference to the exploded view of Figure 8, the downwardly extending segments 52 of the left and right upper components 40 and 42 of the frame 28 may be constructed to include a reduced diameter portion 58 that is telescopically received within an associated one of the upwardly extending segments 44 or 46 of the front and rear lower components 36 and 38 of the frame 28. Such an arrangement provides quick and removable connection of the components of the frame 28. The components of the frame 28 may be removably secured to one another with a fastener 60 such as a quick release pin, screw or other known structure adapted to cooperate with aligning holes 60 and 64 of the frame 28. [0046] With continued reference to Figure 7, the frame 28 may be structurally reinforced with one or more structural members or braces 66. In certain embodiments, the frame 28 may be structurally reinforced with a pair of braces 66. A first of the braces 66 may laterally extend between the upwardly extending segments 44 and 46 of the front lower portion 36 of the frame 28. A second brace 66, which may be substantially identically constructed, may extend between the upwardly extending segments 44 and 46 of the rear lower component 38 of the frame 28. The braces 66 may be secured to the frame 28 with screws 68 or other conventional hardware. Alternatively, in certain applications, it may be desirable to weld or otherwise permanently secure the braces 66 to the frame 28. In certain embodiments, the braces 66 may be constructed of steel stampings. In certain applications, it may be desirable to further incorporate a fore and aft extending brace 70 for supporting the intermediate segments 48 of the front and rear lower components 36 and 38 of the frame 28. [0047] The base member 14 is shown particularly in Figure 14. It will be understood that a lowest part of the base member 14 may disposed and supported on the frame 28. The base member 14 may include a horizontal wall portion 72 disposed on the frame 28 so that this horizontal wall portion 72 is disposed at a level above the floor. Two pans 74 and 76 may be formed in base member 14. The pans 74 and 76 may be identical and symmetrically disposed on either side of the center of wall portion 72. These pans 74 and 76 may have a depth corresponding to the distance of horizontal wall portion 72 above the floor so that the bottoms of the pans 74 and 76 are disposed against the floor. The pans 74 and 76 provide a place for the stowage of chemical containers. These chemical containers may be deodorants or the like which are introduced into the holding tank 18. Typically, these chemicals are added after the holding tank 18 has been dumped, rinsed, and filled with a small amount of water. Therefore, when the tank 18 is brought back to the system 10 in such a condition, the chemicals can be introduced. The containers for the chemicals may then be closed and placed back into the pans 74 and 76 in the base member 14. Then the holding tank 18 is reinstalled in the stowage compartment 20. The tubular frame 28 relieves the load of the tank 18 from these pan structures 74 and 76, thereby permitting the base member 72 to be formed as a plastic part by injection molding. The tank 18 is similarly constructed of a suitable plastic material having a reasonably low coefficient of friction so that the tank 18 can be slid into and out of the stowage compartment 20. [0048] The bench 12 carries the toilet 18 (see Figure 7, for example). The toilet 18 defines a bowl 78. An associated seat 80 and cover 82 may be hingedly mounted in a conventional manner on the bench 12 adjacent the rear of the bowl 78 for swinging motion about an axis 84 between up and down positions. [0049] The bench 12 may include a flush water storage chamber or tank 86 which surrounds bowl 78. This chamber 86 contains a supply of fresh water for use in flushing of the bowl 78. Operation of the toilet 18 may be electronically or mechanically controlled. The particular manner of control is beyond the scope of the present invention. [0050] The holding tank 16 may have a generally overall rectangular shape with a top wall 110, a sidewall 112, and a bottom wall 114. The top wall 110 may contain a central dome which has a circular opening 116 (see Figure 11) which is opened and closed by a valve blade 118 within the tank 16. When the tank 16 is stowed within the stowage compartment 20, the opening 118 registers in a sealed manner with the outlet from bowl 78, and the blade 118 controls the passage from the bowl 78 into the holding tank 16. The holding tank opening 116 automatically connect to and disconnects from the toilet bowl outlet in response to movement of the holding tank 16 into and out of the stowage compartment 20. [0051] The holding tank 16 may be provided with a pair of rails 120. The rails 120 may slidably receive a closure plate 122. The closure plate 122 may translate between open and closed positions. The rails 120 may cooperate with a structure of the toilet 80 for mechanically aligning the toilet 18 with the tank 16. More details concerning this aspect of the holding tank 54 are provided in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,776,631 referenced above. [0052] The blade 118 may be operated between an open and a closed position from a knob through a coupling mechanism, for example. A portion of this coupling mechanism that is an actuating member may be disposed on the bench 12. A cooperating portion of the coupling mechanism may be carried by the holding tank 16. The portion of the mechanism carried by the holding tank 16 may include an actuated member 130 disposed on the top wall of the holding tank 16 when the holding tank 16 is in the stowed position. In the tank's stowed position, the actuating and the actuated members may be operatively connected in a driving relationship whereby motion of the actuating member imparts rotary motion to the actuated member 130 which in turn operates the blade 118. Further details concerning the operation of the blade 118 of the system 10 are generally beyond the scope of the present invention and are sufficiently described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,776,631 referenced above. [0053] The holding tank 16 may include a body fabricated from an upper plastic part 102 and a lower plastic part 104. The parts 102 and 104 may be joined together in a sealed manner around a continuous seam 106. In certain embodiments, the parts 102 and 104 may be Ema-welded. The upper plastic part 102 may contain the top wall 110 and an adjacent marginal portion of the sidewall 112. The lower plastic part 104 may contain the remainder of sidewall 1 12 and the entirety of the bottom wall 114. The size and capacity of holding tank 16 are such that it can hold a meaningful amount of waste so that frequent emptying of the tank can be avoided, yet not so large that the tank is overly difficult to remove, transport, and dump by an average adult even if full. In one particular application, the holding tank 16 may have a capacity of approximately 4 to 5 U.S. gallons. [0054] The holding tank 16 may also include a rotatable pourspout 132 mounted in a hole (not particularly shown) in the top wall 119. The pourspout 132 may include a keyed and sealed engagement with the hole to maintain sealing contact between the spout 132 and the holding tank 16 for all positions of rotation about the axis of the hole, and to prevent separation of the pourspout 132 from the holding tank 16 for all positions of rotation. The pourspout 132 may be rotatable between a stowed position and an extended position. In the stowed position, the pourspout 132 may overlie a portion of the top wall 119. An end of the spout 132 may be closed by a removable closure cap 134. [0055] While the capacity of the tank 16 may generally be transported by manual lifting and carrying, certain applications of the present invention may include a pair of wheels 140 and a retractable handle 142 to improve handling of the tank 16. The wheels 140 and the handle 142 cooperate to allow the user to pull the holding tank 16. In this manner, the weight of the holding tank 16 need only be balanced over the wheels 140 as the user pulls the holding tank 16 from the system 10 to a sewage site. [0056] The retractable handle 142 is perhaps best shown in Figures 14 and 16. The handle 142 is shown in an extended position in Figure 14. The handle 142 is shown in a retracted or stowed position in Figure 16. These features not only provide function advantages, they are designed in an efficient manner that does not adversely effect the holding capacity of the tank 16 or the other functional requirements of the system 10. [0057] The wheels 140 may be mounted to the holding tank 16 for rotation about a common axis 146. As shown in Figure 14, the wheels 140 may be sized and positioned so not to forwardly extend beyond the front end of the holding tank 16 and not to downwardly extend beyond a bottom surface of the holding tank 16. Furthermore, the wheels 140 may be sized and positioned so not to laterally extend beyond the lateral sides of the holding tank 16. As shown, the wheels 140 may be positioned in recesses 148 defined in the sidewall of the holding tank 16. In this manner, the wheels 140 do not interfere with insert into or removal from the holding tank 16 from the stowage compartment 20. Additionally, the wheels 140 only negligible impact the holding capacity of the holding tank 16. [0058] Each of the wheels 140 may be connected to the housing of the holding tank 16 through an axle mounting portion 154. The axle mounting portion 154 may be nonrotatably received within a slot 156 integrally defined by the holding tank 16. The axle mounting portion 154 may rotatably couple to an axle segment 158 which couples with the associated wheel 140. The wheels 140 and their associated interconnection to the holding tank 16 may be designed such that failure will not cause a rupture of the cavity defined by the holding 16. [0059] The handle 142 may include two pairs of telescoping members 150 connected by a grab portion 152. The telescoping members 150, in the handle's retracted position, may be disposed in channels defined by the holding tank 16. In this manner, the telescoping members 150 do not extend below the bottom surface of the holding tank 16 and thereby do not interfere with a sliding interaction otherwise provided between the bottom of the holding tank 16 and the base member. Further in the retracted position, the grab portion 152 does not extend beyond the end of the holding tank. [0060] Turning to Figures 17 through 21 , another embodiment of a self-contained sanitary system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference character 210. It will be understood that the embodiment of the system 200 is shown throughout the drawings with minor differences between the views for purposes of illustrating alternative structure. This alternative structure, as well as other known structure, should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The self-contained sanitary system 200 may generally include a portable toilet 212 and a stand-alone structure to accommodate the portable toilet 212. The stand-alone structure may be in the form of a chair 214. [0061] Insofar as the present invention is concerned, it will be understood that the portable toilet 212 is conventional in construction and operation. One suitable portable toilet 212 is commercially available from the assignee of this application under the trademark PORTA-POTTI®. This particular product includes a source of flush water and is battery powered to control flushing. This product further includes a waste holding tank. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to any particular toilet. In this regard, the system 200 may alternatively a removable holding tank such as that described above. [0062] It will be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art that the chair 214 may be constructed to conventional function as a chair for purposes of sitting and to look like a chair. In the embodiment illustrated, the chair 214 is illustrated as a sitting chair having an upright seatback. The present invention is not limited to any particular style of chair. The self-contained sanitary system 200 may be operative in a chair mode. The chair mode is conventionally used for sitting and otherwise used to conceal the toilet 212. The chair mode is shown, for example, in Figure 18. The self-contained sanitary system 200 may also be operative in a toilet mode. The toilet mode is shown, for example, in Figure 19B. [0063] The chair 214 may include a base 216, a pair of arms 218, a back 220, and a padded seat portion 222. The padded seat portion 222 may be movable between a first or down position (shown in Figure 18, for example) and a second or up position (shown in Figure 19B, for example). When the padded seat portion 222 is in the first position, the self-contained sanitary system 200 operates in a chair mode. When the padded seat portion 222 is in the second position, the self-contained sanitary system 200 may operate in a toilet mode. As perhaps shown most clearly in the exploded view of Figure 21 , the padded seat portion 222 may be attached to the base 216 of the chair 214 with a pair of hinges 224 and may rotate between the first and second positions. [0064] When the padded seat portion 222 is articulated to the up position (e.g., as shown in Figure 19B), the toilet 214 is exposed for use. An upper sitting panel 223 may be provided which is secured to the base 216 with a plurality of fasteners. Alternatively, access may be directly provided to the upper surface of the toilet 212. The upper sitting panel 223 may simply be a flat panel with an aperture or may be contoured and/or padded in a conventional manner for comfort. The padded seat portion 222 may carry a gasket (not particularly shown) on an underside for sealing with the toilet seat 212 when the padded seat portion 222 is rotated to its down position. In this manner, the padded seat portion 222 may function to contain odor. [0065] The base 216 of the chair 214 defines a chamber 232 for receiving the portable toilet 212. A door 234 provides access to the chamber 232. As shown in Figure 19B, for example, the door 234 may articulate about a vertically extending axis between open and closed positions for providing access to the portable toilet 212. The door 234 may alternatively articulate about a horizontal axis. As perhaps shown most clearly in the exploded view of Figure 21 , the door 234 may be pivotally connected to the base 216 through a hinge structure 235. Alternatively, the door 234 may simply be removably secured to the base 216. [0066] The chair 214 may additional include a support panel 237. The support panel 237 may be secured to the base 216 of the chair 214 with a plurality of fasteners. The support panel 237 may define a recess 239 sized to slidably receive the toilet 212. The support panel 237 may be constructed of a low co-efficient of friction material, such as a suitable plastic material, to facilitate sliding of the toilet 212 into and out of the storage chamber 232. [0067] At least one of the arms 218 of the chair 214 may be movable to a lowered position (as shown in Figure 19A, for example). In certain applications, both arms 218 may be movable to a lowered position. In this regard, the arm 218 may be coupled to the base 216 of the chair 214 for rotation about a pivot axis 215, as shown in the exploded view of Figure 215. Alternatively, the arms 218 may be mounted to the chair 214 for movement about a pivot axis that extends in a fore and aft direction (as shown in figure 19B). Lowering of the arm 218 provides for sliding access to the self-contained sanitary system 200 from an adjacent wheelchair or bed. [0068] The chair 214 may include a second door 239 for providing access to a compartment 238. The compartment 238 may be used for retaining supplies such as toilet paper and cleaner, for example. The door 239 may receive a toilet paper mounting structure 241 (see Figure 21 ). Alternatively, toilet paper 243 may be accessible through a cut-out portion 245 of the panel 223 (see Figure 19B). The door 239 may be conventionally mounting to the base 216 of the chair 214 for movement between an open position and a closed position. As shown in Figure 21 , the door 239 may be mounted to the base 216 of the chair 214 through conventional mounting structure 247. In certain applications, it may be desirable to provide a similar door on the opposite side of the base 216 to that shown in the drawings. . [0069] The base 216 of the chair 214 are provided with controls 244 for the portable toilet 212. In this regard, the base 216 includes controls 244 for electric water and flush control. The controls 244 may be mounted on the panel 223 and may be wired to a connector 249 (see Figure 21 ) mounted to the chair 214 such that the portable toilet 212 automatically docks to the connector upon insertion into the storage chamber 232. Alternatively, access can be directly provided to controls carried directly by the toilet 212. [0070] To use the self-contained sanitary system 200 of the present invention, the user or caregiver would raise the padded seat portion 222 and partially fill the bowl of the portable toilet 212 with water by pressing a first button on controls 244 to actuate an electric pump (not shown). It will be noted that the back of the chair 214 may be designed to house a battery. After use, a flush portion of the control 244 may be actuated. When the holding tank of the portable toilet 212 is full, the front panel 234 of the chair 214 can be lowered or otherwise opened. The portable toilet 212 may then be pulled out of the chair 214 and taken to a bathroom where the holding tank would be separated and emptied in to a toilet and the fresh water tank would be filled. The portable toilet 212 is then returned to the chair 214 and replaced in the compartment 232 under the padded seat portion 222. [0071] The chair 214 may be provided with casters 252 (see Figure 20), or wheels, or other known structure to facilitate movement of the system 200. The casters 252 may be mounted to the rear legs of the chair 214. In this manner, and as shown in Figure 20, the chair 214 can be transported by tilting the chair 214 backwards such that the weight of the chair 214 is balanced over the casters 252. [0072] Turning to Figures 22 through 24, another self-contained sanitary system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated and identified at reference character 300. The waste transfer system 300 is shown to generally include a chair 302 incorporating a toilet 304 and a waste holding tank 316. Insofar as the present invention is concerned, it will be understood that the waste holding tank 306 is conventional in construction and operation. One suitable waste holding tank 306 is commercially available from the assignee of this application under the trademark CASSETTE®. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to any particular waste holding. The chair 302 may be adapted in a manner known in the art to couple with the removable holding tank 306 for receiving waste from the toilet 304. The chair 302 may include a chamber (not shown) for storage a source of flush water. [0073] The self-contained sanitary system 300 provides an improved portable sanitation system that incorporates a self-contained water delivery and waste containment system. Certain embodiments may include other features such fluid level indication, filtered ventilation and optimizations for waste disposal by way of a removable holding. The holding tank 306 may couple to the toilet 304 in a manner shown and described in one or of the commonly assigned patents incorporated above by reference, for example. In this manner, the holding tank 306 may be removed for emptying. [0074] The chair 302 is illustrated to include adjustable push/assist handles 310, a backrest 312, and an adjustable hip replacement type seat 314. A wheeled body allows the unit to be mobile and easily maneuverable. The waste transfer arrangement 300 includes a fresh water supply tanks for providing a source of flush water to the toilet. A manual or electromechanical mechanism may be used to operate the flushing and filling of the toilet bowl. The removable waste water holding tank 306 allows the unit to be emptied of waste by pulling it out of the chair 102 and disposing of the waste in a standard toilet or approved container. [0075] Turning to Figures 25 and 26, another self-contained sanitation system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated and identified at reference character 400. The sanitation system 400 will be understood to be similar to the system 300 described above. The sanitation system 400 will be understood to be specifically adapted for waste disposal via a sanitary/sewer coupling for remote tank evacuation. [0076] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A self-contained sanitary system, the system comprising: a stand alone bench defining a storage area; a toilet carried by the housing, the toilet having a bowl with a discharge; and a removable holding tank removably positionable within the storage area.

2. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 1 , wherein the bench includes a housing, the housing having at least one side carrying a door, the door operative to provide access to the storage area for insertion and removal of the holding tank.

3. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 1 , wherein the bench includes a load bearing tubular frame for supporting the removable holding tank.

4. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 1 , wherein the load bearing tubular frame defines a closed loop.

5. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 1 , wherein the load bearing tubular frame includes a pair of handle portions oriented generally horizontal.

6. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 5, wherein the tubular frame further includes a plurality of feet.

7. A self-contained sanitary system, the system comprising: a stand alone bench; a toilet carried by the bench; wherein the bench includes a load bearing frame and a plastic housing.

8. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 7, wherein the load bearing frame integrally includes a pair of support handles.

9. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 8, wherein the pair of support handles are oriented generally horizontal and positioned above an upper surface of the housing.

10. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 7, wherein the frame is constructed of tubular steel.

11. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 7, wherein the frame is constructed of a closed loop of a tubular material.

12. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 7, wherein the frame includes a plurality of discrete tubular components connected to one another.

13. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 12, wherein the plurality of discrete tubular components includes four or less components.

14. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 11 , wherein the plurality of discrete tubular components includes no more than two distinct tubular components.

15. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 12, wherein the frame includes at least one lower component defining at least two foot portions.

16. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 15, wherein the frame includes a pair of handles removable connected to the at least one lower component.

17. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 12, wherein the frame includes at least one lower component including a pair of upwardly extending segments and further comprising a brace member interconnecting the upwardly extending segments.

18. A self-contained sanitary system, the system comprising: a stand alone bench carrying a toilet, the bench defining a storage chamber; and a holding tank removably associated with the toilet when positioned in the storage chamber; wherein the bench includes a load bearing frame and a plastic housing.

19. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 18, wherein the frame is constructed of tubular steel.

20. The self-contained sanitary system of Claim 16, wherein the frame is constructed of a closed loop of a tubular material.

21. A self-contained sanitary system, the system comprising: a stand-alone structure in the form of a chair; a storage chamber defined by the chair; and a portable toilet received in the storage chamber.