WO2012134306A1

WO2012134306A1 - Collapsible screen for a portable toilet

Info

Publication number: WO2012134306A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2012/000055
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Carter
Original assignee: William Carter
Priority date: 2011-03-29
Filing date: 2012-03-29
Publication date: 2012-10-04

Abstract

A blank (10) for a portable toilet (50) is provided. Blank (10) has sheet material including a first end (12) and a second end (14), with a plurality of side walls (16a to 16f) disposed between the ends. Each side wall (16) has a top edge (18), a foldable tab (20) having a distal edge (22) projecting from each top edge (18). A first fold line (24) joins each foldable tab (20) to the top edge (18). There is optionally a second fold line (26) in parallel, spaced relation with the first fold line (24). Two of three side walls (16) has a third fold line (32) which is substantially perpendicular to the first fold line (24). As an option, a first aperture (28) may space each foldable tab (20) from an adjacent foldable tab (20) and each foldable tab (20) may be joined to an adjacent foldable tab (20) near each distal edge (22). In another aspect, the third fold line (32) may be omitted. A collapsible portable toilet (50) made from the blank (10) is also provided.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE SCREEN FOR A PORTABLE TOILET

Technical Field

This invention relates to portable toilets. In particular, this invention relates to a portable toilet which is may be transported in a collapsed configuration and expanded before use.

Background Art

Portable toilets are desirable in many situations. Adults may desire to use a portable toilet when there is no convenient access to restroom facilities. Parents may wish to have a portable toilet available for young children, who may not have sufficient control to wait for an available restroom.

A compact portable toilet is disclosed in US Patent No. 7,996,930, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention represents one or more improvements on the portable toilet there disclosed.

Disclosure of the Invention

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a blank for a portable toilet, the blank having sheet material including: a first end and a second end; a plurality of side walls disposed between the first and second ends; a top edge on each of the side walls; a foldable tab having a distal edge projecting from each top edge; a first fold line joining each foldable tab to the top edge; a second fold line in parallel, spaced relation with the first fold line; and a first aperture spacing each foldable tab from an adjacent foldable tab; wherein each foldable tab is joined to an adjacent foldable tab near each distal edge.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a blank for a portable toilet, the blank having sheet material including: a first end and a second end; at least first, second and third side walls disposed between the first and second ends; a top edge on each of the side walls; a foldable tab having a distal edge projecting from each top edge; a first fold line joining each foldable tab to the top edge; and optionally a second fold line in parallel, spaced relation with the first fold line; wherein two of three side walls has a third fold line which is substantially perpendicular to the first fold line.

In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, there are first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth side walls between the first and second end and the second, third, fifth and sixth side walls have the third fold line. It is further preferred that the blank of the second aspect has a first aperture spacing each foldable tab from an adjacent foldable tab, and that each foldable tab is joined to an adjacent foldable tab near each distal edge.

In a third aspect, this invention provides a collapsible portable toilet constructed from the blank of the first aspect or of the second aspect of the invention. Features of the first aspect of the invention may be combined with features of the second aspect of the invention.

In all aspects, the first fold line and the second fold line (when present) preferably are capable of having a rim- forming portion therebetween when the toilet is erected. The rim is intended to add comfort to the toilet when used.

In a preferred embodiment, the blank of the first or second aspect is made of foldable stock, such as cardboard. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the side walls are formed by fourth fold lines which are substantially perpendicular to the first fold line and the second fold line, which is preferably present. A collapsible toilet made from this blank may be intended for a single use before disposal, or may be intended for multiple use.

In an alternate embodiment, the blank of the first or second aspect may be made of a more durable material, such as plastic, and intended for multiple use. Especially in connection with the second aspect, the blank may be intended to be joined to a similar or identical second blank to form the collapsible toilet. For example, each blank may have three side walls; when joined with an identical blank having three side walls, a toilet of six side walls results. Blanks with different numbers of walls are within the scope of the invention. The side walls need not be joined to one another in a blank; only the foldable tabs may be joined together, for example. In this embodiment it is preferred that the second fold line is omitted, since a rim may be formed by the area between the first fold line and the distal end of the tab.

Preferably, in each aspect, the side walls are equal or substantially equal in dimension. However, it is within the scope of this invention that the side walls are not of the same dimensions. There may be a fourth fold line between adjacent side walls

The fold lines may be effected in any suitable manner, such as by scoring, perforating or weakening the sheet material. The third fold line is intended to allow the side wall containing it to fold in two when the toilet is collapsed to a compact configuration. When the toilet is erected for use, the third fold lines preferably have no folding effect on the side walls, which may be locked unfolded by virtue of the folding over the foldable tab.

In the first aspect, there is a first aperture spacing each tab from an adjacent tab, each tab being joined to an adjacent tab near the distal edge. It is preferred that such a first aperture is included in the second aspect of the invention, also. In this embodiment, because the first aperture does not extend to an edge of the blank, the first aperture is surrounded by material of the blank. This configuration can significantly improve the ability of the erected toilet to maintain the expanded configuration. In addition, sharp edges are avoided.

Each first aperture preferably has an angled configuration in relation to the first fold line. An angled configuration can cause an Overtension' during erection or collapsing of the toilet, assisting to maintain the toilet in an expanded

configuration.

In all aspects, it is preferred that a liner is included to help contain waste. The liner is preferably waterproof, conveniently flexible plastic. The absence of sharp edges in the above-mentioned preferred embodiment can avoid damage to the liner. The liner may take any desired form. It is preferred that the liner is longer than the depth of the toilet when in an expanded configuration; the top of the liner in situ in the toilet may then be folded several times, to provide a cushioning effect on the rim of the toilet. Sealing of the liner before disposal of its contents may also be facilitated by the extra length of the liner.

One of the foldable tabs preferably includes at its distal end a closure structure, preferably in the form of a W-shaped edge portion defining a pair of notches for receiving a portion of closed liner, to prevent odour and contents from escaping. If this closure structure feature is included, it may be convenient to attach the liner (if used) to the side wall adjacent the closure structure. The sealing of the liner after use may be enhanced, due to the liner's tendency to collapse on itself.

In the second aspect of the invention, two out of three side walls has a third fold line which is substantially perpendicular to the first fold line and the second fold line. For example, if there are six side walls, each of the second, third, fifth and sixth side walls would have a third fold line. The purpose of this is to permit the each of the second, third, fifth and sixth side walls to fold in and out between the first and fourth side walls, to provide a space-efficient configuration. Folding and unfolding of the toilet may be facilitated. The folded toilet can be quite compact. Optionally, a second aperture is formed in each side wall. Preferably, the second apertures are arranged so that they align in the folded toilet, to form a space. The space may be used to store associated components, such as liners, wipes or toilet paper.

It is convenient if the second apertures are arranged centrally in each side wall. As a further option, one or more second apertures may each lead to a slit, which may be used to secure a liner, if used. In the case of side walls having the third fold line, the slit may be formed along part of the third fold line.

As an alternate option, a second aperture may be formed in some side walls only. In the case of the second aspect of the invention, in this alternate option the second apertures are formed only in those side walls which have the third fold line. It is convenient if the apertures are arranged centrally in each such side wall. When the blank is folded to form a toilet, an internal cavity is formed by the second apertures. The cavity may be used to contain an absorbent pad, for use within a liner, a liner or other accessory. If an absorbent pad is provided, preferably the pad contains a super absorbent polymer, a carrying agent such as cellulose pulp and one or more degradants, such as urea, to assist breakdown of waste. The pad may be provided in a liner bag. A further option is inclusion of one or more handles, each formed by a handle tab cut into a side wall (preferably a side wall without any third fold line). Such a handle tab may also be used as a retaining location for a liner, if used.

If desired, the second apertures may be used as handles if of a suitable shape, preferably round.

Especially in connection with the second aspect of the invention, an option is to include at least one shield to help contain misdirected urine or faeces. Preferably, two such shields are included, one intended to be at the front of a user in use and the other intended to be at the rear. Preferably, the or each shield is a panel having a fifth fold line, located on a side wall having a third fold line so as to fold with the third fold line. In this embodiment, the or each shield is designed so that when a toilet made from the blank is in a compact (folded) configuration, the shield is contained within the profile of the toilet. When the toilet is expanded to an open configuration, the or each shield is designed to protrude beyond the toilet rim, thus providing some protection against mishaps.

The use of one or more shields or similar panels can also contribute to structural strength of the toilet, especially when there are second apertures. It may be desirable to use such panels, even if they do not protrude sufficiently to be useful as a shield.

A further option is to include a band, such as a rubber band, to hold the toilet in its compact configuration before and after use. It is preferred to anchor the band to the toilet to avoid it being lost or misplaced during expansion of the toilet, use, collapsing of the toilet and disposal. Any desired method of anchoring the band may be employed. Preferably, the band is fed through a slot in a side wall

(preferably a side wall without a third fold line) and retained by a rod or other retaining means. The slot is usefully located about the centre of the side wall. The third aspect of the invention provides a collapsible portable toilet constructed from the blank of the first aspect or of the second aspect of the invention. To construct the toilet, the first end is joined to the second end of the same blank, or to first or second end of an identical or similar blank to form a closed -loop structure having the desired number of side walls. For simplicity, the toilet will be described in the context of a toilet having six side walls, but it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to this.

The joining to form a closed-loop structure (being or approximating a hexagon when there are six side walls) may be effected in any desired way, including adhesive (preferably provided on the blank and protected by a peel-off layer), one or more joining tabs and slots or simply by use of the foldable tabs, as discussed below.

The toilet may be folded to a compact configuration. In the case of the blank of the second aspect, the toilet is folded at the third fold lines and also at any fold lines defining the side walls. The two side walls without the third fold lines form the front and back of the compact toilet. The side walls having the third fold lines concertina between the front and back side walls, so that a compact configuration is achieved. This is illustrated in Figures 3 and 13 of the drawings, below.

To erect the toilet, when made of sheet material such as cardboard, the side walls are expanded into a hexagon (or near-hexagon) shape. The foldable tabs are then folded at the first fold line and the second fold line, to form a rim (horizontal in use) between the first and second fold lines, with the distal ends of the foldable tabs located internally of the toilet. Especially when there is a first aperture between adjacent tabs which is angled (less than 90 degrees) in relation to the first fold line, there is an Overtension' effect, assisting to maintain the toilet in an expanded configuration. This effect may also be sufficient to do away with the need to use such means as adhesive or tabs and slots to form a closed loop and maintain the hexagonal shape. The liner (if used) may then be inserted, or may be opened (if already attached) and folded about the rim as desired.

After use, the liner may be removed and discarded when appropriate. The toilet may remain in the expanded configuration or may be collapsed back to the compact configuration until next needed.

Alternately, if the toilet is to be a single use toilet, the toilet, with liner if used, may be collapsed for disposal.

Other embodiments of the blank and toilet are possible and will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention in its various aspects will now be described in connection with certain non-limiting examples thereof described in the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a blank according to the first and second aspects of the invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of the blank of figure 1, in a 'closed loop' configuration, in formation of a toilet;

Figure 3 is a top view of the toilet of Figure 2, showing folding in forming a compact configuration;

Figure 4 shows the progression between the partly folded configuration of Figure 3 and a more compact configuration;

Figure 5 is a perspective, partial interior view of the toilet of Figure 2; Figure 6 shows the toilet of Figure 5 after folding of tabs; Figure 7 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a blank according to a first aspect of the invention;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the blank of Figure 7 after assembly;

Figure 9 shows in perspective view an embodiment of a toilet erected from a blank similar in some respects to the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figures 10 to 13 show progressive collapse of the toilet of Figure 9 to a compact configuration (Figures 10 to 12 are in partial view);

Figure 14 shows in perspective view an embodiment of a toilet partially erected from a blank similar in some respects to the blank of Figure 1 but including front and back shields;

Figure 15 shows a partial view of the toilet of Figure 14 after erection;

Figure 16 shows a detail of a band and anchor;

Figure 17 shows in side cross-sectional view securing of a liner; and

Figure 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of absorbent liner. It will be appreciated that not all the Figures are drawn to the same scale. Best Methods for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring first to Figure 1, this Figure shows blank 10 for a portable toilet, the blank being made of sheet material such as corrugated cardboard. Blank 10 has a first end 12 and a second end 14. There are six side walls 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e and 16f disposed between first end 12 and second end 14.

Each of side walls 16 has a top edge 18, there being a foldable tab 20, having a distal edge 22, projecting from each top edge. A first fold line 24 joins each tab 20 to top edge 18. A second fold line 26 is formed in parallel, spaced relation with first fold line 24.

Each tab 20 is separated from an adjacent tab by a first aperture 28. It will be seen that if side wall 16a is joined or abutted to side wall 16f, partial aperture 30a will form with partial aperture 30b a full aperture resembling the other first apertures 28. Each tab 20 is joined to an adjacent tab 20 above full aperture 28 near each distal edge 22.

In this embodiment, each of side walls 16b, 16c, 16e and 16f has a third fold line 32 which is substantially perpendicular to first fold line 24 (and also second fold line 26). The side walls 16a to 16f are formed by fourth fold lines 34, which are substantially perpendicular to first fold line 24 and second fold line 26.

Side walls 16a and 16d each has a handle 36, formed by a handle tab cut into the side wall. The tab comprising handle 36 may also be used as a retaining location for a liner, if used. This is shown in more detail in Figure 17.

Each first aperture 28 (and partial apertures 30a and 30b) is cut at an angle 38 to first fold line 24. This angled configuration can cause an Overtension' during erection or collapsing of the toilet, assisting to maintain the toilet in an expanded configuration.

Extension 42 on side wall 16f and extension 44 on tab 20 may be used to connect to side wall 16a and tab 20 thereon, to form a 'closed loop' shown in Figure 2, which is approximately hexagonal in plan view.

Folding about third fold lines 32 can produce a concertina-like formation, shown in Figure 3, with side walls 16a and 16d being at top and bottom, respectively of the illustration. Further compression of side walls 16a and 16d towards one another will allow the hexagonal structure to fold efficiently into a series of flat joined side walls 16, as shown in Figure 4. At this stage, toilet 50 is partially erected but is in a compressed form suitable for transport in a pocket, bag etc for later use.

Turning now to Figures 5 and 6, these show (partially) the interior of toilet 50 during the completion of erection. In Figure 5, toilet 50 has been expanded from

5 the compact configuration in Figure 4 to the version in Figure 2. In Figure 6, tabs 20 have been folded about first fold line 24 and second fold line 26 to form rim 46, which is substantially horizontal in use and which provides comfort for a user. Distal ends 22 have been folded downwardly into the interior of toilet 50.

Apertures 28 have closed up as shown. The hexagonal form of toilet 50 is defined o and maintained.

It is to be noted that first apertures 28 are configured such that when toilet 50 is in the expanded configuration, side walls 16 with third fold lines 32 act the same as side walls 16 without third fold lines 32. This maintains hexagonal open

configuration, increasing strength and stability while allowing economical folding configuration.

With reference to Figure 7, a blank 1 10 is shown, being made of plastic sheet material. Between first end 112 and second end 1 14 are first, second and third side walls 116a, 1 16b and 116c, each with a top edge 118.

A foldable tab 120, having a distal edge 122, projects from each top edge 118.

In this embodiment, there is a first fold line 124 joining each tab 120 to the top edge 118, but no second fold line.

Each of side walls 116a and 116c has a third fold line 132, which is substantially perpendicular to first fold line 124. Hinges 52 (only some are labelled) are used to join side walls 116a to side wall 116b, and to join side wall 116b to side wall 1 16c.

Centred in each side wall 1 16, and centred about third fold lines 132 in the case of side walls 116a and 116c, are second apertures 48. These are arranged so that they align in the folded toilet 150, to form a space. The space may be used to store associated components, such as liners, wipes or toilet paper.

Second apertures 48 in side walls 1 16a and 116c each leads to a slit 54, which may be used to secure a liner (not shown), if used. Each slit 54 is formed along part of 5 third fold line 132.

In Figure 8, two blanks 110 have been joined at 56 and 58 to form toilet 150. Tabs 120 have been folded inwardly at first fold line 124, to form rim 146. Because of the relative rigidity of the plastic sheet material from which blanks 110 are formed, tabs 120 may be shorter that in the Figure 1 embodiments and the second fold line a is not required.

Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a toilet erected from a blank similar in some respects to the blank of Figure 1. Although not shown in Figure 9, toilet 250 does have first apertures in the same way as toilet 50.

In Figure 9, toilet 250 has six side walls 216a to 216f. Side walls 216b, 216c, 216e i and 216f have third fold lines 232 while side walls 216a and 216d do not.

Second apertures 248 are located in each side wall, for storage as already

described. Figure 13 shows an absorbent pad 60 stored in aligned second apertures 248.

As an alternate option, although not illustrated in Figures 9 to 13, second aperture 248 may be omitted from side walls 216a and 216d. When toilet 250 is folded to a compact configuration as in Figure 13, an internal cavity would be formed by second apertures 248. The cavity may be used to contain absorbent pad 60 internally.

The progressive folding of toilet 250 to a compact shape is shown in Figures 10 to The blank used for toilet 350 in Figures 14 and 15 has second apertures 348 of a different shape to those in Figures 7 and 9. In addition, second aperture 348 is omitted from those side walls 316 which do not have third fold lines 332.

Absorbent pad 60 (see Figure 18) may be stored in the cavity formed when toilet 350 is in the compact configuration (not shown).

Tabs 336 are useful as handles and also to help locate a liner, if used (refer Figure 17).

Alternately, second apertures 348 may be used as convenient handles.

Toilet 350 has two shields 62 and 64 to help contain misdirected waste. Shields 62 and 64 have a fifth fold line 66. Each shield 62, 64, is positioned over a side wall 316 having a third fold line (not visible), with fifth fold line 66 aligned with the third fold line so as to fold with the third fold line.

Shields 62, 64 are designed so that when toilet 350 is in a compact (folded) configuration and when first opened out, as can be seen from Figure 14, they are contained within the profile of toilet 350. When toilet 350 is expanded to an open configuration for use, and tabs 320 folded down, as shown in Figure 15, shields 62, 64 protrude above toilet rim 346, thus providing some protection against mishaps.

Figure 14 also illustrates liner closure structure 68, being a W-shaped edge portion defining two notches 70, 72 for receiving a portion of closed liner (not shown). Structure 68 is located at distal end 322 of foldable tab 322a. If a liner is included in toilet 350, it may be attached to side wall 316a. When toilet 350 has been used, it is convenient to close the liner by feeding it through notch 70 and back through notch 72, to prevent odour and contents from escaping. A further illustration of this is found in Figures 14A to 14C of US patent No. 7,996,930.

Figure 16 shows a partial view of the interior of side wall 316a of toilet 350, illustrating attachment of band 74. Band 74 is fed through slot 76 in side wall 316a and retained by rod 78 on the interior of side wall 316a. Slot 76 is located at approximately the centre of side wall 316a.

Band 74 is resilient and may be used to hold toilet 350 in its compact configuration before and after use. Because band 74 is anchored to toilet 350 by rod 78, there is little chance that band 74 will be lost or misplaced. Thus, after toilet 350 has been used, in the case of a single use toilet, toilet 350 may be returned to the compact configuration and secured by band 74 before disposal. If toilet 350 is multi-use, any liner used may be removed and disposed of, then toilet 350 may be folded to the compact configuration and secured by band 74, awaiting the next use. Instead of rod 78, any other desired method of anchoring band 74 may be employed.

In Figure 17, side wall 316a of Figure 14 is shown is side cross-sectional view with liner 80 in place. Liner 80 is secured externally of side wall 316a by tab 336, as shown. Figure 18 shows a perspective view of absorbent pad 60. In this embodiment, absorbent pad 60 is composed of a super absorbent polymer, carried in layers of cellulose or other absorbent material, and urea as a degradant for breaking down waste.

Industrial Applicability

The invention provides a simple, inexpensive solution to dealing with situations where restrooms are not readily available. The toilet of the invention may be sold in a compact, readily transportable form which is simple to make ready for use and which can be intended for single use or for multiple uses.

It will be further appreciated by one skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described and that

modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A blank for a portable toilet, the blank having sheet material including: a first end and a second end; at least first, second and third side walls disposed between the first and second ends; a top edge on each of the side walls; a foldable tab having a distal edge projecting from each top edge; a first fold line joining each foldable tab to the top edge; and optionally a second fold line in parallel, spaced relation with the first fold line; wherein two of three side walls has a third fold line which is substantially perpendicular to the first fold line.

2. The blank of claim 1, wherein there are first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth side walls between the first and second end and the second, third, fifth and sixth side walls have the third fold line.

3. The blank of claim 2, which includes a first aperture spacing each foldable tab from an adjacent foldable tab and each foldable tab is joined to an adjacent foldable tab near each distal edge.

4. A blank for a portable toilet, the blank having sheet material including: a first end and a second end; a plurality of side walls disposed between the first and second ends; a top edge on each of the side walls; a foldable tab having a distal edge projecting from each top edge; a first fold line joining each foldable tab to the top edge; a second fold line in parallel, spaced relation with the first fold line; and a first aperture spacing each foldable tab from an adjacent foldable tab; i wherein each foldable tab is joined to an adjacent foldable tab near each distal edge

5. The blank of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the side walls are formed by fourth fold lines which are substantially perpendicular to the first fold line.

6. The blank of claim 1, wherein the side walls are not joined to one another.

7. The blank of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the side walls are equal or substantially equal in dimension.

8. The blank of claim 3 or 4, wherein each first aperture has an angled

configuration of less than 90 degrees in relation to the first fold line.

9. The blank of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a second aperture is formed in one or more of the side walls.

10. The blank of claim 9, which includes at least one panel overlying one of the side walls.

1 1. A toilet constructed from the blank of any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A collapsible portable toilet having: first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth side walls; a top edge on each of the side walls; a foldable tab having a distal edge projecting from each top edge; a first fold line joining each foldable tab to the top edge; and optionally a second fold line in parallel, spaced relation with the first fold line; wherein the second, third, fifth and sixth side walls have a third fold line 5 which is substantially perpendicular to the first fold line.

13. A collapsible portable toilet having: a plurality of side walls; a top edge on each of the side walls; a foldable tab having a distal edge projecting from each top edge; io a first fold line joining each foldable tab to the top edge; a second fold line in parallel, spaced relation with the first fold line; and a first aperture spacing each foldable tab from an adjacent foldable tab; wherein each foldable tab is joined to an adjacent foldable tab near each distal edge

15 14. The toilet of claim 12 which includes a first aperture spacing each foldable tab from an adjacent foldable tab, each foldable tab being joined to an adjacent foldable tab near each distal edge.

15. The toilet of claim 12 or 14, wherein each first aperture has an angled

configuration of less than 90 degrees in relation to the first fold line. 0 16. The toilet of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein one or more of the side walls has a second aperture. The toilet of claim 16, wherein each of the side walls has the second aperture and the second apertures are arranged to align when the toilet is collapsed, to form a storage space.

The toilet of claim 16, wherein some of the side walls has the second aperture and the second apertures are arranged to align when the toilet is collapsed, to form an internal storage space.

A blank for a portable toilet substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1 or 7of the accompanying drawings.

A collapsible portable toilet substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 6, 9 to 13, 7 to 8 or 14 to 17 of the accompanying drawings