BATHROOM MODULE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a compact modular bathroom unit, which is especially suitable for use in motorhomes, campervans, caravans, trailer homes, boats, and the like, or in shacks or homes with limited space, where the inhabitants need a bathroom unit having a small footprint. The module is able to contain, for example, a shower, toilet and/or hand basin in the one small area, and still occupy a minimum amount of space. The module has a recess into which a toilet unit may be stored, and from which the toilet can be brought when it is to be used. When the toilet is stored, the space that it would otherwise occupy is then available for a person to use showering or using the hand basin.

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates to a modular bathroom unit that is very compact and occupies the minimum of space. Such a module is especially suitable for use in small living areas, especially in motorhomes, campervans, caravans, trailer homes, boats, cabins, sheds, homes, and the like. In small living areas, it is important for the bathroom to take up as small a space as possible.

One way to do this is to arrange the toilet, shower, and hand basin fixtures in the same area, so that they essentially share the same space. This creates some problems in designing a functional arrangement, because a person needs some standing room as well as elbow room in order to use the shower, the toilet must be located so it can be used, and the hand basin must be at appropriate height.

Some bathroom modular units are known, which include shower, toilet and hand basin fixtures that share the same space. However, such units generally have a toilet unit that is always located in the shared space, and they usually have a hand basin unit positioned directly over the toilet unit, which can then be re-positioned to allow access to the toilet. An example of such an arrangement is described in US patent 5742956 (Tarver), describing a toilet that is partly covered by the hand basin unit that is also hinged, and can then be lifted up to a vertical position so as to provide full access to the toilet. There is also a shower, and a toiler roll dispenser located in a small compartment

within the hand basin unit, which can protect the roll from being wet by the shower. A similar arrangement is described in US patent 4133057 (Rivetti) and US patent 5261127 (Tsipov), which both have variations on a tilting or pivoting hand basin, so as to allow the bathroom fixtures to share the same space.

These arrangements provide a bathroom module having a small footprint, but they still have some disadvantages. For instance, the toilet unit takes up a significant amount of the floor space, which reduces the area available for a person to stand for having a shower. Another problem is that the toilet unit will tend to get wet when the shower is used, despite some protection from the hand-basin unit, and so must be dried after a shower. Water from the shower can get into the toilet unit, which can be inconvenient especially with self-contained toilets where the waste storage compartment will tend to fill up as a result more frequently than it otherwise would. In addition, the tilting hand basin unit is often inconvenient, because it must be emptied before it can be moved out of the way. The basin will often be wet and when it is rotated, causing leakage often to ran down the wall. A tilting or movable hand basin unit also needs more complex plumbing connections than for a fixed unit.

It would therefore be useful to provide an alternative to these previous approaches, or to provide a bathroom module that is compact in size, which ameliorates or avoids some of the problems with earlier systems.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, the invention concerns a compact bathroom module, which includes at least a floor, ceiling, and one or more walls so as to substantially enclose a space in which a person may shower, and to allow for entry and egress, and for a measure of privacy, wherein a recess is located in one of the walls, at or near the floor, which is adapted to store a toilet unit, whereby the toilet unit can be brought from the recess to occupy an area of the space in order for it to be used, and can be returned to the storage recess, thereby clearing the space for other uses, including showering.

Preferably, the bathroom module has some movable support means adapted to support and retain a toilet fixture, and to be movable between a storage position within the recess, and an exposed position within the bathroom module. More preferably, the

support means may be a wheeled carriage that is adapted to hold and support a toilet fixture, the carriage running along the floor of the bathroom module and the recess. Also, preferably, the bathroom module may also have one or more guide rails, which position the support means as it moves into and out from the recess by allowing the support means to slide along these rails.

In preferred form the carriage can be adapted so that it may be temporarily locked in place in either it fully exposed position, or in its stored position, and the carriage may be moved between these positions by means of an electrically or hydraulically operated motor, and/or by means of a manually operated mechanism, and/or just manually.

The module may be also include common bathroom fixtures, or may be without them. These bathroom fixtures may be selected from among: a shower fixture, a toilet fixture, a hand basin fixture, a mirror, lighting, an exhaust fan, one or more plumbing fixtures to supply or remove water to and from the shower, toilet and/or hand basin fixtures, and operation and/or control means for any one or more of the fixtures that require this, for example. In this situation, the bathroom module may preferably include at least the shower fixture, the toilet fixture, and the hand basin fixture.

The shower fixture may have at least a showerhead for supplying water, drain means for removing water from the floor, water control means for adjusting the water supply to the showerhead, and plumbing for supplying and removing the water. The shower fixture may also have a grating above the floor upon which a person may stand for showering, and which receives and permits egress of water during showering. The module may have an entrance closable by a door or by a curtain, (especially a shower curtain).

The bathroom module may have a hand basin fixture that is attached to the wall that is above the recess. In one embodiment, the hand basin fixture is able to be moved between a generally horizontal position for it to be used, and a generally vertical position against a wall when it is not in use, so as to provide extra room for the use of the other fixtures. In another embodiment, the hand basin fixture may be fixed in place on a wall.

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Preferably, there may also be plumbing fixtures fitted, so as to supply water to the shower fixture and remove waste water from the floor, and plumbing fixtures fitted to supply water to the hand basin fixture and remove waste water from the hand basin.

In one alternative, the toilet fixture may be a self contained unit. In another 5 alternative, the toilet fixture is not a self contained unit, but also includes plumbing fixtures fitted to supply water to this toilet fixture and remove to waste from it.

As another preferred embodiment, the recess in the compact bathroom module may have at least one hatch in at least one of its external sides or its top, which permits access to the toilet unit. In this case, the recess may ideally have a closable and lockable o hatch in one of its sides that is of a size and position to permit the toilet unit to be accessed and serviced via the hatch, or to permit waste in the toilet unit to be removed via the hatch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention is now discussed with reference to drawings, where: s Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a bathroom module according to the present invention in its basic form;

Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1, but with toilet and hand basin fixtures in place, and with the toilet fixture in the storage compartment;

. Figure 3 shows a rear view the embodiment of Figure 2, with the walls of the module o shown transparently, and with the toilet fixture part- way out of the storage compartment;

Figure 4 shows a side view of the same embodiment of the invention, with the walls shown transparently, and the toilet fixture not shown, but with one embodiment of a support unit for the toilet fixture shown in detail; 5 Figure 5 shows the bathroom module as in Figure 2, but with the toilet fixture fully extended;

Figure 6 shows the toilet support unit in more detail, and in the extended position, with the walls of the bathroom unit transparent;

Figure 7 shows a cross section of the bathroom module, lacking any fixtures apart from 0 the toilet support unit that is shown in an extended position; and

Figure 8 shows a cross section of the bathroom module, including some fixtures with the toilet unit shown in a fully extended position.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

In the Figures, one preferred embodiment of the bathroom module (10) is displayed, but other arrangements that differ from the version shown in non-essential detail are also part of the present invention. In the Figures, the same feature is indicated with the same reference number throughout, unless otherwise indicated.

The bathroom module (10) is shown in Figure 1 without any fixtures. The unit may be manufactured and supplied without fixtures, so as to allow the purchaser to add their own preferred fixtures, and to add only those they wish to use. The module (10) is compact, and economical with the space it occupies, which makes it ideal for installation into cramped areas such as in motorhomes, campervans, caravans, trailer homes, boats, shacks, cabins, homes and the like. The module may also be advantageously used in normal houses, where additional bathrooms may be required, for instance as an en-suite in a bedroom with the module fitted within a section of a closet, or in an attic where the roof shape does not permit a normal rectangular-shaped bathroom module to be fitted.

The module (10) has a floor (11), ceiling (12), and a number of walls. There is a left side wall (13), right side wall (14), rear wall (15), and front wall (16) that includes an entrance (17). The module may have other arrangements of walls to that shown in the drawings, including a circular or oval arrangement of side walls, or different numbers of walls. The walls may be flat, curved, or of any suitable shape. The overall shape of the module, which is basically rectangular, as shown in the example in Figure 1, may be varied to match the location where it is to be installed. The space enclosed by the walls should be suitable to allow a person to utilise the compartment as a bathroom, which will normally include using the area for showering, and also to use a toilet and hand- basin. All these activities share a common space, which enables the unit to be compact, and to utilize its footprint as effectively as possible.

The module (10) shown has a rounded edges and corners (18). This has an advantage in allowing easy cleaning, by avoiding crevices where dirt and moisture can

accumulate. This shape also allows the unit to be manufactured efficiently; by creating the unit in two (or more) larger pieces, in moulds, which are then assembled in place and fixed together there. This manufacturing method works best if edges and corners are rounded. However, other manufacturing methods, and other shapes, with sharper edges and corners for instance, may also be utilised.

The module may stand alone, or else may be integrated within a support structure, or it may be fully or partly clad with panelling, or the like.

The module shown in the example in the Figures has a top portion and bottom portion, which are each manufactured separately in moulds, and then assembled into a single unit. The two, or more, separate sections are then joined, and a seal or gasket, (20) may be used to seal the different sections together. This allows the unit to be more easily manufactured, as well as assembled within a restricted space, such as within a caravan or boat. The base unit can be carried in, and installed, and then the top unit is installed on to the base as a second step. The module may be designed to have smaller sub-units, to allow installation in even more restricted areas for instance.

Some of the walls in the upper portion of the module may slope inwards, to make the space in the top section of the module slightly smaller than for the base. This allows the module to be enclosed within a motorhome or caravan, which is normally aerodynamically shaped for towing and for attractive aesthetics, and as a result often will have outer walls that curve inwards to a smaller roof section. However, other arrangements are also possible, including one where the top and base portions have similarly sized cross sections.

The module may be manufactured from any suitable materials, including metals, such as steel or aluminium, plastics, fibreglass, or from combinations of these materials. It is preferably manufactured from fibreglass. It may have strengthening ribs or a support structure, particularly on its outside. Preferably it is made from a material that is strong enough to be self supporting. There may also be integrated attachment means to allow the module to be fixed securely to the place where it is to be installed. There may also be conduits, or attachment tabs or slots, located on or in its surface structure, particularly on its outside surface, for positioning and securing plumbing, electrical cables, or other items.

The unit may also have indents, fluting, cut-outs or sub-panels, such as that shown as (19) in the Figures, bridging the left and front / rear walls, in the upper portion of the module. These reduce the space, especially in the upper portion of the module, where only enough space is required for a person to stand and shower. These panels may also allow for mirrors or the like to be inserted in their place, if desired. As another alternative a storage area may be fitted behind the cut-out panels, and covered by a hinged mirror, for example. In the version shown in the Figures, the panels leave a narrower flat area (13a) on the left-hand wall (13), suitable for holding a mirror, for example. Smaller mirrors may also be positioned on several of the narrow panels, to give users a more comprehensive reflected view. The indented spaces also may serve the purpose of providing a utility space on the outside of the module where plumbing or electricity cables may be located. Cut outs may provide for windows to be installed in the walls, especially those covered by opaque glass or plastic panels to preserve privacy. The ceiling may have a cut out section for a skylight to permit natural sunlight to enter the module, if desired.

Importantly, the bathroom module has a recess (21) located in one of the walls, which in the example shown in the Figures, is at the base of the left-hand wall (13). This recess (21) is a space, enclosed by walls, able to store a toilet fixture. This recess (21) or storage compartment should be of a suitable size and shape to store at least a substantial portion of a toilet fixture, and most preferably the entire unit.

The bathroom module (10) should be adapted to allow for one or more bathroom fixtures to be installed within it. The module may include these fixtures or these may be added later. Some such fixtures are shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, and 8. The bathroom module should be adapted to at least store a toilet fixture (22) in the recess (21). The toilet may then be positioned in the recess for storage, or moved into the main space, for use.

The bathroom module may also be adapted to have a shower fixture (not shown) with one or more taps or some control unit (not shown), preferably located on a wall or on a countertop. Alternatively, a combined showerhead and tap fixture may be utilised, often having a long flexible hose extending from the hand-basin or vanity countertop to

the showerhead, for instance. Other common arrangements with showerheads may also be utilised.

A shower grating (23) may be located on the floor. In this situation, there should also be a drain or sump, or a fitting or portion to receive a drain or sump (24), in the floor of the module, and the floor should preferably be shaped to allow water to easily flow into the drain. As one preferred approach, a sump may be used with a pump; these being arranged so as to remove the grey water continuously, which allows the floor of the shower to only require a small fall for the grey water collection. The grating provides a relatively dry surface for a user to stand, once a shower is finished, and allows waste water to drain away gradually after the shower is used, without a user having to get wet footwear. The bathroom module may or may not include a shower, depending on the user's preferences, and if not, then the bathroom module functions effectively just as a toilet or WC compartment.

The bathroom module may also be adapted to have a hand basin fixture (25), located on one wall. Preferably, this fixture is located on the same wall that contains the recess (21). The hand basin fixture (25) normally will contain a vanity countertop, cabinet, or bench with a facing panel (25a), a hand basin (25b), and one or more taps

(25c). The hand basin preferably may be fixed in place, or alternatively may be foldable or otherwise movable, allowing it to be raised, or alternatively, lowered, or moved aside, in order to provide more room for the use of the toilet facility.

Other fixtures may include one or more of a: mirror, toilet roll holder or storage space, soap or wash cloth holder, lighting unit, power point, or exhaust fan, or air vent, for example, or other items commonly utilised in bathrooms, or more than one of each of these items. A toilet roll holder may be affixed to the toilet fixture (22) or to the support for the toilet, to allow the roll to be moved with the toilet into the storage recess, which has the advantage of preventing the toilet roll from getting wet when the shower or hand basin is in use. Alternatively, the toilet roll holder may be made part of the hand basin fixture, or positioned elsewhere within the module, preferably arranged so as to protect the roll from water splashing from the shower or hand basin. One or more lighting fixtures may be included in the module, for example having a light positioned above the hand basin fixture and the mirror. A control switch for the light or other

electrical devices may be provided at a convenient location within the module, or outside the entrance of the module, for instance.

The module may have one or more windows located in its side walls, or in its roof as a sky light. Generally such a window will cooperate with any corresponding window in a structure in which it is installed, such as a motorhome for instance, to allow daylight to enter. These windows may be frosted, or otherwise arranged, to preserve privacy.

The entrance may have a door or it may have a curtain, especially a shower curtain. Preferably this is arranged to prevent water from escaping the module particularly when the shower fixture is operating. Alternatively, the door may be attached to an outside support structure. A door may be omitted if the structure is made part of a room that already has some measure of privacy, for example. A shower curtain may be positioned across the entrance (17) or may be positioned within the interior of the module, or omitted. Partial doors may be fitted to allow light to enter and air to circulate.

The module may also include plumbing to connect the bathroom fixtures to a water source, or to hot and cold water sources, and also to remove waste water. This is particular desirable with the shower and hand basin fixtures. This may also be appropriate with the toilet fixture, in which case, a special plumbing arrangement may be needed to allow the toilet fixture to be moved to and from its storage compartment. However, it is preferred that the toilet fixture be a self contained unit, which has an integrated waste storage compartment or cartridge, and chemical means to neutralise any odours. There is normally some means provided for emptying the storage compartment, or replacing the cartridge, and access to this is improved, by placing a cut out, hatch or doorway of a suitable size in one side of the recess, and a corresponding door in the surrounding structure, to allow access directly from the outside.

Other fittings, such as soap or toothbrush holders, towel rails, and such like, may also be included in the fixtures. The module may have its interior surfaces decorated, or painted. Preferably, the interior surfaces are finished in a manner that renders them water proof, or water resistant.

The recess (21) or storage compartment should allow a toilet unit to be stored out of the way, so a person can make use of the other facilities in the module, such as the shower or hand basin, with the toilet unit placed within its recess. As one alternative, the entire toilet fixture may be able to be contained within the recess. As another alternative, only a substantial part of the toilet unit may be able to be contained within the recess, which allows for a portion of the toilet to protrude into the main space of the module. If a hand basin fixture is positioned on the same side wall (13) as the compartment (21), then the recess may not need to be as deep, as some of the toilet unit can protrude into the space directly beneath the hand basin fixture without it being an encumbrance.

Details of an example of one suitable type of support carriage for the toilet fixture are shown in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7. The toilet fixture may be moved to and from the recess by any suitable method, by it being retained on some support means, such as a carriage, framework, bracket arrangement, or the like. As shown in the Figures, in one preferred from, this may be carried out by having the toilet unit (22) fitted into a carriage (30) which has a number of wheels (31). The carriage can move into and from the recess guided by two support ledges (32), which are moulded into the recess, on each side. A frame (33) is located on the carriage to support and retain the toilet unit (22) in place.

Other arrangements may also be used to achieve the required positioning of the toilet unit either in its storage recess, or able to be accessed for use within the main body of the module. Other approaches may be used to support the toilet such as using a solid slidable framework, or a pivoting bracket arrangement, for example. Some toilet fixtures may not need to be fitted to a carriage or other support arrangement, but may have their own wheels, or may merely be removed and returned to the recess by dragging, especially if light-weight. The toilet fixture may alternatively be affixed to a support which allows it to pivot to and from the recess compartment. Combinations of different support means may also be used. Ideally, an attachment locking mechanism may be provided to seat the toilet fixture firmly on the carriage, and to allow it to be removed temporarily for emptying and cleaning.

Preferably, one or more guide rails (34) may also be provided to assist with the positioning of the unit, and to help stabilise it, especially when a person is sitting on the toilet fixture. The carriage (30) is arranged to slide along the rails (34). In one arrangement, either the rails may be fixed to the carriage, and slide within a channel in the support ledges, or the rails may be fixed to the module, and the carriage may slide between, or upon them. A pair of rails is preferred, one on each side of the carriage, other approaches may also be used to achieve this end.

The carriage may be powered, and a small electric motor may be used to position it, with the aid of a switch. There may also be a locking mechanism provided, to hold the carriage and toilet fixture securely in place, especially when the module is installed in a motorhome, caravan or boat, for instance, in order to prevent either item become dislodged during travel. Alternatively, the carriage may be moved by a manual winch, or similar device, to and from its storage position. A switch, or other control means, is provided to operate the motor to move the toilet fixture to and from its storage compartment.

In another approach, a manually operated mechanism may be employed to move the move and position the carriage. For instance, a winch handle may be manually wound to achieve the desired result. It may be preferable, to have both and electric means, as well as a manually operated means, to position the toilet unit, so that it can be operated whether or not the bathroom module has access to electric power. Additionally, the wheeled carriage may just be moved manually; such as by dragging it back and forth to and from the storage position by hand.

The toilet unit may be of any type, but one that is self contained and uses a waste

"cassette" unit is preferred. Alternatively, the toilet unit may be connected to plumbing, to allow water to be provided to it, and with additional plumbing for removing the waste from the toilet fixture; in which situation, flexible pipes will normally be required to achieve this.

One or more of the sides (including the end and top surface) to the recess (21) may be arranged to open. One of the sides, and preferably the one facing the rear of the unit, can be a hatch sealed by a door, which can be opened by pivoting around hinges, or sliding upwards or to one side, so as to allow the easy and temporary removal of the

toilet fixture, for emptying, or for positioning of a hose to empty waste from the toilet unit. As an alternative, cut-out areas (not shown in drawings) may be provided in these sides, to allow for cleaning, or access to the area inside. This can allow access from the outside for cleaning, or maintenance, especially when the module is installed in motorhomes, so that the toilet unit does not need to be carried through the motorhome for instance. Preferably the access is allowed both from inside and outside the motorhome, for instance. A hatch door may have a lock for security, especially if access from outside is permitted.

The recess (21) may preferably be of a size to allow for the storage of a spare waste water cassette. The area that is located above the recess portion (21) is available to other uses. The area may be built to hold such items as a refrigerator, oven, cupboard, clothes closet, bench, shelves, or the like.

Brackets, supports, cupboards or shelving (not shown) may also be provided within the recess (21) to allow for secure storage of spare cassettes, or other supplies. The bathroom module is shown in the drawings with the recess (21) to the left of the main chamber, but the module may also be made in the mirror image, with the recess to the right. Other variations, in the shape, size, orientation, and so forth or the module or its components are also possible.

The word "comprising" and similar words, is generally intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense, rather than exclusively, unless specifically indicted otherwise, and would normally allow other examples or features to be included.

It will be apparent that obvious variations or modifications may be made in accordance with the spirit of the invention that are intended to be part of the invention, and any such obvious variations or modification are therefore within the scope of the invention.