STANDALONE MODULAR BATHROOM

Abstract

The invention relates to a standalone bathroom including a prefabricated enclosure intended for being placed on in the floor of a room of a dwelling, said enclosure being made up of the combination of at least two modules: at least one bathroom module containing bathroom fittings (6, 7, 8) and a technical module (10) comprising a means for supplying the bathroom fittings (6, 7, 8) with clean water, characterised in that the technical module (10) also comprises a means for supplying cold water and hot water and a means for supplying power to the bathroom module(s) and, in particular, the bathroom fittings (6, 7, 8), the technical module (10) guaranteeing the standalone nature of said bathroom module(s), a means for collecting the wastewater produced by the bathroom fittings (6, 7, 8), and a tank (11) for storing said wastewater, mounted on a movable truck (17).

Description

DESCRIPTION

1. Field of the Invention

An object of the invention is an autonomous modular bathroom designed to be installed in a room.

The invention relates to the technical field of sanitation and more particularly to autonomous and personal modular bathrooms designed to be installed in a room of a dwelling not designed for this purpose.

2. Prior Art

Bathrooms designed to be installed in a room of a dwelling are known, such as those described in the documents DE 20 2005 002 1 16 (Stefan Weber), GB 2,467,266 (RESIN GUN SA), GB 2,579,646 (Moriot Marcel and Robert Daniel), GB 2,671,961 (AMILHAU Martine), GB 2,735,674 (CITIRA SPIE SA), GB 2,690,831 (TBS FABRICATIONS LIMITED) AT 2006 203 623 (Norma McCulloch), U.S. 2003/0140571 (J & K MANUFACTURING Inc.), U.S. 2009/0100769 (Jeffrey L. Barrett & Adam Hedgcock), U.S. 2008/0289099 (Jerald P. Skinner), U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,976 (Clair L. HOPPER). These bathrooms can be one-piece or prefabricated and generally comprise a washbasin, a shower and a toilet. In order to dispose of wastewater, the bathrooms are equipped with discharge connectors for connecting the sanitary facilities to the sewage disposal network of the dwelling or of a collective sewer system.

These bathrooms require the installation of wastewater evacuation ducts sewage in the room of the dwelling where they are installed. But the instalation of an evacuation duct in a room is often complex and expensive and requires carrying out major work. In fact, in contrast to the water current supply conduits that generally have a diameter less than 15 mm, the evacuation ducts have a large diameter, generally greater than 40 mm for a shower and 100 mm for a toilet, thereby complicating their passage through a wall. Furthermore, for the flow of the wastewater to be effective, the evacuation ducts must be inclined downtoward from there end. In addition, renters of their dwelling must first obtain the consent of the owner before being able to carry out such work.

Also known are the bathrooms to be installed in camping vehicles of the trailer, camper or motorhome type. This type of bathroom is for example described in the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,956 (Alan Tarver). These bathrooms enable dispensing with a connection to a home wastewater evacuation network by evacuating it by gravity and by it in a storage reservoir located below the vehicle floor.

However, the adaption of such a solution to a dwelling would necessarily imply carrying out work in the floor so as to make a specific location for receiving a storage reservoir of the wastewater. However, the creation of a specific location in the floor, in addition to being complex and costly, can weaken the aforementioned floor. Furthermore, when placed under the floor, the reservoir becomes inaccessible to the user and difficult to empty.

Faced with this situation, a pricipal objective of the invention is to provide an autonomous modular bathroom designed to be installed on the floor in a room of a dwelling, and enabling to dispense with the installation of wastewater evacuation in the aforementioned room or the integration part of a reservoir in the floor of the aforementioned room and optionally the installation of hot water conduits from the water heater of the dwelling.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The solution offered by the invention is an autonomous bathroom comprising a prefabricated enclosure designed to be placed on the floor of a room of a dwelling, the aforementioned enclosure being formed by the combination of at least two modules:

• • at least one sanitary unit containing sanitary facilities,
  • a technical unit comprising means for supplying the sanitary facilities with freshwater,

This bathroom is remarkable by the fact that the technical unit further comprises:

• • a means for supplying cold water and hot water and a means for supplying electricity to the sanitary unit(s) and in particular to the sanitary facilities, the technical unit providing the autonomy to the aforementioned sanitary unit(s),
  • a means for collecting the waste water generated by the sanitary facilities and a reservoir for storing the aforementioned wastewater mounted on a movable carriage.

Thus, the modular bathroom independently handles the collection and storage of wastewater generated by the sanitary facilities, and thus enables dispensing with work related to the installation of a sewage duct in the room of the dwelling, or related to the integration of a reservoir under the floor of the aforementioned room.

The reservoir is advantageously formed of a hermetically sealed flexible pouch, releasably or permanently attached on the movable carriage. The flexibility of the pouch allows it to adjust its volume as a function of the volume of wastewater to be stored. Such a reservoir can be filled and emptied without an air vent to the exterior being necessary. Thus, gas exchanges between the interior and exterior of the reservoir are eliminated, which significantly reduces the risk of maloderous fumes. The flexible pouch can comprise a hermetic wall, double envelope so as to provide a second security pouch in case of degradation of the first envelope and thus preventing wastewater from spilling on the floor.

The movable carriage is advantageously equipped with free wheels articulated so that the aforementioned carriage can be moved manually. The mobility of the reservoir enabling its displacement near a drain in order to simplify its emptying. The use of articulated freewheels facilitates the displacement of the reservoir, whose weight is substantial, by rolling on the floor.

In an implementation variant, the movable carriage is equipped with wheels rotated by a motor so that the aforementioned carriage can be displaced automatically. In this case, the motor is preferentially powered by a battery pack arranged on the aforementioned mobile carriage, the aforementioned battery being connected to a current source enabling recharging of it when the aforementioned carriage is stored in the technical unit

The technical unit is preferentially supplied with fresh, cold water through a flexible flexible pipe, whose diameter is between 5 mm and 25 mm, and which is drawn from a water supply of the dwelling, the aforementioned technical unit being equipped with a water heater connected to the aforementioned flexible pipe. The aforementioned technical unit can thus supply the sanitary unit(s) and in the particular sanitary facilities with cold water and with hot water.

According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the reservoir is connected to one or multiple pumps enabling recovery of the waste water generated by the sanitary facilities. The reservoir can also be connected to to a reversible drain pump enabling not only emptying of the wastewater stored in the aforementioned reservoir but also pumping of fresh water for the cleaning of the aforementioned reservoir and/or of the related conduits. And preferentially, the drain pump is placed on the mobile carriage, the aforementioned drain pump is placed on the movable carriage, the aforementioned pump being powered by a battery pack arranged on the aforementioned carriage, the aforementioned battery being connected to a current source enabling recharging of it when aforementioned carriage is stored in the technical unit.

According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the technical unit comprises means for mixing a deodorant and/or disinfectant product with the waste water stored in the reservoir.

According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the technical unit can optionally comprise a reservoir of fresh water equipped a pump to supply fresh water to the sanitary facility(ies). Thus, the bathroom also becomes autonomous as to the supply of fresh water and enable dispensing with all work related to the connection to the fresh water supply network.

In a first implementation mode enabling reduction of the bulkiness of the bathroom, the enclosure is formed:

• • from a single sanitary unit enclosing a toilet, a shower and a washbasin
  • from the technical unit.

To optimize the bulkiness of the sanitary unit, the washbasin is arranged beside or above the toilet; the aforementioned washbasin is mounted movably between a use position and a storage position.

The toilet and/or washbasin can be arranged in drawers sliding between a retracted position where they are inserted in the technical unit and a deployed position where they are positioned in the sanitary unit.

In an implementation variant, the washbasin is mobily mounted laterally between:

• • a first use position wherein it is positioned next to the toilet,
  • a second use position wherein it is positioned above the toilet.

According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the toilet is provided with a foldable seat, the sanitary unit being arranged so that a user can shower himself while sitting on the seat, the waste water generated by this shower being discharged via the bowl of the aforementioned toilet and/or via the slatted floor positioned around the aforementioned toilet and/or via the basin of the shower if the toilet is positioned in the aforementioned basin.

In a second implementation enabling separation of the use of various sanitary facilities, the enclosure is formed:

• • from a first sanitary unit enclosing a toilet, a second sanitary unit enclosing a shower, a third sanitary unit enclosing a basin, the aforementioned sanitary units being independent,
  • from the technical unit.

According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the prefabricated enclosure can:

• • have the form of a furniture cabinet,
  • and/or be telescopic, the aforementioned enclosure comprising a first movable part forming a facade adapted to slide in a second fixed part wherein are arranged the sanitary facilities,
  • and/or be mounted on wheels so that it can be displaced.

According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the prefabricated enclosure encloses a toilet connected to a removable storage cassette used to collect waste generated by the aforementioned toilet, the latter not being connected to the reservoir.

These various implementation options of the sanitary unit(s), as well as the design of the prefabricated enclosure assembly, are totally independent of the technical standpoint, design, configuration and operation of the technical unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other advantages and features of the invention will become better apparent upon by reading the description of a preferred implementation mode which is going follow, with reference to the accompanying drawings, made as indicative and non limiting examples and on which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 schematticaly schematticaly show, in front view and top view, a first variant of a first implementation mode of the bathroom object of the invention,

FIGS. 3 and 4 schematticaly show, in front view and top view, a second variant of the first implementation mode of the bathroom of the invention, only the movement of the toilet being shown,

FIGS. 5 and 6 schematticaly show, in front view and top view, another possible movement of the toilet shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,

FIGS. 7 and 8 schematticaly show, in front view and top view, the second variant of the first implementation mode of the bathroom of the invention, only the movement of the washbasin being shown,

FIGS. 9 and 10 schematticaly show, in front view and top view, the third variant of the first implementation mode of the bathroom object of the invention,

FIG. 11 schematticaly shows a second implementation mode of the invention,

FIG. 12 schematticaly shows a bathroom in accordance with the invention, wherein the technical unit is positioned in an independent technical enclosure separated from the sanitary units by a wall,

FIG. 13 schematticaly shows a bathroom in accordance with the invention, wherein the technical unit is placed in an independent enclosure separated from the sanitary units by a curtain,

FIG. 14 schematticaly shows a bathroom in accordance with the invention and whose enclosure is provided with wheels,

FIG. 15 schematticaly schematticaly shows a bathroom in accordance with the invention and whose the enclosure is telescopic, the aforementioned enclosure being in retracted position,

FIG. 16 schematticaly shows the bathroom of FIG. 15, the enclosure being in deployed position.

IMPLEMENTATION MODES OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 16, the bathroom (1) object of the invention is designed to be installed in a room of a home, this room not being originally designed for this purpose. This can be for example a bedroom of a person having reduced mobility, wherein, for practical reasons, one wishes to directly install a bathroom.

This bathroom is particularly well suited in the case of home hospitalization of persons having reduced mobility. It allows these people:

• • to avoid or delay their placement in a specialized institution,
  • to be provided them with conveniences (toilet, shower, washbasin) nearby and easily accessible
  • to facilitate the work of their aides, their housekeeper and their families.
  • to save them from disrupting the life of others living in the home, while preserving an intimacy and closeness with their circle.

The bathroom (1) includes a prefabricated enclosure designed to be placed on the floor (100) of the room. This enclosure can include side walls (2), a floor (3) and a ceiling (4). The enclosure can have a rectangular, prismatic, cylindrical, semicylindrical shape, having the form of a bathroom closet, or otherwise. It can be made of plastic and/or wood and/or composite materials and/or metal and/or any other material suitable for the person of skill. The floor (3) of the enclosure preferentially integrates a means to collect wastewater of the bassin type equipped with a trap and overbridged by a walkway.

In order to be easily integrated into a room, the enclosure of the bathroom (1) can be sized to be inserted into a closet, or can have the shape and appearance of an armoire. In practice, the enclosure can have a height between 1.8 m and 3 m, a width varying from 1 m to 5 m and a depth varying from 40 cm to 3 m.

The enclosure is modular, delivered in a kit, and can be assembled and disassembled in a very short time. It is preferably made up of various prefabricated elements to be assembled by snapping, screwing, “quarter turn” screwing, riveting. The prefabricated elements can be obtained by molding, rolling, extrusion, cutting, etc. Advantageously, the various prefabricated components to be assembled are sized in order to be moved by one or multiple persons in a stairwell and/or through the door frame of a dwelling.

In accordance with the invention, the bathroom object of the invention is formed by the combination of at least a sanitary unit containing sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8), and a technical unit (10). The latter provides the autonomy of the sanitary unit(s) from a simple connection to a power source and a simple cold water inlet. It provides the heating of the cold water, the distribution of the cold water and the hot water, the disposal and storage of waste water as well as the electrical supply of the lamps and various pumps.

The technical unit (10) can, for example, be separated from the sanitary unit(s) or by a full and isolating partition (19) (for security reasons) as shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 and 14 to 16, by a curtain (20) as shown in FIG. 13, by a door, or otherwise. The various modules can have a height varying from 1.8 m to 3 m, a width varying from 1 m to 5 m and a depth varying from 40 cm to 3 m.

1. The Technical Unit (10).

In accordance with the invention, the technical unit (10) comprises a reservoir (11) for storing the waste water generated by the various saiitary facilities (6, 7, 8). The reservoir (11) is arranged on a movable carriage (17).

In practice, the reservoir (11) has a variable capacity, for example, from 10 L to 300 L. It can be in the form of a tank, a jerry can or other container acceptable to the person of skill in the art. It can be made of metal, fiber, plastic, wood, composite material, or otherwise, and be obtained by molding, by blow molding, by forming, etc. However, according to a preferred implementation mode shown in the accompanying figures, the reservoir (11) is in the form of a hermetically sealed flexible pouch, releasably or permanently attached on the movable carriage (17). The flexibility of the pouch allows it to adjust its volume as a function of the volume of wastewater stored. Such a reservoir (11) can be filled and emptied without an air vent to the exterior being necessary. Thus, gas exchange between the interior and exterior of the reservoir (11) are eliminated, which significantly reduces the risk of maloderous fumes. The pouch can be made of plastic, textile fabric or otherwise, and be obtained by molding, blowing, heat-sealing of plastic sheets, or other textile fabric. Advantageously, the flexible pouch used comprises a hermetic wall, double envelope, triple envelope or more, so as to be more resistant. In such a configuration, it is also possible to periodically remove and discard the inner envelope of the pouch. This envelope can then be replaced by a new envelope by inserting it into the interior of the pouch, or by the envelope that succeeds it in the interior of a multi-envelope pouch. In order to stand exect in the technical unit (10), the pouch is temporarily attached on the bearing of carriage (17). This bearing can be made of wood, metal, composite materials, etc. So as to be attached to the bearing of the carriage (17), the pouch can be equipped with handles cooperating with hooks, rods, clamps, or otherwise, arranged on the aforementioned bearing.

Referring to the accompanying figures, the reservoir (11) has a filling port (12) through which arrives the wastewater generated by the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8) and a drain port (13) through which the aforementioned wastewater is discharged. Typically, the filling port (12) is located in the upper part of the reservoir (11) while the drain port (13) is located in its lower part.

In practice, the reservoir (11) is connected to a pump (14) enabling automatic recuperation of the wastewater generated by the sanitary facilities, the pump being of the rotative axial or rotative centrifuge hydraulic type. This pump (14) is advantageously integrated into the floor (3) of the bathroom. It has a suction port through which it draws the wastewater and a discharge port through which it discharges wastewater at the filling port (12). In practice, the suction port of the pump (14) is connected to the evacuation means of the wastewater of the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8), by example with the trap of the washbasin (7), with the trap of the shower (8), with the trap installed under the gratings of the floor (3), etc. The discharge port of the pump (14) is connected to the filling port (12) by a flexible conduit equipped with a quick coupling. In the case where the toilet is equipped with a Sanibroyeur® type waste macerator device, the filling port (12) of the reservoir (11) and/or the suction port of the pump (14) can also be connected to this macerator device. In practice, the pump (14), as well as the Sanibroyeur® type waste macerator device, are connected to the electrical panel positioned in the technical unit (12) and are supplied with 12 V.

The reservoir (11) is also connected to a reversible drain pump (14) enabling emptying of the wastewater stored in the aforementioned reservoir and optionally pumping of fresh water for the cleaning of the aforementioned reservoir and/or of the related conduits (15). The drain pump (14′) has a suction port througt to which it draws the wastewater at the drain port (13) and a discharge port through which it discharges the waste water. The drain pump (14′) is placed on the movable carriage (17) and it is advantageously powered by a battery pack. The latter is arranged on the movable carriage (17), the aforementioned battery being connected to a current source accessible from an electrical panel positioned in the technical unit (10), when the aforementioned carriage is stored in the aforementioned technical unit. In practice, the battery is recharged with 220V from the electrical panel.

The reservoir (11) can be equipped with a level sensor adapted to generate an alarm signal when the level of wastewater reaches a critical height. The alarm signal can, for example, comprise an audible and/or visual signal emitted by the technical unit (10). The alarm signal can also optionally be transmitted to a remote unit, for example, on a computer or a mobile phone.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the discharge port of the drain pump (14′) is advantageously connected to a flexible hose (15) enabling easy displacement and orientation of the drain flow to a drain point of the type the evacuation duct of the recuperation network, toilet, trench, etc. The drainage of the reservoir (11) can be actuated manually or automatically by means of a valve (16) or a faucet. The flexible hose (15) can be arranged on a reel enabling easy storage after use. By reversing the direction of operation of the drain pump (14′), it is understood that it is possible to draw in fresh water in order to clean the reservoir (11) and/or the flexible hose (15).

In practice, the carriage (17) comprises a platform on which rests the battery to ensure the autonomy of the drain pump (14′) and a bearing on which the reservoir (11) is suspended. The carriage (17) is provided with free or motorized wheels (18). The carriage (17) can be equipped with a handle enabling manual movement and/or be powered by means of an electric motor powered by the same battery that enables the autonomy of the drain pump (14′). In practice, the battery that ensures the autonomy of the electric motor of the carriage (17) is connected to a current source (typically recharged with 220 V accessible from the electrical panel positioned in the technical unit) when the aforementioned carriage is stored in the technical unit (10). In the case where the carriage (17) is motorized, it can be equipped with a steering handle for the wheels (18), a steering wheel or any other steering means acceptable to a person of skill in the art. In the case where the floor (3) of the bathroom (1) is raised relative to the floor (100) of the room, the technical unit (10) can incorporate a ramp to facilitate transfer of the reservoir (11) from one floor to another.

To comply with health regulations in force in certain countries, it is possible to provide a specific reservoir in order to collect waste (feces, urine, . . . ) generated by the toilet (6). In practice, this specific reservoir comprises a removable storage cassette of the type that is used in campers or trailers. This cassette can be located under, or beside, the toilet (6), preferably in the technical unit (10), and it is removed for the drainage to the exterior of the enclosure of the bathroom. In the case that such a storage cassette is used, the toilet (6) is not connected to the reservoir (11).

The technical unit (10) can further comprise a means for mixing a deodorant and/or disinfectant product with the waste water stored in the reservoir (11). This means is generally in the form of a dosing pump (32) connected to the reservoir (11) or to the pipes enabling evacuation of the wastewater. The dosing pump (32) is adapted to inject a deodorant product into the waste water in a recurring manner at given instants or depending on the amount of liquid stored in the reservoir (11).

In accordance with the invention, the technical unit (10) comprises a means for supplying the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8) with fresh water. This means can include rigid or flexible pipes, valves, T connections, nipples, drains, valves, or otherwise, made of stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, plastic, ceramic, or any other inoxidable material acceptable to a person of skill in the art. When the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8) are movable, the pipes used are preferably flexible.

The source of fresh water can be the city water network, hereinafter called “source network”. In this case, the technical unit (10) is directly connected to the source network. In practice, it is supplied with fresh, cold water through a flexible hose (30), whose diameter is between 5 mm and 25 mm, preferably 10 mm, and which is drawn from a water supply of the dwelling. It can therefore be required to make a hole in the wall, the floor, or the ceiling of the room, so as to connect the technical unit (10) to the source network. However, given the small diameter of the standard water supply conduits (30), and of the pressure source available in the network, it is possible simply and quickly to equip any room with a water outlet from the source network.

With the aim dispensing with the connection to the source network, the technical unit (10) can optionally comprise an independent fresh water source of the freshwater storage reservoir type, hereinafter called source reservoir. The latter enables supply of freshwater to the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8). The source reservoir can be in the form of a tank, a jerry can, a pouch, or any other reservoir acceptable to the person of skill in the art. It can be made of metal, composite material, or others, and be obtained by molding, blow molding, forming, etc. The source reservoir has a capacity variable from 5 L to 300 L. The fresh water can be driven from the reservoir source to the sanitation facilities (6, 7, 8) by gravity or by means of a pump. The technical unit (10) can also comprise a means for filling the reservoir of the filler cap and port type, flexible hose adopted to be unrolled and attached on the water outlet of the network source, etc. The source reservoir can also be arranged on a movable carriage so that it can be moved from the interior of the bathroom (1) to the exterior of the aforementioned bathroom, near a water outlet of the source network and thus facilitate its filling. The source reservoir can also be equipped with a drain to enable its emptying.

In order to obtain more autonomy, the technical unit (10) can also comprise a tankless water heater (31). In practice, the latter is hung on a wall of the technical unit (10) and connected to the flexible pipe (30) which supplies the aforementioned module with fresh cold water. The heater (31) is then connected to the washbasin (7) and/or to the shower (8), via other conduits. In this configuration, the technical unit (10) supplies the sanitary unit(s) with cold water (notably the toilet (6), the washbasin (7) and the shower (8)) but also with hot water (notably the washbasin (7) and the shower (8)). The hot water supply is thus realized in a completely independent and autonomous manner and requires no external connection or installation work in the room where the bathroom is installed.

The technical unit (10) can also comprise a means for injecting a disinfectant and/or cleaning product into the fresh water bound to flow into the toilet (6), a limestone filter, a Sanibroyeur®, etc.

The technical unit (10) can further comprise an electrical panel connected to an electrical outlet of the dwelling enabling supply of electrical energy to the set of electrical facilities of the aforementioned module as well as the lamps and other pumps arranged in the sanitary unit(s). The technical unit (10) thus provides an independent and autonomous electrical supply of the sanitary unit(s) and their facilities. The electrical panel is connected to the grid of the dwelling by a single electrical cable and/or a standard outlet. In practice, this electrical panel includes circuit breakers for each electrical appliance to which it is connected and a transformer enabling transformation from a 220 V current from the power grid, in continuous or alternating current of 12 V. In this way, the entire of the bathroom object the invention can be powered with 12 V to avoid any risk of electrocution.

2. The Sanitary Unit(s).

The technical features relating to the sanitary unit(s) are independent of the technical features relating to the technical unit (10) and in particular those relating to the design and operation of the reservoir (11).

In accordance with the invention, at least one of the modules forming the enclosure is a sanitary unit reclosing sanitary facilities of the toilet (6), washbasin (7), shower (8), bath, bidet, etc., type. The enclosure can comprise one or multiple sanitary units, for example:

• • a single sanitary unit enclosing a toilet (6), a shower (8) and a washbasin (7) as shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 and 12 to 16,
  • a first sanitary unit enclosing a toilet (6), a second sanitary unit enclosing a shower (8) and a third sanitary unit enclosing a washbasin (7) as shown in FIG. 13,
  • a first sanitary unit enclosing a toilet (6) and a second sanitary unit enclosing a shower (8) and a washbasin (7), or
  • a first sanitary unit enclosing a toilet (6) and a washbasin (7), and a second sanitary unit enclosing a shower (8) and a washbasin (7),
  • etc.

In each option, the user will be able to choose the modules he needs from among the toilet (6), the washbasin (7), or the shower (8), using either a single one of three modules, two modules of choice, or three modules. Other modules enclosing other facilities can of course be provided.

The sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8) can be made of plastic and/or wood and/or stone and/or composite material and/or metal and/or any other material acceptable to the person of skill in the art. They can be obtained by molding, forming, laminating. In practice, it is standard facilities. They each have a faucet type fresh water outlet, showerhead, toilet flush, etc., from the technical unit (10). They also each comprise a means for evacuation of wastewater of the trap, drain pipe, bowl, etc., type possibly connected to a pump. So that they can best adapt to the user, the sanitation facilities (6, 7, 8) can be adjustable in height by means of screws, pins, cylinders, rack, etc.

a. First Implementation Mode.

this implementation mode shown schematically in FIGS. 1 to 10 and 12 to 16, multiple sanitary facilities, notably the toilet (6), the washbasin (7) and the shower (8), are grouped in a single and common sanitary unit in order to minimize the bulkiness of the bathroom (1). The dimensions of this sanitary unit are sufficiently large in order to enable the mobility of a caregiver around the user.

Referring to a first variant shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the washbasin (7) and the toilet (6) are arranged in the same sanitary unit, the aforementioned washbasin is preferably arranged above the aforementioned toilet. The washbasin (7) can then be mounted to move between:

• • a use position wherein its trap opens directly into the bowl of the toilet (6),
  • a high storage position wherein the washbasin (7) is height positioned in order to be able to use the toilet (6),

In this case, the washbasin (7) is advantageously mobily mounted on one or more vertical rails (21) attached against a vertical wall of the sanitary unit. This solution has the advantage of not having to use flexible pipe connected to the trap of the washbasin (7).

In this first implementation mode, the fresh water inlet of the washbasin (7) is preferably in the form of a faucet (26) fixed on a wall of the sanitary unit, the aforementioned faucet comprising a conduit (23) movably mounted between:

• • a first position wherein it is located above the washbasin (7) when the latter is in the use position,
  • a second position wherein it is separated from the washbasin (7) in order to enable the latter to return to high storage position. Advantageously, this second position can be located above another sanitary facility of the bidet or bath type.

Similarly, the toilet (6) can be replaced with a bidet or a bath.

In a second implementation variant shown schematically in FIGS. 3 to 10, the toilet (6) and the washbasin (7) can be arranged in a drawer, sliding (or tilting) between a retracted position where they are inserted into the technical unit (10) and a deployed position (shown in dashed lines) where they are positioned in the sanitary unit. The straight or curved path of the toilet (6) is schematically shown by an arrow in FIGS. 3-6. The path of the washbasin (7) is also schematically shown by an arrow in FIGS. 7 and 8. By maneuvering the various drawers, the user thus has the possibility to use these sanitary facilities successively. The drawers can be made of plastic and/or wood and/or stone and/or composite material and/or metal and/or any other material acceptable to the person of ordinary skill. They can be mobily mounted to move by means of rails, slides, hinges, joints, pivot bearings, etc. Preferably and in order to reduce the mechanical stress of the drawers, sanitary facilities (6, 7) arranged in the aforementioned drawers are made of plastic type lightweight composite materials. A flexible pipe connects the water inlet of the washbasin (7) to the technical unit (10). Similarly, a flexible pipe for evacuation of the wastewater connected to the trap of the washbasin (7) is connected to the pump (14).

In a third implementation variant shown schematically in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the washbasin (7) and the toilet (6) are arranged in the same sanitary unit, the aforementioned washbasin can be arranged adjacent to the aforementioned toilet. The washbasin (7) can be mounted mobily laterally between:

• • a first use position wherein it is positioned next to the toilet (6). When a person uses the toilet (6), he thus has direct access to the washbasin (7).
  • a second use position (shown in dashed lines) wherein it is positioned above the toilet (6).

In this implementation variant, the toilet (6) is fixed and the washbasin (7) remains permanently positioned in the sanitary unit. The lateral path of the washbasin (7) is shown schematically by an arrow in FIGS. 9 and 10. In this variant, the washbasin (7) is advantageously mounted on one or multiple horizontal guides or rails (21) fixed against a wall of the sanitary unit. A flexible pipe connecting the water inlet of the washbasin (7) to the technical unit (10) and another flexible pipe for evacuation of the wastewater connected to the aforementioned washbasin is connected to the pump (14). The faucet (26) of the washbasin (7) is preferably fixed to a wall of the sanitary unit, and is pivotable so as to be functional regardless of the position of use of the aforementioned washbasin. To simplify the design of the sanitary unit, it is advantageous that the water inlet conduit of the shower (8) be the same as that of the faucet (26).

In this first implementation mode (according to the first variant, the second or the third variant), the toilet (6) is preferably provided with a foldable seat (22). This seat (22) can be fixed to a wall of the sanitary unit or be an integral part of the toilet (6), in the manner of a folding telescope. This seat (22) is movably mounted between a folded position wherein it is arranged against the wall of the sanitary unit or against the water reservoir of the toilet (6) and a turned-down position where it is positioned above the aforementioned toilet bowl. The seat (22) can be height adjustable so as to be able to adapt to the size of the user. The adjustment can be made by a screw, a rack, a cylinder, etc. The seat (22) can be made of plastic, wood, metal, polystyrene, or otherwise, to be fixed to the wall of the sanitary unit or on a rim of the toilet (6) by means of screws, rivets, clips, or otherwise, and be moved by means of hinges, pivots, or otherwise. The sanitary unit is arranged so that a user can take a shower while sitting on the seat (22). The waste water generated by this shower can be discharged directly via the bowl of the toilet (6) and/or the slatted floor (3) positioned around the aforementioned toilet and/or via the basin of the shower (8) if the aforementioned toilet is positioned in the aforementioned basin. The entire floor (3) can act as the shower basin (8) and optionally be doubled in thickness by a grating. The shower can be taken either standing or sitting in folding the seat (22) and by maneuvering the washbasin (7): in upper storage position (first variant), by truning it down in its drawer (second variant) or by laterally moving it in the first use position (third variant).

b. Second Implementation Mode.

In this implementation mode shown schematically in FIG. 11, the enclosure of the bathroom (1) is formed from a first sanitary unit enclosing the toilets (6), a second sanitary unit enclosing the washbasin (7), and a third sanitary unit enclosing the shower (8), the aforementioned sanitary units being independent.

It would also be possible to add one or multiple other sanitary units and/or consolidate multiple sanitary facilities in the same module.

c. Other Characteristics of the Sanitary Unit(s).

The sanitary unit(s) can also include complementary sanitary facilities, of the wheelchair ramp, height adjustable shower seat, support bar, crane, etc., type

In the case where the floor (3) of the bathroom (1) is raised relative to the floor of the room, the sanitary unit(s) can be equipped with a ramp whose inclination meets the standards in force, allowing easy access to persons in wheelchair.

3. Other Features of the Bathroom.

The following technical features are suitable for the enclosure of the bathroom, whatever its implementation mode.

As shown in FIG. 14, the enclosure can be mounted on wheels (5) so that it can be moved easily in the room. The wheels (5) can be free for manual movement or motorized for automatic movement. This can be particularly be very useful to get the bathroom (1) closes to a user with reduced mobility, or for moving the aforementioned bathroom from the bed of a first user to the bed of a second user when two users cohabit in the same home.

As shown schematically in FIGS. 15 and 16, the enclosure of the bathroom (1) can be telescopic so as to reduce its bulk when not in use. In such a configuration, the enclosure comprising a first movable part (P1) forming facade adapted to slide in a second fixed part (P2) wherein is positioned the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8). The first part (P1) slides in the second part (P2) by means of slides, rails, wheels, etc. The movement of the first part (P1) can be performed manually or automatically if a motor is provided. This solution enables division of the width of the enclosure by two.

Claims

1. An autonomous bathroom comprising a prefabricated enclosure designed to be placed on the floor of a room of a dwelling, the aforementioned enclosure being formed by the combination of:

a sanitary unit containing sanitary facilities,

a technical unit comprising means for supplying the sanitary facilities with freshwater,

characterized in that the technical unit further comprises:

a means for supplying cold water and hot water and a means for supplying electricity to the sanitary unit(s) and in particular to the sanitary facilities, the technical unit providing the autonomy of the aforementioned sanitary unit(s),

a means for collecting the waste water generated by the sanitary facilities and a reservoir for storing the aforementioned wastewater mounted on a movable carriage.

2. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir is formed from a hermetically sealed flexible pouch and removably attached or permanently attached on the mobile carriage).

3. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable carriage is equipped with free wheels articulated so that the aforementioned carriage can be moved manually.

4. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable carriage is equipped with wheels rotated by a motor so that the aforementioned carriage can be displaced automatically, the aforementioned motor being powered by a battery pack arranged on the aforementioned carriage, the aforementioned battery being connected to a current source enabling charging of it when the aforementioned carriage is stored in the technical unit.

5. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the technical unit is supplied with fresh, cold water through a flexible flexible pipe, whose diameter is between 5 mm and 25 mm, and which is drawn from a water supply of the dwelling, the aforementioned technical unit being equipped with a water heater connected to the aforementioned flexible pipe, the aforementioned technical unit thus enabling supply of the sanitary unit(s) and in particular the sanitary facilities with cold water and with hot water.

6. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir is connected to one or multiple pumps enabling recovery of the waste water generated by the sanitary facilities.

7. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir is connected to a reversible drain pump enabling not only emptying of the wastewater stored in the aforementioned reservoir but also pumping of fresh water for the cleaning of the aforementioned reservoir and/or of the related conduits, the aforementioned pump being placed on the movable carriage, and being powered by a battery pack, the aforementioned battery being connected to a current source enabling to recharge it when the aforementioned carriage is stored in the technical unit.

8. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the technical unit comprises a means for mixing a deodorant and/or disinfectant product with the waste water stored in the reservoir.

9. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the enclosure is formed:

from a single module enclosing a sanitary toilet, a washbasin and a shower,

from the technical unit.

10. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 9, characterized in that the washbasin is arranged beside or above the toilet, the aforementioned washbasin being mounted movable between a use position and a storage position.

11. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 9, characterized in that the toilet and/or the washbasin are arranged in drawers sliding between a retracted position where they are inserted in the technical unit and a deployed position where they are positioned in the sanitary unit.

12. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 9, characterized in that the washbasin is mobily mounted laterally between

a first use position wherein it is positioned next to the toilet,

a second use positioned wherein it is positioned above the toilet.

13. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 9, characterized in that the toilet is provided with a foldable seat, the sanitary unit being arranged so that a user can shower himself while sitting on the aforementioned seat, the waste water generated by this shower being discharged via the bowl of the aforementioned toilet and/or via the slatted floor postioned around the aforementioned toilet and/or via the basin of the shower if the aforementioned toilet is positioned in the aforementioned basin.

14. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the enclosure is formed:

from a first sanitary unit enclosing a toilet, a second sanitary unit enclosing a basin, a third sanitary unit enclosing a shower, the aforementioned sanitary units being independent,

from the technical unit.

15. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the prefabricated enclosure has the form of a furniture cabinet.

16. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the prefabricated enclosure is telescopic, the aforementioned enclosure comprising a first movable part forming a facade adapted to slide in a second fixed part wherein are arranged the sanitary facilities.

17. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the prefabricated enclosure is mounted on wheels so that the aforementioned enclosure can be displaced.

18. An autonomous bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the prefabricated enclosure encloses a toilet connected to a removable storage cassette used to collect waste generated by the aforementioned toilet, the latter not being connected to the reservoir.