Urinal enclosure

Abstract

An enclosure for concealing the presence of a portable urinal includes a housing having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and having a hollow interior portion for receiving such portable urinal. An aperture is formed in an exterior surface of the housing for accessing the hollow interior portion and a door is hingeably attached to the housing and selectively movable between a first position for covering the aperture and a second position for uncovering the aperture. A drawer is slideably mounted adjacent a base member of the housing for collecting accidental spillage from such portable urinal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priory from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/649,369 filed Jan. 31, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to urinal enclosures and, more particularly, this invention relates to enclosures for portable urinals which allow the person to conceal the presence of such portable urinals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally well known, some individuals in homes and residential care facilities must use portable urinals for medical purposes and must keep them readily available and in close proximity to a location of use. While these portable urinals are necessary, they have been designed, from a strictly functional standpoint, for receiving and securely containing urine discharge and are not aesthetically pleasing. Accordingly, the individuals using such portable urinals may be embarrassed by their visual presence.

Lately, wall mounted urinals, which have been traditionally used in commercial public restrooms, have been gaining acceptance in a home environment, particularly where there are males in the household, as they reduce spillage, are more convenient to use since lifting and lowering of the toilet lid or seat is no longer required and use less water than a regular toilet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided an enclosure for concealing the presence of a portable urinal. Such enclosure includes a housing having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape. A hollow interior portion is provided within the housing for receiving such portable urinal. An aperture is formed in an exterior surface of the housing for accessing the hollow interior portion. A door is attached to the housing by hinges and is selectively movable between a first position for covering the aperture and a second position for uncovering the aperture. There is a drawer slideably mounted adjacent a base member of the housing for collecting accidental spillage from such portable urinal.

According to a second embodiment, the invention provides an enclosure for operatively concealing a urinal fixture mounted to a wall. Such enclosure has a hollow interior portion and an aperture formed in an exterior surface of the enclosure for accessing the hollow interior portion. A door is attached to the enclosure by hinges for selectively opening and closing the access aperture. Such enclosure may be removably mounted to the wall. The door is opened to expose such urinal during use and is closed to conceal the urinal.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an enclosure for concealing the presence of a portable urinal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an enclosure for concealing the presence of a portable urinal which is capable of collecting accidental spillage.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an enclosure for concealing the presence of a portable urinal which is decoratively pleasing.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an enclosure for concealing the presence of a portable urinal which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an enclosure for concealing the presence of a wall mounted urinal.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the enclosure for concealing the presence of a portable urinal;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the enclosure for a portable urinal illustrated in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an enclosure for concealing the presence of a wall mounted urinal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is provided an enclosure, generally designated 10, to conceal the presence of a portable urinal 2. Such enclosure includes a housing, generally designated 20, having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and having a hollow interior portion 22 for receiving such portable urinal 2 through an aperture 23 formed in an outer surface of the housing 20.

The housing 20 includes a base member 24 for supporting such portable urinal 2 received in the hollow interior portion 22 of the housing 20 and a top member 26 disposed opposite the base member 24. A back member 28 is connected to aligned respective rear edges of the base member 24 and the top member 26. There is a pair of side members 30, each connected to aligned respective side edges of the base member 24 and the top member 26 and connected to a respective side edge of the back member 28, whereby a combination of the front edges in each of the base member 24, the top member 26 and each of the pair of side members 30 form such aperture 23.

A door means 40 is hingeably attached to the housing 20, preferably to one of the side members 30 with a hinge 42 such as a continuous hinge or, preferably, a pair of hinges 42 mounted in a spaced relationship, as shown in FIG. 1. The door 40 is selectively movable between a first position for covering the aperture 23 and a second position for uncovering the aperture 23 and enabling removal and placement of such portable urinal 2. It will be appreciated that such first position is a closed position and such second position is an open position of the door 40.

The enclosure 10 is provided with a closure means, generally designated 50, for retaining the door 40 in the first position. In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, such closure means 50 includes a magnetic member 52 attached to a predetermined portion of the housing 20 and a metallic member 54 attached to the door 40 and in alignment with the magnetic member 52. Alternatively, the magnetic member 52 may be attached to the door 40 and the metallic member 54 may be attached to the housing 20.

To collect accidental spillage from such portable urinal 2 being placed into the housing 20, there is means, generally designated 60, disposed within the enclosure 10 for collecting such accidental spillage. It is presently preferred for such accidental spillage collecting means 60 to include a partition member 62 mounted in the housing 20 and in a predetermined spaced relationship about a base member 24 of the housing 20, a drawer means 64 mounted for slideable movement in a space formed intermediate the base member 24 and the partition member 62 and a predetermined plurality of apertures 66 disposed in a predetermined pattern within the partition member 62 for enabling passage of such accidental spillage into the drawer means 64. By way of example, elongated apertures 66 are illustrated in FIG. 1, although it will be understood that other shapes of such apertures 66 may be used for enabling passage of the accidental spillage.

Preferably, the door 40 when disposed in the first position enables a sliding movement of the drawer means 64, as best shown in FIG. 1.

Alternatively, accidental spillage collecting means 60 may include a tray means 68, best shown in FIG. 2, which is removably engageable with at least a portion of an interior surface of a base member 24 of the housing 20 for collecting such accidental spillage.

It will be appreciated that the drawer means 64 may be further utilized for receiving any well known deodorizing means 68 capable of releasing a predetermined scent that penetrates the hollow interior portion 23 by way of the predetermined plurality of apertures 66 for eliminating undesirable odor permeating from at least one of such portable urinal 2 and such accidental spillage.

In operation, the enclosure 10 is placed in close proximity to a location of use. The portable urinal 2 is placed into the hollow interior portion 23 and the door 40 is placed into the first or closed position for concealing such portable urinal 2. When required, the door 40 is moved into the second or open position exposing such portable urinal 2 which is then removed for one of use and emptying contents contained therein. Subsequently, the portable urinal 2 is replaced within the hollow interior portion 23 and the door means 40 is closed to conceal such portable urinal 2.

It will be understood that such enclosure 10 may be utilized in a residential dwelling, assisted care living facility, hospital and the like where such portable urinal 2 must be kept in close proximity to a point of use and where it is desirable to conceal its presence.

For aesthetic purposes, the enclosure 10 may include a predetermined indicia 70 applied to at least a portion of an exterior surface of one of the housing 20, the door means 40 and a combination thereof.

The material of the housing 20, door 40 and drawer means 64 may be one of wood, metal and plastic. In applications, wherein such material is wood, an interior surface of each of the housing 20, the door 40 and the drawer means 66 includes means, such as vinyl material 80, applied to at least one interior surface of the enclosure 10 for preventing damage to the wood material from accidental spillage from such portable urinal.

Advantageously, the base member 24 enables the enclosure 20 to be placed onto a generally horizontal floor surface 4. When required in a particular application, the enclosure 10 may be provided with a mounting means, such as a plurality of apertures 92 disposed in the back member 28 or a hanger means 94 attached to exterior surface of the back member 28 for securely mounting the enclosure 10 to a vertical wall surface 6, preferably in a spaced relationship with such generally horizontal floor surface 4 as best shown in FIG. 2.

According to a second embodiment, the invention provides an enclosure, generally designated 110, shown in FIG. 3, for concealing the presence of a urinal 100 mounted to a generally vertical wall 104. Such enclosure 110 includes a housing, generally designated 120, having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and having a hollow interior portion 122 for encasing such urinal 100.

The housing 120 includes a top member 126 and a pair of side members 130, each connected to respective side edges of the top member 126, whereby a combination of front edges in each of the top member 126 and each of the pair of side members 130 form such aperture 123. Alternatively, the housing 110 may include a base member 124 disposed opposite the top member 126 and connected to each side member 130.

The hollow interior portion 122 may be in open communication with the wall 104 or, alternatively, a back member 128 may be disposed intermediate the toilet 100 and the wall 104 and provided with at least one aperture (not shown) for accommodating attachment and connection of such urinal 100.

A door means 140 is hingeably attached to the housing 120, preferably to one of the side members 130 with a hinge means 142 such as a continuous hinge or, preferably, a pair of hinges 142 mounted in a spaced relationship, as shown in FIG. 3. The door means 140 is selectively movable between a first, or closed, position for covering the aperture 123 and a second, or open, position for uncovering the aperture 123 and enabling access to such urinal 100.

The enclosure 110 is provided with a closure means, generally designated 150, for retaining the door 140 in the first position. In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, such closure means 150 includes a magnetic member 152 attached to a predetermined portion of the housing 120 and a metallic member 154 attached to the door 140 and in alignment with the magnetic member 152. Alternatively, magnetic member 152 may be attached to the door 140 and the metallic member 154 may be attached to the housing 120.

To collect accidental spillage from such urinal 100 there is a means, generally designated 160, disposed within the enclosure 110 for collecting such accidental spillage. It is presently preferred for such accidental spillage collecting means 160 to include a partition member 162 mounted in the housing 120 and in a predetermined spaced relationship about a base member 124 of the housing 120, a drawer means 164 mounted for slideable movement in a space formed intermediate the base member 124 and the partition member 162 and a predetermined plurality of apertures 166 disposed in a predetermined pattern within the partition member 162 for enabling passage of such accidental spillage into the drawer means 164. By way of example, elongated apertures 166 are illustrated in FIG. 3, although it will be understood that other shapes of such aperture 166 may be used for enabling passage of the accidental spillage.

Preferably, the door 140 disposed in the first position enables a sliding movement of the drawer means 164, as best shown in FIG. 3.

Alternatively, accidental spillage collecting means 160 may include a tray means (not shown) which is removably engageable with at least a portion of an interior surface of a base member 124 of the housing 120 for collecting such accidental spillage.

It will be appreciated that the drawer means 164 may be further utilized for receiving any well known deodorizing means 168 capable of releasing a predetermined scent that penetrates the hollow interior portion 123 by way of the predetermined plurality of apertures 166 for eliminating undesirable odor permeating from at least one of such urinal 100 and such accidental spillage.

In operation, the enclosure 110 is mounted to the wall 104 to conceal urinal 100. When required for use, the door 140 is moved into the second position to expose urinal 100 and then moved back into the first position to conceal such urinal 100.

For aesthetic purposes, the enclosure 110 may include a predetermined indicia 170 applied to at least a portion of an exterior surface of one of the housing 120, the door 140 and a combination thereof.

The material of the housing 120, door 140 and drawer 164 may be wood or plastic. In applications, wherein such material is wood, an interior surface of each of the housing 120, the door 140 and the drawer 66 includes means, such as vinyl material 180, applied to at least one interior surface of the enclosure 110 for preventing damage to the wood material from accidental spillage from such urinal.

Although the present invention has been shown in terms of the enclosures 10 or 110 having a substantially parallelepiped shape which is economical and inexpensive to manufacture, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be applied to other shapes of such enclosures 10 or 110.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An enclosure for concealing a presence of a portable urinal, said enclosure comprising:

(a) a housing having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and having a hollow interior portion for receiving such portable urinal;

(b) an aperture formed in an exterior surface of said housing for accessing said hollow interior portion of said housing;

(c) a door means hingeably attached to said housing and selectively movable between a first position for covering said aperture and a second position for uncovering said aperture; and

(d) means disposed within said housing for collecting accidental spillage from such portable urinal being placed into said housing.

2. The enclosure, according to claim 1, wherein said housing includes:

(a) a base member for supporting such portable urinal received in said hollow interior portion of said housing;

(b) a top member disposed opposite said base member;

(c) a back member connected to aligned respective rear edges of said base member and said top member;

(d) a pair of side members each connected to an aligned respective side edge of each of said base member and said top member and connected to a respective side edge of said back member, whereby a combination of front edges in each of said base member, said top member and each of said pair of side members form said aperture for accessing said hollow interior portion of said housing.

3. The enclosure, according to claim 2, wherein said door means is hingeably attached to one of said side members.

4. The enclosure, according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes a closure means for securely retaining said door means in said first position.

5. The enclosure, according to claim 4, wherein said closure means is a magnetic member attached to one of said housing and said door means and a metallic member attached to other one of said housing and said door means in alignment with said magnetic member.

6. The enclosure, according to claim 1, wherein said means for collecting spillage includes a tray means removably engageable with at least a portion of an interior surface of a base member of said housing.

7. The enclosure, according to claim 1, wherein said means for collecting such accidental spillage includes a partition member mounted in said housing and in a predetermined spaced relationship about a base member of said housing, a drawer means mounted for slideable movement in a space formed intermediate said base member and said partition member and a predetermined plurality of apertures disposed in a predetermined pattern within said partition member for enabling passage of such accidental spillage into said drawer means.

8. The enclosure, according to claim 7, wherein said enclosure further includes a deodorizing means placed into said drawer means and capable of releasing a predetermined scent penetrating said hollow interior portion by way of said predetermined plurality of apertures for eliminating undesirable odor permeating from at least one of such portable urinal and such accidental spillage.

9. The enclosure, according to claim 7, wherein said door means disposed in said first position enables a sliding movement of said drawer means.

10. The enclosure, according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes a predetermined indicia applied to at least a portion of an exterior surface of one of said housing, said door means and a combination thereof.

11. The enclosure, according to claim 1, wherein a material of said housing and said door means is one of wood, metal and plastic.

12. The enclosure, according to claim 11, wherein said material is said wood and at least a portion of an interior surface in each of said housing and said door means includes means engaged therewith for preventing an accidental spillage from such portable urinal to damage said wood material.

13. The enclosure, according to claim 12, wherein said means for preventing damage of said wood material includes a vinyl material.

14. The enclosure, according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure further includes a mounting means for securely mounting said enclosure to a vertical wall surface.

15. The enclosure, according to claim 14, wherein said enclosure is mounted in a spaced relationship to a generally horizontal floor surface.

16. A method of at least operatively concealing a portable urinal being kept in close proximity to a location of use in at least a residential dwelling, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an enclosure having a hollow interior portion and an aperture formed in an exterior surface of said enclosure for accessing said hollow interior portion, a door means hingeably attached to said enclosure for selectively opening and closing said access aperture, and means engageable with at least a portion of said hollow interior portion for collecting accidental spillage from such portable urinal;

(b) placing said enclosure adjacent such location of use;

(c) placing such portable urinal within said hollow interior portion;

(d) opening said door means to expose said access aperture and such portable urinal;

(e) removing such portable urinal for one of use and emptying contents contained therein;

(f) replacing such portable urinal within said hollow interior portion; and

(g) closing said door means for concealing such urinal.

17. A method of concealing a urinal fixture mounted to a wall, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an enclosure having a hollow interior portion and an aperture formed in an exterior surface of said enclosure for accessing said hollow interior portion and a door means hingeably attached to said enclosure for selectively opening and closing said access aperture;

(b) mounting said enclosure onto such wall, whereby such urinal is disposed within said hollow interior portion;

(c) opening said door means to expose such urinal during use; and

(d) closing said door means for concealing such urinal.

18. The method, according to claim 17, wherein said enclosure includes means at least partially disposed within said hollow interior portion for collecting accidental spillage formed during use of such urinal.