SELF-CONTAINED BATHROOM
The invention relates to a self-contained bathroom comprising a prefabricated chamber intended to be placed on the floor of a room in a dwelling, said chamber containing sanitary fittings (6, 7, 8). The bathroom also includes: a means (30) for supplying clean water to the prefabricated chamber; a means (14) for collecting the wastewater generated by the sanitary fittings (6, 7, 8); and a tank (11) for storing the wastewater, said tank being connected to a drain means (14′) placed inside the prefabricated chamber in order to drain the wastewater stored in the tank. The invention is characterised in that the drain means (14′) is connected to a extendable hose (17) positioned inside the prefabricated chamber, and, while the tank remains inside the chamber, the extendable hose can be used to convey and direct the drain flow towards a drain point outside the chamber.
An object of the invention is an autonomous bathroom designed to be installed in a room.
The invention relates to the technical field of sanitation and more particularly to autonomous, personal bathrooms designed to be installed in a room of a dwelling not designed for this purpose.
PRIOR ARTKnown are the bathrooms to be installed in a room of a dwelling such as those described in the documents DE 20 2005 002 1 16 (Stefan WEBER), FR 2 467 266 (RESINE ARME S.A.), FR 2 579 646 (MORIOT Marcel et ROBERT Daniel), FR 2 671 961 (AMILHAU Martine), FR 2 735 674 (SPIE CITRA S.A.), FR 2 690 831 (TBS FABRICATIONS LIMITED), EP 1 516 968 (CAVALERI Antonio), AU 2006 203 623 (Norma Me CULLOCH), US 2003/0140571 (J&K MANUFACTURING Inc.), US 2009/0100769 (Jeffrey L. BARETT & Adam Hedgcock), US 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 evacuation connectors enabling connection of sanitary facilities to the sewage evacuation 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 installation of an evacuation duct in a room is often complex and expensive and requires the completion of 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 downward from their 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 bathrooms to be installed in RV type trailer, camper or mobile homes. This type of bathroom is described for example 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 the wastewater using gravity and by retrieving it from a storage reservoir located below the vehicle floor.
However, the adaption of such a solution to a dwelling would necessarily involve carrying out work in the floor so as to make a specific location for receiving a wastewater storage reservoir. However, the creation of a specific location in the floor, in addition to being complex and costly, risks weakening the aforementioned floor. Furthermore, once placed under the floor, the reservoir becomes difficult to access by the user and difficult to empty.
Faced with this situation, the invention has as its main objective to provide an autonomous bathroom designed to be installed on the floor of a dwelling, and enabling to dispense with complex and expensive work to install wastewater evacuation ducts in the aforementioned room or to incorporate a reservoir in the floor of the aforementioned room and optionally to install hot water conduits from the water heater of the dwelling.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTIONThe 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 containing sanitary facilities, the aforementioned bathroom further comprising:
a means for supplying the prefabricated enclosure with freshwater,
a means for collecting the wastewater generated by the sanitary facilities,
a reservoir for storing the aforementioned wastewater, the aforementioned reservoir being connected to a drain means placed in the prefabricated enclosure and enabling draining of wastewater stored in the aforementioned reservoir,
This bathroom is remarkable in that the drain means is connected to an extendable conduit device placed in the prefabricated enclosure, the aforementioned extendable conduit device enabling, while the reservoir is positioned in the aforementioned enclosure, displacement and orientation of the drain flow to a drain exterior to the aforementioned enclosure.
Thus, the bathroom autonomously provides the collection and storage of waste generated by sanitary facilities, and thus enabling dispensing with work relating to installation of a wastewater evacuation duct in a room of dwelling, or relating to incorporation of a reservoir under the floor of the aforementioned room.
The extendable conduit device can be, for example, a flexible tube mounted on a winder/unwinder placed in the prefabricated enclosure or, in an implementation variant, a flexible and extendable spiral tube.
The drain means is preferably a reversible drain pump enabling not only emptying of the wastewater stored in the reservoir but also pumping of freshwater for the cleaning of the aforementioned reservoir and/or extendable conduit device.
The prefabricated enclosure can be formed by the combination of at least two units:
at least one sanitary unit containing the sanitary facilities,
a technical unit providing the autonomy of the aforementioned sanitary unit(s) and comprising:
the means for supplying the sanitary facilities with freshwater,
a means for supplying cold water and hot water and a means for supplying electricity to the sanitary unit(s), and in particular the sanitary facilities,
the means for collecting the wastewater generated by the sanitary facilities and the reservoir.
The reservoir can optionally be mounted on a movable carriage.
According to an advantageous implementation feature, the reservoir is formed by a hermetically sealed flexible bag on which are connected the means to collect wastewater and the drain means.
The prefabricated enclosure is preferentially supplied with cold, clean water via a flexible tube drawn from a water supply of the dwelling, the aforementioned enclosure being equipped with a water heater connected to the aforementioned flexible tube, the aforementioned enclosure thus enabling supplying of cold water and hot water to the sanitary facilities.
According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention, the prefabricated enclosure can:
have the form of armoire or 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 the sanitary facilities are positioned,
and/or be mounted on wheels so that it can be displaced.
According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention, the prefabricated enclosure contains 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.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of a preferred implementation mode that will follow, with reference to the accompanying drawings made as indicative and non-limiting examples, and wherein:
Referring to
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 housekeepers and their families.
to save them from disrupting the life of others living in the dwelling, 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). These different walls can be solid or as to allow passage of pipings, tubings or other conduits, electrical and/or different integrated equipment. The enclosure can have a rectangular, prismatic, cylindrical, semicylindrical form, having the form of an armoire, furniture cabinet, or otherwise. Doors enable access to the interior of the bathroom. The enclosure may be made of plastic and/or wood and/or composite materials and/or metal and/or any other material suitable to the person of skill in the art. The floor (3) of the enclosure may be overbridged by a walkway (300).
A curtain can be provided at the entrance to the bathroom (1). This curtain, adjustable in height, for example made of plastic canvas, will enable the caregiver to have access to the inside of the enclosure for cleaning and/or assisting the user while protecting her from splashes the shards of water (the curtain having a function of protective apron) and avoid wetting the room in which the bathroom (1) is placed.
In order to be easily integrated into a room, the walls of the bathroom (1) can be dimensioned in order to be inserted into a closet, or may have the shape and appearance of an armoire. In practice, the enclosure can have a height of between 1.8 m and 3 m, a width ranging from 1 m to 5 m and a depth of 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 formed from various prefabricated elements to be assembled by snapping, screwing, “quarter turn” screwing, riveting, etc. The prefabricated components can be obtained by molding, rolling, extrusion, cutting, etc. Advantageously, the various prefabricated components to be assembled will be dimensioned in order to be moved by one or multiple persons in a stairwell and/or through the door frame of a dwelling.
The enclosure can also include complementary sanitary facilities such as wheelchair ramp, height adjustable shower seat, support bar, crane, etc. In the case where the floor (3) of the bathroom (1) is raised relative to the floor of the room, the enclosure can be equipped with a ramp whose inclination meets the standards in force, enabling easy access to persons in wheelchair.
The enclosure can be mounted on wheels such that it can be moved easily in the room. The wheels can be free for manual movement or motorized for automatic movement. This can be particularly be very useful to get the bathroom (1) closest 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 cohabitate in the same dwelling.
The enclosure of the bathroom can also be telescopic so as to reduce its bulk when not in use. In such a configuration, the enclosure comprising a first movable part forming façade adapted to slide in a second fixed part wherein is positioned the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8). The first part slides in the second part by means of slides, rails, wheels, etc. The movement of the first part can be performed manually or automatically if a motor is provided. This solution enables division of the width of the enclosure by two.
First Implementation Mode (FIGS. 1 and 2)The prefabricated enclosure is formed from a single piece and defines a single volume wherein are positioned various amenities such as toilet (6) with Sanibroyeur ®, washbasin (7) with mixer tap, and shower (8) controllable from the faucet of the aforementioned washbasin bathtub, bidet, etc. So as to better adapt to the user, the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8) are adjustable in height by means of screws, pins, jacks, rack, etc.
The toilet (6) is preferably provided with a foldable seat (22). This seat (22) can be fixed to a side wall of the enclosure or be an integral part of the toilet (6), in the manner of a folding telescope. In practice, the seat (22) is part of a housing (60) in which are stored the toilet (6) and the extendable conduit (17) described in more detail in the remainder of the description. The seat (22) can be height adjustable so as to be able to adapt to the size of the user. The enclosure is arranged so that a user can take a shower while sitting on the seat (22). The wastewater 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 (30) if the aforementioned toilet is positioned in the aforementioned basin. The entire floor (3) can act as the shower basin and optionally be doubled in thickness by a grating.
A reservoir (11) is provided for storing the wastewater generated by these various sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8). This reservoir (11) can be fixed or, to the contrary, be arranged on a movable carriage such that it can easily moveable outside of the prefabricated enclosure. The reservoir (11) is preferably stored in a cabinet (70), which may be one supporting the washbasin (7) for saving space. A trap door (700) is then provided in the cabinet (70) to allow easy access to the reservoir (11).
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 blowing, 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. It can be in the form of a tank, a jerry can or other container suitable for art. It can be made of metal, fiber, plastic, wood, composite material, or other, and to be obtained by molding, blow molding, forming, etc. However, the reservoir (11) is preferably in the form of a flexible sealed pouch. 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 exchanges between the interior and exterior of the reservoir (11) are eliminated, which significantly reduces the risk of malodorous fumes. The pouch can be made of plastic, textile fabric or otherwise, and be obtained by molding, blowing, heat-sealing of plastic sheets, textile fabric or otherwise. 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 erect in the bathroom enclosure, the pouch is temporarily attached on a bearing. This bearing can be made of wood, metal, composite materials, etc. So as to be attached to the bearing, 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 an automatic activation 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. The 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), by the trap of the shower (8), by the trap installed under the gratings (300) 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 (6) 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 enclosure of the bathroom and are supplied with 12 V.
The reservoir (11) is also connected to a reversible drain pump (14′) enabling the emptying of the wastewater stored in the aforementioned reservoir and optionally pumping of freshwater for the cleaning of the aforementioned reservoir and/or the related conduits (17). Any other means of drainage can be used, however. The drain pump (14′) has a suction port through which it draws the wastewater at the drain port (13) and a discharge port through which it discharges the wastewater to the extendable conduit means (17) described in more detail in the remainder of the description.
In the case where the reservoir (11) is placed on a movable carriage, the drain pump (14′) can be placed on this same carriage. It can be directly connected to the electrical panel of the enclosure positioned in the enclosure of the bathroom and be supplied with 12 V or be powered by a battery pack.
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 enclosure. The alarm signal can also optionally be transmitted to a remote unit, for example, on a computer or a mobile phone.
Referring to the accompanying figures and in particular to
The extendable conduit device (17) can for example be a flexible pipe mounted on a winder/unwinder placed in the prefabricated enclosure (for example a reel with automatic return) or in a variant implementation an extensible and flexible, a pipe, pipe bellows or any other extensible pipe suitable for a person of skill in the art. A hatch (600) is provided in the housing (60) in order to allow easy access to the extendable conduit device (17).
The drainage of the reservoir (11) can be actuated manually or automatically by means of a valve or a faucet. 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 extensible conduit (17).
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), and 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 enclosure of the bathroom can further comprise a means for mixing a deodorant and/or disinfectant product with the wastewater stored in the reservoir (11). This means is generally in the form of a dosing pump connected to the reservoir (11) or to the pipes that enable evacuation of the wastewater. The dosing pump is adapted to inject a deodorant product into the wastewater in a recurring manner at given instants or depending on the amount of liquid stored in the reservoir (11).
The prefabricated enclosure 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, traps, or otherwise, made of stainless steel, copper, brass, rustproof material, aluminum, plastic, ceramic, or any other inoxidable material suitable for 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 enclosure is directly connected to the source network. In practice, it is supplied with fresh, cold water through a flexible pipe (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 enclosure to the source network. However, given the small diameter of the standard water supply conduits (30), and of the pressure available in the source network, it is possible to simply and quickly equip any room with a water outlet from the source network.
With the aim dispensing with the connection to the source network, the enclosure 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 facility(ies) (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 source reservoir to the sanitation facilities (6, 7, 8) by gravity or by means of a pump. The enclosure can also comprise a means for filling the source reservoir of the filler cap and port type, flexible hose adopted to be unrolled and attached on the water outlet of the source network, 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 enclosure can also comprise a water heater (31), a 15 L tankless water heater for example. In practice, the latter is placed on a wall of the enclosure and hidden by a cornice. It can, however, be hung on a wall of the enclosure. The water heater (31) is connected to the flexible pipe (30) that supplies the aforementioned enclosure with fresh cold water. The heater (31) is next connected to the washbasin (7) and/or to the shower (8), via other conduits. In this configuration, the enclosure supplies the sanitary facilities not only 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 enclosure 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 bathroom (1) can further comprise a 220 V power supply box (40) connected to an electrical outlet of the dwelling or a battery and enabling or supply of electrical to the set of the electrical equipment of the aforementioned bathroom as well as the waterproof ceiling light (15) and other pumps (14, 14′). An electrical panel (41) is connected to the box (40) by a simple electrical cable and/or a standard outlet. In practice, this electrical panel (41) includes circuit breakers for each electrical apparatus to which it is connected and a transformer enabling transformation of the 220 V current from the control panel (40), into a direct or alternating 12 V current. In this way, the entire bathroom object of the invention can be supplied with 12 V to avoid any risk of electrocution.
Second Implementation ModeAll the technical features relating in particular to the water and electricity supply and these relating to the storage of wastewater in the reservoir (11) and to its draining (as well as features relating to the collection, in a removable storage cassette, of waste generated by the toilet (6)) described for the first implementation mode apply to the second implementation mode. Likewise, all the technical features relating to the layout and design of the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8) described for this second implementation mode, apply to the first implementation mode.
In this second implementation mode, the prefabricated enclosure is advantageously formed by the combination:
at least one sanitary unit containing the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8),
a technical unit providing the autonomy of the aforementioned sanitary unit(s) and comprising:
a means for supplying the sanitary facilities with freshwater,
the means for supplying cold water and hot water and the means for supplying electricity, to the sanitary unit(s), and in particular to the sanitary facilities,
the means for collecting the wastewater generated by the sanitary facilities and the reservoir.
optimally the removable storage cassette used to collect generated by the toilet (6).
The technical unit 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 wastewater as well as the electrical supply of the lamps and various pumps.
The technical unit can, for example, be separated from the sanitary unit(s) or by a full and isolating partition (for security reasons), by a curtain, 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.
The technical features relating to the sanitary unit(s) are independent of the technical features relating to the technical features relating and in particular relating to the design and operation of the reservoir (11).
at least one sanitary unit contains the sanitary facilities (6, 7, 8), bathtub bidet, etc. The enclosure can include one or multiple sanitary units, for example:
a single sanitary unit containing the toilet (6), a shower (8) and a washbasin (7),
a first sanitary unit containing a toilet (6), a second sanitary unit containing a shower (8) and a third sanitary unit containing a washbasin (7),
a first sanitary unit containing a toilet (6) and a second sanitary unit containing a shower (8) and a washbasin (7),
or a first sanitary unit containing a toilet (6) and a washbasin (7), and a second sanitary unit containing a shower (8) and a washbasin (7),
etc.
In each option, the user can choose the units they will need from among the toilet (6), washbasin (7) or shower (8), by using a single one of the three units, two selected units, or three units. Other units containing other equipment can of course be provided.
First VariantMultiple sanitary facilities, in particular the toilet (6), the washbasin (7) and the shower (8), are grouped in a single and common sanitary unit so as 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.
When the washbasin (7) and the toilet (6) are placed 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 so as to be able to use the toilet (6),
In this case, the washbasin (7) is advantageously mobily mounted on one or multiple vertical rails attached against a 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 fixed on a wall of the sanitary unit, the aforementioned faucet comprising a conduit 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.
The toilet (6) and the washbasin (7) can also be arranged in a drawer, sliding (or tilting) between a retracted position where they are inserted into the technical unit and a deployed position where they are positioned in the sanitary unit. By maneuvering the various drawers, the user thus has the possibility to use these sanitary facilities successively. The drawer(s) 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 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. Similarly, a flexible pipe for evacuation of the wastewater connected to the trap of the washbasin (7) is connected to the pump (14).
The washbasin (7) can again be arranged adjacent to the toilet. The washbasin (7) can then be mounted laterally mobile 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 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. In this variant, the washbasin (7) is advantageously mobily mounted on one or multiple horizontal guides or rails fixed against a wall of the sanitary unit. A flexible pipe connecting the water inlet of the washbasin (7) to the technical unit and another flexible pipe for evacuation of the wastewater connected to trap the aforementioned washbasin is connected to the pump (14). The faucet of the washbasin (7) is preferably attached 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.
In this first implementation mode, the toilet (6) is preferably provided with a foldable seat (22) folding of the type described above. The shower can thus be taken either standing or sitting by folding the seat (22) and by maneuvering the washbasin washbasin (7): in high storage position, by folding it into the drawer or by laterally moving it into the first use position.
Second VariantIn this variant, the enclosure of the bathroom (1) is formed from a first sanitary unit containing the toilet (6), a second sanitary unit containing the washbasin (7), and a third sanitary unit containing 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 a common unit.
Claims
1. An autonomous bathroom comprising: characterized in that the drain is connected to an extendable conduit device placed in the prefabricated enclosure, the aforementioned extendable conduit device enabling, while the reservoir is positioned in the aforementioned enclosure, displacement and orientation of the drain flow to a drain exterior to the aforementioned enclosure.
- a prefabricated enclosure designed to be placed on the floor of a room of a dwelling, the aforementioned enclosure containing sanitary facilities;
- a conduit configured to supply the prefabricated enclosure with freshwater;
- a suction port configured to collect the wastewater generated by the sanitary facilities; and
- a reservoir for storing the aforementioned wastewater, the aforementioned reservoir being connected to a drain placed in the prefabricated enclosure and enabling draining of wastewater stored in the aforementioned reservoir,
2. A bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the extendable conduit device is a flexible pipe mounted on a winder/unwinder placed in the prefabricated enclosure.
3. A bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the extendable conduit device is a flexible and extendable spiral pipe.
4. A bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the drain is a reversible drain pump enabling not only emptying of the wastewater stored in the reservoir but also pumping of freshwater for the cleaning of the aforementioned reservoir and/or extendable conduit device.
5. A bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the prefabricated enclosure is formed by a combination including:
- a sanitary unit containing the sanitary facilities,
- a technical unit providing the autonomy of the aforementioned sanitary unit(s) and comprising: the conduit configured to supply the sanitary facilities with freshwater, 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 suction port configured to collect the wastewater generated by the sanitary facilities and the reservoir.
6. A bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir is mounted on a movable carriage.
7. A bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir is formed by a hermetically sealed flexible bag on which are connected the suction port configured to collect wastewater and the drain.
8. A bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the prefabricated enclosure is supplied with cold, clean water via a flexible pipe drawn from a water supply of the dwelling, the aforementioned enclosure being equipped with a water heater connected to the aforementioned flexible pipe, the aforementioned enclosure thus enabling supplying cold water and hot water to the sanitary facilities.
9. A bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the prefabricated enclosure has the form of an armoire or a furniture-cabinet.
10. A bathroom according to claim 1, characterized in that the prefabricated enclosure contains 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.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 4, 2010
Publication Date: Sep 12, 2013
Inventor: Alain Cornille (Arles)
Application Number: 13/818,520
International Classification: A47K 4/00 (20060101);
