Field Patents (Class 4/460)
  • Patent number: 11298628
    Abstract: Portable, collapsible, lightweight housing structure for outdoors, and a method of assembling, and using the same. The invention encompasses an apparatus for providing shelter for humans and animals, which is portable, collapsible, and easily transportable from location to location, and can be quickly assembled, and disassembled. The apparatus comprises of a tubular frame, where a flat housing panel is wrapped around the tubular frame, and a cover is secured to the top of the assembly to from the portable, collapsible, lightweight housing structure or the quick assembly hunting blind or hunting blind kit. The portable, collapsible apparatus, has a ceiling or roof, and wall or panels that are made of one or more layers of material, such as, corrugated material, plastic material, composite material, waterproof material, weatherproof material, rigid honeycomb board material, polyethylene material, polypropylene material. The inventive apparatus could also have an attachable or detachable base or floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Michael John McInerney
  • Patent number: 10568472
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable toilet for children. The portable toilet is in the shape of a backpack for carrying purposes, and which can be popped up as a collapsible tent during use. The portable toilet includes a toilet seat which could be folded to be attached with a body of the portable toilet and later may be removed, and disposed in installed state to be placed inside the portable toilet. The toilet seat is adjustable when in installed state to cater to children with varying heights. The portable toilet further includes a solar panel which is installed on a backside of the body to receive sunlight, when the portable toilet is being carried in transport configuration. The portable toilet also includes a fan and a light bulb which are powered by the solar panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Lee Y. Ashur
  • Patent number: 10010477
    Abstract: A modular portable exercise and sauna tent is an apparatus that provides an enclosed phototherapeutic environment for a user. The size and shape of the apparatus is adjustable depending on the position of the user within the apparatus. The apparatus includes a scaffolding, a thermally insulative cover, and at least one heating lamp. The thermally insulative cover further includes a first panel, a second panel, and an overlay panel. The scaffolding defines an area of heat around the user. The thermally insulative cover encloses the defined area. The scaffolding further includes a first base frame, a second base frame, and a plurality of lateral posts, each of which are adjustable in length. The shapes of the first base frame and the second base frame are both adjustable. The apparatus preferably includes a flooring layer that provides comfort and protection for the user against the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: CREATRIX SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventor: Eileen Durfee
  • Patent number: 8744313
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus driving unit includes a rotatable member which is rotatably supported, a pair of bearing portions for rotatably supporting the rotatable member, and a motor for driving the rotatable member. In addition, a driving gear is provided on a driving shaft of the motor, and a driven gear, provided outside the pair of bearing portions with respect to a rotational axis direction of the rotatable member, engages with the driving gear to be rotated integrally with the rotatable member. At least one of the driven gear and the driving gear has, with respect to the rotational axis direction of the rotatable member, a crown shape so that a central tooth surface of a tooth projects more than end tooth surfaces of the tooth at a side where the driven gear and the driving gear engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shusuke Miura
  • Patent number: 8719973
    Abstract: A portable toilet with mechanism that causes the toilet to flush as the door to the toilet enclosure is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Michael L. Miner
  • Publication number: 20130139310
    Abstract: The present invention is a sanitation seat for assisting urinating and defecating outdoors. The sanitation seat has a top ring comprised of an outer rim around a vacuous region. The outer rim is comprised of at least one “T” coupler and a plurality of curved elements. A leg or legs are detachably connected to the “T” coupler or couplers. If the sanitation seat is to be attached to a tree at least nail passes through the top ring for embedding into a tree, and a tie rope, which beneficially includes a rope attachment, is used to attach the seat to a tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: EUGENE CAHOON
  • Patent number: 8192411
    Abstract: Ostomy irrigation sleeve having a tubular shape and a first end with a first opening for receiving ostomy discharge material and a second, opposite end with a second opening for discharge of the ostomy discharge material into a discharge unit, for example a toilet, after guidance through the sleeve. The irrigation sleeve is made of a flexible, water soluble material configured to be water soluble only after a certain time of exposure to liquid, wherein the certain time is at least 3 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GP Medical Devices ApS
    Inventors: Lars Lund, Henning Hedegaard
  • Patent number: 7540041
    Abstract: The invention is a collapsible toilet made of sheet material, the toilet comprising holding side walls to which two edges of an annular seat surface are joined, and supporting side walls connecting the holding side walls and having upper edges forming a supporting periphery that supports the seat surface. In the seat surface a fold-line is arranged at an equal distance from the top edges of the holding side walls, said fold-line enabling folding the seat surface into the inner space when the holding side walls are moved towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventors: Péter Gara, Domonkos Hollósi
  • Publication number: 20080307574
    Abstract: A portable composting toilet system has a compartmentalized receptacle for receiving human waste, a gray-water circulation subsystem for circulating gray water formed by mixing water with waste through the compartmentalized receptacle to promote mixing of the waste to thereby accelerate digestion of the waste, and an air-circulation subsystem for emitting air bubbles into a sludge formed at a bottom of the compartmentalized receptacle to break up the sludge to thereby accelerate digestion of the waste. The air circulation subsystem can include an air-driven pump that causes the gray water to circulate while allowing feeding pressurized air to diffuser loops in each compartment to create sludge-breaking bubbles. This portable composting toilet system so efficiently decomposes waste that the maintenance costs of hauling residual sludge to the surface (when the toilet is used underground in a mine) is significantly lower than for conventional toilets, thus providing substantial cost savings to mine operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Paul Villgren, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Villgren
  • Patent number: 7434276
    Abstract: A portable toilet and bathing chair comprises a seat of rectangular shape, having a central opening, handles on left and right edges, two positioning openings on an upper side close to a rear edge, two storing depressions in a lower side parallel to and close to the left and right edges, at least three projections on the lower side, and four fastening assemblies on the lower side close to four corners, a backrest of rectangular shape, movable to a folded state close to the lower side of the seat, having positioning holes which are in the folded state entered by the projections of the seat and a lower edge with two holding extensions that are inserted into the positioning openings of the seat, and four feet, in a mounted state mounted on the seat at the lower side thereof close to the four corners thereof and being removable therefrom, wherein for folding, the four feet are removed from the seat and stored in the storing depressions, and the backrest is brought into the folded state thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Eagle Health Supplies Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 7237275
    Abstract: A portable toilet comprises two sets of leg members connected at a joint at top ends of the leg members. The legs preferably pivot between a closed configuration wherein the legs are substantially parallel to an open position where the legs are spaced apart at one end and joined at the pivot at the top ends. Seat members are supported by the legs in a spaced apart and parallel relationship. In some embodiments, the seat members are removable to assist in portage of the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Kevin Parks, Gary Ingram
  • Patent number: 7159346
    Abstract: An advertisement display system, for use with a plurality of existing portable toilets arranged side-to-side with a gap between the toilets, for providing a substantially continuous advertising presentation. The system comprises a plurality of bracket assemblies each of which are selectively vertically attached along a corner of the toilet, and a plurality of substantially rectangular advertising panel assemblies which are selectively inserted between adjacent pairs of the bracket assemblies. The bracket assemblies include a plurality of intermediary bracket assemblies which are selectively mounted to the corners of the intermediary toilets in the series. A projecting portion of the intermediary bracket assembly extends beyond the side of the toilet to which it is attached. Accordingly, the advertising panel inserted into a vertical channel within the projecting portion also extends into the gap, thereby allowing the advertising display system to appear to be a single, continuous advertising panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence Wieringa
  • Patent number: 6986173
    Abstract: An ultra-light weight portable toilet seat and supporting leg assemblies for backpacking, camping and travel use, comprised of a folding seat and multiple adjustable legs for height variation. The seat is comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface, a back section and a front section, and an open center. The multiple legs attach into the bottom section and angle downward to meet the ground. The bottom section of the seat has an interior space designed to receive the adjustable legs which when fully retracted will friction fit into place by the designed form. The back section and the front section are held together by a center axis to allow the seat to close, concealing the legs in a clamshell fashion. The portable toilet assembly can be used over a pre-dug hole or with the waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas D. Hickey
  • Patent number: 6820288
    Abstract: A portable toilet, suitable in disasters, leisure activities, and others. The portable toilet includes a pail and a seat structure detachably mounted at the opening of the pail. The seat structure has a base, a seat and a cover. A metal ring band is detachably mounted to the pail with a fastener. Parallel metal stays protrude horizontally from the outer surface of the metal band ring. A hand grip is formed of an U-shaped metal pipe. The lower ends of each U-shaped metal pipe are securely fixed to ends of each parallel metal stay. The metal band ring of the hand grip is tightly banded around the pail with the fastener. The pipes stand upward from the right and left sides of the pail. When the user sits down on the seat or gets off therefrom, the user is supported with the hands holding the hand grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Fein Corporation
    Inventor: Shingo Suitsu
  • Patent number: 6775860
    Abstract: A portable toilet has a support stem which may be inserted into a trailer hitch. A base ring is coupled to the support stem. An attachment device is coupled to the base ring. The attachment device is used for removably coupling a waste collection bag to the portable toilet. A toilet seat assembly is coupled to the support stem and rests on the base ring. A multi positional toilet paper holder is coupled to the support stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Thomas Unruh
  • Publication number: 20040060105
    Abstract: An ultra-light weight portable toilet seat and supporting legs for backpacking, camping and travel use, comprised of a folding seat and multiple adjustable legs for height variation. A cover attaches to the seat and leg assembly to form a camp stool. The seat is comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface, a back section and a front section, and an open center. The multiple legs attach into the bottom section and angle downward to meet the ground. The bottom section of the seat is formed to receive the adjustable legs which when fully retracted will be held into place by the designed form. The back section and the front section are held together by a hinge device to allow the seat to close, concealing the legs in a clamshell fashion. The portable toilet assembly can be used over a pre-dug hole or with the waste container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas D. Hickey
  • Publication number: 20030192113
    Abstract: A portable toilet has a support stem which may be inserted into a trailer hitch. A base ring is coupled to the support stem. An attachment device is coupled to the base ring. The attachment device is used for removably coupling a waste collection bag to the portable toilet. A toilet seat assembly is coupled to the support stem and rests on the base ring. A multi positional toilet paper holder is coupled to the support stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Edward Thomas Unruh
  • Patent number: 6571402
    Abstract: A portable toilet seat is attachable to a vehicle mounted hitch receptacle having an elongated square opening. The toilet seat includes a coupling portion configured to be slidably inserted into and supported within the hitch receptacle and a seat portion connected to the coupling portion and comprising a single curvilinear band in the shape of an incomplete oval and defining an open center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Frank J. Dobron
  • Publication number: 20030005513
    Abstract: A portable outdoor toilet system configured to be suspended from an object to support the toilet system above the ground is provided. The toilet system comprises a toilet seat having a front portion and a back portion, and a suspension system configured to be coupled to the object to suspend the toilet seat above the ground. The suspension system includes at least one tensile support member coupled to the toilet seat between the front portion and the back portion of the toilet seat. The tensile support member extends upwardly from the toilet seat toward the object to support the toilet seat from a location above the toilet seat. The suspension system also includes a securing device coupled to the tensile support member to secure the toilet system to the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth Dwayne Figueras
  • Patent number: 6438902
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an easily erected small cabin, in particular a toilet cabin, which is provided with a floor part (1), a ceiling part (2), a wall element (3) and corner posts (4) connecting together the wall elements, floor part and ceiling part, and wherein all the parts described hereinabove are manufactured from plastics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Harald Georg Muller
  • Patent number: 6418672
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-use building structure and method of assembling same. The building has its major components preferably made of twin sheets of plastic resin, each sheet formed to define different inner and outer surfaces. The building includes unique fasteners and connections facilitating quick and easy assembly for use and disassembly for shipping. The building may be used for different purposes with simple modifications, including a portable toilet, ticket booth, shelter, and storage shed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Lance T. Hampel
  • Patent number: 6378142
    Abstract: A portable, private toilet is provided having a frame type covered in canvas around three sides of a folding frame supporting a toilet seat. A disposable plastic bag is used under the toilet seat, thus allowing easy cleanup after bathroom duties. The frame is held shut by the use of hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®. The frame folds flat and is provided with a handle for ease of carrying, storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Jean E. Gray
  • Patent number: 6302053
    Abstract: An assembly mountable to the transom of a watercraft, such as a pontoon boat, provides an easy-to-set up, temporarily deployable, changing room or privacy region on watercraft which do not carry an enclosed cabin. A generally Z-shaped frame is rotatably attached to a portion of the boat displaced from the deck. A boater's seat is attached on one side of the frame. A generally U-shaped curtain hoop is rotatably attached to a second side of the frame. When the bracket and seat are rotated toward the deck, the hoop is positioned in a stored position. When the bracket and seat are rotated away from the deck, the hoop can be deployed from its stored position thereby extending an enclosure fabric forming, temporarily, an enclosed privacy region for changing and the like. The fabric support member can be springloaded as can the bracket. Stowing the assembly is easily carried out by pressing the fabric support element against the bottom of the seat. This draws the fabric back against the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Maurell Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph B. Tomczak, Anthony J. Seconsky, Keith Arnold Kobe
  • Patent number: 6125480
    Abstract: An extension member is attachable to a trailer hitch and extends away from the vehicle and is connected to a seating frame supporting a toilet seat. This extension member serves to provide distance between the toilet seat and the vehicle. The seating frame consists of a background which is perpendicular to extension member and two arms which extend from the back rail. The back rail and arms create a generally "U" shaped frame. In the top surface of the back rail are two mounting apertures. These apertures are 51/2 inches apart which is the standard different distance of the two mounting bolts commonly found on standard toilet seats. The toilet seat can be used by hunters, fisherman, campers, construction workers, boaters and other people who find themselves away from conventional bathroom facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventors: Randall Jay Soffar, Mack Douglas Hopkins
  • Patent number: 6115971
    Abstract: The present invention includes an enclosure with a floor that include an upper side and a lower side opposing the upper side. The lower side contacts a surface and is reversibly attachable to the surface. The enclosure also includes a sidewall attached to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Satelite Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Loebertmann, Michael Holm
  • Patent number: 6081942
    Abstract: A portable, foldable toilet apparatus for attaching to a tree trunk, and including a tree trunk gripping frame section and a pair of longitudinal seat members pivotally connected to the gripping frame section for pivotal movement from a folded position within the gripping frame section to an open horizontal cantilevered position extending forwardly of the gripping frame section for supporting the weight of a person sitting thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Duane H. Bellamy
  • Patent number: 6081941
    Abstract: A portable toilet seat which may be removably mounted to a receiver mount towing hitch. The portable toilet seat includes two arcuate seat members each having a first end and a second end. The first end of each is affixed to the outside face of each of two rectangular shaft components which are attached to one another by means of a hinge. The hinge allows the arcuate seat members to fold such that the arcuate seat members rest side by side for easy storage and transport.The present invention additionally provides a portable toilet seat which may be removably mounted to a receiver mount towing hitch, including two arcuate seat members and a shaft. The seat members each have a first end and a second end which are affixed to opposing sides of the rectangular shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Henry N. Beck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6061845
    Abstract: A portable stool has an enclosing wall assembly `A` and a flat seat `B` both made of the same or different plastics. The enclosing wall assembly is rectangular in plan view in its extended state and consists of a pair of right and left side walls (1a,1b) and a pair of front and rear transverse walls (2a,2b). Either the pair of side walls or the pair of transverse walls respectively consist of vertical halves hinged by mediate joints (4) to each other. Each side wall having a front and rear vertical edges is foldably connected by corner joints (5) to the transverse walls at lateral and vertical edges thereof adjacent to the former vertical edges. A back side of the flat seat `B` has at least one members (7) capable of fitting on or in at least one other members (6) formed on an upper end of the enclosing wall assembly `A`, such that the instantly openable and closable stool can withstand the body weight of any user including children, allowing the children to use the stool safely and many times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: MAC Sanko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaji Kakutani
  • Patent number: 6023792
    Abstract: A portable toilet for attachment to a vehicle trailer hitch comprises a toilet seat pivotally attached to a frame. The toilet includes extendable legs for supporting the front portion of the toilet seat and frame under the weight of a user. The legs are pivotally attached to the frame and thus can be rotated to a position adjacent and parallel to side arms of the frame when not in use or for transport and storage. The camping toilet further includes a waste collection assembly having a waste bag removable attached thereto, the assembly being slidably positioned beneath the toilet seat. A mounting assembly includes a bar which secures the toilet within a selected pair of the plurality of inclined slots presented by a mounting bracket. Accordingly, the height of the toilet above the ground is regulated. The mounting bracket is fixedly attached to a draw bar for mounting the overall camping toilet to a box hitch or ball hitch of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: Rodney K. Croucher, Charles F. Adamson, Alan Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5937452
    Abstract: A portable toilet assembly is provided including a rigid frame assembly. Next provided is a flexible tent assembly removably coupled about the rigid frame. Next provided is a toilet seat removably situated within the rigid frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Byrl F. Brewer
  • Patent number: 5920927
    Abstract: A portable shower and toilet assembly includes a support structure having substantially square upper and lower horizontal tubular frame components which are connected with vertical tubular side supports. The upper frame member has a cross member in fluid communication therewith with a shower head downwardly depending therefrom. An external water source may be coupled with an aperture on the upper frame component to dispense water through the shower head. A toilet seat and lid are hingedly attached to a side wall structure. The support structure is completely enclosable with a removably attached tarpaulin cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: John R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5778462
    Abstract: A device in connection with a separation-type of toilet systems, i.e. having separate feces and urine reception means located beneath a seat opening, a urine receptacle debouching into the front part of the seat opening and a feces receptacle debouching into the rear part of the seat opening, as seen in the direction of the person assuming a sitting position above the seat opening. In accordance with the invention the toilet seat is located inside a toilet space, the headroom of which above and in front of said seat is sufficient to allow said person to assume a comfortable sitting position above said opening but at the same time insufficient to allow a standing position, thus preventing or making considerably difficult urination from in front of the seat opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Pecunia Industries Ltd
    Inventors: Kenneth Bjorklund, Altti Berglind
  • Patent number: 5682623
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible toilet made of a blank of foldable material and having a row of four side-by-side panels (10), (14), (16), (18) connected by three fold lines (48), (50), (52) to define front, rear and opposed side panels. A top panel 12 is secured to the rear panel (18) by a fold line (28) and includes an opening (20) that may be closed by an integral lid (22). When assembled in a rectangular configuration, a plastic bag (96) may be nested between the panels (10), (14), (16), (18) and the top panel (12) closed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Fentool, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Fenoglio
  • Patent number: 5669084
    Abstract: A portable toilet that can be simply used by wheelchair users such as impaired people without raising their buttocks. An evacuation opening with a cover that can be removed frontways is formed in the center of a stool having its fixture on the seat surface of a wheelchair. A slidable mounting plate to which an evacuation bag is attached engages the bottom surface of the stool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Yoshikuni Sakimura
  • Patent number: 5524301
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable toilet which is disposable after use. The apparatus is comprised of sturdy biodegradable, environmentally safe corrugated paper board which is capable of being incinerated or buried in the earth's surface after use. The disposable toilet is comprised of a seat member which is placed over the top of a substantially rectangular base member. The seat member contains a rounded rectangular opening. The bottom of the base member is open so as to allow human waste excretions to fall into a pre-excavated hole in the earth's surface located directly underneath the toilet. After use, the toilet can be moved to a new location or disposed of and the hole covered with soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: David McGuire
  • Patent number: 5500960
    Abstract: A flushing system is provided for an outdoor portable toilet of the type having a cabana containing a waste material storage tank upon which a toilet structure is positioned for the deposit of toilet waste material into the tank by gravity. A separate fresh water tank is removably positioned outside the cabana against its rear wall and is connected, through a pipe, to a control valve, which, in turn, is connected to a flushing mechanism and a pump which conveys liquid to the flushing mechanism when actuated. In addition, a waste tank pipe extends into the waste tank and a filter through which waste liquid may be drawn from the waste tank to the valve and then pumped to the flushing mechanism. The valve may be set to draw liquid either from the fresh water tank or the liquid from the waste water holding tank or, alternatively, from neither tank, so that the unit may be operated without flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Poly-John Enterprises Corporation
    Inventor: Richard L. Tagg
  • Patent number: 5426900
    Abstract: A multi-purpose hexagonal building module constructed of identically configured panels connected together at lap joints, with each panel having a large flat rectangular section and an integral smoothly curved section. When the panels are interconnected to form a hexagonal module, the relatively large rectangular flat sections collectively constitute the module's six planar walls and the relatively small smoothly curved panel sections function as rounded module corners. The module can be disposed with its central symmetrical axis vertical or horizontal, and can be used as a housing unit or as a container for product storage. The module, whether used for storage or as a living unit, and whether disposed horizontally or vertically, can be permanently mounted at a single site or made mobile by mounting on a vehicle or ship for transport across land or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Robert H. Springer
  • Patent number: 5398465
    Abstract: A cabin comprising a base structure, a wall structure and a roof structure, wherein the wall structure comprises two opposed side wall members which define two opposite side walls of the cabin and which each provide a pair of corners and a pair of return walls which define a part of front and rear walls of the cabin, the space between the rear return walls being closed by a rear wall member and the space between the front return walls being closable by a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Portasilo Limited
    Inventor: Richard L. Tagg
  • Patent number: 5321858
    Abstract: An automatic closure assembly for use with an outhouse or pit commode is disclosed which includes a frame having open upper and lower ends attached to the underside of a bench so as to frame an opening therein over which a toilet seat is hingably mounted atop the bench. The assembly also includes a pair of wedge shaped cradle members which are pivotally attached to front and rear surfaces of the frame which tilt in opposite directions from one another so as to open and close a lower end of the frame. The geometry of the cradle members is such that their centers of gravity are substantially spaced apart from their pivot points so as to provide a gravitational bias of each cradle member tending to urge it at all times toward its closed position against the other cradle member so as to seal the bottom end of the frame to inhibit odors from circulating in or about the outhouse when the assembly is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Roger K. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5307526
    Abstract: A hammock style campers' toilet seat for suspension between trees. The toilet seat includes a web of support straps for lending longitudinal and lateral strength to the seat, and a resilient stiffener ring running about the toilet opening for lending stiffness to the relatively flexible seat about the toilet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: James B. Appleby
  • Patent number: 5230105
    Abstract: A portable toilet seat and stand for wilderness camping includes seat bar members, legs, and crosspieces designed to interlock under the weight of the user. A pair of feet are provided for engagement with the legs to prevent the legs from sinking into soft ground. The portable toilet and stand is lightweight and the disassembled parts may be bundled together in a stuff bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Hugh A. Watson
  • Patent number: 5192428
    Abstract: A new portable system is disclosed for composting feces and for treating urine includes a composting retainer which includes a composting means for exposing the feces to sufficient air and water to allow the feces to compost, thereby forming a compost product. A urine-treatment retainer with aerobic nitrifying bacteria disposed on a substrate whereby urine is treated by the bacteria, thereby forming a liquid product. A means is available for transporting the portable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Clivus Multrum, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl R. Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 5183293
    Abstract: A waste management system for handling both solid and human waste consisting of a trailer with a hitch arrangement for connection to a towing vehicle. The trailer preferably includes tandem axles that support a trailer frame whereto a trash collecting bin is pivotally mounted, with that bin to tilt so as to dump rearwardly. The pivoting trash bin is maintained in an upright attitude to receive trash through a top thereof, and will gravity dump, when released, and further includes a linkage that is operated to move a friction wheel into engagement with one of the trailer wheels for turning a take-up drum. The take-up drum, when turned, to reel in a cable that is passed through a take-up pulley is secured between the trash bin, and the trailer frame. By operating the linkage, trailer forward travel will provide for pivoting the trash bin back to an upright attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Vincent D. Julian
  • Patent number: 5095556
    Abstract: A foldable, portable personal commode is disclosed according to the teachings of the present invention including a case having an openable top and front. A toilet seat is pivotally mounted to a block secured in the case. A U-shaped support is pivotally mounted to the toilet seat and removably holds the toilet seat in its horizontal position when the free ends of its legs are vertically inserted in sockets secured to the front when it is in its open position. The toilet seat and U-shaped support may be pivoted generally parallel to each other and arranged vertically within the case allowing closing of the front and top of the case. L-shaped arm supports may be removably secured to the vertical sides of the U-shaped support to face either forward or rearward. A removable U-shaped back rest is adjustably inserted in the block of the case. The toilet seat includes affixed hardware which supports a removable collar which slideably receives the opening of a plastic bag retained thereon by a rubber band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Joseph M. Franey
  • Patent number: 5090069
    Abstract: A self-cleaning sanitation module comprises a toilet pan movable between a use position and a cleaning position in which it is behind a separating wall. A back is provided movable between two positions, a use position and a cleaning position in which the back in disposed vertically above the pan. The displacement of the pan and the back between their use position and their cleaning position is performed in such a way that there is always a very small gap between the back and the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Decaux
  • Patent number: 5083324
    Abstract: A portable toilet seat usable in a wilderness environment where there is no plumbing system available for operatively connecting a conventional toilet. The toilet seat includes a seat member having a clamp means at its rear edge for rigidly attaching the seat member to the trunk of a tree in a wilderness setting. A foldable leg structure is swingably attached to the front edge area of the seat member for supporting the front portion of the seat member. The leg structure can be folded against the seat member for storage or transport purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Eric A. Strong
  • Patent number: 5044020
    Abstract: A urinal provided for the convenience and training of juvenile boys in accordance with this invention requires no plumbing, and comprises a support means having front and rear surfaces. The rear surface is adapted for attachment to a vertical surface, and the front surface has a receptacle-receiving lower portion. A dish shaped urine-receiving receptacle is utilized, with its lower portion having a configuration closely complementary to the lower portion of the support means. The receptacle has a full height rear wall and a front wall of abbreviated height, with the upper portions of the wall portions terminating in a generally oval front opening. The receptacle is insertable at an angle to the vertical into the lower portion of the support means, and likewise is able to be withdrawn for emptying by lifting upwardly at substantially the same angle to the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventors: David G. Lewandowski, Edward J. Guard
  • Patent number: 5040249
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible toilet with a central, main section of box-like construction, which is made of corrugated cardboard, which central section is open both on the top and bottom, and accepts therein a disposable, plastic bag which receives the human waste products. The central section is flanked on either side thereof by a small, box-like supportive end-section upon which one directly sits during use of the commode. Each box-like end-section is also made of corrugated cardboard, is open on the top and bottom, and has an intermediate stiffening member to enhance its structural integrity, in order to support greater weight thereon. The central section is provided with a pair of pivotal cover-members formed integrally with the upper edge surfaces of the central section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: Richard Diaz
  • Patent number: 5038418
    Abstract: A bathroom waste collection and disposal unit for mounting on a floor of an enclosure includes a tank of unitary construction having a horizontal portion defining a refuse reservoir and a vertical portion open to the horizontal portion for refuse gases and to accommodate a pump. A toilet is mounted on the top surface of the horizontal portion in fluid communication with the reservoir of the horizontal portion of the tank. The horizontal portion includes a plurality of columns within the reservoir extending between the floor and top wall of the horizontal portion. The tank also includes a baffle housing for enclosing the float of the refuse pump to meter the rate of flow of water flowing away from the pump float as the pump is actuated to discharge refuse from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Zoeller Company
    Inventor: William J. Frey
  • Patent number: D698426
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Molly Bridget Delaney