Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02934238 2016-06-28
TITLE; WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MOBILE WASHROOM TRAILER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to accessible washrooms and more
particularly,
to a wheelchair accessible mobile washroom trailer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Accessible washrooms provide people with severe disabilities, young
and old,
with the ability to participate fully and with dignity in their community.
However, many
communities are not equipped with accessible washrooms, let alone accessible
washrooms that are designed for people with severe disabilities.
[0003] Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to an accessible and special needs
mobile
washroom trailer.
[0005] According to one embodiment, the present invention comprises an
accessible
mobile washroom trailer comprising a washroom unit, a mobile platform
configured for
supporting the washroom unit, and a ramp unit configured to provide access to
the
washroom unit.
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[0006] According to another embodiment, the present invention comprises an
accessible mobile washroom trailer comprising a first washroom unit and a
second
washroom unit, a mobile platform configured for supporting the first and
second
washroom units, and each of the washroom units including a ramp unit
configured to
provide access to the associated washroom unit.
[0007] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become
apparent to
those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description
of
embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show,
by
way of example, embodiments of the present invention, and in which:
[0009] Fig. 1 shows in diagrammatic form a single unit accessible mobile
washroom.
trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00010] Fig. 2 shows an interior configuration for the accessible mobile
washroom
trailer of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00011] Fig. 3 shows in diagrammatic form a double unit accessible mobile
washroom
trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
100012] Fig. 4 shows an interior configuration for the double unit
accessible mobile
washroom trailer of Fig. 3 according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[00013] Like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding elements or
components in the drawings.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[00014] Reference is first made to Fig. 1, which shows in diagrammatic form an
accessible mobile washroom trailer according to an embodiment of the present
invention
and indicated generally by reference 100. According to this embodiment, the
accessible
mobile washroom trailer 100 is configured with a single washroom and change
room
unit.
[00015] As shown in Fig. 1, the accessible mobile washroom trailer 100
comprises a
trailer or mobile platform 110, a washroom and change room unit 120 and an
access ramp
130.
[00016] The trailer platform 110 is configured to support the washroom 120 and
provide the ability to move the mobile washroom trailer 100 from location to
location.
The trailer platform 110 comprises a frame or support structurc 210 and
includes a trailer
hitch 212. The trailer platform 110 also includes retractable or removable
stabilizers 214,
indicated individually by references 214a, 214b, 214c and 214d. The trailer
platform 110
also includes an axle and wheels indicated generally by reference 220.
According to an
exemplary implementation, the trailer platform 110 includes a battery support
shelf 230
for attaching a battery supply indicated by reference 232.
[00017] As shown in Fig. 1, the washroom and change room unit 120 comprises a
housing or enclosure indicated generally by reference 240. The washroom unit
120 is
configured with a door 250 which is coupled to the access ramp 130. The door
250 may
be configured as an automatic door with open/close actuator that is activated
by a suitably
mounted push button 252. According to another aspect, the washroom unit 120 is
configured with an AC and heating (HVAC) unit 260 in order to provide four
season
usability. As also shown in Fig. 1, the washroom and change room unit 120 is
configured
with an AC (i.e. mains) input 262 to provide an AC or mains feed for interior
outlets
and/or charging connections. The washroom unit 120 is also configured with a
water inlet
264 configured to fill a portable water tank or supply.
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[00018] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the access ramp 130 is configured with a
fold-up
ramp section 132 and a fold-down ramp section 134. The fold-up ramp section
132 is
coupled to the door 250 and may be configured to be folded-up and against the
door 250
for transport. The fold-down ramp section 134 is coupled or connected to the
fold-up
ramp section 132. According to an exemplary embodiment, the fold-down ramp
section
134 is detachable and stored in a rack underneath the trailer platform 110 or
inside the
unit 120. The access ramp 130 is configured to provide a progressive elevation
or rise
from a ramp entrance to the door 250.
[00019] Reference is next made to Fig. 2, which shows an interior view of the
washroom and change room unit 120 and exemplary floorplan or layout. According
to an
embodiment of the present invention, the washroom and change room unit 120
includes a
toilet 310 and a sink 320. According to another aspect, the washroom and
change room
unit 120 includes a ceiling track system 330 configured to operate a lift
mechanism or
system indicated by reference 340 and comprising a sling or other personal
support
member. According to another embodiment, the washroom and change room unit 120
includes an accessible change/hygiene table indicated generally by reference
350.
According to an embodiment, the ceiling track system 330 and the lift system
340 are
configured to provide the capability to move or assist in moving a disabled
occupant
between all the stations installed in the unit 120, i.e. from the doorway to
the toilet 310,
the sink 320 and/or the change table 350.
[00020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ceiling track system 330
comprises a pair of metal rails or bars 332, i.e. heavy aluminum rails,
indicated
individually by references 332a and 332b, which are configured along the
longitudinal
sides and in a raised or elevated position. The ceiling track system 330 also
includes a
traverse bar or rail 334 that is operatively coupled to the longitudinal metal
rails or bars
332, for example, comprising a roller track mechanism. The lift system 340 is
operably
coupled to the traverse rail 334. This configuration allows a person to be
lifted out of a
wheelchair and transferred/lowered to any area within the unit 120.
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[00021] According to an exemplary implementation, the ceiling track system
comprises the SuperTrackTm heavy duty ceiling track bar system from Motion
Specialities. The SuperTrack' system provides a weight capacity of 450 lbs and
is
suitable for extended spans between supports, e.g. the metal rails 332 and the
traverse rail
334 in the context of the present embodiment.
[00022] According to an exemplary implementation, the lift system 340
comprises a
rechargeable lift system or motor, such as the p..600TM portable ceiling lift
having a
weight capacity of 600 lbs with pneumatic hand controls and two button hand
enabled
mobile lift control. The p600TM features an integral full-width carry bar with
unique
contoured shape; onboard controls; AC charging; safety mechanisms: an over-
speed
governor, built-in safety limits, slack strap sensor and emergency lowering.
For patient
safety, the P-600Tm also includes positive locking latches for securing the
sling. The P-
600TM also includes an articulating carry bar to allow it to sit safely and
upright on a cart
for safe transport or movement. According to another exemplary implementation,
the lift
system 340 may be implemented with the BHMTm Medical V4i Ceiling Lift system.
The
BHMTm ceiling lift system is configured to perform transfers of patients from
a chair to
the bed, the bed to a chair, into the bathtub or onto the toilet. The BHMTm
lift system is
powered by a high-capacity rechargeable battery pack, which is operatively
coupled to
the AC charging input 264. In the context of the present invention, the BHMTm
lift
system comprises the following features and functionality: soft start and stop
movement;
return-to-charge function on handset; emergency lowering device; and emergency
stop.
[00023] According to an exemplary implementation, the change/hygiene table 350
comprises a fixed, wall mounted padded table that is used to change severely
disabled
children and adults who require assistance in changing diapers/briefs. In
operation,
children and adults are lifted out of their wheelchairs using the sling and
lift system 340.
The child or adult is transferred and laid flat and comfortably on the
change/hygiene table
350. After each use, the change/hygiene table 350 is wiped down. The
change/hygiene
table 350 may be implemented utilizing the CanDanTM electric change table. The
Can-
DanTM change table is variable in height, within a range of approxately 16",
and is
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powered by a 115 VAC to 24 VDC linear actuator. The CanDanTM change table
provides the following features in the context of the present invention:
removable
mattress (2") with hook and loop fasteners on the Bottom and 2 body safety
belts; and a
mattress outer covering made from 19oz QualovinTM vinyl and treated for germ
resistance and fire-retardancy.
[00024] According to an exemplary implementation, the toilet 310 is configured
as an
additional appliance for adults and children, who have sufficient mobility to
transfer from
a wheelchair onto a toilet. The toilet 310 is implemented at conventional
height and with
a canister flush valve and a holding tank.
[00025] According to an exemplary implementation, the sink 320 is configured
as a
wall mount sink. The sink 320 sink allows users and caregivers to wash and
disinfect
their hands after each use. The sink 320 is configured to be accessible for
wheelchair
users, for example, positioned on the wall at a height that is ADA (American
Disabilities
Act) compliant.
[00026] Reference is next made to Figs. 3 and 4 which show in diagrammatic
form an
accessible mobile washroom trailer according to another embodiment of the
present
invention and indicated generally by reference 500. According to this
embodiment, the
accessible mobile washroom trailer 500 is configured with double washroom and
change
room units.
[00027] As shown in Fig. 3, the accessible mobile washroom trailer 500
comprises a
trailer or mobile platform 510, an enclosure or housing 520. According to an
embodiment
of the invention, the housing or enclosure 520 comprises a first washroom and
change
unit and a second washroom and change unit as shown in Fig. 4 and indicated by
references 521 and 522, respectively. According to this embodiment, each of
the
washroom and change room units 521, 522 includes an access ramp as shown and
indicated by respective references 531 and 532.
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[00028] Thc trailer platform 510 is configured to support the washroom and
change
room units 521, 522 and provide the ability to move the mobile washroom
trailer 500
from location to location. The trailer platform 510 comprises a frame or
support structure
610 and includes a trailer hitch 612. The trailer platform 610 also includes
retractable or
removable stabilizers 614, indicated individually by references 614a, 614b,
614c and
614d. The trailer platform 610 also includes an axle and wheels, and wheel
wells,
indicated generally by reference 620. According to an exemplary
implementation, the
trailer platform 610 includes a battery support shelf 630 for attaching a
battery supply
indicated by reference 632, configured to provide a DC power supply for the
units 521
and/or 522.
[00029] As shown in Fig. 3, the first washroom and change room unit 521 is
configured with a door 650 which is coupled to the access ramp 531. The door
650 may
be configured as an automatic door with open/close actuator that is activated
by a suitably
mounted push button (and includes an occupancy indicator) 651. According to
another
aspect, the first washroom unit 521 is configured with an AC and heating
(HVAC) unit
660 in order to provide four season usability. As also shown in Fig. 3, the
first washroom
and change room unit 650 is configured with an AC (i.e, mains) input 654 to
provide an
AC or mains feed for interior outlets and/or charging connections. The first
washroom
unit 521 is also configured with a water inlet 655 configured to fill a
portable water tank
or supply. The second washroom and change room unit 522 is configured in a
similar
manner according to an embodiment of the present invention and comprises a
door 652
(and a push button actuator and occupancy indicator 653) coupled to the access
ramp
532. The second washroom and change room unit 522 further includes an AC and
heating
unit 662 (i.e. HVAC unit), an AC input 656 and a water supply inlet 657.
[00030] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the access ramp 531 for the first washroom
and
change room unit 521 is configured with a fold-up ramp section 533 and a fold-
down
ramp section 535. The fold-up ramp section 533 is coupled to the door 650 and
may be
configured to be folded-up and against the door 650 for transport. The fold-
down ramp
section 535 is operatively coupled or connected to the fold-up ramp section
533.
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According to an exemplary embodiment, the fold-down ramp section 535 is
detachable
and stored in a rack underneath the trailer platform 510 or inside the unit
521, The access
ramp 531 is configured to provide a progressive elevation or rise from an
entrance to the
door 650. The access ramp 532 for the second washroom and change room 522 may
be
configured in a similar manner, and comprises a fold-up ramp section 534 and a
fold-
down ramp section 536, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
[00031] Reference is next made to Fig. 4, which shows an interior view of the
first and
second washroom and change room units 521 and 522, respectively, and exemplary
floorplans or layouts for each unit. According to an embodiment of the present
invention,
the first and second washroom and change room units 521 and 522 are
implemented or
configured in a manner similar to the washroom and change room unit 120, as
described
above.
[00032] As shown in Fig. 4, the first washroom and change room unit 521
includes a
toilet 711 and a sink 721, The washroom and change room unit 521 includes a
ceiling
track system 731 configured to operate a lift and sling mechanism or system
indicated by
reference 741 and comprising a sling or other personal support member.
According to an
embodiment, the first washroom and change room unit 521 includes an accessible
change/hygiene table indicated generally by reference 751. According to an
embodiment,
the ceiling track system 731 and the lift system 741 are configured to provide
the
capability to move or assist in moving a disabled occupant between all the
stations
installed in the unit 521, i.e. from the door way to the toilet 711, the sink
721 and/or the
change table 751.
[00033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ceiling track system 731
comprises a pair of metal rails or bars 733, i.e. heavy aluminum, indicated
individually by
references 733a and 733b that are configured along the longitudinal sides and
in a raised
or elevated position. The ceiling track system 731 also includes a traverse
bar or rail 735
that is operatively coupled to the longitudinal metal rails or bars 733, for
example,
comprising a roller track mechanism. The lift system 741 is operably coupled
to the
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traverse rail 735. This configuration allows a person to be lifted out of a
wheelchair and
transferred/lowered to any area within the unit 521.
[00034] As shown in Fig. 4, the second washroom and change room unit 522 is
configured in a similar manner. The second washroom and change room unit 522
includes a toilet 710 and a sink 720. The washroom and change room unit 522
also
includes a ceiling track system 732 configured to operate a lift and sling
mechanism or
system indicated by reference 742 and comprising a sling or other personal
support
member. According to another embodiment, the second washroom and change room
unit
522 includes an accessible change/hygiene table indicated generally by
reference 752.
The ceiling track system 732 and the lift system 742 are configured to provide
the
capability to move or assist in moving a disabled occupant between all the
stations
installed in the second unit 522, i.e. from the door way to the toilet 712,
the sink 722
and/or the change table 752.
[00035] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ceiling track system 732
comprises a pair of metal rails or bars 734, i.e. heavy aluminum, indicated
individually by
references 734a and 743b that are configured along the longitudinal sides and
in a raised
or elevated position. The ceiling track system 732 also includes a traverse
bar or rail 736
that is operatively coupled to the longitudinal metal rails or bars 734, for
example,
comprising a roller track mechanism. The lift and sling system 742 is operably
coupled to
the traverse rail 736. This configuration allows a person to be lifted out of
a wheelchair
and transferred/lowered to any area within the unit 522, as also described
above.
[00036] The first and second washroom and change room units 521 and 522 may be
implemented using the exemplary components, appliances and mechanisms as
described
above, as will be within the understanding of one skilled in the art.
100037] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain
adaptations and
modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the
presently discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not
restrictive, the
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scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the
foregoing
description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of
the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
