Patent Grant
10358219
The present invention relates generally to aircraft lavatories and more particularly to a modular aircraft lavatory with an alcove.
Commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, are typically constructed from modular components, the size, weight and construction of which are dictated by many considerations, including fuselage dimensions, aesthetic and safety. Many of these requirements are imposed by law or regulation. Aircraft components, such as overhead stowage compartments, seats, lavatories, galleys, lighting systems, etc. are all required to function within strictly confined spaces.
Manufacturers of aircraft are constantly refining interior aircraft designs to achieve more comfort and utility for passengers and crew within carrier-imposed restraints on cost, weight, maintenance down-time, and safety. Commercial passenger aircraft generally include lavatories for use by passengers and crew.
A conventional lavatory has a rectangular footprint, a toilet, and a sink. It usually also has four composite panel walls that may be molded to fit the curvature of the plane, and a ceiling with built in lighting. The lavatory monument is secured to the aircraft via various tie-rods and brackets, and is designed to independently conform to FAA loading standards. Lavatories have been a standard monument on commercial aircraft for decades. Lavatory monuments are typically constructed as a unit and then installed in an aircraft. After use, the conventional lavatory monument is then removed as a unit from the aircraft and replaced.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular lavatory monument assembly that includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to form an outer shell that defines a lavatory interior. The fourth wall includes an alcove extending outwardly therefrom. The assembly also includes a sink module positioned in the alcove, a mirror module positioned above the sink module in the alcove, and a door positioned on one of the second or third walls. In a preferred embodiment, the fourth wall includes first, second and third portions. The first portion is connected to the second wall, the third portion is connected to the first wall and the second portion extends between and is not parallel with the first and third portions. The alcove is defined by the first and second portions of the fourth wall and part of the first wall. Preferably, the outer shell includes a floor and the alcove extends from the floor to the top of the fourth wall. The outer shell preferably includes a ceiling and the alcove extends from the floor to the ceiling. In a preferred embodiment, when the modular lavatory monument assembly is placed proximate an aircraft exit door that defines an aircraft exit path the alcove extends into the aircraft exit path and an assist space is defined between the second portion of the fourth wall and the exit door.
In a preferred embodiment, the modular lavatory monument assembly also includes a toilet module positioned in the lavatory interior and secured to at least one of the first, third or fourth walls. The sink module preferably includes a sink cabinet, a faucet, a sink bowl, a counter, a waste compartment, a water supply system, a toilet paper dispensing unit and a set of mounting components on the sink cabinet that are removably mounted to associated mounting components in the alcove. The mirror module preferably includes a mirror cabinet, a mirror, a paper towel dispensing unit, a flight attendant call button, and a set of mounting components on the mirror cabinet that are removably mounted to associated mounting components in the alcove. The toilet module preferably includes a shroud, a toilet bowl, a seat and a lid. The shroud includes mounting components thereon that are removably secured to mounting components on the first, third or fourth walls. In a preferred embodiment, the modular lavatory monument assembly also includes a ceiling module positioned in the lavatory interior that includes a housing, an oxygen generator, at least one oxygen mask, a speaker, a smoke detector and a set of mounting components on the housing that are removably mounted to associated mounting components on the outer shell.
In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell further includes a storage compartment positioned adjacent the alcove that is at least partially defined by an outer surface of the second portion of the fourth wall and an outer surface of the third portion of the fourth wall. Preferably, the storage compartment is further defined by a first exterior wall that is connected to the first wall and a second exterior wall that is connected to the first portion of the fourth wall. The storage compartment is further defined by a first exterior wall that is co-planar with the first wall and a second exterior wall that is co-planar with the first portion of the fourth wall.
In a preferred embodiment, the sink module, mirror module, toilet module and ceiling module are each removably secured to the outer shell independently, and each of the sink module, mirror module, toilet module and ceiling module can be removed from the outer shell without having to remove any other of the sink module, mirror module, toilet module or ceiling module.
In a preferred embodiment, the modular lavatory monument assembly is provided in combination with a business class seat shell, and the fourth wall of the outer shell defines a foot recess in an exterior surface thereof.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular lavatory monument assembly that includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to form an outer shell that defines a lavatory interior and a storage compartment that is defined by a first storage compartment wall extending inwardly from the fourth wall and a second storage compartment wall extending inwardly from the first wall. The first and second storage compartment walls are connected and an alcove is defined by the first storage compartment wall, the fourth wall and the second wall. The first storage compartment wall separates the alcove and the storage compartment. The assembly also includes a sink module positioned in the alcove, a mirror module positioned above the sink module in the alcove, and a door positioned on one of the second or third walls. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell includes a floor and a ceiling, and the alcove and the storage compartment extend from the floor to the ceiling. Preferably, the modular lavatory monument assembly further includes a toilet module that includes a toilet and a shroud that extends between the second storage compartment wall and the third wall.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular dual lavatory monument assembly that includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to form an outer shell that defines an interior, and a fifth wall that divides the interior into first and second lavatories. The outer shell includes first and second alcoves that extend between the first and second walls to form an alcove strip. The assembly also includes a first sink module positioned in the first alcove, a first mirror module positioned above the first sink module in the first alcove, a first door positioned on one of the first or third walls, a second sink module positioned in the second alcove, a second mirror module positioned above the second sink module in the second alcove, and a second door positioned on one of the second or fourth walls. In a preferred embodiment, the fifth wall includes first, second and third portions. The first portion is connected to the first wall, the third portion is connected to the second wall, and the second portion extends between and is not parallel with the first and third portions, wherein the first alcove is defined in the first lavatory between the first wall and the third portion of the fifth wall and the second alcove is defined in the second lavatory between the second wall and the third portion of the fifth wall. Preferably, the first and second sink modules face in opposite directions and the assembly includes a first toilet module positioned adjacent the second wall and a second toilet module positioned adjacent the first wall.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular quad lavatory monument assembly that includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to form an outer shell that defines an interior, and fifth, sixth and seventh walls that cooperate to divide the interior into first, second, third and fourth lavatories. The outer shell includes first, second, third and fourth alcoves that extend between the first and second walls to form an alcove strip. The assembly also includes a first sink module positioned in the first alcove, a first mirror module positioned above the first sink module in the first alcove, a second sink module positioned in the second alcove, a second mirror module positioned above the second sink module in the second alcove, a third sink module positioned in the third alcove, a third mirror module positioned above the third sink module in the third alcove, a fourth sink module positioned in the fourth alcove, and a fourth mirror module positioned above the fourth sink module in the fourth alcove. In a preferred embodiment, the seventh wall extends between the third and fourth walls, and the fifth wall includes first, second and third portions. The first portion of the fifth wall is connected to the first wall, the third portion is connected to the seventh wall, and the second portion extends between and is not parallel with the first and third portions. The sixth wall includes first, second and third portions. The first portion of the sixth wall is connected to the second wall, the third portion is connected to the seventh wall, and the second portion extends between and is not parallel with the first and third portions. The first alcove is defined in the first lavatory between the first wall and the third portion of the fifth wall, the second alcove is defined in the second lavatory between the seventh wall and the third portion of the fifth wall, the third alcove is defined in the third lavatory between the second wall and the third portion of the sixth wall, and the fourth alcove is defined in the fourth lavatory between the seventh wall and the third portion of the sixth wall. Preferably, the first and third sink modules face in a first direction and the second and fourth sink modules face in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the fifth wall is co-planar and parallel to the first portion of the sixth wall, and the third portion of the fifth wall is co-planar and parallel to the third portion of the sixth wall.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a modular lavatory monument assembly. The method includes providing a first outer shell that includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to define a lavatory interior. The fourth wall includes an alcove extending outwardly therefrom, and a door is positioned on one of the second or third walls. The method further includes removably securing a first sink module in the alcove, and removably securing a first mirror module above the sink module in the alcove. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of removably securing a first toilet module to one or more of the first, third or fourth walls. Preferably, the first toilet module does not contact the first sink module. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of removing the first sink module from the alcove and lavatory interior, and removably securing a second sink module in the alcove. Preferably, the second sink module includes a sink cabinet, a faucet, a sink bowl, a counter, a waste compartment, a water supply system, a toilet paper dispensing unit and a set of mounting components on the sink cabinet that are removably mounted to associated mounting components in the alcove, just like the first sink module.
In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of removing the first sink module, first mirror module and first toilet module from the lavatory interior, cleaning the outer shell, removably securing the first sink module in the alcove a second time, removably securing the first toilet within the lavatory interior a second time, and removably securing the first mirror module above the sink module in the alcove a second time. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of removing the first sink module, first mirror module and first toilet module from the lavatory interior, cleaning the outer shell, removably securing a second sink module in the alcove, removably securing a second toilet module to one or more of the first, third or fourth walls, and removably securing a second mirror module above the sink module in the alcove.
In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of removing the first toilet module from the lavatory interior, adding an extension to at least one of the first, second, third or fourth walls to provide an outer shell with a larger volume than the first outer shell, and removably securing either the original toilet module or a new toilet module in the lavatory.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method that includes providing a first outer shell that includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to define a first lavatory interior. The fourth wall includes an alcove extending outwardly therefrom. A door is positioned on one of the second or third walls. The method also includes providing a second outer shell that includes first, second, third and fourth walls that cooperate to define a second lavatory interior. The fourth wall of the second outer shell includes an alcove extending outwardly therefrom and a door is positioned on one of the second or third walls. In the method, the second lavatory interior has a different volume than the first lavatory interior. In other words, the outer shells are made for two different types of lavatory monument assemblies. The method also includes removably securing a first sink module in the alcove of the first outer shell, removably securing a first mirror module above the first sink module in the alcove of the first outer shell to form a first lavatory monument assembly, removably securing a second sink module in the alcove of the second outer shell, and removably securing a second mirror module above the second sink module in the alcove of the second outer shell to form a second lavatory monument assembly. The first and second sink modules are identical, and the first and second mirror modules are identical. The method also includes installing the first lavatory monument assembly in a first location in an aircraft, and installing the second lavatory monument assembly in a second location in an aircraft.
In a preferred embodiment, the first lavatory monument assembly is positioned proximate an aircraft exit door that defines an aircraft exit path, and the alcove of the first lavatory monument assembly extends into the aircraft exit path. Preferably, the method also includes the steps of removing the first sink module and first mirror module from the first lavatory interior, removing the second sink module and second mirror module from the second lavatory interior, removably securing a third sink module and a third mirror module in the alcove of the first outer shell, and removably securing a fourth sink module and a fourth mirror module in the alcove of the second outer shell. The third and fourth sink modules are identical, and the third and fourth mirror modules are identical. Preferably, the steps of removing the first and second mirror and sink modules and removably securing the third and fourth mirror and sink modules are performed without removing the first or second outer shells from the aircraft.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a lavatory monument assembly configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft that includes a first wall and a second wall that are generally parallel to one another, and the second wall is longer than the first wall. The lavatory monument assembly further includes a third wall and a fourth wall, and the third wall and the fourth wall generally are perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, and the third wall and the fourth wall connect to the first wall and the second wall to form a lavatory interior. The first portion of the fourth wall generally is parallel to the third wall, and a second portion of the fourth wall angles inwardly along generally straight lines into the lavatory interior, such that the area in the lavatory interior proximate the first wall is less than the area proximate the second wall. The lavatory monument assembly further includes a toilet in the lavatory interior proximate the first wall, and it further includes a door positioned on one of the first, second, third, or fourth walls. In a preferred embodiment, the lavatory monument assembly further includes a sink, and preferably, the first wall is generally parallel and adjacent to an interior aircraft wall when the lavatory monument assembly is placed proximate an aircraft exit door. Preferably, the lavatory monument is placed proximate a row of at least two aircraft seats. Preferably, the second portion of the fourth wall angles inwardly at about 90 degrees with respect to the first portion of the fourth wall to form an alcove proximate the second wall, and the second portion of the fourth wall further connects to a third portion of the fourth wall that is generally parallel to the third wall and that connects to the first wall. The sink is positioned in the alcove. In a preferred embodiment, the second portion of the fourth wall curves inwardly along a generally curved line instead of angling inwardly along generally straight lines, and preferably, the lavatory monument assembly further comprises at least one recessed seat on the fourth wall, proximate the second wall. Preferably, the toilet defines a vertical plane that bifurcates the toilet, and the toilet is positioned such that the vertical plane is not parallel to the third wall.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an aircraft with a cabin having a side wall that includes at least one exit door, wherein the exit door includes an exit corridor adjacent thereto. The aircraft also includes a lavatory monument assembly positioned within the cabin, wherein the lavatory monument assembly includes a first wall and a second wall, and the first wall generally is parallel to the second wall, and the second wall is longer than the first wall. The lavatory monument assembly also includes a third wall and a fourth wall, and the third wall and the fourth wall generally are perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall. The third wall and the fourth wall connect to the first wall and the second wall to form a lavatory interior, and a first portion of the fourth wall generally is parallel to the third wall, and a second portion of the fourth wall angles inwardly along generally straight lines into the lavatory interior, such that the area in the lavatory interior proximate the first wall is less than the area proximate the second wall. The lavatory monument assembly also includes a toilet in the lavatory interior proximate the first wall, and it includes a door positioned on one of the first, second, third, or fourth walls. In a preferred embodiment, the lavatory monument assembly further includes a sink. Preferably, the second portion of the fourth wall angles inwardly at about 90 degrees with respect to the first portion of the fourth wall to form an alcove proximate the second wall, and the second portion of the fourth wall further connects to a third portion of the fourth wall that generally is parallel to the third wall and that connects to the first wall. The sink is positioned in the alcove. Preferably, the lavatory monument assembly is positioned proximate the exit door, and the third portion of the fourth wall defines a portion of the exit corridor. Preferably, the lavatory monument assembly is placed proximate a row of at least two aircraft seats. In a preferred embodiment, the second portion of the fourth wall curves inwardly along a generally curved line instead of angling inwardly along generally straight lines, and preferably, the lavatory monument assembly further includes at least one recessed seat on the fourth wall, proximate the second wall. Preferably, the toilet defines a vertical plane that bifurcates the toilet, and the toilet is positioned such that the vertical plane is not parallel to the third wall. Preferably, the lavatory monument assembly is positioned proximate the exit door, and the third portion of the fourth wall defines a portion of the exit corridor.
Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but are not necessarily, references to the same embodiment; and, such references are intended to refer to at least one of the embodiments.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to one of skill in the art regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of any such highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.
It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.
Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.
It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,” “inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same,
As shown in
As shown in
It is contemplated and intended that the preferred embodiment depicted in
In the preferred embodiment shown in
In a preferred embodiment, many of the lavatory systems components (plumbing, controls for water, etc.) are positioned within the sink unit or module 42. The sink module 42 can include (but is not limited to) the sink 32, counter 48, back splash, faucet 92, water heater, water filter, plumbing, pipes, sink cabinet or enclosure 41, thermostat unit, controllers, electrical harnesses, valves, space for waste, etc. As is shown in
In a preferred embodiment, a modular lavatory system is provided where the same size sink module 42 and/or mirror module 46 can be used in different lavatory monument assemblies. This improves part commonality, thereby making it easier to manufacture lavatory monuments for different aircraft or several lavatory monuments within the same aircraft (see, e.g.,
The modularity discussed herein provides for efficient manufacturing, the ability to change modules according to airline needs, and the ability to use and mount common modules in different sized or shaped outer shells, among other advantages that may or may not be described herein. Generally, the present invention provides common modules between different lavatories with an adjustably sized outer shell (described below), but with common mount points or commonly spaced mount points, thus allowing for multiple lavatory configurations with minimal changes. In another embodiment, other modules other than those listed above can be provided. In yet another embodiment, one or more of the modules listed above can be omitted. In a preferred embodiment, the modules can be installed or removed quickly and easily, which provides for interchangeability, easy maintenance, etc.
In a preferred embodiment, the modular lavatory system includes a mounting system that is common for different modules and different outer shells. Preferably, each sink module 42 includes mounting components that mate with common mounting components on different outer shells. This allows the modules to be interchangeable between identically sized and different sized outer shells. For simplicities sake, the set of mounting components on the outer shell are labeled 97a and the set of mounting components on the modules are labeled 97b.
In a preferred embodiment, the sink module 42 includes at least one or more of a sink, 32, sink cabinet 41, faucet 92, mounting components 97b, water heater, drain, trash, water filter, controller, necessary electronics, toilet paper dispenser 94, counter 48, soap and other components commonly found within the sink cabinet. For example, the sink module 42 can also include a paper towel dispenser, lighting, storage, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the sink module 42 includes a sink cabinet 41, a counter 48, sink bowl 32, drain, waste compartment 114, toilet paper dispenser 94, a water heater, faucet 92, drain (and appropriate plumbing), and mounting components 97b on the back of the sink cabinet 41.
In a preferred embodiment, the mirror module 46 includes at least one or more of a mirror cabinet 98, mounting components 97b on the back of the cabinet 98, a mirror 100, an amenities dispenser, paper towel dispenser 102, integrated LED lighting and associated electronics, call attendant button, gasper/air, sink lighting and other components commonly found within the mirror cabinet.
In a preferred embodiment, the ceiling module 86 includes at least one or more of a dome light or other lighting, oxygen masks/generator, speakers and a smoke detector, which are all housed in a housing that includes mounting components 97b thereon.
In a preferred embodiment, the toilet module 84 includes at least one or more of a toilet 12 (bowl, seat and lid, etc.), mounting components 97b and associated plumbing connections and a shroud 106. Preferably, each shroud 106 in the modular lavatory system has a common curvature that it can fit on the wall and cover opening 110. In a preferred embodiment, the shroud 106 extends between the third wall 31 and the third portion 26c of the fourth wall 26.
In a preferred embodiment, the door module 88 includes at least one or more of a door 40, door frame 108, handle, hinge, dead bolt, vent and associated components therefor. The door 40 can be a blade door, a bi-fold door or any other type of known door. It will be appreciated that each of the modules is comprised of one or more components. The listing of components herein is not intended to be limiting, but only exemplary.
In a preferred embodiment, common mounting components can be included within a module. For example, the sink module can include a mounting system that provides different counters and/or bowls that can be mounted on a common sized cabinet.
Other embodiments of lavatory monument assemblies will now be described. It should be understood that the lavatory monument assemblies and the configurations thereof may nor may not be modular. Accordingly, the description herein regarding the lavatory monument assemblies being modular is not a limitation on the present invention.
The storage compartment 53 can be used in a number of different ways. In an embodiment, the storage compartment 53 can be accessible from inside the lavatory. For example, as shown in
It will be appreciated that in an embodiment where lavatory monument assembly 112 is modular, any or all of sink module 42, mirror module 46, toilet module 84, ceiling module 86 and door module 88 are compatible with the outer shell 116 of lavatory monument assembly 112, just as they are compatible with the outer shell 80 of lavatory monument assembly 10.
In a preferred embodiment, the fourth wall 26 includes a foot recess 124 defined therein. As shown in
It will be appreciated that in an embodiment where lavatory monument assembly 120 is modular, any or all of sink module 42, mirror module 46, toilet module 84, ceiling module 86 and door module 88 are compatible with the outer shell 128 of lavatory monument assembly 120, just as they are compatible with the outer shell 80 of lavatory monument assembly 10 or the outer shell 116 of lavatory monument assembly 112.
As shown in
As is shown in
In a preferred embodiment, within the modular lavatory system, the alcove 38 is always approximately the same size depth and width (height may vary), thereby allowing the sink module 42 and mirror module 46 to fit in any sized lavatory monument assembly. Furthermore, the shroud 106 of the toilet module 84 may vary in width to fit different sized lavatory monument assemblies. However, in a preferred embodiment, each lavatory monument assembly is equipped with common sized brackets for mounting the shroud 106. Therefore, the lavatory monument assemblies can have variable widths or depths, but each have a common sized alcove for removably mounting the sink and mirror modules therein and common brackets for mounting the toilet module. This allows flexibility in monument size, but provides commonality for mounting the sink, mirror and toilet modules in different monuments and commonality when replacing modules within a monument. As used herein, removably mounted or removably mounting means that a module can be disconnected from the outer shell and replaced with a similar module (or the same module) using common mounting components and common interfaces (e.g., for hooking up water, electricity, plumbing and the like)
The modularity of the lavatory monument assemblies described herein also provides other advantages for airlines or other users of the modular lavatory system. Typically, after a number of years of use a conventional lavatory is removed, scrapped and replaced with a new conventional lavatory.
In an exemplary embodiment, the modules include the following components. The sink module 32 includes a sink cabinet, a faucet, a sink bowl and counter, a waste compartment, a water supply system, a toilet paper dispensing unit and a set of mounting components thereon. The mirror module includes a mirror cabinet, a mirror, a paper towel dispensing unit, a flight attendant call button, and a set of mounting components thereon. The toilet module includes a shroud, a toilet bowl, a seat, a lid and mounting components thereon. The door module includes a frame and a door. The ceiling module includes a housing, an oxygen generator, at least one oxygen mask, a speaker, a smoke detector and a set of mounting components thereon.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a method of providing first and second identically sized sink modules, providing first and second differently sized outer shells (e.g., different inner volumes) that each include an alcove, and positioning the first sink modules in the alcove of the first outer shell and the second sink module in the alcove of the second outer shell to create first and second lavatory monument assemblies. For example, the first sink module can be positioned in lavatory monument assembly 10 and the second sink module can be positioned in lavatory monument assembly 120 or vice versa. The method also includes providing first and second identically sized mirror modules and positioning the first mirror module in the alcove of the first outer shell and the second sink module in the alcove of the second outer shell. In a preferred embodiment, the first outer shell includes a sink mounting system therein and the second outer shell includes an identical sink mounting system therein. This allows the first and second sink modules to be positioned in either of the different first and second outer shells.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention also includes a system for assembling lavatory monument assemblies (e.g., an assembly line). The system includes providing at least first and second (and preferably more) differently sized outer shells that each include an alcove therein. Providing a plurality of sink modules and a plurality of mirror modules and positioning a sink module and mirror module in the alcove of each outer shell. Generally, the present invention provides an adjustably sized outer shell with standard sized modules positioned therein.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.
The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be used.
Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.
These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.
While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 will include the words “means for.”) Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.
Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/184,653, filed Feb. 19, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/765,612, filed Feb. 12, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,045,230 issued Jun. 2, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/598,762, filed Feb. 14, 2012, which are each incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/184,653 also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/766,665, filed Feb. 19, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/842,292, filed Jul. 2, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/858,073, filed Jul. 24, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/906,794, filed Nov. 20, 2013, which are all incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
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| Number | Date | Country |
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| 0290477 | Nov 1988 | EP |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170101184 A1 | Apr 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61598762 | Feb 2012 | US | |
| 61766665 | Feb 2013 | US | |
| 61842292 | Jul 2013 | US | |
| 61858073 | Jul 2013 | US | |
| 61906794 | Nov 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14184653 | Feb 2014 | US |
| Child | 15385649 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13765612 | Feb 2013 | US |
| Child | 14184653 | US |
