Patent Application
20240074622
The described technology relates in general to sanitation stations, and more specifically to portable showers that can be rapidly deployed and are easily assembled and dissembled at various locations.
Access to hygiene and sanitation is a basic human right. Hygiene and sanitation systems and devices, like showers, are commonplace in modern society. However, such systems and devices are often inaccessible to many individuals, including the homeless, refugees, and disaster victims, or when accessible, are unsanitary, unsound, provide very limited privacy, and offer a generally inhospitable experience.
Accordingly, there is an ongoing need for a durable portable shower assembly that can be easily transported to any site for rapid assembly and disassembly, while providing users with a comfortable, private, and hospitable bathing experience.
The following provides a summary of certain example implementations of the disclosed technology. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical aspects or elements of the disclosed technology or to delineate its scope. However, it is to be understood that the use of indefinite articles in the language used to describe and claim the disclosed technology is not intended in any way to limit the described technology. Rather the use of “a” or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”.
One implementation of the disclosed technology provides a portable shower assembly transitionable between an assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration. The portable shower assembly comprises a shower stall subassembly, wherein the shower stall subassembly includes a housing unit coupled to a basin; and a collapsible enclosure partially coupled to the housing unit, wherein the enclosure comprises a plurality of panels configured to at least partially surround the housing unit and the basin to define an interior shower space; and a dry area having an enclosed private space with access to the interior shower space.
The housing unit may include a track assembly disposed on an underside. The housing unit may further comprise an accessible interior compartment shielded from the interior shower space, wherein the interior compartment houses electrical and plumbing components; a seating area exposed to the interior shower space; a recessed area that receives at least some of the plurality of panels of the enclosure; a curtain track configured to receive a shower curtain that separates the interior shower space from the dry area; and at least one wheel for transporting the portable shower assembly when in the disassembled configuration. The electrical and plumbing components may include a water pump for regulating water levels; a mounted rechargeable battery unit for powering the electrical and plumbing components; a water heater with integral controls, wherein the integral controls are exposed to the seating area; and a mounted propane tank. The basin may cover a wastewater tank, wherein the wastewater tank includes at least one slot that corresponds to the track assembly disposed on the underside of the housing unit such that the wastewater tank slidably moves under the housing unit when in the disassembled configuration. The shower stall subassembly may further comprise a hand shower connected to a flexible shower hose, wherein the hand shower is mounted to one of the plurality of panels in the interior shower space. A collapsible tent assembly may enclose the private space, the collapsible tent assembly comprising a tent having an entrance; and a collapsible frame having a plurality of supports. The portable shower assembly may further comprise an entry ramp that provides access to the dry area; and a platform situated within the enclosed private space, wherein the entry ramp and the platform are deconstructed and fastened within the seating area of the housing unit in the disassembled configuration. At least one handle may be removably mounted to one of the plurality of panels in the interior shower space when in the assembled configuration, and wherein the at least one handle is then mounted to an exterior portion of the housing unit when in the disassembled configuration to aid in transportation of the portable shower assembly. The basin and the collapsible enclosure may be stored on a side of the housing unit when in the disassembled configuration.
Another implementation of the disclosed technology provides a portable shower. The portable shower comprises a shower stall assembly, wherein the shower stall assembly includes a housing unit having a track subassembly; a wastewater tank having at least one slot that corresponds to the track subassembly, wherein the wastewater tank slidably moves under the housing unit when in a disassembled configuration; and a collapsible enclosure partially coupled to the housing unit, wherein the enclosure comprises a plurality of panels configured to at least partially surround the housing unit to define an interior shower space when in an assembled configuration; and an enclosed private space with access to the interior shower space, wherein the enclosed private space is separate from the shower stall assembly.
The housing unit may further include an accessible interior compartment shielded from the interior shower space, wherein the interior compartment houses electrical and plumbing components; a seating area exposed to the interior shower space; a recessed area that receives at least some of the plurality of panels of the enclosure; a curtain track configured to receive a shower curtain that separates the interior shower space from the dry area; and at least one wheel for transporting the portable shower assembly when in the disassembled configuration. The electrical and plumbing may comprise a water pump for regulating water levels; a mounted rechargeable battery unit for powering the electrical and plumbing components; a water heater with integral controls, wherein the integral controls are exposed to the seating area; and a mounted propane tank. The shower stall assembly may further comprise a basin that covers the wastewater tank, wherein the basin is coupled to the housing unit and the enclosure; and a hand shower connected to a flexible shower hose, wherein the hand shower is mounted to one of the plurality of panels in the interior shower space. The wastewater tank may further comprise a recess that routes piping to the pluming components in the housing unit, while concealing the piping from the interior shower space. A collapsible tent assembly may enclose the private space, the collapsible tent assembly comprising a tent having an entrance; and a collapsible frame having a plurality of supports. The portable shower may further comprise an entry ramp that provides access to the dry area; and a platform situated within the enclosed private space, wherein the entry ramp and the platform are deconstructed and fastened within the seating area of the housing unit in the disassembled configuration. At least one handle may be removably mounted to one of the plurality of panels in the interior shower space when in the assembled configuration, and wherein the at least one handle is then mounted to an exterior portion of the housing unit when in the disassembled configuration to aid in transportation of the portable shower assembly. The basin and the collapsible enclosure may be stored on a side of the housing unit when in the disassembled configuration.
Still another implementation of the disclosed technology provides a portable shower. The portable shower comprises a shower stall assembly, wherein the shower stall assembly includes a housing unit comprising a track subassembly having at least one rail; at least one wheel; and an accessible interior compartment; a wastewater tank having at least one slot that corresponds to the at least one rail of the track subassembly such that the wastewater tank slidably moves under the housing unit when in a disassembled configuration; and a collapsible enclosure partially coupled to the housing unit, wherein the enclosure comprises a plurality of panels configured to at least partially surround the housing unit to define an interior shower space when in an assembled configuration; and a collapsible tent assembly that defines an enclosed private space, wherein the collapsible tent assembly is separate from the shower stall assembly but provides access to the interior shower space.
It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the technology disclosed herein and may be implemented to achieve the benefits as described herein. Additional features and aspects of the disclosed system, devices, and methods will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the example implementations. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, further implementations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of what is disclosed herein. Accordingly, the drawings and associated descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive in nature.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate one or more example implementations of the disclosed technology and, together with the general description given above and detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter, and wherein:
Example implementations are now described with reference to the Figures. Reference numerals are used throughout the detailed description to refer to the various elements and structures. Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the disclosed technology. Accordingly, the following implementations are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed subject matter.
With reference to
Housing unit 220 has body 222 having exterior 224 and interior 226, wherein interior 226 includes recessed portion 228 that partially receives shower enclosure 202, thereby defining interior shower space 80 of shower stall subassembly 200. Shower enclosure 202 is partially coupled, within recessed portion 228, to housing unit 220 with bracket clips 210. Housing unit 220 further includes seating area 230 partially enclosed by shower enclosure 202 and exposed to interior shower space 80; curtain track 232 extending between recessed portion 228 and seating area 230 that receives shower curtain 70; interior compartment 234 accessible by access door 236 formed in exterior 224 of housing unit 220; and track assembly 238 comprising rails 240 disposed on the underside of housing unit 220. Interior compartment 234 houses propane tank 242, water pump 244, rechargeable battery 246, and water heater 248 having control interface 250. Gasketed opening 252 and item cubby 254 are formed in interior 226 and are accessible from seating area 230, wherein gasketed opening 252 exposes control interface 250 of water heater 248 for user control. In this exemplary embodiment, wheel wells 256 are formed in exterior 224 to receive wheels 258 for transportation.
Grab handles 10 are mounted to panels 208 within interior shower space 80 when portable shower assembly 100 is in its assembled configuration to aid users needing support when showering. During disassembly of portable shower assembly 100, grab handles 10 are dismounted from panels 208 and remounted on exterior 224 of housing unit 220. It is to be understood that at least one grab handle 10 may be mounted to exterior 224 of housing unit 220 in both the assembled and disassembled configuration.
Shower basin 260 includes upward extending shower edge 262 that partially encloses shower basin 260, wherein shower edge 262 includes keyholes 264 for connection to housing unit 220 and shower enclosure 202 within interior shower space 80. Dip edge 266 covers shower edge 262 to ensure all water stays within interior shower space 80. Gasketed drain hole 268 is formed in shower basin 260. Greywater tank 270 connects to gasketed drain hole 268 to collect greywater runoff. Greywater tank 270 includes gasketed hole 272 having a removable internal filter that screens the greywater runoff received from gasketed drain hole 268 for debris before entering greywater tank 270. In this exemplary embodiment, greywater tank 270 further includes elongated slots 274 that correspond to rails 240 in track assembly 238 of housing unit 220; and elongated recess 276 that houses shower piping 500, routes piping 500 to housing unit 220, and conceals shower piping 500 beneath shower basin 260.
Shower head 510 is coupled to flexible hose 520 which connects to shower piping 500. In the present exemplary embodiment, shower head 510 and flexible hose 520 are mounted at a typical user standing height to panels 208 within interior shower space 80. Brackets, magnets, or a similar item may be used to mount shower head 510 and flexible hose 520 to panels 208. It is to be understood that shower head 510 and flexible hose 520 could also be mounted on a variety of panels 208 within interior shower space 80 and at a lower height for removable access by disabled individuals.
Further referring to
The mobility and rapid deployment capability of the disclosed portable shower assembly 100 allows it to be quickly transported to any site in response to numerous situations. The portable shower assembly 100 can be assembled individually, back-to-back, side-to-side, or in large groups to scale any need. The portable shower assembly 100 can be connected to water supplies and drainage or can stand alone. The dry area subassembly 300 and entry ramp 400 provide a welcoming entry to users and keeps users personal items dry and away from wet areas and external weather conditions, while providing a safe, private space to change and store items while showering. Planks 50 and decking 55 used in elevated platform 302 and entry ramp 400 are recycled composite plastic.
In one example implementation, panels 208 are opaque and formed of a polycarbonate material or similar thermoplastic polymers, thereby allowing for a robust shower enclosure 202 while permitting natural light to enter interior shower space 80. Grab bars 10 used with the portable shower assembly 100 are stainless steel and allow disabled users a sturdy location to hold or aid in transferring to interior shower space 80 from private space 90. In one example implementation, housing unit 220, shower basin 260, and gray water tank 270 are formed of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or similar plastic, and drip edge 266 is formed from neoprene, rubber, or similar gasket-type material to prevent water leakage. Shower basin 260 may include a slip-resistant, textured floor. Water pump 244 used with the disclosed portable shower assembly 100 is an off-the-shelf water pump that regulates gray water levels and ensures greywater tank 270 does not overflow; control interface 250 of water heater 248 allows a user to turn water on/off and control water temperature; rechargeable battery 246 used with the disclosed portable shower assembly 100 provides power to water pump 244, water heater 248, and optional waterproof lighting in shower stall subassembly 200 and dry area subassembly 300. In one non-limiting example, privacy tent 310 has a waterproof rip-stop nylon body, and supports 308 are aluminum poles. The occupancy indicator 314 installed in tent assembly 304 can be any indicator that the portable shower assembly 100 is in use, available, or unavailable for cleaning. In one exemplary embodiment, a clothes basket and/or changing bench may be included within private space 90.
All literature and similar material cited in this application, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, treatises, and web pages, regardless of the format of such literature and similar materials, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. Should one or more of the incorporated references and similar materials differs from or contradicts this application, including but not limited to defined terms, term usage, described techniques, or the like, this application controls.
As previously stated and as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” refer to both the singular as well as plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. Although many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used, particular suitable methods and materials are described herein. Unless context indicates otherwise, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range. Furthermore, references to “one implementation” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, implementations “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements whether or not they have that property.
The terms “substantially” and “about”, if or when used throughout this specification describe and account for small fluctuations, such as due to variations in processing. For example, these terms can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%, and/or 0%.
Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the disclosed subject matter, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the disclosed subject matter. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various implementations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the disclosed subject matter. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.
There may be many alternate ways to implement the disclosed technology. Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology. Generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations. Different numbers of a given module or unit may be employed, a different type or types of a given module or unit may be employed, a given module or unit may be added, or a given module or unit may be omitted.
Regarding this disclosure, the term “a plurality of” refers to two or more than two. Unless otherwise clearly defined, orientation or positional relations indicated by terms such as “upper” and “lower” are based on the orientation or positional relations as shown in the FIGS., only for facilitating description of the disclosed technology and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the referred devices or elements must be in a particular orientation or constructed or operated in the particular orientation, and therefore they should not be construed as limiting the disclosed technology. The terms “connected”, “mounted”, “fixed”, etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, “connected” may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For an ordinary skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the disclosed technology may be understood according to specific circumstances.
It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail herein (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the disclosed technology. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the technology disclosed herein. While the disclosed technology has been illustrated by the description of example implementations, and while the example implementations have been described in certain detail, there is no intention to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosed technology in its broader aspects is not limited to any of the specific details, representative devices and methods, and/or illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.
This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/403,188 filed on Sep. 1, 2022 and entitled “Portable Shower”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and made part of the present U.S. utility patent application for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63403188 | Sep 2022 | US |
