Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling access to and generating revenue from a portable lavatory. The portable lavatory is placed at a predetermined location and a barrier is established around the portable lavatory to block unauthorized access to the portable lavatory. An entrance or passageway is provided through the barrier enabling access to the portable lavatory. Passes are distributed to those individuals desiring to utilize the portable lavatory and upon presentation of the passes to an attendant stationed at the entrance or passageway, the individuals are granted access to the portable lavatory. By charging individuals to obtain a pass the portable lavatory generates revenue.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to portable lavatories. More specifically, this invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling access to and generating revenue from custodian administered, flushable, portable lavatories, including comfort stations. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0007]    Portable lavatories are widely used throughout the world at construction sites, outdoor public events, and other points-of-use having large gatherings of people. A portable lavatory generally includes a base, four walls including a door, and a roof. Mounted within is a waste tank positioned on the base, the waste tank having a top surface with an opening therethrough and a toilet seat hingeably mounted over the opening. The waste material drops, under the influence of gravity, into the tank where it accumulates until collected. The waste tank is pumped out through the toilet opening as needed. 
         [0008]    With a conventional portable lavatory the waste tank and the waste therein, is open to the inside of the enclosure. This open condition subjects each user of the portable toilet to the unsightly waste in the waste tank and to the unpleasant odors emanating therefrom. A related problem is that chemicals must be added to the waste tank to reduce the odor and bacteria levels. Another disadvantage is that the typical portable lavatory has a limited waste capacity and requires interruption of use to pump out the waste. This is accomplished by entering the portable toilet as any user would, with a vacuum suction hose and sucking out the waste through the opening in the top surface. This is extremely unsanitary. Finally, since conventional portable lavatories rely on gravity to flow waste to the storage tank, conventional portable lavatories must be elevated to accommodate a larger waste material storage tank that is positioned under the toilet, whereby such lavatories require steps making such lavatories non-compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,414 to Miller, discloses another type of portable lavatory, that typically includes a flush toilet having a toilet bowl, a toilet tank, a waste line and a waste tank. The toilet bowl is mounted to the base within the enclosure. The waste tank is positioned outside and behind the enclosure. The toilet bowl is connected to a waste line that extends outside the enclosure such that the odor from any waste disposal will not contaminate the area within the enclosure. The waste line is connected to the holding tank. The waste line may terminate over a sewage drain or septic field in alternate embodiments. A toilet tank is mounted above the toilet bowl to one of the wall panels. The toilet tank is fluidly connected, such that fluid flows therethrough, to the toilet bowl and provides fresh water for flushing the toilet bowl. 
         [0010]    As further illustrated in the &#39;414 patent, the portable lavatory may optionally include a wash basin mounted within the enclosure to a wall panel and includes a drain line extending therefrom that connects to the waste line. A fresh water supply line extends through one of the wall panels of the enclosure and is fluidly connected to the toilet tank and to the wash basin for supplying fresh water thereto. Alternately, an on-demand tankless gas heater can be used to heat the fresh water to provide hot tap water to the wash basin. 
         [0011]    While Miller discloses the toilet disclosed as a portable toilet there is no disclosure or teaching whatsoever regarding the disassembly of the portable toilet for transporting or moving the toilet from one site to another site. Further, Miller discloses that in order for this portable toilet to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is necessary to include a ramp with a ledge to prevent wheelchairs from accidentally falling from the ramp. Further for such use, the toilet, sink, and urinal are of a different size and the floor must be non-grated while the stall itself must be of sufficient size to accommodate a wheelchair. It is clear that major changes must be made to the toilet facility in order to comply with the ADA. 
         [0012]    Further, Miller is completely silent with respect to maintenance requirements and how these portable toilets are expected to remain in a clean usable condition due to user created rubbish and contaminants associated with the public use of toilets. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,074 to White discloses a self-cleaning, automatic public toilet facility permanently mounted on a concrete slab suited for sidewalk use. White discloses that public, sidewalk pay toilets are common in Europe and have been used in major cities in New York and San Francisco. Such public toilets are typically permanently mounted, unattended and do not include a wash basin or sink or any type of cleanup facility for the user. With such sidewalk pay toilets the user pays cash, typically in the form of coins to use the toilet. Accordingly, the costs associated with collecting and safeguarding the money and associated mechanisms to secure and operate the facility can be extensive. Because of the closed-in nature of the structures, there is a tendency for rubbish to accumulate in the user compartments. Further, the hygienic and sanitary condition of the lavatory is a large factor in an individual&#39;s decision to use the lavatory and thus greatly affects any revenue generated by the lavatory. Although mounted on a concrete slab, these lavatory units are not easily moveable to other sites if the need arises. Also like most other prior art toilets, special accommodations are necessary to comply with the ADA. While disclosure as to how the portable toilets are to maintain their sanitary conditions after public use generated trash and rubbish is completely lacking. 
         [0014]    Portable lavatories, as set forth above, are generally used at events such as fairs, carnivals, festivals, parades, sporting events, concerts, national disasters, or other temporary gatherings of individuals. For example, in order to put on an event, such as a festival or fair, the promoter or organizer thereof is typically required to provide sanitation facilities at the event suitable to meet the needs of the individuals attending the event including individuals with disabilities. Normally, depending upon the size of the event, the event organizer provides a predetermined number of drop tank portable lavatories. Supplying the predetermined number of drop tank portable lavatories results in an expense to the provider or organizer of the event. Further, many individuals attending these events understand that such sanitation facilities, typically a portable lavatory utilizing a waste tank located within the enclosure, are usually in less than a hygienic and sanitary condition and completely fail to recognize the need of disabled individuals. Further, such units often do not include a wash basin for hand washing. Since providing sanitation facilities is typically viewed as an expense, many organizers provide only minimum sanitation facilities that often detract from the overall impression of the event as individuals typically remember or often associate the event with the condition of the sanitation facilities. Accordingly, generating revenue from such minimum sanitation facilities, such as those having a waste tank in the enclosure, is typically not possible whereby they result in an expense to the event promoter or organizer. 
         [0015]    From the above, it can be appreciated that there is a need to optimize or generate revenue from the use of portable lavatories. Therefore, what is needed is a method and apparatus for controlling and limiting access to individuals who have previously paid to obtain access to a portable lavatory. Controlling access to the portable lavatory is one way in which the event promoter or organizer may provide a more sanitary and hygienic portable lavatory and thereby enhance the overall impression of the event while at the same time enabling the event organizer to offset the cost of and generate revenue from the use of the portable lavatory. Further, it should be appreciated that enhancing the portable lavatory facilities may be a selling point of the event and provide a value added service to the event. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling access to a portable lavatory. The method includes the step of placing one or more portable lavatories compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act at a predetermined location. After the lavatory is suitably located, a barrier is established around the portable lavatory to block unauthorized access to the portable lavatory. A passageway through the barrier provides access to the portable lavatory. The method includes making available a means for purchasing at least one pass granting access to use the portable lavatory, as well as providing a means for maintaining sanitary and hygienic conditions after each use. Accordingly, a custodian stationed within the barrier upon being presented with the pass grants access to the use of the portable lavatory after the portable lavatory is inspected by the custodian and any unsanitary condition is removed therefrom by timely cleaning by the custodian. 
         [0017]    According to an additional embodiment of the invention, there is provided a sanitation concession including a portable lavatory, a barrier surrounding the portable lavatory, a pass dispensing scheme, and a custodian. 
         [0018]    The barrier surrounding the portable lavatory limits unauthorized access to the portable lavatory and has a passage allowing an individual with a previously purchased pass to gain access through the barrier by showing the pass to the custodian and use the lavatory. The pass dispensing scheme may be spaced separate from the passage and is operative to dispense a pass. Alternatively, the custodian stationed proximate the barrier may dispense a pass for a set fee, as well as reviews previously purchased passes and allows access to use the portable lavatory upon presentation of a valid pass. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention to provide as part of the method a pass distribution scheme preferably separate and spaced from the custodian, wherein a pass distribution scheme dispenses the pass granting access to the lavatory. 
         [0020]    It is another object to provide a pass having indicia thereon, indicating the number of times the pass can be used whereby the method further includes the step of the custodian examining each pass and making a determination that the pass is valid and has not exceeded its maximum use. 
         [0021]    It is still another object of the present invention that the portable lavatory is a comfort station in complete compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
         [0022]    It is yet a further object of the present invention that the custodian inspects the portable toilet before each use and removes therefrom any debris or clean up any unsanitary condition that may occur from a prior user. 
         [0023]    It is yet a further object of the present invention that the custodian&#39;s primary duties are to inspect and maintain cleanliness of each portable toilet while administering access to the portable toilets for users with a valid pass. Under special conditions, it is also expected that valid passes for the use of the portable toilets may directly be purchased for cash from the custodian. 
         [0024]    It is yet a further object of the present invention to generate revenue from a portable lavatory by charging for access to use the portable lavatory. 
         [0025]    These objects and other features, aspects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description, appended claims and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a sanitation concession according to the present invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portable lavatory of a type suitable for use with the sanitation concession illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a sanitation concession, seen generally at  10 . The sanitation concession  10  includes a portable lavatory  12 , a barrier  14  surrounding and limiting unauthorized access to the portable lavatory  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , one example of such a barrier  14  is a fence  20  erected such that it surrounds the portable lavatory  12 . The fence  20  can be formed of an expandable diamond mesh plastic material that typically comes in a roll. The fence  20  is typically reusable and is rerolled for subsequent use. A plurality of fence posts  22  support the fence  20 . Depending upon the ground surface at the particular location of the sanitation concession  10 , the fence posts  22  are driven into the ground surface or secured to a base or support (not shown) when the fence  20  is located over a hard surface such as pavement. The fence  20  limits access to the portable lavatory  12  and establishes a curtilage or area  26  inside the fence  20  wherein an individual may wait to enter the portable lavatory  12 . The barrier  14  includes a passage  16  through which an individual gains access to the portable lavatory  12 . One example of a passage  16  is to form an opening  28  in the fence  20  through which an individual may pass. While in the disclosed embodiment, the passage  16  is an opening  28  in the fence  20  with a custodian  30 , stationed adjacent the passage  16 , the passage  16  may also utilize some type of limiting mechanism such as a gate, turnstile, swinging door or revolving door. The sanitation concession  10  further includes a pass dispensing scheme utilizing any one of several methods of purchasing a valid pass to gain authorized access to the portable lavatory  12 . For example, it is the preferred embodiment to obtain passes from a pass dispensing mechanism or ticket booth  18  located on the same grounds as the event, fair, carnival, festival, parade, sporting event or concert and the like. The passes may also be obtained as part of the cost to attend the event. A pass allowing any number of uses of the portable toilet facility may be purchased at the time of purchasing the initial admission ticket. Further it is contemplated that a pass may be purchased from a portable toilet pass vending machine located near the site of the toilet. As a last resort, passes may also be purchased from the custodian  30  for cash. However, such is only for emergency situations and is to be avoided for the obvious reasons, including to avoid risk of the custodian  30  of robberies and thefts of the cash collected. Other pass dispensing schemes are also contemplated. 
         [0029]    Further, the custodian  30  is located at a custodian station  34  positioned near or proximate the passage  16 . As used herein, the term portable lavatory means at least an enclosure with one or more flushable, porcelain toilets and includes a facility for washing of a user&#39;s hands after use of the portable lavatory  12 . 
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1  the pass dispensing mechanism  18 , shown as a booth staffed by an individual, is located at a position spaced from the portable lavatory  12  and may be located any where on the grounds of where the event occurs. Accordingly, an individual desiring to use the portable lavatory  12  must first obtain a pass from a pass dispensing mechanism  18 . Typically, a pass is obtained by tendering a sum certain or predetermined amount of money to the individual located in the ticket booth  18  who then issues the pass. It should be understood that the pass dispensing mechanism  18  may be an apparatus or machine that accepts payment and dispenses passes or, as set forth above, can be purchased with the reserved ticket to attend the event. For example, the apparatus can be a machine having a controller, processor with associated memory, payment acceptor module, pass dispensing module, which may include a printer, and an input module accepting input from a user desiring to obtain a pass. Thus, the machine is capable of accepting user input and payment and dispensing a pass. Many such systems are known for use with accepting payment and dispensing an item. Further, such systems rather than accepting a cash payment, can be used with credit and debit cards having a magnetic stripe or smart card reader/writer or may utilize a barcode scanner. 
         [0031]    The invention further contemplates that if the portable lavatory  12  is used at a temporary event such as a fair, carnival, festival, parade, sporting event, or concert that the ticket purchased to attend the event includes certain limited access to use the portable lavatory  12  or alternatively, passes for use of the portable lavatory  12  may be purchased from the same service that sells the tickets to gain access to the event itself. Appropriate security considerations must also be considered when selecting a scheme to sell passes for access to the portable lavatory  12 . 
         [0032]    Accordingly, it should be understood that the pass is preferably not obtained from the custodian  30  to use the portable lavatory  12 , but the custodian&#39;s  30  primary responsibility is to keep the lavatory facilities clean and in an emergency the custodian  30  can accept payment upon being presented with a valid pass allowing the holder thereof access to the portable lavatories  12 . 
         [0033]    Further, it should be understood that in some instances, the custodian  30  may be replaced with a pass identification and passage control mechanism that upon receiving a valid pass allows passage through the barrier  14  to provide access to the portable lavatory  12 . For example, the pass identification mechanism may be a magnetic stripe reader that accepts a card or pass having usage information coded thereon, wherein inserting or swiping the card or pass correspondingly sends a usage signal to a controller or control unit. The controller upon confirming that the pass is valid for use sends a corresponding signal to the passage control mechanism, for example a turnstile or gate, to allow the user access to the portable lavatory  12 . As used herein access to the portable lavatory  12  means access to the curtilage or area  26  within the barrier  14  adjacent the portable lavatory  12  as the present invention contemplates a plurality of individual lavatories located within the area  26  enclosed by the barrier  14 . Therefore, upon passing through the barrier  14  an individual may access any of the portable lavatories  12  enclosed within the barrier  14 . However, the custodian  30  will still be present to control the orderly access to the portable lavatories  12  as well as to tend to the cleaning duties between uses. 
         [0034]    As disclosed herein the term portable lavatory may also include a portable and modular comfort station having an enclosure, a porcelain wash basin and a porcelain flush toilet. The comfort station further has a waste tank positioned outside and behind the enclosure, wherein a porcelain toilet bowl located within the enclosure is connected through a P-trap to the waste tank by a waste line such that the waste is flushed outside the enclosure. One example of a comfort station suitable for use with the present invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,967, owned by the inventor hereof, the entire disclosure and contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, a portable lavatory  12  or as referred to above a comfort station for use with the present invention is disclosed in  FIG. 2 . The portable lavatory  12  includes an enclosure having a porcelain toilet  40  and a porcelain wash basin  42 . A waste tank  44  is located outside of the enclosure. The porcelain toilet  40  is connected to the waste tank  44  by a waste line  46 . The porcelain wash basin  42  also has a waste line  48  connecting the porcelain wash basin  42  to the waste tank  44 . In addition, fresh water lines (not shown) are connected to both the porcelain toilet  40  and the porcelain wash basin  42 . Such a portable lavatory  12  provides a more comfortable, sanitary and hygienic lavatory that reduces undesirable odor. 
         [0036]    The portable lavatory  12  is delivered to a point-of-use either fully assembled with the waste tank  44  and waste line  46 ,  48  stored inside the enclosure or is delivered in a disassembled state for on-site assembly. In either case, on-site preparation is minimal compared to the prior art. First, the waste tanks  44  are placed outside the enclosure and the waste lines  46 ,  48  connected between the waste tank  44  and the porcelain toilet  40 . Then a length of water supply hose (not shown) is externally connected to the bulkhead fitting and the portable lavatory  12  is operational. The length of water supply hose is easily connected to a water supply truck, a water tank, a well source, or a building with running water if conveniently available. 
         [0037]    Accordingly, the comfort station is superior to the prior art for several reasons. Primarily, the portable lavatory  12  does not recycle any fluids through the toilet fixtures and thus eliminates any related odor and the need for chemical treatment. Additionally, the portable lavatory  12  includes not only a porcelain toilet  40  but also includes a porcelain wash basin  42  with fresh, hot and cold running water. A user can wash up after using the porcelain toilet  40 , thus rendering the comfort station more versatile and desirable to a wider base of clientele. Further, the portable lavatory  12  does not require electrical hook ups to operate. Finally, the portable lavatory  12  is modular and therefore easily-expandable to more efficiently service greater numbers of people. It can be seen that such a portable lavatory  12  has value, whereby such a portable lavatory  12  can be used at an event to generate revenue. Revenue being generated by charging for access to the portable lavatory  12  whereby those individuals who have previously paid may use the portable lavatory  12 . The portable lavatory  12  is also provided with a paper towel dispenser, waste basket, and diaper changing station. 
         [0038]    The present invention further includes a method for controlling access to a portable lavatory  12 . The portable lavatory  12  is of modular construction and can be transported to an event site and assembled at the event location for use during the event. The portable lavatory  12  is such that it can be utilized outside or in a covered area, including a temporary or permanent shelter for example a pavilion, cover, awning or canopy. Further, the portable lavatory  12  is suitable for use within the confines of a building. 
         [0039]    Initially, the portable lavatory  12  is delivered, or assembled and placed at a predetermined location. Consequently, when the portable lavatory  12  is no longer needed, the portable lavatory  12  can be removed by disassembling it or using material handling equipment, such as a forklift, to place it fully assembled on a vehicle for transportation. In addition, it is contemplated that in some instances the portable lavatory  12  may have its own power source, for example, the portable lavatory  12  can be placed on a movable platform whereby the platform has its own drive system. 
         [0040]    While typically placing the portable lavatory  12  at the predetermined location is the first step, after which the barrier  14  is established around the portable lavatory  12 , there is no requirement that the sanitation concession  10  be set up in such a manner. Applicant contemplates that the barrier  14  can be set up first thus forming the enclosed area  26  after which the portable lavatory  12  is placed within the enclosed area  26 . The barrier  14  being formed in a manner such that it blocks unauthorized access to the portable lavatory  12 . In addition, providing a passage  16  through the barrier  14  with a custodian  30  enables an individual to pass through the barrier  14  and access the portable lavatory  12  through the passage  16  with an appropriately acquired pass. 
         [0041]    The method further includes making available, for purchase and distributing, a pass to an individual desiring to use the portable lavatory  12 . The individual upon obtaining a pass presents the pass to the custodian  30  whereby the custodian  30  after reviewing the pass to ensure the authenticity and validity thereof allows the pass holder through the passage  16  thereby granting access to the portable lavatory  12 . 
         [0042]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the pass is obtained from a separate and distinct pass distribution mechanism  18  or through a pre-advertised scheme. One example of a pass distribution mechanism  18  is an attended ticket booth  18  located on the grounds of the event at which an individual can purchase a pass to use the portable lavatory  12 . Accordingly, preferably payment takes place at the pass distribution mechanism  18  and not at the custodian station  34 . Accordingly, the custodian  30  does not take payment, but instead checks the authenticity and validity of the respective pass. In an emergency, the custodian  30  can sell the occasional pass for a cash price. However, for obvious reasons of security, pass sales by custodian  30  is not preferred. As set forth above, another method of dispensing the pass involves providing a mechanism, apparatus or machine that receives payment and dispenses a pass. 
         [0043]    In addition, one aspect of the present invention involves using a single pass or instrument that can be used a multiple number of times. Wherein each time the pass is used, the custodian  30  records the use. For example, the pass may provide a certain number of uses based upon the payment amount, the amount of which being different from the amount for a single use pass. Thus, multiple usage rates may be at discounted payment. 
         [0044]    The term pass as used herein should not be construed to be limited to a specific instrument, item or structure, it shall mean any instrument that notifies the custodian  30 , that the holder thereof has previously paid to access the portable lavatory  12 . Examples of such instruments include punch cards, vouchers, tickets, coupons, tokens, smart cards, bar coded cards or badges. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and applicant contemplates that other instruments are also suitable. 
         [0045]    When use of the sanitation concession  10  is no longer required, the barrier  14 , portable lavatory  12  and pass distribution mechanism  18  are removed from the predetermined location. Accordingly, the present invention provides a sanitation concession  10  wherein individuals purchase a pass and pay an agreed-upon price to use the portable lavatory  12 . In addition, use of the portable lavatory  12  may be determined based on a combination badge and pass system wherein some individuals may be issued a badge enabling unlimited use of the portable lavatory  12  without needing to obtain a pass. Applicant contemplates that the party requesting the sanitation concession  10  for use at a particular event or location will pay the costs associated with leasing or renting the sanitation concession  10  and keep the revenue generated through the sale of passes. 
         [0046]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.