Abstract:
A collapsible and portable cleaning unit. The unit is preferably designed to provide a private shower experience that is comparable to a shower experience for a permanent shower installed at a location, such as a bathroom in a dwelling. This inventive shower unit is designed to be fully portable in a self contained collapsed mode that is substantially contained within the overall footprint of the unit. The unit includes a substantial self supporting base structure and a cap that secures to the base structure to protect the internal components and seals for storage. This unit includes a supportive base that has a pan for directing and containing water from the shower. The unit is designed to provide height clearance that is substantially comparable to showers that are in permanent facilities and/or dwellings.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application which claims benefit of co-pending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/255,761 filed Oct. 28, 2010, entitled “Mobile Shower Unit”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a personal cleaning unit, such as a shower, and more particularly to a collapsible shower that is fully portable yet provides a shower experience consistent with a permanent shower unit installed at a location, such as a dwelling or facility. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are numerous institutes and individuals that have a need for an apparatus that provides a personal portable cleaning location. These institutions and persons include the military, safety organizations such as law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services and the like, health care providers, and the camping and outdoor enthusiasts. These organizations and people generally have a need for a cleaning unit that can adequately provide a personalized cleaning area and yet is easily transported between locations in a smaller or more compact state. Once at a location where those persons and/or organization members need or desire to clean themselves or others, an apparatus needs to have the capability of satisfactorily filling that need and transforming into a deployed or expanded state. 
         [0004]    There have been several attempts in the art to provide equipment that fill this need for these various organizations. Some prior attempts have included a simple spigot or spout used to direct water as desired by a user. Other attempts have been directed at forming a shower unit through various usages of frames, shower curtains, and pipes for water flow. 
         [0005]    Several of these prior attempts have fallen short in one or more areas. For example, some lack an easily assembled unit. Others lack a base or support structure that separates the user, and more particularly his or her feet, from the surrounding ground and/or surface. Others lack sufficient structure to maintain the shower integrity through moderate, or even mild, wind conditions in an outdoor ambient environment. Still others lack construction features that provide enough durability to the cleaning unit for multiple assemblies and usages by numerous individuals. 
         [0006]    What is needed then is a mobile cleaning unit, for example a shower unit, which is collapsible and can easily be assembled. Preferably this unit includes a base that provides for fluid flow and separates the person cleaning within the unit from the surrounding ground and/or surface. Preferably this unit has a durable structure that can withstand ambient conditions yet can collapse into itself and provide an easily portable unit that can be taken to a new location. This cleaning unit is lacking in the art. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Disclosed herein is a collapsible and portable cleaning unit, which can be described as a collapsible shower unit. The unit is preferably designed to provide a shower experience that is comparable to a shower experience for a permanent shower installed at a location, such as a bathroom in a dwelling. This inventive cleaning unit is designed to be fully portable in a collapsed mode that is substantially contained within the overall footprint of the unit. This unit includes a supportive base that includes a pan for directing and containing water from the shower. The unit is designed to provide height clearance that is substantially comparable to showers that are in permanent facilities and/or dwellings. 
         [0008]    Preferably the unit is collapsible within a matter of minutes and can be fully portable such that it is generally contained within the footprint of the unit. Additionally, the unit is preferably designed so that one person can move the unit once it is collapsed and in a pack state. 
         [0009]    Preferably the unit includes a water removal system within the base and a water dispersing system within the top wherein both the base and the top include a perimeter that generally determines the external dimensions of the unit in both a collapsed position and in an extended position. A shower curtain is operatively attached to the top and a collapsible frame is affixed to the base and the top. The collapsible frame includes a plurality of stanchions that are rotatively attached to the base and to the top. Additionally, a middle joint is positioned between the base end and top end of each stanchion such that the middle joint is configured to position the top end of each stanchion approximate to the bottom end of that stanchion when the cleaning unit is in the collapsed position. 
         [0010]    Therefore, a general object of the present invention is to provide a portable cleaning unit. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible cleaning unit. 
         [0012]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable cleaning unit. 
         [0013]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portable cleaning unit having a base with a water removal system. 
         [0014]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable cleaning unit that can collapse into an area approximately the size of its own footprint. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable cleaning unit that can be easily assembled. 
         [0016]    Other and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown in a collapsed position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown transitioning from a collapsed position to an expanded position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown completing a transition to an expanded position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown in an expanded position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a partial bottom perspective view of a top made in accordance with the current disclosure showing an example of water dispersion system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a water dispersion system made in accordance with the current disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a water dispersion system made in accordance with the current disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an example of a water heating unit used to provide warm water for a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9A  is a top view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown in a collapsed position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9B  is a front view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown in a collapsed position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9C  is a side view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown in a collapsed position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10A  is a top view of a base made in accordance with the current disclosure. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10B  is a front view of a base made in accordance with the current disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10C  is a side view of a base made in accordance with the current disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a portion of cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an assembled frame made in accordance with the current disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12A  is a detail of the area A in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 12B  is a detail of the area B in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  is a partially collapsed view of a frame made in accordance with the current disclosure. 
           [0036]      FIG. 13A  is a detail of the area A in  FIG. 13 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown in a collapsed position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown transitioning from a collapsed position to an expanded position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown completing a transition to an expanded position. 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a cleaning unit made in accordance with the current disclosure shown in an expanded position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  is a partial bottom perspective view of a top made in accordance with the current disclosure showing an example of water dispersion system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    Referring generally now to  FIGS. 1-18  a portable cleaning unit is shown and generally designated by the numeral  10 . The unit  10  includes a base  12 , collapsible frame  14 , top  16 , and shower curtain  56 . Additionally, a water dispersion system  17  is used to carry water into the top  16 , or cap  16 , for dispersing water within the unit  10  for cleaning. A water removal system  20  is used to collect and disperse used water from the unit. 
         [0043]    The base  12  includes a perimeter  11  and a water removal system  20 . The water removal system  20  has an exit opening  42 , which can be described as a drain  42 , and at least one exit water path  22 . The top  16 , which can also be described as a cap  16 , includes a perimeter  15  and a water dispersing system  17 . The water dispersing system  17  includes a dispersing device  54 , which can be described as a shower head  54 , and at least one entrance water path  18 , which can be described as a supply water path  18 . A shower curtain  56  is operatively attached to the top  16  and a collapsible frame  14  is fixed to both the base  12  and the top  16 . 
         [0044]    The frame  14  includes a plurality of stanchions  24  wherein each stanchion  24  includes at least one rotational location  26  wherein the rotational location  26  is positioned to contain the frame  14  within the perimeter  11  of the base  12  and the perimeter  15  of the top  16  when the unit is in a collapsed position or in an expanded position. 
         [0045]    Preferably each stanchion  24  includes a base end  28  rotatively attached to the base  12 , a top end  29 , or a cap end  29 , rotatively attached to the top  16 , and a middle joint  30 , which can be described as an intermediate rotational location  30 . The middle joint  30  is configured to position the top end  29  proximate to the base end  28  when the unit  10  is in the collapsed position. The base end  28 , top end  29 , and middle joint  30  can be described as rotational locations  26  on the stanchions  24  that facilitate the expansion and collapsing of the unit  10 . 
         [0046]    The intermediate rotation locations  30  can include fastening locations  36 , or joint fastener  36 , used to secure the intermediate rotation locations  30  in a locked position to secure the stanchions  24  in an upright and locked position. The fastening locations  36  can include those locking devices known in the art but preferably include an aperture and pin configuration. 
         [0047]    In a preferred embodiment, the devices that comprise the attachment of the base end  28  to the base  12 , the top end  29  to the top  16  and the middle joint  30  are hinge joints that restrict movement of the stanchion  24  to which the base end  28 , top end  29 , and middle joint  30  are a part of to a plane. This can be best seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  13 , and  15 . 
         [0048]    The frame  14  can further include a first stanchion  61 , second stanchion  62 , third stanchion  63  and fourth stanchion  64  that extend from the base  12  to the top  16 . Each of these stanchions  61 - 64  facilitate both of the suspended positioning of the top  16  relative to the base  12  when the unit  10  is in the expanded position and include the rotational locations  26  to facilitate the collapsed position of the unit  10  when not in use. 
         [0049]    Additionally, a first fixed support bar  66  can be positioned between the first and second stanchions  61 - 62  and a second fixed support bar  68  can be fixed between the third stanchion and fourth stanchion  63 - 64 . As best seen in  FIG. 3 , a first rotatable support bar  32  can be removeably attached to one or more of the stanchions to establish the non-entry side to the unit  10 . This rotatable support rod  32  preferably is removeably attached to the second stanchion  62  and rotatively attached to the third stanchion  63 . This further facilitates horizontal support to the frame  14  and unit  10 . 
         [0050]    In another embodiment as best seen in  FIG. 12-13A , the support rod  32  has portions of the support rod  32  rotatively attached to at least two of the stanchions  24 . A support rod  32  can latch at ends  34  to secure the spatial relationship between the stanchions  24  once the frame  14  is in a fully assembled position. In this embodiment, ends  34  preferably include a slideable latch but can include other latching techniques known in the art. 
         [0051]    The frame could further include a second rotatable support bar  33  removeably attached to one of the stanchions  61 - 64 , while rotatively attached to the base  12 . In a preferred embodiment, this second rotatable support bar  33  is removeably attached to the second stanchion  62 . 
         [0052]    Preferably, the frame  14  comprises aluminum, or galvanized or stainless steel materials. Additionally, the frame could be created from PVC, wood or other rigid materials. 
         [0053]    The curtain  56  can attach to the frame  14 . More specifically, the curtain  56  preferably attaches to the frame  14  proximate the cap  16 . The curtain is designed to contain the water as it flows from the dispersion device  54  and provide privacy to a user of the unit  10 . The curtain  56  can be attached to the frame by conventional methods including rings, Velcro, and the like. The curtain  56  preferably includes a see through section  57  that allows a user of the unit  10  to see through the curtain during use, as seen in  FIG. 4 . Alternately, the curtain  56  can include a shortened height that stops short of the full length of the frame  14 , or leaves a viewing line of sight for a user of the unit  10 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The curtain  56  preferably attaches to a portion of the frame  14  that is positioned within the top  16  and within the thickness  58  of the top  16 . 
         [0054]    The base  12  includes a collection cavity  40 , or pan  40 , positioned to face the top  16 . The pan  40  collects and directs the used water toward the exit opening  42 , or drain  42 , for the used water to pass from the unit  10 . The drain  42  allows used water to pass to at least one exit water path  22 . Preferably, the exit water path  22  is a channel in the substantially planner bottom  13  of the base  12  wherein the channel extends from the drain  42  to the perimeter  11  of the base  12 . A water conduit, or drainage hose, can be attached to the drain  42  and positioned in the exit water path  22  to carry used water away from the location of the unit  10 . The base can include multiple exit water paths  22  extending different sides  46  of the base  12 . 
         [0055]    The base  12  includes at least three sides  46  positioned to engage the frame  14 . More specifically, the sides  46  include attachment locations  48  positioned to engage the rotational locations  26  positioned at the base end  28  of the stanchions  24  of the frame  14 . These attachment locations  48  can be positioned on a ledge or top surface  50  of the sides  46 . 
         [0056]    Preferably the base  12  includes a front entry  52  having a dam to contain water within the base  12 . The front entry  52  also facilitates entry and egress from the unit  10 . The base  12  and more specifically the pan  40  has a preleveled nature. The base is preleveled such that the water flows on the collection cavity  40  towards the drain  42  to reduce the incident of standing water on the collection cavity  40 . Preferably the base  12  is a gel coat structure reinforced with fiberglass. Alternately, the base could be composed of acrylic, urethane, ABS or other similarly malleable plastic materials. The base provides the foundation for the remainder of the unit  10 . 
         [0057]    The top  16 , or cap  16 , facilitates the dispersion of water within the unit  10 . Preferably the cap  16  includes a water dispersion system  17  having a dispersion device  54 , or shower head  54 , positioned within the cap  16  to disperse said water. The cap  16  includes a thickness  58  and the dispersion device and the at least one entrance water path are preferably contained within that thickness  58 . 
         [0058]    A supply water path  18  provides water to the shower head  54 . The supply water path  18  is preferably one or more water inlet pipes operatively connected to the shower head  54  and includes connectors  21  design to interface with water supply lines  19 . In a preferred embodiment the supply water path include a “Y” that allows multiple units  10  to be connect by a single water supple source. The supply water path includes connectors  21  and shutoff valves  38  to facilitate this connection. Alternately, the “Y” design can facilitate both hot and cold water connections to a single unit  10 . 
         [0059]    Water can be supplied to the unit  10  in various manners. For example, a heating tank  80  can supply water. The heating tank  80  can include a pressurizing device  82 , such as a hand pump  82 , a water line  84  with a valve  86  that ends in a connector  88  that interfaces with connectors  21  in the supply water path  18 . A stand  90  can be used to facilitate heating of the water in the heating tank  80 . Alternately, items such as a battery powered pump can connect to the supply water path  18  and provide water o the unit  10 . 
         [0060]    The cap  16  further includes an external shell  70  and ribs  72  positioned in the external shell  70 . The cap  16  is preferably created from ABS vacuum formed materials but could be composed of other materials such as, acrylic, fiberglass reinforced gel coat material, or other similar malleable materials. 
         [0061]    Once collapsed, a cap  16  can envelope the water dispersion system  17 , water removal system  20 , shower curtain  56 , and collapsible frame  14 , and pan  40  with the exception of the bottom of the base  12 . The cap  16  and base  12  can secure these item within their structure for protection and storage. The cap  16  can include at least one closure fastener  74  operative between the cap  16  and base  12  to secure the cap  16  to the base  12  when in the collapsed position. The cap  16  can include a handle  60  and that facilitates the movement of the collapsed unit  10 . Preferably this movement can be accomplished by a single person who can position the unit  10  at a desired location for assembly. Preferably this assembly can take place in minutes and most preferably within approximately a ten minute span. 
         [0062]    Once assembled the unit  10  can provide the general vertical and horizontal space associated with cleaning units, such as showers that are permanently fixed in dwellings or facilities. This provides sufficient room to facilitate a comparable cleaning experience with dexterity and mobility allowances for the bather during use of the unit  10  that are comparable to permanent units. 
         [0063]    Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Mobile Shower Unit, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention. The above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations and are merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.