Patent Publication Number: US-6986171-B1

Title: Lavatory system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/376,168 titled “LAVATORY SYSTEM” filed Apr. 26, 2002, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present inventions relate to a lavatory system. The present inventions more specifically relate to a lavatory system including a toilet and a mechanism movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. 
   It is generally known to provide for a lavatory system for use in a home, commercial or institutional facility such as a medical care facility or the like. Known arrangements for lavatory systems may provide (in a compact design) a base (e.g. cabinet), a sink, water closet (i.e., with toilet), countertop, and may be configured with one or more accessories such as a bedpan washer, dialysis equipment, etc. Such lavatory systems may be configured to provide a movable toilet (relative to the base) that can be deployed and allow access to (or use of) the toilet. Such lavatory systems also may be configured to be retained or locked in the deployed position and then “unlocked” or disengaged to allow movement to its stowed position. However, such known arrangements for lavatory systems may present inconvenient or disadvantageous features in application or use, such as relative difficulty to use (e.g., effort and vigilance to stow or cover toilet), or to clean (or keep clean), or to maintain the mechanism that disengages the toilet from its locked position. 
   Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a lavatory system that has a compact design and a movable toilet. It would also be advantageous to provide a lavatory system with a mechanism for disengaging the toilet relative to the base that is more convenient to use. It would further be advantageous to provide a lavatory system that is configured to provide for a disengagement mechanism that does not require the use of the user&#39;s hands or their placement near the toilet itself. It would further be advantageous to provide a lavatory system that is a bed pan washer that has a more efficient configuration for the plumbing. It would be desirable to provide for a lavatory system having one or more of these or other advantageous features. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a lavatory system comprising a base, a commode having a front and a rear coupled to the base and movable relative to the base between a deployed position and a stowed position, a first projection engaged between the base and the commode, and a first member adjacent the front and coupled to the projection so that the commode can be disengaged from the base. 
   The present invention further relates to a lavatory system comprising a base, a commode having a front and a rear coupled to the base and movable relative to the base between a deployed position and a stowed position, and an assembly configured to releasably couple the commode to the base in the deployed position, the assembly including a first member adjacent the front and operable so that the commode can be disengaged from the base. 
   The present invention further relates to a commode assembly comprising a base, a commode having a front and a rear coupled to the base and movable relative to the base between a deployed position and a stowed position, a first member projecting from the front of the commode, and a second member engaged between the commode and the base and actuated by the first member so that the commode can be moved between the deployed position and the stowed position. 
   The present invention further relates to an apparatus for a lavatory system having a commode with a front and a rear coupled to a base and configured to pivot between a deployed position and a stowed position, and a detent engaged between the commode and the base. The apparatus comprises a member adjacent the front of the commode and operatively coupled to the detent, the member configured to disengage the commode from the base by actuation of the detent so that the commode can be moved from the deployed position toward the stowed position. 
   The present invention further relates to an improvement to a lavatory system having a commode with a front and a rear coupled to a base and configured to move between a deployed position and a stowed position, and a detent engaged between the commode and the base. The improvement comprises a member coupled to the detent and extending adjacent the front of the commode so that actuation of the member disengages the commode from the base. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lavatory system according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the lavatory system of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a fragmentary top plan view of a commode assembly according to a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the commode assembly. 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a release mechanism for the commode assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a fragmentary perspective view of a pivot portion of a release mechanism of the commode assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the release mechanism being operated. 
       FIG. 8  is a fragmentary side elevation sectional view of the retaining device in the engaged position. 
       FIG. 9  is a fragmentary top plan sectional view of the retaining device in the engaged position. 
       FIG. 10  is a fragmentary side elevation sectional view of the retaining device in the disengaged position. 
       FIG. 11  is a fragmentary top plan sectional view of the retaining device in the disengaged position. 
       FIG. 12  is a fragmentary top plan sectional view of the retaining device disengaged from the base and partially pivoted between the deployed position and the stowed position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The FIGURES disclose a lavatory system  10  according to a preferred embodiment. Lavatory system  10  includes a base shown as a cabinet  12 , a receptacle shown as a commode  14 , one or more accessories (e.g., bedpan washer  16 , dialysis apparatus  18 , etc.), a countertop  20  mounted to cabinet  12 , and a release assembly or mechanism  22 . 
   Cabinet  12  includes a structural frame  24  and a plurality of panels  26  mounted on frame  24  or pivotally coupled to the base shown as cabinet  12 . Frame  24  is configured to support cabinet  12  and includes a plurality of support members (e.g., horizontal braces or members and vertical braces or members). The support members are connected by any of a variety of fabrication methods such as fasteners, welding, riveting, etc. A plumbing system for lavatory system  10  is generally enclosed by cabinet  12  and is in communication with commode  14 , a faucet assembly  28 , and the accessories. A valve interface (shown as a flush button  30 ) is mounted to cabinet  12  and configured to open and shut a flush valve. 
   Commode  14  is configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. According to a preferred embodiment, commode  14  pivots or swivels between the stowed position (where it is located substantially or entirely within cabinet  12 ) and the deployed position (where it is generally perpendicular to its stowed position or from the front of the cabinet  12 ). Commode  14  includes a bowl or receptacle  32  and a support  34  (e.g., frame, housing, shroud, cover, etc. that supports receptacle  32  and couples receptacle  32  to a base  36 ). According to an alternative embodiment, the commode may be configured for any of a variety of movements and positions. 
   Commode  14  is operatively coupled to base  36  (shown to comprise a support  38  and a pedestal  40 ). According to a preferred embodiment, a mounting portion  43  of commode  14  is pivotally coupled to support  38  so that commode  14  pivots about an axis  39  between the deployed position and the stowed position. A top bracket  41  couples (e.g., secures) commode  14  to pedestal  40 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, commode  14  is mounted to base  36  as provided in patient care lavatories commercially available from Bradley Corporation as Bradley LavCare™ 700 Series or the Bradley LavCare™ 750 Series. According to an alternative embodiment, the commode may be coupled to the support in any of a variety of ways to provide any of a variety of movements (e.g., pivoting, rotating, swiveling, translating, etc.). 
   According to an exemplary embodiment, commode  14  has a rear and a front and is configured to be retained in place in a stopped position (e.g., in the deployed position, stowed position; and/or at any of a variety of positions). According to a preferred embodiment, commode  14  is retained in place at the deployed position and released to move (e.g., pivot, swivel, etc.) towards the stowed position upon operation of release mechanism  22 . 
   Release apparatus or mechanism  22  includes a foot-operated input device (e.g., a lever member or apparatus) that can be pivoted to disengage (e.g., withdraw) a retaining device or member shown as comprising pin or detent  44  from base  36 . According to a preferred embodiment, pivotal movement of the input device or lever provides (e.g., causes, is converted to, etc.) translational or translating movement of projection or detent  44 . 
   According to an exemplary embodiment, the input device or actuation member extends from (and adjacent to) the front of commode  14 , and includes a pair of pivot arms  48  (e.g., rods, bars, members, etc.), a user interface  46  (e.g., at one end of arms  48 ), and a pivot interface  50  (e.g., at the opposite end of arms  48 ). As shown in  FIG. 4 , pivot arms  48  extend along the sides of commode  14  and user interface  46  (e.g., pedal) is adjacent the front of commode  14 . 
   According to an exemplary embodiment, user interface  46  is a plate, panel, pedal, or other structure coupled to arms  48  (e.g., welded, bolted, joined, bonded, etc.). According to an alternative embodiment, the user interface may be integrally formed with arms  48  (e.g., cast, stamped, molded, etc.). 
   Pivot interface  50  is configured to operatively couple user interface  46  of release mechanism  22  to base  36 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , pivot interfaces  50  on arm  48  are coupled to mounting portion  43  of commode  14  by a pivot shaft  49 . As such, the lever is configured to pivot about an axis  51  upon operation of user interface  46  to disengage release mechanism  22  so that commode  14  may be moved (pivoted, swiveled, etc.) from the deployed position to the stowed position. According to a preferred embodiment, pivot interface  50  is provided at the end portion of arms  48  configured as shown in  FIG. 6  (i.e., pivot points disposed below and inward (toward user interface  46 ) relative to the portion that engages with pin  54 ). Pivot shaft  49  is disposed in a bushing  52  (e.g., a spacer, bearing, etc.) located between pivot interface  50  and mounting portion  43  of commode  14 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, nuts (e.g. acorn nuts, or the like) retain pivot interface  50  on pivot shaft  49 . 
   Release mechanism  22  further includes a detent  44  (e.g., pin, shaft, catch, latch, stop member, rod, dowel, projection, etc.) and a slider member (shown as a pin  54 ) that coact to engage or isengage the commode  14  to or from the base  36 . Detent  44  may be any of a variety of structures (e.g., pin, shaft, etc.) and is slidably mounted in mounting portion  43  of commode  14 , preferably with bushings  57  (e.g., grommets, bearings, etc.). 
   Detent  44  extends or projects from mounting portion  43  to engage an aperture  45  in pedestal  40 . According to a preferred embodiment, detent  44  is biased (e.g., with a spring  47 ) in an extended or projected position to extend from pivot portion to engage pedestal  40 . When detent  44  engages pedestal  40 , commode  14  is retained in the deployed position (e.g., secured, retained, locked, engaged, etc.). According to an alternative embodiment, the commode may be retained or inhibited from movement by any of a variety of devices, mechanisms, or the lock. 
   Pin  54  extends through a bore  62  in detent  44  and is retained in place by a fastener  64  (e.g., a pin, rod, dowel, bolt, set screw, etc.). Ends of pin  54  extend through mounting portion  43  of commode  14  and engage slots  66  in pivot interface  50  on pivot arms  48 . Operation of the lever is pivot arms  48  about axis  51  so that both pivot interfaces  50  (i.e., arms  48 ) exert a force on pin  54  to slide it in a slot  59  on rear mounting portion  43  of commode  14 . Sliding of pin  54  moves (e.g., slides) detent  44  between an extended position (where detent  44  is engaged with pedestal  40 ) and retracted position (where detent  44  is disengaged with pedestal  40 ) as the lever is operated or actuated. 
   According to a preferred embodiment, to move the commode  14  from the deployed position to the stowed position, the user operates pedal  46  (e.g., steps down with foot) to actuate release mechanism  22 . Release mechanism  22  pivots about the pivot point so that pins  54  retract detent  44  thereby disengaging pedestal  40  and permitting commode  14  to be moved (e.g., pivoted or rotated). When detent  44  is disengaged from pedestal  40 , commode  14  is free to pivot towards the stowed position. Commode  14  is moved from the deployed position to the stowed position by closing or pivoting a panel (shown as a door  58 ). 
   A mechanism comprising a member or rod  60  transfers the closing movement of door  58  to pivoting movement of commode  14  (towards the stowed position). Rod  60  is configured to transfer closing of door  58  to “stowing movement” of toilet (e.g., pivoting movement). One end of each rod  60  is operatively coupled to door  58 . The other end of rod  60  is coupled to commode  14 . According to an alternative embodiment, any of a variety of members may be used to transfer movement of the door to the movement of the commode. According to a preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , rod  60  has a variety of mounting positions (shown as mounting apertures  61 ) on a bracket  63  on door  58  so that the position of door  58  when commode is in the deployed position is discretely selectable. 
   When commode  14  is moved from the stowed position to the deployed position, end of detent  44  slides along the surface of pedestal  40  until it becomes aligned with the aperture in pedestal  40 , at which time, the spring urges detent  44  into the aperture to engage (e.g., “lock,” secure, etc.) base  36  and retain commode  14  in the deployed position. 
   According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more projections  70  (stop members or tabs or members) are used to limit the pivotal movement of release mechanism  22 . The range of pivotal motion of release mechanism  22  is limited to reduce or prevent over-pivoting of release mechanism  22 , bending of pivot interface  50 , full compression of spring, and/or to limit the force being exerted upon pivot interface  50 . According to a preferred embodiment, projections  70  are coupled to support  34  and extend out from end of support  34 . According to a particularly preferred embodiment, each projection  70  is an independent structure and is welded to bottom surface of support  34  to project away at about a 45 degree angle. According to alternative embodiments, support brackets may be configured to limit pivotal movement to any of a variety of angles between the backrest and the cover. According to an alternative embodiment, any of a variety of structural members may be used to inhibit movement of the release mechanism (e.g., to interfere with pedal, rods, brackets, etc.). 
   According to an alternative embodiment, a bracket (e.g., plate, U-channel, etc.) is coupled to at an end of support  34  between commode  14  and pedestal  40 . A pair of fasteners are inserted through spacers  52  extending from pivot interface  50  and coupled to the pivot bracket, and a pair of shoulder bolts threadably engage nuts mounted (e.g., welded, etc.) to the inside surface of the pivot bracket. According to an alternative embodiment, the release mechanism may be operatively coupled to the lavatory system in any of a variety of ways configured to release commode from its engaged (e.g., locked, secured, etc.) position. According to an alternative embodiment, the release mechanism may be pivotally coupled to the lavatory unit in any of a variety of ways by any of a variety of pivot members or the like. 
   It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the lavatory system as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or type of engagement). Also, it is intended that the release mechanism be adaptable to a variety of lavatory systems to convert them from the conventional design to the novel embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.