U.S. patent application number 09/799226 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-19 for waste disposal system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Airworld Tech Corporation. Invention is credited to Duncan, Ricky D..
Application Number | 20010008151 09/799226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23686936 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010008151 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duncan, Ricky D. |
July 19, 2001 |
Waste disposal system
Abstract
The present invention provides a waste disposal system through
the use of a bag 14 with removable glove members 20, 22, a
removable and replaceable splash shield 17, a drain line tube 32,
and a refill tube 48 in order to service aircraft lavatories.
Through the use of the bag 14, the ramp attendant, the aircraft
ramp, baggage and other property on the ramp is protected from
contamination with human waste and chemical solutions used to
deodorize and sanitize aircraft lavatories.
Inventors: |
Duncan, Ricky D.; (Erlanger,
KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David E. Jefferies
Wood, Herron & Evans, L.L.P.
2700 Carew Tower
441 Vine Street
Cinicinnati
OH
45202-2917
US
|
Assignee: |
Airworld Tech Corporation
|
Family ID: |
23686936 |
Appl. No.: |
09/799226 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09799226 |
Mar 5, 2001 |
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09425525 |
Oct 22, 1999 |
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6196274 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/97 ;
141/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B08B 17/00 20130101;
B64D 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/97 ;
141/86 |
International
Class: |
B67C 003/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus to facilitate disposal of waste while preventing
waste, chemical solutions and other hazardous materials from
contacting persons and objects, the apparatus comprising: a
receptacle for catching waste; first and second openings disposed
in said receptacle to allow a user to work within said receptacle;
and a first conduit extending through said receptacle and attached
to said receptacle for transporting waste, said first conduit
including at least one hole disposed through its circumference, for
draining waste from said receptacle into said first conduit.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a second conduit for
transporting a chemical solution.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 further including a third opening
disposed in said receptacle, whereby said third opening is adapted
to accept said second conduit.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said second conduit is
operatively connected to said first conduit.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further including first and second
glove members removably connected to said first and second
openings, whereby a user can place hands into said glove members in
order to enter the enclosure of said receptacle.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 further including first and second
glove bases operatively connected to said receptacle.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein each of said first and second
glove bases each include a ring member operatively connected about
the circumference of said first and second openings.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first and second glove
members are disposed over said first and second glove bases.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 further including first and second
clamps adapted to be placed about the circumference of said first
and second glove members and said first and second glove bases,
thereby operatively connecting said first and second glove members
to said receptacle.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 further including first and second
connector rings, each of said first and second connector rings
having a circumference greater than said ring members, said first
and second connector rings adapted to be placed over said ring
members such that said first and second glove members are disposed
between said ring members and said first and second connector
rings.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 further including first and second
clamps adapted to be placed about the circumference of said first
and second connector rings in order to substantially immobilize
said first and second connector rings against said first and second
glove members and said first and second glove bases, thereby
operatively connecting said first and second glove members to said
receptacle.
12. A method for replacing at least one glove member on an
apparatus to facilitate disposal of waste while preventing waste,
chemical solutions and other hazardous materials from contacting
persons and objects, the method comprising the steps of: providing
a receptacle for catching waste including first and second openings
disposed in said receptacle to allow a user to work within said
receptacle, first and second glove members removably connected to
said first and second openings, said first and second glove members
being placed over said ring members, said receptacle further
including first and second clamps adapted to be placed over first
and second glove members to substantially immobilize said first and
second glove members, thereby operatively connecting first and
second glove members to said receptacle; loosening at least one of
said first and second clamps; removing and discarding at least one
of said first and second glove members; placing at least a third
glove member over at least one of said first and second glove
bases; placing at least one of said first and second clamps over at
least one of said first and second glove members; and tightening at
least one of said first and second clamps, thereby operatively
connecting said at least one third glove member to said
receptacle.
13. An apparatus to facilitate disposal of waste while preventing
waste, chemical solutions and other hazardous materials from
contacting persons and objects, the apparatus comprising: a bag
including an open top and having a sidewall defining an enclosure;
a removable splash shield operatively connected to said sidewall;
first and second orifices disposed in said sidewall of said bag;
first and second glove members operatively connected to said first
and second orifices, whereby a user can place hands into said glove
members in order to enter the enclosure of said bag; and a first
conduit extending through said bag and attached to said bag for
transporting waste, said first conduit including at least one hole
disposed through its circumference, for draining waste from said
bag into said first conduit.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 further including a second conduit
for transporting a chemical solution.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 further including a third orifice
disposed in said bag, whereby said third orifice is adapted to
accept said second conduit.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said second conduit is
operatively connected to said first conduit.
17. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said sidewall of said bag
further includes a plurality of pegs operatively connected to said
sidewall proximal to said open top and protruding into said
enclosure defined by said sidewall.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said splash shield further
includes a ring disposed circumferentially about the base of said
splash shield.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said ring includes a
plurality of orifices disposed through said ring for engaging a
plurality of pegs.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 said plurality of orifices being a
plurality of L-shaped slots disposed through said ring, each of
said L-shaped slots having a vertical section and a horizontal
section, said vertical section extending substantially
perpendicular to the circumferential plane of said ring and said
horizontal section extending substantially parallel to the
circumferential plane of said ring.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said pegs extend through said
L-shaped slots of said ring such that said L-shaped slots engage
said pegs in interlocking fashion, thereby operatively connecting
said splash shield to said sidewall of said bag.
22. The apparatus of claim 14 further including a shield extension
operatively connected to said removable splash shield.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said shield extension is
adapted to be disposed within the enclosure formed by said sidewall
of said bag and said removable splash shield when said shield
extension is in a first position, and wherein said shield extension
is further adapted to be disposed outside of the enclosure formed
by said sidewall of said bag and said removable splash shield when
said shield extension is in a second position.
24. A method of attaching a removable splash shield to an apparatus
to facilitate disposal of waste while preventing waste, chemical
solutions and other hazardous materials from contacting persons and
objects, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bag
including an open top and having a sidewall defining an enclosure,
having first and second openings disposed in said bag to allow a
user to work within said bag, having a first conduit extending
through said bag and attached to said bag for transporting waste,
said first conduit including at least one hole disposed through its
circumference for draining waste from said bag into said first
conduit, and having a plurality of pegs operatively connected to
said sidewall proximal to said open top and protruding into said
enclosure defined by said sidewall; providing a splash shield
including a ring circumferential about the base of said splash
shield, wherein said ring includes a plurality of orifices disposed
through said ring; placing said splash shield over said sidewall
such that said ring contacts and confronts said pegs with said pegs
extending through said orifices of said ring.
25. The method of claim 24, said plurality of orifices being
L-shaped slots having a vertical section and a horizontal section,
said vertical section extending substantially perpendicular to the
circumferential plane of said ring and said horizontal section
extending substantially parallel to the circumferential plane of
said ring.
26. The method of claim 25 comprising the step of rotating said
splash shield and said ring such that said pegs extending through
said L-shaped slots of said ring slide along said horizontal
section to engage said pegs in interlocking fashion with said pegs
disposed at the distal end of said horizontal section of said
L-shaped slots, thereby operatively connecting said splash shield
to said sidewall of said bag.
27. In combination, an apparatus to facilitate disposal of waste
while preventing waste, chemical solutions and other hazardous
materials from contacting persons and objects and a stand for
supporting said apparatus, wherein said apparatus comprises: a
receptacle for catching waste having first and second openings
disposed in said receptacle to allow a user to work within said
receptacle, and a first conduit extending through said receptacle
and attached to said receptacle for transporting waste, said first
conduit including at least one hole disposed through its
circumference for draining waste from said receptacle into said
first conduit.
28. The combination of claim 27 wherein said apparatus further
includes a second conduit for transporting a chemical solution.
29. The combination of claim 28 further including a third opening
disposed in said receptacle, whereby said third opening is adapted
to accept said second conduit.
30. The combination of claim 28 wherein said second conduit is
operatively connected to said first conduit.
31. An apparatus to facilitate disposal of waste while preventing
waste, chemical solutions and other hazardous materials from
contacting persons and objects, the apparatus comprising: a
receptacle for catching waste; first and second openings disposed
in said receptacle to allow a user to work within said receptacle;
a first conduit extending through said receptacle and attached to
said receptacle for transporting waste, said first conduit
including at least one hole disposed through its circumference, for
draining waste from said receptacle into said first conduit; and an
adapter, whereby said adapter prevents backflow of waste from said
first conduit into said receptacle.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 further including a second conduit
for transporting a chemical solution.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 further including a third opening
disposed in said receptacle, whereby said third opening is adapted
to accept said second conduit.
34. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said second conduit is
operatively connected to said first conduit.
35. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said adapter includes a
flipper mechanism disposed within said first conduit and
operatively connected to said first conduit.
36. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said adapter includes a
plurality of flexible ridges disposed along the interior of said
first conduit at a downward angle.
37. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said adapter further includes
a connector, whereby said adapter can be connected to an alternate
conduit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention is a continuation-in-part of currently
pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/425,525, filed Oct. 22,
1999 by the same inventor and having the same assignee as the
present application, which application is expressly incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and
method for the disposal of waste from an aircraft and replenishment
of sanitary chemical solutions to the aircraft during servicing of
an aircraft lavatory.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Presently, the removal of human waste and replenishing of
lavatory solutions during the servicing of an aircraft is a manual
operation. A ramp attendant uses a system of hoses, couplings and
storage tanks to drain human waste, including fecal matter, from
the aircraft lavatory and to refill the lavatory with a chemical
solution, referred to as "blue solution." The blue solution used to
fill the storage tanks of the aircraft lavatory generally includes
water, perfumes and/or other chemical ingredients that reduce the
smell of the human waste. An example of such a mixture is
formaldehyde and methanol, which neutralizes the harmful effects of
the human waste.
[0004] Human waste, whether combined with perfumes or the chemicals
used as components of the blue solution, is a hazardous material.
Additionally, the blue solution itself is a hazardous material. As
such, any contact of human waste or blue solution with human
persons, their clothing and other property should be avoided.
However, resulting from the apparatus and method due to the
consequent lack of protection currently used for servicing aircraft
lavatories, there exists the potential for the blue solution and
human waste to spill onto the attendant or tarmac during servicing
of the aircraft. This spillage may also come into contact with
other persons in the vicinity of the aircraft lavatory or with
property, such as baggage, which may be associated with the
aircraft. Additionally, persons and property may come into contact
with blue solution or human waste remaining on an airport tarmac
following servicing of an aircraft. Thus, there are significant
risks, not the least which are health hazards, for anyone whose
person or property contacts the blue solution or human waste.
[0005] Regarding the method currently used to service an aircraft
lavatory, an attendant places a service cart/truck in proximity to
an access panel for the aircraft lavatory. The service cart/truck
includes storage tanks that waste will be deposited to and blue
solution will be pumped from. The access panel is generally located
underneath or on the side of the aircraft. This access panel is
usually secured with thumb snaps, which are compressed, allowing
the door to open upon release. Following the placement of the
service cart/truck, the ramp attendant, wearing latex gloves as a
precautionary measure, opens the access panel. Tubing associated
with storage tanks of the aircraft lavatory is accessible behind
the access panel. Valves are operatively connected to these tubes
to effect their opening and closing. The tube and valve system of
the aircraft includes a rinse/refill tube having a male flange, a
waste tube having a male flange, and a T-handle. By manipulating
T-handle, all waste debris inside the holding tank of the aircraft
lavatory is released and thus emptied from the aircraft through the
waste tube. This waste flows to the storage tank of the service
cart/truck through a drain line tube which has been connected to
the waste tube of the aircraft. The service cart/truck also
includes a refill tube which associates with the rinse/refill tube
of the aircraft. These tubes are used to replenish the aircraft
lavatory with blue solution once the waste has been discharged.
[0006] Generally, upon opening the access panel, a stream of blue
solution, which almost always contains human waste, falls out of
the drainage pipes in the aircraft. Often, this mixture contacts
the hands and clothing of the attendant, the cart/truck and the
tarmac underneath the aircraft. Depending on the type and design of
the aircraft, any such contamination may spread to the cargo and
baggage area near the lavatory system. If wind is blowing during
servicing of the aircraft, the potential for spreading of hazardous
materials increases significantly.
[0007] Following the opening of the access panel, a cap closing off
the waste tube is opened. Waste drainage and/or tissue debris is
located in the waste tube beyond this cap, as the contents of the
lavatory holding tank drain to the lowest point. As in the case of
the blue solution, this waste drainage also falls and may contact
the attendant's hands, unless the ramp attendant dangerously and
quickly releases the handle of the waste cap and steps blindly
backwards to avoid the drainage. Such motion could result in
accident and/or injury to the attendant and/or others.
Occasionally, the waste release valve may have inadvertently been
left open or may have opened accidentally during travel, and the
waste therein streams out when the ramp attendant opens the cap of
the waste tube. This results in a substantial amount of waste
debris falling out of the aircraft.
[0008] After the initial flow of waste matter has stopped, the
attendant will attach the waste coupling on the drain line tube
extending from the cart/truck to the aircraft by rotating the head,
thereby locking the coupling in place. After locking the waste
coupling in place, the attendant releases the waste stored in the
lavatory holding tank in order that it may flow into the drain line
tube of the now attached waste disposal system. During this flow,
human waste and blue solution may leak from the junction of the
couplings, the drain line tube and waste tube. Any such leakage
causes the exterior of the tubing and coupling to become
contaminated. Additionally, this drain line tube lies on top of the
service cart/truck, further exposing the entire cart/truck to waste
fecal debris. Additionally, any attendant in proximity to the
drainage process may come into contact with this waste leakage. The
waste debris may further fall to the airport tarmac.
[0009] Once the waste has flowed into the drain line tube, the tube
must be snaked or angled so the waste will be deposited into the
storage tanks of the service cart/truck. As the couplings get more
use, the bearings and rings start to wear. As a result, any
rotation of the head causes leakage of waste debris. Also the drain
line tube generally includes metal wire woven inside. This results
in holes and tears in the drain line tube leading to the
cart/truck, causing drips and runs as the waste is deposited into
the cart/truck.
[0010] After the waste is deposited into the cart/truck, the ramp
attendant disconnects the waste coupling and steps back quickly and
returns the drain line tube and coupling to the cart/truck. The
attendant waits until the remaining drips of waste have stopped and
then locks the waste cap back in place. This leakage may also
result in the contamination of persons and property.
[0011] After all waste has been drained from the aircraft, the ramp
attendant connects the coupling of the refill tube to the
rinse/refill flange of the aircraft and locks it into place in a
manner similar to the waste coupling. The attendant walks to the
cart/truck and turns on a switch on a pump to refill the lavatory
with the blue solution. The amount of blue solution used will vary
by aircraft, but can amount up to 25 gallons. Following refill, the
attendant stops the pump and unlocks the fill coupling from the
aircraft, and, as in the case of the waste drainage, blindly and in
a backward motion tries to escape being hit with the refill blue
solution as it drains back out of the aircraft. After the backwash
flow of the blue solution is emptied onto the tarmac with the
attendant hazards of contacting persons and/or property, the agent
places the refill tube back onto the cart/truck and locks the cap
back onto the rinse/refill tube of the aircraft.
[0012] The ramp attendant finally closes the lavatory access panel,
and removes the latex gloves and pulls away to the next aircraft.
As the ramp attendant pulls away, there is human waste and blue
solution left behind on the tarmac and on the cart/truck, as well
as on the clothes of the attendant. Waste debris may also remain on
the cargo and baggage near the aircraft, and on other persons such
as airport personnel. Any waste or blue solution on the tarmac may
remain until it rains or the material evaporates.
[0013] As can be seen from the above discussion, the current method
of servicing aircraft lavatory systems results in the deleterious
spread of human waste, such as urine and fecal material, along with
blue solution to humans and property. Contact with such hazardous
material could potentially have several harmful effects. Thus, it
would be desirable to have a system for servicing aircraft
lavatories with minimal splashing of human waste onto ramp
attendants, property and the tarmac of airports. Additionally, it
would be desirable to have a system which minimizes contact of blue
solution with attendants, property and the tarmac. Finally, it
would be desirable to have a system which would not subject the
environment to risks of hazardous materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The apparatus and method for servicing an aircraft lavatory
of the present invention solves the problems and eliminates the
drawbacks of current methods of servicing aircraft lavatories as
developed in the background of the invention. The apparatus used in
the present invention surrounds a defined workspace in order to
facilitate the disposal of the waste while preventing the waste
from contacting persons and property outside the workspace. In
particular, the apparatus includes a flexible bag which, in use, is
placed over the access panel of the aircraft in order to catch any
waste debris or blue solution that may fall from the holding tank
tubes. The apparatus also includes first and second orifices
disposed in the bag. Gloves are attached to these openings whereby
a ramp attendant can place his/her hands into the gloves in order
to service the aircraft lavatory within the workspace defined by
the bag. Also located to the interior of the bag is a drain line
tube. A refill tube from a service cart/truck may be disposed in
the interior of the bag by extending it through a refill tube port
disposed in the bag. Each of these tubes passes through an opening
in the bag and are connected to the waste and refill tanks of a
service cart/truck. The drain line tube and the refill tube include
female couplings which are compatible with male couplings located
within the interior of the aircraft. A refill switch is connected
to the refill tube and operates a pump in order to replenish the
aircraft lavatory with blue solution. The opening in the bottom of
the bag is heat sealed around the drain line tube. At least one
drain port hole is disposed in the drain line tube in proximity to
the base of the bag so that any waste material which falls into the
bag will thereafter be drained into the drain line tube by way of
these port holes to be subsequently deposited into the waste
storage tank on the service cart/truck. In addition to a waste
storage tank, the service cart/truck includes a storage tank for
blue solution which is connected to the refill tube.
[0015] The bag member used in the apparatus is a protective heat
sealed bag and includes a transparent face shield along with the
continuous drain line tube and refill tube that extend from the
waste coupling to the storage tank of the service cart/truck. The
bag forms a trap, which catches any falling waste debris and/or
blue solution from the open waste and refill flanges of the
aircraft during servicing of the aircraft lavatory.
[0016] In use, the attendant puts on a pair of latex gloves and
positions the service cart/truck near the lavatory access panel
located on the fuselage of the aircraft. As a result, the tanks are
placed in close proximity to the access panel of the aircraft in
order to reduce wear on other components of the waste disposal
apparatus, thereby reducing leakage of waste material and blue
solution.
[0017] Following the positioning of the cart/truck, the attendant
opens the access panel exposing the waste flange, refill flange and
T-handle. The attendant then places his/her hands in the gloves
attached to the bag and positions the open top of the bag against
the aircraft and surrounding the exposed flanges and T-handle. The
attendant opens the cap of the waste flange, thereby allowing all
waste debris to fall into the trap created by the positioning of
the bag. The attendant couples the drain line tube to the waste
flange, then pulls the T-handle so that waste will drain through
the drain line tube and into the waste storage tank of the service
cart/truck. The waste debris which has fallen into the bag will
proceed to the lowest point of the bag which is heat sealed against
the drain line tube extending from the interior of the bag to the
service cart/truck. The portion of the drain line tube to which the
interior of the bag is sealed contains drain port holes whereby
waste will drain from the interior of the bag into the drain line
tube. Thus the problem of contamination of persons and property
with waste matter is greatly reduced.
[0018] Following the drainage of waste, the attendant disconnects
the waste coupling allowing it to fall into the bag and closes the
waste flange cap. The attendant then attaches the refill coupling
of the refill tube which has been extended through the refill tube
port to the rinse/refill flange located within the aircraft. The
switch to operate the refill pump is connected to the bag for
convenience so the attendant does not need to lower the bag and
remove his/her hands from the gloves, which would increase the
chances of contamination. The attendant then fills the storage tank
of the aircraft lavatory with blue solution and following filling
disconnects the refill coupling from the flange, allowing all
spillage and backwash of blue solution to fall into the trap, into
the waste tube and into the tank in one motion.
[0019] Because the bag is sealed and the gloves are sealed to the
bag, there is a very small likelihood that liquid or small debris
can escape the bag. This keeps the human fecal debris and blue
solution from contacting the tarmac, the attendant, the baggage,
the cargo and other property. Likewise the failing debris is not
susceptible to spread from wind. Following drainage of all waste
into the cart/truck the attendant places the bag into the
cart/truck and returns to the aircraft and closes the lavatory
access panel. As the attendant pulls the cart/truck away there is
no evident sign that the lavatory has been serviced, due to the
fact that there is minimal or no liquid or solid debris on the
ramp, the tarmac, or attendant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of the access panel of a
lavatory tank located on the fuselage of an aircraft;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tubing system of an
aircraft lavatory showing a waste tube with a hinged valve cover, a
refill line tube, and a T-handle for opening the valve of the waste
tube and refill tube;
[0022] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the waste tube of an
aircraft lavatory taken along lines 2A-2A of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the waste disposal apparatus
of the present invention depicting a bag including orifices having
attached glove members, a drain line tube having drain port holes
in proximity to the base of the bag and a refill tube having a
switch to activate a pump;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the waste disposal apparatus
for the present invention depicting a bag including a replaceable
splash shield, removable glove members, a drain line tube having
drain port holes in proximity to the base of the bag, and a refill
tube having a switch to activate a pump;
[0025] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an L-shaped slot embodiment
of the locking mechanism for the removable and replaceable shield
of the present invention depicting the slot and peg in an unlocked
position;
[0026] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an L-shaped slot embodiment
of the locking mechanism for the removable and replaceable shield
of the present invention depicting the slot and peg in a locked
position;
[0027] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the removable and replaceable
gloves of the present invention depicting a glove, glove base, and
clamp;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the removable and
replaceable gloves, glove base, and clamp of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a
tube adapter in accordance with the principles of the present
invention taken along lines 7A-7A of FIG. 4;
[0030] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of
a tube adapter in accordance with the principles of the present
invention taken along lines 7B-7B of FIG. 4; and
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the waste disposal apparatus
of the present invention in combination with a stand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the apparatus 10 of the present
invention provides a containment mechanism for trapping human
waste, such as fecal debris and the like, and blue solution located
in a lavatory storage tank (not shown) of an aircraft 12 or other
transportation (i.e., buses, trains, etc.), thereby preventing
contact of waste and blue solution with persons and/or property.
Particularly referring to FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 for waste
disposal includes a bag 14 which is substantially impermeable to
human waste and blue solution. The bag 14, in various embodiments,
may be formed of a rigid or a flexible material. The bag 14
includes an open top 16 adapted to be placed in proximity to an
access panel 18 of the tanks of an aircraft lavatory for the
servicing thereof. Additionally, the apparatus 10 of the present
invention includes glove members 20, 22 attached to openings 24, 26
disposed within the sidewall 28 of the bag 14. These glove members
20, 22 extend within the workspace 30 defined by the interior of
the bag 14. The glove members 20, 22 are adapted for providing
protected access to the interior of the bag 14 for the hand and arm
of a user. The present invention also includes a first conduit,
which is a drain line tube 32, for transporting waste, disposed on
both the interior and exterior of the bag 14. The portion of the
drain line tube exterior to the bag 14 is operatively connected to
a waste storage tank (not shown) on a service cart/truck (not
shown). This drain line tube 32 includes a coupling 38 which is
compatible with a flange 40 on a waste tube 42 located behind the
access panel 18 of the aircraft 12. Further, the drain line tube 32
includes at least one, but generally several port holes 44 in
proximity to the base 46 of the bag 14 in order that fecal material
and other waste debris trapped within the interior of the bag 14
will flow back into the drain line tube 32 and be subsequently
disposed of. The apparatus 10 of the present invention may also
include a refill tube port 86 disposed within the sidewall 28 of
the bag 14. This port 86 allows for a second conduit, which is a
refill tube 48, to be extended through the port 86 and into the
workspace defined by the enclosure of the bag 14. The refill tube
48 includes a coupling 50 that is compatible with a flange 52 of a
rinse/refill tube 53 located behind the access panel 18 of the
aircraft 12. The refill tube 48 further includes a refill line
switch 54 operatively connected to a pump (not shown) used to
transport chemical solutions, such as blue solution, through the
refill tube 48.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, an access panel 18 for servicing a
lavatory is depicted on the fuselage 60 of an aircraft 12. This
access panel 18 may be located underneath the fuselage 60 or on the
side of the fuselage 60. Referring to FIG. 2, the system of tubes
and valves used in lavatory service is depicted. The tubes are
exposed upon opening the access panel 18. These include a waste
tube 42, a rinse/refill tube 53 and a T-handle 64. The waste tube
42 includes a distal end (not shown) and a proximal end 68. The
distal end is operatively connected to the waste holding tank (not
shown) of the aircraft lavatory. The proximal end 68 is disposed in
the vicinity of the access panel 18 and includes a male flange 40
at the terminus of its proximal end 68. This flange 40 and the
opening of the proximal end 68 of the waste tube 42 are covered by
a waste tube cap 70 to close off the opening of the waste tube
42.
[0034] Like the waste tube 42, the rinse/refill tube 62 includes a
distal end (not shown) and a proximal end 74. The distal end is
operatively connected to the blue solution holding tank (not shown)
of the aircraft lavatory. The proximal end 74 is disposed in the
vicinity of the access panel 18 and includes a male flange 52 at
the terminus of its proximal end. This flange 52 and the opening of
the proximal end 74 of the rinse/refill tube 62 are covered by a
rinse/refill tube cap 76 to close off the tube opening.
[0035] The T-handle 64 is operatively connected to a valve of the
waste tube 42 and holding tank. When manipulated, the T-handle 64
causes the valve to open, thereby allowing the discharge of stored
waste from the holding tank of the lavatory and out through the
waste tube 42.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4, the bag 14 and tubing system of the
present invention is shown. The bag 14 includes two basic elements:
the sidewall 28 through which are disposed orifices 24, 26, and a
replaceable splash shield 17. A major portion of the splash shield
17 is substantially transparent so that a user having his/her hands
inserted into the glove members 20, 22 can view the workspace of
the bag 14 and the area of the access panel 18 being worked upon
from outside the bag 14. The splash shield 17 protects the face of
the attendant while using the bag 14. In the illustrated
embodiment, the splash shield 17 is formed of a transparent,
flexible sheet plastic which is substantially impermeable to waste
debris such as fecal material and blue solutions. However, any
flexible material which is substantially impermeable to human waste
debris and blue solution may be used.
[0037] The splash shield 17 of the bag 14 and tubing system of the
present invention is preferably, but not necessarily, removable and
replaceable. This allows for differently shaped splash shields 17
to be attached to a bag 14 in order to be compatible in shape with
the differing contours of the fuselages of various airplanes.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B, a first embodiment of
a removable and replaceable splash shield 17 is shown. As described
above, the splash shield 17 of the illustrated embodiment is a
transparent, flexible sheet plastic which is substantially
impermeable to waste debris. This splash shield 17 includes a ring
member 19 which is integral with and circumferential about the base
of the splash shield 17. The ring 19 is rigid and may be formed of
a plastic, such as a polyurethane, a metal, or any other rigid
material.
[0039] The ring 19 integral with and circumferential about the base
of the splash shield 17, facilitates the connection of splash
shield 17 to bag 14. The ring 19 aids in this connection by
providing fasteners, orifices, or other structures which
connectably engage compatible structures disposed on sidewall 28 of
bag 14. In the illustrated embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4, 4A, and
4B, the ring 19 includes a plurality of orifices in the form of
L-shaped slots 21 disposed in and through the ring 19 along the
base of the splash shield 17. The L-shaped slots 21 include a
vertical portion 23 having a longitudinal axis extending in a
manner substantially perpendicular to a circumferential plane
passing through the ring 19, and a horizontal portion 25 having a
longitudinal axis extending in a manner substantially parallel to
the circumferential plane passing through the ring 19. When the
splash shield 17 is attached to the bag 14 of the present
invention, the ring 19 and L-shaped slots 21 are in confronting
relationship with the sidewall 28 of the bag 14. The bag 14
includes a plurality of pegs 27 disposed at intervals about the
sidewall 28 of the bag 14. These pegs 27 are located proximal to
the upper circumference of the open top of the sidewall 28 and
protrude into the enclosure defined by the sidewall 28. During
attachment, the L-shaped slots 21 of the ring 19 receive the pegs
27 and, in interlocking relationship with the pegs 27 disposed
through the L-shaped slots 21 of the ring 19, connect the ring 19,
and thus the splash shield 17, to the bag 14.
[0040] Alternatively, these pegs 27 may be integral with a ring
(not shown) disposed about the circumference of the bag 14. This
ring may be flexible or rigid and may be disposed within the lining
of the bag 14. The ring may be held within the lining of the bag 14
by being sewn, glued, heat-sealed, attached by velcro, or by any
other method. The pegs 27 integral with the ring are then disposed
through the sidewall 28 of the bag 14.
[0041] In use, a splash shield 17 is selected to match the contour
of the fuselage of a particular aircraft. The splash shield 17 is
then placed in proximity to the sidewall 28 of the bag 14 such that
the ring 19 of the splash shield 17 confronts the pegs 27 disposed
about the circumference of the sidewall 28 of the bag 14. The ring
19 is then manipulated such that the pegs 27 extend through the
vertical portion 23 of the L-shaped slots 21. The vertical portion
23 of the slots 21 allows enough room to maneuver the ring 19 so
that all pegs 27 are disposed through a vertical portion 23 of an
L-shaped slot 21. Next, the splash shield 17 is rotated. As
rotation of the splash shield 17 continues, the pegs 27 slide along
the horizontal portion 25 of the L-shaped slots 21 such that the
pegs 27 are disposed through the L-shaped slots 21 along the
horizontal portion 25. Rotation is halted when the pegs 27 abut the
distal end 29 of the horizontal portion 25 of the L-shaped slots
21. A tight friction fit between the pegs 27, and L-shaped slots 21
prevents the splash shield 17 from disengaging from the sidewall 28
of the bag 14. In alternate embodiments of the present invention,
the orifices in the ring 19 may be of shapes other than L-shaped.
Additionally, in alternate embodiments of the present invention,
the removable and replaceable splash shield 17 may be operatively
connected to the sidewall 28 of the bag 14 by hooks, snaps,
fasteners, or any other method known to those skilled in the
art.
[0042] In yet another embodiment, the splash shield 17 may be
provided with an additional shield extension 90 (shown in FIG. 8)
to allow the splash shield 17 to be extended for use on larger
aircraft. The shield extension 90 is formed of a transparent,
flexible sheet plastic which is substantially impermeable to waste
debris. In such an embodiment, the shield extension 90 is
operatively connected to the splash shield 17 by any method
apparent to those skilled in the art which allows the shield
extension to be folded over and into the receptacle area defined
within the splash shield 17. As shown in the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 8, one such method of connecting the shield extension and
the splash shield 17 may be by a hinge 92. Thus, during normal use,
the shield extension 90 is folded into the enclosure of the bag 14
and confronts the interior of the splash shield 17. When a larger
splash shield is required, the shield extension 90 may be moved
from its folded position to an upright position continuous with the
splash shield 17.
[0043] The base 46 of the bag 14 is disposed opposite the open top
16 and forms a spill trap to which any waste material or blue
solution within the bag 14 ultimately drains due to the force of
gravity. The spill trap formed by the bag 14 in one embodiment has
an elliptical shape with a diameter in the range of about 6 inches
to 10 inches and a depth in the range of about 3 inches to 6
inches. The flexible transparent and elliptical shaped splash
shield, forming the upper part of the bag 14, has a major axis in
the range of about 14 inches to 18 inches and a minor axis in the
range of approximately 10 inches to 14 inches. This size bag 14 is
sufficient to completely encompass the necessary work area on most
aircraft 12. However, the size of the bag 14 can be altered to fit
other aircraft 12 or other modes of transportation (i.e., buses,
trains, etc.). The bag 14 traps waste material and blue solution
which does not flow directly into the drain line tube 32 and allows
that waste material to drain through the port holes 44 on the drain
line tube 32 inside the bag 14 to subsequently be deposited in the
waste storage tank of the service cart/truck.
[0044] The glove members 20, 22 in the illustrated embodiment of
the present invention are provided in the form of a pair of
flexible gloves 20, 22 attached at their cuffs 78, 80 to first and
second orifices 24, 26 in the sidewall 28 of the bag 14. The gloves
20, 22 are positioned to accommodate both hands of the user in a
comfortable position for working on the area of the lavatory beyond
the access panel 18 which is isolated by the bag 14. In the
illustrated embodiment of the invention, the material of the gloves
20, 22 is a thin, flexible plastic, although it should be apparent
that other conventional glove materials substantially impermeable
to human waste debris and blue solution can be used. The first and
second orifices 24, 26 to which are attached the pair of protective
gloves 20, 22 are located in the body of the bag 14. Each glove 20,
22 is attached to its respective orifice 24, 26 by means of clamps,
heat, sewing or snap rings. The gloves 20, 22 allow the user to
touch all connection couplings 38, 50 inside the bag 14 while
maintaining a clean operation.
[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gloves 20,
22 are removable and replaceable. Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, and
6, a first embodiment of the removable and replaceable gloves 20,
22 are shown. In particular, first and second glove bases 35, 37
are disposed about the circumference of first and second orifices
24, 26. First and second glove bases 35, 37 include a horizontal
ring member 39 and a vertical ring member 41. The horizontal ring
member 39 is disposed in a manner confronting the exterior surface
of the sidewall 28 of the bag 14 proximal to and circumferentially
about first and second orifices 24, 26. Alternatively, the
horizontal ring member 39 may be housed within and enveloped by the
sidewall 28 of the bag 14. The vertical ring member 41 extends
through first and second orifices 24, 26 and protrudes into the
enclosure defined by sidewall 28 of bag 14. The vertical ring
member 41 includes a rolled-over lip 43 which extends away from the
center of first and second orifices 24, 26. Removable and
replaceable gloves 20, 22 are then placed over the vertical ring
members 41 of first and second glove bases 35, 37. First and second
clamps 45, 47 are placed over the gloves 20, 22 and the vertical
ring members 41 of first and second glove bases 35, 37, such that
gloves 20, 22 are disposed between first and second glove bases 35,
37 and first and second clamps 45, 47. By tightening or loosening
these clamps 45, 47, the gloves 20, 22 may be respectively
operatively connected to or removed from first and second orifices
24, 26 of the bag 14. The rolled-over lips 43 of the vertical ring
members 41 prevent the clamps 45, 47 from slipping off the glove
bases 35, 37.
[0046] A second embodiment of the removable and replaceable gloves
20, 22 includes first and second connector rings (not shown). First
and second connector rings are placed over the gloves 20, 22 and
the vertical ring members 41 of the first and second glove bases,
such that gloves 20, 22 are disposed between first and second glove
bases 35, 37 and first and second connector rings (not shown).
First and second clamps 45, 47 are then disposed circumferentially
about the first and second connector rings (not shown).
[0047] As may be best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, the
apparatus 10 of the present invention further includes a first
conduit, which is a drain line tube 32, which extends from the
interior of the bag 14 to the exterior of the bag 14 by passing
through an opening 82 located in the base 46 of the bag 14. In the
illustrated embodiment, this drain line tube 32 is formed of a
flexible material, in order that the user may easily manipulate
drain line tube 32 within the bag 34 to make connection with the
waste tube 42. Opening 82 is disposed substantially opposite the
open top 16 of the bag 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the
opening 82 is sized to match the circumference of the drain line
tube 32. The bag 14 is sealed at the opening 82 in its bottom to
and around the circumference of the drain line tube 32 by heat. In
alternate embodiments, this material of the bag 14 around opening
82 may be attached by being sewn or snapped or by any other method
which facilitates attachment. The bottom of the bag 14 tapers
towards its center in order to allow a free flow of waste materials
to the port holes 44 of the drain line tube 32.
[0048] The proximal end 84 of the drain line tube 32 includes a
female coupling 38 which attaches to a corresponding male flange 40
on the proximal end 68 of the waste tube 42. Following this
connection, the drain line tube 32 is used as a conduit to
transport human waste debris and other debris from the aircraft 12
to a waste storage tank 34 on the service cart/truck 36. In the
illustrated embodiment, this drain line tube 32 is generally of a
round shape having a diameter in the range of approximately 4 to
41/2 inches. The length of the drain line tube 32 extends
throughout the bag 14 and extends to the waste tank. The length of
the tube 32 will vary depending on the style of cart/truck used
and, therefore, its potential distance from the aircraft 12.
However, the length of the drain line tube 32 from the female
coupling 38 on its proximal end 84 to the drain port holes 44 will
generally range from about 16 inches to 20 inches.
[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, the drain line tube 32
of the bag 14 and tubing system of the present invention includes a
tube adapter 49, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. This tube
adapter 49 operates to prevent the backflow of waste from the drain
line tube 32 to the bag 14 in the event that the drain line tube 32
becomes clogged. The tube adapter 49 also includes a connector (not
shown) to provide a connection fitting should a user desire to
splice the drain line tube 32 below the tube adapter 49 to connect
a separate drain tube and/or a check valve. The tube adapter 49 is
disposed within the drain line tube 32 below the port holes 44. In
a first embodiment (shown in FIG. 7A), the tube adapter 49 includes
a flipper 51 which is operatively connected to the drain line tube
32 by a hinge 53 or other mechanism which allows for movement of
the flipper 51. During normal flow of waste, the flipper 51 is
depressed against the wall of the drain line tube 32 to allow flow
of waste and debris from the aircraft to the LAV cart/truck. Should
the drain line tube 32 become clogged, the force of the backflow
causes the flipper 51 to move toward the proximal end 84 of the
drain line tube 32. When the flipper 51 is parallel to the
cross-sectional plane of the drain line tube 32, its further
movement is prevented by a stopper 55 extending from the drain line
tube 32. Thus, the entire path of the drain line tube 32 is closed
off.
[0050] In a second embodiment (shown in FIG. 7B), the tube adapter
49 includes a plurality of flexible ridges 57 disposed along the
interior of the drain line tube 32 at a downward angle. These
ridges 57 allow for the passage of waste and debris from the
aircraft to the service cart/truck. However, upon the backflow of
waste, the angle of the ridges 57 prevents all but a minimal amount
of debris from reentering the bag 14 because the backflow of waste
becomes trapped in the interstices 59 between successive ridges 57
of the adapter 49.
[0051] The drain port holes 44 are located in the vicinity of the
base 46 of the bag 14 and are disposed through the drain line tube
32 within the interior workspace 30 of the bag 14. These port holes
44 are predrilled during fabrication of the bag 14 and, in the
illustrated embodiment, are approximately {fraction (1/4)} of an
inch in diameter and are positioned in rows of 6 to 10 drain port
holes 44 spaced approximately 1 inch apart around the circumference
of the drain line tube 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain
line tube 32 is comprised of a flexible material such as plastic
and can form a straight, 45, or 90.degree. angle toward the waste
storage tank of the service cart/truck. Thus, the flexibility of
the drain line tube 32 allows for its positioning to enhance the
efficiency of deposition of waste material into the storage tank.
An alternate embodiment of the present invention (depicted in FIG.
4) may include at least one larger port hole 61 of 21/2 inches in
diameter disposed through the drain line tube 32. This larger port
hole 61 allows for the transport of larger debris which falls into
the spill trap back into the drain line tube 32.
[0052] The bag 14 of the illustrated embodiment further includes a
refill tube port 86 disposed in its sidewall 28. This port 86
allows a second conduit, which is a refill tube 48, as may be found
on any service cart/truck, to be disposed through the interior of
the bag 14 by extending though port 86. In the illustrated
embodiment, this refill tube 48 is formed from a flexible material,
in order that a user may easily manipulate the refill tube 48 for
connection to the rinse/refill tube 53. In the illustrated
embodiment, the port 86 is sized to match the circumference of the
refill tube 48. The refill tube 48 is not an integral part of the
apparatus 10, but may be disposed through port 86 and into bag 14
in order that bag 14 may catch any blue solution which falls from
access panel during replenishment of aircraft storage tanks. In an
alternative embodiment, the bag 14 is sealed at the port 86 in its
bottom to and around the circumference of the refill tube 48 by
heat. In this embodiment, refill tube 48 may be an integral part of
apparatus 10. In other alternate embodiments, this material of the
bag 14 around the opening 82 may be sewn or snapped or connected by
any other method in order to facilitate the attachment.
[0053] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the refill tube 48
may be used without a separate refill tube port 86 disposed through
the bag 14. Rather, both drain line tube 32 and refill tube 48 may
extend from the interior of the bag 14 to the exterior of the bag
14 with both tubes being disposed through a single opening in the
base of the bag 14. In this configuration, refill tube 48 may run
along the outside of drain line tube 32 or, alternatively, may be
disposed at least partially within drain line tube 32.
[0054] The proximal end 88 of the refill tube 48 includes a female
coupling 50 which attaches to a corresponding male flange 52 on the
proximal end 74 of the rinse/refill tube 53. Following this
connection, the refill tube 48 is used to transport blue solution
from the holding tanks of the service cart/truck to the aircraft
12. In the illustrated embodiment, this refill tube 48 is generally
of a round shape having a diameter in the range of approximately 1
inch to 11/2 inches. The length of the refill tube 48 extends
throughout the bag 14 and extends to the holding tank of the
service cart/truck. The length of the tube 48 will vary depending
on the style of cart/truck used and, therefore, its potential
distance from the aircraft 12. However, the length of the refill
tube 48 from the female coupling 50 on the proximal end 88 to the
base 46 of the bag 14 will generally range from about 16 inches to
about 20 inches.
[0055] Additionally, the refill tube 48 also includes a refill tube
switch 54 or valve which may be operatively connected to a pump in
order to activate the pump to discharge blue solution from the
storage tank on the cart/truck through the refill tube 48 and into
the lavatory of the aircraft 12 following removal of human waste.
Upon activation, the lavatory of the aircraft 12 is refilled with
blue solution. In the illustrated embodiment, refill tube switch 54
is an automatic switch. However, it will be appreciated that in
alternate embodiments of the invention, switch 54 may be a manual
switch. The switch 54 may be in the form of a button, toggle,
marine-type or other waterproof switch 54 disposed within the
interior of the bag. Alternatively, the switch 54 may be disposed
on the exterior of the bag or may be located on a foot pedal easily
accessible to the user during refilling of aircraft storage tanks
with blue solution. In yet another alternative embodiment, the
switch 54 may be operatively connected to the interior of the bag
and have a wire, such as an electrical wire, adapted to connect
with a second wire extending from the pump. The connection between
pump wire and switch wire may occur at the bag interface in order
to operatively connect the switch 54 to pump. The location of the
switch 54 inside bag 14 prevents the user from having to remove
his/her hands from the workspace to activate a switch on the
cart/truck.
[0056] In use a ramp attendant places his/her hands in the gloves
20, 22 attached to the bag 14 and positions the open top 16 of the
bag 14 against the aircraft 12 so as to surround the exposed waste
tube 42, rinse/refill tube 53, and T-handle 64. The attendant then
opens the cap 70 of the waste tube 42, thereby allowing all waste
debris to fall into the trap created by the positioning of the bag
14. The attendant then couples the drain line tube 32 to the waste
flange 40, by placing the female coupling 38 of the drain line tube
32 over the male flange 40 of the waste tube 42 and rotating the
coupling 38 to lock the drain line tube 32 and waste tube 42
together. Following this coupling the attendant then pulls the
T-handle 64 so that waste will drain through the drain line tube 32
and into the waste storage tank of the service cart/truck. The
waste debris which has fallen into the bag 14 will proceed to the
lowest point or base 46 of the bag 14, which is heat sealed against
the drain line tube 32. At the junction of the drain line tube 32
and base 46 of bag 14, any waste which has fallen into the interior
of the bag 14 will drain into port holes 44 disposed in drain line
tube 32 and subsequently to the service cart/truck.
[0057] Following the drainage of the waste from the aircraft
lavatory, the attendant disconnects coupling 38 allowing it to fall
into bag 14. The attendant then closes the waste tube cap 70.
Attendant then attaches coupling 50 of refill tube 48 located
within bag 14 to the rinse/refill male flange 52 by rotating and
thereby locking the tubes together. Still operating within the
interior of the bag 14, the attendant then activates switch 54 to
start the refill pump in order to replenish the aircraft lavatory
tanks with blue solution. Thus, the attendant does not need to
lower the bag 14 and remove his/her hands from the gloves 20, 22,
which would increase the chances of contamination. Following the
filling of the storage tank of aircraft lavatory with blue
solution, the attendant disconnects the refill coupling 50 from the
flange 52, allowing all spillage and backwash of blue solution to
fall into the bag 14, into the drain line tube 32 and subsequently
into the tank of the service cart/truck.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 8, in another aspect of the present
invention, the flexible bag 14 and tubing system may be supported
by a stand 63 to bear the weight of the apparatus 10 and further
facilitate its use. During use, waste is received by the enclosure
of the bag 14. As the weight of the bag 14 increases, it becomes
more difficult for a ramp attendant to hold the bag 14 against the
fuselage of an aircraft. Should the bag 14 fall away from the
aircraft, waste may spill to the tarmac or to individual workers,
thereby resulting in the hazards described in the background of the
invention.
[0059] The stand 63 may be operatively connected to the back of a
service cart/truck in one embodiment and is adjustable for use with
any model of aircraft. In particular, the stand 63 includes a ring
65 having braces 67 for restraining the bag, an adjustable vertical
stand 69, a swivel mechanism 71 for allowing lateral rotational
movement of the stand, and platform 73 on which an attendant may
stand.
[0060] More specifically the ring 65 is made of metal or any other
material of sufficient rigidity to support the bag 14 of the
present invention. The ring 65 has a circumference of sufficient
size to hold and support the flexible bag 14. The ring 65 includes
a plurality of braces 67 disposed through the ring 65 of the stand
63. These braces 67 may be inserted into or retracted from the
stand 63 during its use. The braces 67 are used to restrain the bag
14 within the stand 63. As a bag 14 is inserted into the ring 65 of
the stand 63, the braces 67 are manipulated by a user to move along
their longitudinal axes to contact the sidewall of the bag 14, thus
preventing the bag 14 from slipping completely through the ring
65.
[0061] The vertical stand 69 is adjustable and, in the illustrated
embodiment, is formed from three segments: an upper segment 75, a
middle segment 77, and a lower segment 79. The upper segment 75 is
operatively connected to the ring 65. The lower segment 79 is
operatively connected to a platform 73. This platform 73 may
include wheels operatively connected to its base to allow free
movement of the platform 73 and stand 63. As described above, in
one embodiment, the platform 73 may be operatively connected to a
service cart/truck. The adjacent ends of the upper and middle
segments 75, 77, and the middle and lower segments 77, 79 are
operatively connected one to another by the use of a
tightening/release mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the
lower section 79 of the vertical stand 69 is hollow and adapted to
slide over the middle section 77 of the vertical stand 69.
Likewise, the middle section 77 of the vertical stand 69 is hollow
and is adapted to slide over the upper section 75 of the vertical
stand 69. The upper, middle, and lower sections 75, 77, 79 have a
plurality of holes 81 disposed along their longitudinal length. The
tightening/release mechanism includes a compression pin 83 adapted
to be inserted through the holes 81 of the upper, middle, and lower
segments 75, 77, 79 in order to join them one to another. In order
to adjust the height of the stand, the compression pin 83 is
removed from the holes 81 of the upper and middle 75, 77, and/or
middle and lower 77, 79 segments. The upper segment 75 is then
moved within the middle segment 77, and the middle segment 77 is
moved within the lower segment 79 until a desired height is
attained. Corresponding holes 81 of the upper and middle 75, 77,
and/or middle and lower 77, 79 segments are aligned and the
compression pin 83 is inserted into the holes 81. The stand 63 is
thus retained at the proper height.
[0062] The lower segment 79 of the vertical stand 69 is operatively
connected to a platform 73 on a service cart/truck. The lower
segment 79 bends at a 90.degree. angle at its base to be
substantially parallel to the platform 73. This horizontal section
85 of the lower segment 79 is also adjustable as described above
with respect to the upper, middle, and lower segments 75, 77, 79 of
the vertical section 69 of the stand 63. In the illustrated
embodiment, the distal end of this lower segment 79 is operatively
connected to a mechanism 71 which allows the stand to be swivelled
at its base. This lateral rotational movement obviates the need for
the service cart/truck to be precisely placed under the drain hatch
of the aircraft. In the illustrated embodiment, the degree of this
rotational movement is limited by a swivel cover 87 which houses
the distal end of the lower segment 79 of the vertical stand 69. In
alternate embodiments, this swivel cover 87 may be absent so there
is no limit to rotational movement of the stand 63.
[0063] It should be understood that while the present invention has
been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments
thereof, it should not be considered limited to such embodiments
but may be used in other ways without departure from the essential
features thereof.
* * * * *