U.S. patent application number 11/410641 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for lavatory system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bradley Fixtures Corporation. Invention is credited to John M. Loberger, David H. Roland.
Application Number | 20060185074 11/410641 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28673956 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060185074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loberger; John M. ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
Lavatory system
Abstract
A lavatory system configured to accommodate a first person and a
second person having different physical abilities than the first
person is disclosed. The lavatory system includes a first station
having a first upper surface and a second station having a second
upper surface. The first upper surface is laterally and vertically
offset from the second upper surface so that the first station is
configured to accommodate the physical abilities of the first
person and the second station is configured to accommodate the
physical abilities of the second person.
Inventors: |
Loberger; John M.;
(Germantown, WI) ; Roland; David H.; (Cedarburg,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-5306
US
|
Assignee: |
Bradley Fixtures
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
28673956 |
Appl. No.: |
11/410641 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10116335 |
Apr 4, 2002 |
7039963 |
|
|
11410641 |
Apr 25, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/642 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/18 20130101; E03C
2001/321 20130101; E03C 1/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/642 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/01 20060101
E03C001/01 |
Claims
1. A lavatory system comprising: a first station providing a first
arcuate countertop with a first basin at a first height; a second
station providing a second arcuate countertop with a second basin
at a second height; a support surface located above at least one of
the first station and the second station, the support surface
comprising a plurality of projections; wherein the first height is
different than the second height.
2. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the top of at least one
of the first basin and the second basin is generally
horizontal.
3. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the first arcuate
countertop is concave.
4. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the first arcuate
countertop is convex.
5. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the first arcuate
countertop is concave and the second arcuate countertop is
convex.
6. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the first arcuate
countertop is adjacent to the second arcuate countertop.
7. The lavatory system of claim 6 wherein the first arcuate
countertop is integrally formed with the second arcuate
countertop.
8. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the first station and the
second station are mounted to a wall.
9. The lavatory system of claim 1 further comprising a base which
supports the supporting surface.
10. The lavatory system of claim 9 wherein the base is supported by
at least one of the first arcuate countertop and the second
articulate countertop.
11. The lavatory system of claim 9 wherein the base supports a
faucet assembly.
12. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the support surface is
supported by a member mounted above at least one of the first
station and the second station.
13. The lavatory system of claim 12 wherein the at least one
accessory is mounted to the member.
14. The lavatory system of claim 12 wherein the member is
arcuate.
15. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the projections are
spherical projections.
16. A lavatory system comprising: a first station providing a first
arcuate countertop at a first height; a second station providing a
second arcuate countertop at a second height that is different than
the first height; a first support surface located above the first
station and a second support surface located above the second
station, the first support surface and the second support surface
each comprising a plurality of projections; wherein at least one of
the first station and the second station includes a basin.
17. The lavatory system of claim 16 wherein the first support
surface is coupled to the first arcuate countertop and the second
support surface is coupled to the second arcuate countertop.
18. The lavatory system of claim 16 wherein the plurality of
projections are spherical projections.
19. A lavatory system comprising: a first station providing a first
arcuate countertop with a first basin at a first height; a second
station providing a second arcuate countertop with a second basin
at a second height that is different than the first height; a
support surface located above at least one of the first station and
the second station, the support surface comprising a plurality of
projections; wherein the first arcuate countertop and the second
arcuate countertop form a substantially continuous curved
countertop.
20. The lavatory system of claim 19 wherein the projections are
spherical projections.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The Present Application is a division of, and claims the
benefit of priority as available under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 121 to,
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/116,335, filed on
Apr. 4, 2002.
[0002] The drawings and figure descriptions of the following U.S.
patent application are hereby incorporated herein by reference:
U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/158,504 titled "MULTIPLE TIER
LAVATORY DECK" filed Apr. 4, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. D477,060.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a lavatory system. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a lavatory system
with a multiple tier lavatory deck.
[0004] It is known to install a lavatory system in a public,
commercial or industrial non-residential environment such as a
restroom. Such known lavatory systems typically include one or more
stations that provide lavatory services to one or more users. Such
known lavatory systems also typically include a countertop, a
backsplash, one or more wash basins (with drains), accommodating
one or more faucets, and are adopted for plumbing to be coupled to
the faucets (and drains). In such known lavatory decks, the
countertop, is typically mounted to comply with Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and
Facilities and Uniform Accessibility Standards for Lavatories.
[0005] However, such known lavatory systems may not be conveniently
or adequately usable or accessible by system users having various
physical abilities. By designing the lavatory system for a
particular physical ability, the lavatory system may be difficult,
inconvenient or uncomfortable to use by users having other physical
abilities.
[0006] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide for a
lavatory deck that provides convenient and adequate access for
various physical abilities of potential users. It would also be
advantageous to provide a lavatory deck that provides access at
multiple levels. It would further be advantageous to provide an
integral lavatory deck having multiple level washing stations. It
would further be advantageous to provide a lavatory deck with an
accessory mounting structure. It would be desirable to provide for
a multiple tier lavatory deck having one or more of these or other
advantageous features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to a lavatory system
configured to accommodate a first person and a second person having
different physical abilities than the first person. The lavatory
system comprises a first station having a first upper surface and a
second station having a second upper surface. The first upper
surface is laterally and vertically offset from the second upper
surface so that the first station is configured to accommodate the
physical abilities of the first person and the second station is
configured to accommodate the physical abilities of the second
person.
[0008] The present invention also relates to an integral lavatory
system configured to accommodate a first person and a second person
having different physical abilities than the first person. The
lavatory system comprises a first station having a first upper
surface and a second station integral with the first station and
having a second upper surface. The first upper surface is laterally
and vertically offset from the second upper surface so that the
first station is configured to accommodate the physical abilities
of the first person and the second station is configured to
accommodate the physical abilities of the second person.
[0009] The present invention further relates to a lavatory system
configured to accommodate a first person and a second person having
different physical abilities than the first person. The lavatory
system comprises a first station having a first upper surface, a
second station having a second upper surface, and a third station
having a third upper surface and located between the first and
second stations. The first, second, and third upper surfaces are
laterally and vertically offset from each other so that the first,
and second station is configured to accommodate the physical
abilities of the first person and the third station is configured
to accommodate the physical abilities of the second person.
[0010] The present invention further relates to various features
and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed
embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lavatory system according
to a preferred embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lavatory
system of FIG. 1 with an accessory mounting structure.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the lavatory system of
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the lavatory system of FIG.
1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lavatory system according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lavatory system according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lavatory system according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lavatory system according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the lavatory system of
FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EXEMPLARY
EMBODIMENTS
[0020] FIGS. 1-5 show a multilevel lavatory system 10 according to
a preferred embodiment. Lavatory system 10 is configured to
accommodate persons having varying abilities for using a lavatory
system (e.g., disabled, tall, short, etc.). In addition to the ease
of manufacturing and installation, lavatory system 10 incorporates
a unitary lavatory subassembly that is efficient to manufacture,
has a minimum number of components, and provides an independent
hand-washing station for users having varying physical attributes
or abilities to attend to their washing needs. Also, this provides
each user with an adequate sense of privacy while washing at a
spaced distance from the next person using the lavatory system.
[0021] Lavatory system 10 includes a lavatory deck 12, a mounting
arrangement configured to attach lavatory system 10 to an adjacent
wall 16, a drain system 18 (shown in FIG. 2) disposed below
lavatory deck 12, and a trap cover 20 configured to enclose
plumbing system 18. Lavatory system 10 may be configured for
attachment to a surface (such as wall 16 of a restroom or other
area where it may be desirable to provide a lavatory services) with
a plurality of connection points. Alternatively, the lavatory
system may be configured as a free-standing structure. Adjacent
wall 16 may be provided with the plumbing source (including both
(or either) a hot and cold water supply, preferably combined with a
thermostatic mixing valve, or a tempered water supply, a drain,
etc.) and an optional source such as an electrical outlet
(preferably providing 110 volts GFCI).
[0022] Lavatory deck 12 includes an arcuate countertop 22 with a
backsplash 24 extending upwardly from countertop 22, and a front
apron 26 extending downwardly from countertop 22.
[0023] Countertop 22 may be configured in any of a variety of
constructions intended to promote the drainage of spilled or
splashed water to drain from countertop 22. Countertop 22 includes
an upper surface 30 of a lower station 32 having a concave surface
(e.g., the profile of the major surface has a first curvature) and
an upper surface 34 of an upper station 36 having a convex surface
(e.g., the profile of the major surface has a second curvature that
is different than the first curvature). According to a preferred
embodiment, countertop 22 includes a curved surface configured to
prevent water from collecting (or "ponding"), to allow the excess,
splashed, or spilled fluids to drain toward a bowl 28, and to
facilitate clean-up. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, first station 32 is
visually integral with second station 36 (and presents countertop
22 as a substantially continuous curved countertop) as visible from
a front elevation view (e.g. FIG. 3) or a front perspective view
(e.g. FIG. 1). According to an exemplary embodiment, the curved
surface has a radius of curvature of between about 50 inches and 65
inches. According to a preferred embodiment, the curved surface has
a radius of curvature of between about 55 inches and 60 inches.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the curved
surface has a radius of curvature of about 57 inches.
Alternatively, the curved surface may have any of a variety of
radii. According to an alternative embodiment, the lavatory deck
has a sloped surface, a pitched surface. According to an
alternative embodiment, the lavatory deck comprises two or more
surfaces in a generally horizontal plane that are offset vertically
an horizontally.
[0024] Lower station 32 and upper station 36 are configured to
provide lavatory service and to accommodate persons having varying
abilities for using the lavatory system (e.g., disabled, tall,
short, etc.). According to any preferred embodiment, one or more
stations of lavatory system 10 are mounted at a standard height
that is designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities and
Uniform Accessibility Standards for Lavatories. According to a
particularly preferred embodiment, the height of the upper surface
of the lavatory deck is approximately 34 inches (865 millimeters),
provides a lower clearance (i.e., from the floor to the bottom of
the apron) of at least 29 inches (735 millimeters) or less above
the floor, and is equipped with a set of ADA compliant faucet
assemblies. According to any preferred embodiment, lavatory system
10 is mounted with a counter surface no higher than thirty-one
inches.
[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, lower and upper
stations 32, 36, are offset from each other to accommodate persons
having varying abilities for using the lavatory system (e.g.,
disabled, tall, short, etc). Also, the offset station design is
intended to provide the individual users of the lavatory system
personal hand-washing space. According to a preferred embodiment,
lower station 32 is offset vertically and laterally from upper
station 36. Lower station 32 is mounted at a height that intended
to comply with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and ADA
accessibility standards. According to a preferred embodiment,
arcuate profile of the adjacent upper surfaces 30, 34 provide a
corresponding transition 33 between concave and convex. Referring
to FIG. 3, lavatory system 10 comprises a center or a middle of the
first upper surface 34 that is spaced a first distance (H1) from a
floor and a center or a middle of the second upper surface 30 that
is spaced a second distance (H2) from the floor. The first distance
H1 is greater than the second distance H2.
[0026] Lower and upper stations 32, 36 each includes a basin or
receptacle (shown as bowl 28) and a faucet assembly 38. Lower and
upper stations 32, 36 may also include a dispenser attached to
countertop 22 adjacent bowl 28 and an overflow conduit. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3, basin or bowl 28 of lower station 32 is located at a
height that is different than the basin 28 of upper station 36
relative to the floor (e.g., the height or distance that bowl 28 of
lower station 32 is from or relative to the floor is less than the
height or distance that bowl 28 of upper station 36 is from or
relative to the floor. According to a preferred embodiment shown in
FIG. 4, bowl 28 is attached to a bottom surface of countertop 22,
and has an upper periphery that is sized to be larger (or
approximately the same) than the aperture is countertop (e.g., so
that the bowl reveal seam is hidden). According to a particularly
embodiment, the adhesive used for attaching any separate component
of the lavatory deck (e.g., the bowl to the countertop) is the MA
600 Adhesive commercially available from LTW Plexus of Danvers, Md.
Bowl 28 may be attached by any number of a variety of methods of
attachment including an adhesive, a fastener with a gasket, or the
like), or separate component may be a drop-in component configured
to be attached to upper surface 30, 34 of countertop 22 by any
number of a variety of methods of attachment (including fasteners,
adhesive, friction, or the like). According to an alternative
embodiment, bowl 28 may be any number of a variety of shapes and
configurations. As shown in FIG. 2, the top of basin or bowl 28 for
at least one of the upper station and lower station may be
generally horizontal. According to an exemplary embodiments, two or
more differently configured (e.g., size, shape, etc.) are provided.
According to an alternative embodiment the bowl is an integrally
formed component of lavatory deck 12. According to another
exemplary embodiment, the bowls are formed (e.g., molded or cast)
with the lavatory deck. According to an exemplary embodiment, the
drainage for bowls 28 is provided by a plurality of linear holes 46
in the bottom of each bowl 28.
[0027] Front apron 26 is designed to provide a contoured frontal
surface to conceal certain components of lavatory system 10 and may
have any number of a variety of contours or shapes. According to a
preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, front apron 26 extends
downward from countertop 22 and conceals a portion of trap cover 20
that attaches to a bottom surface 42 of countertop 22 and includes
a generally planer horizontal lower surface 45 so that the lower
surface 45 of apron 26 at lower station 32 is vertically aligned
with the lower surface 45 of apron 26 at upper station 36.
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, an apron 43
is contoured (e.g., curved or arcuate). (For example, apron 43
extends down from countertop 22 by a consistent value or
dimension.) According to alternative embodiments, the apron may
have any of a variety of configurations.
[0028] Backsplash 24 is designed to protect the wall adjacent to
countertop 22 (e.g., from water splashed from the hand-washing
lower and upper stations 32, 36 or other physical damage). The
lower edge of apron 26 and the upper edge of the backsplash 24 have
horizontal edges such that the arcuate or curved surface is
provided by the countertops.
[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, countertop 22 includes
a liquid barrier 44 (shown as a ridge or rib) is located between
each of stations 32, 36 and is configured to prevent liquids from
the upper station 36 from draining towards lower station 32.
Barrier 44 projects (or stepped up) from upper surfaces 30, 34 of
countertop 22. According to an alternative embodiment, the liquid
barrier can be a projection, slot, channel, or the like.
[0030] Lavatory deck 12 may be made from any of a variety of solid
surface materials, stainless steel, laminates, fiberglass, and the
like. According to a particular preferred embodiment, the lavatory
deck is made from a densified solid surface material composed of an
acrylic modified polyester resin that complies with ANSI Z124.3 and
Z124.6. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the
surface material is of a type commercially available under the
trade name TERREON.RTM. from Bradley Corporation of Menomonee
Falls, Wis. The lavatory deck is intended to be resistant to
chemicals, stains, burns, and impact such that surface damage can
easily be repaired with everyday cleaners or fine grit abrasives.
According to a preferred embodiment, lavatory deck 12 is molded
from a mixture of resin, filler, pigment, and catalyst, which forms
a liquid when combined. The liquid mixture is poured or cast into a
gel-coated fiberglass mold at a filler hole (i.e., "mold hole").
According to an alternative embodiment, filler holes are located
midway between the basins.
[0031] A method of forming the lavatory deck according to a
particularly preferred embodiment is as follows: (a) the mold is
coated with a gel; (b) the resin, filler, pigment, and catalyst are
each measured and are mixed; (c) the liquid mixture is cast or
injected into a filler hole of the gel-coated fiberglass mold and
allowed to cure until it can be removed from the mold; (d) the
lavatory deck is removed from the mold and post-cured (e.g., heated
to further rune and relief internal stresses); (e) the flash is
removed from the lavatory deck; (f) the surface is prepared by
polishing, sanding, or other finishing processes; (g) any
additional operations (e.g., machining, drilling holes and adding
inserts, or the like) are done prior to shipping and/or assembling
the lavatory system. According to alternative embodiments, the mold
is prepared according to the desired lavatory deck configuration
with inserts and blocks.
[0032] According to exemplary embodiments, the lavatory deck may be
integrally molded to include certain combinations of its
components, such as the countertop, back splashguard and the front
apron. According to alternative embodiments, the lavatory deck can
be integrally molded to include additional or other combinations of
components, such as one or both of the side aprons, the backsplash
and/or or other of the side splashguards. According to other
alternative embodiments, the lavatory deck can be integrally formed
(e.g. integrally molded or cast) into any of a variety of shapes
and sizes, having any of a variety of dimensions and geometries
(e.g., curved or other forms) that may or may not require or
include certain of the components.
[0033] Trap cover 20 is configured to enclose drain system 18 and
any electrical supply/components, and conceal components below
countertops and all supply and waste connections. Trap cover is
attached to countertop 22 and/or adjacent wall 16 by fasteners
(shown as screws). According to a preferred embodiment, trap cover
20 is designed to comply with all ADA Accessibility Guidelines for
Buildings and Facilities, and Uniform Accessibility. Standards for
Lavatories. Trap cover 20 has an upper lip configured to rest
against bottom surface 42 of countertop 22 and provide a plurality
of apertures for fasteners configured to secure trap cover 20 to
countertop 22. According to an exemplary embodiment, the trap cover
is a hair cell textured Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
plastic with dull finish. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an individual
trap cover 20 is mounted at each lower and upper station 32, 36.
According to an alternative embodiment, a single trap cover spans
substantially the width of the lavatory deck to cover the plumbing
system of more than one station.
[0034] Faucet assembly 38 includes an activation mechanism (not
shown), a sensor (shown as an infrared sensor 48) and conduit (not
shown). Activation mechanism is configured to permit and prohibit
water flow according to an input. Infrared sensor 48 include a
sender and a receiver, and is configured to send an output signal
when the user places his or her hands near bowl 28. According to
alternative embodiments, the faucet assembly may be activated by
any number of a variety commercially available sensors (including
mechanical metering, infrared activation, battery operated
infrared, battery operated infrared with temperature control
infrared activation). According to a preferred embodiment, the
detection area for infrared sensor 48 does not exceed the perimeter
of bowl 28. According to an alternative embodiment, the sensor may
be a separate fixture mounted to the countertop. According to any
preferred embodiment, the faucet assembly may be any of a variety
of conventional or commercial available faucet assemblies.
[0035] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, faucet
assembly is a "no-touch" faucet in the form of a Bradley Futura
Model 900 adaptive sensor module commercially available from
Bradley Fixtures Corporation of Menomonee Falls, Wis. Infrared
sensor 48 electronically activates a twenty-four volt solenoid
valve using a 24-volt AC, 50/60 Hz power supply; faucet assembly 38
includes chrome-plated, solid cast brass body with a
center-shank-mounting. According to an alternative embodiment,
faucet assembly 38 may be any number of a variety of commercially
available water delivery fixtures including those having manually
operated activation mechanisms.
[0036] According to alternative embodiments, shown in FIGS. 5-9 the
size of the lavatory system may be varied and may provide one or
more number of hand-washing stations having any variety of spacing
configurations.
[0037] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a lavatory system 50 according to an
alternative embodiment. Lavatory system 50 includes three stations
(shown as an upper station 52, an upper station 54, and a lower
station 56). Upper stations 52, 54 include an upper surface 58 that
is offset (i.e., vertically and laterally) from an upper surface 60
of lower station 56. As such, lower station 56 is configured to
comply with ANSI and ADA accessibility standards. Upper stations
52, 54 of lavatory system 50 are configured to provide comfortable
and convenient accessibility to persons having other physical
abilities. According to an alternative embodiment, the lavatory
system includes two stations with upper surfaces that are
vertically offset lower than the upper surface of the third
station. According to an alternative embodiment, the lavatory
system includes stations that have three (or more) different upper
surface heights. According to an alternative embodiment, the
lavatory system includes two adjacent stations with upper surfaces
that are vertically offset higher than the upper surface of the
third station. According to an alternative embodiment, the lavatory
system includes two adjacent stations with upper surfaces that are
vertically offset lower than the upper surface of the third
station. These two adjacent stations having comparable heights may
be located at either end or side of the lavatory system (e.g., left
or right). According to alternative embodiments, the lavatory
system may have any of a variety of combinations of "higher" or
"lower" stations arranged in any of a variety of order or
configuration. According to further alternative embodiments, the
lavatory may have any number of stations arranged at two or more
heights.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 6, a base 62 (e.g., pedestal, box, etc.)
is provided at each upper and lower station 52, 54, 56. Base 62
includes a faucet assembly 64 and a dispenser shown as soap
dispenser 66. Base 62 also includes an upper surface 68 configured
to provide space for storing items while the user uses lavatory
station. According to a preferred embodiment, upper surface 68
includes one or more projections 70 configured to provide a dry
surface to support personal items such as purses, briefcases,
documents, or the like. Projections 70 are disposed on a portion or
the upper surface 68 of base 62 and is formed by ribs or spherical
projections (shown as spherical projections in FIG. 6) extending
upward from upper surface 68 of base 62 or by grooves, slots, or
channels recessed from upper surface 68. According to an
alternative embodiment, the raised surface is a single flat surface
sized and designed to have the dimensions of articles typically
requiring stowing during hand-washing (e.g., purses, wallets,
briefcases, files, etc.) According to a particularly preferred
embodiment, the raised surface is raised approximately 1/4 to 1/2
inch above the upper surface of the countertop.
[0039] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a lavatory system 72 according to an
alternative embodiment. Lavatory system 72 includes an upper
station 74 and a lower station 76. Upper station 74 has an arcuate
countertop 78 with an upper surface 80 that is vertically and
laterally offset from an upper surface 82 of an arcuate countertop
84 of (adjacent) lower station 76. Upper station 74 and lower
station 76 are separate structures (i.e., non-integral or
non-unitary) that are configured to be visually integral (i.e.,
provide the appearance of a continuous design). The arcuate profile
of the adjacent countertops 78, 84 provide a corresponding
transition between concave and convex.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the lavatory system may include
a mounting structure 86 configured to provide support for any of a
variety of accessories, (e.g., a shelf 88, a bud vase 90, mirror,
monitor, one or more light fixtures, one or more plumbing fixtures,
or the like). Mounting structure 86 includes an arcuate base member
94 (e.g., rail, bar, tube, etc.) mounted to wall 16.
(Alternatively, the base member may be mounted to the lavatory deck
or other structure.) Each shelf 88 includes a pair of brackets 96
having a shelf support member 100 and a base member interface 98
(shown as a downward facing channel). Shelves 88 may be fastened to
brackets 96 by fasteners or the like. Each vase 90 includes a
bracket 102 having vase support member 104 and a base member
interface 106. According to alternative embodiments, the base
member, support members, or the base member interfaces may have any
of a variety of shapes or configurations.
[0041] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the multiple tier lavatory deck 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, the lavatory system may have
any number of stations located at any number of heights. Also, the
lavatory deck may have any of a variety of configurations,
materials, and stations. 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.
* * * * *