U.S. patent application number 11/420468 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-14 for portable restroom with solar powered climate control.
Invention is credited to JACOB TINNELL.
Application Number | 20060277675 11/420468 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37522710 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060277675 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TINNELL; JACOB |
December 14, 2006 |
Portable Restroom With Solar Powered Climate Control
Abstract
A solar powered, climate controlled portable restroom.
Inventors: |
TINNELL; JACOB; (Pottsville,
AR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARCIA-ZAMOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW;ATTN: RUY GARCIA-ZAMOR
12960 LINDEN CHURCH ROAD
CLARKSVILLE
MD
21029
US
|
Family ID: |
37522710 |
Appl. No.: |
11/420468 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60686562 |
Jun 2, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/477 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 25/0606 20130101;
F04D 25/08 20130101; F04D 25/12 20130101; E04H 1/1216 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/477 |
International
Class: |
A47K 11/04 20060101
A47K011/04 |
Claims
1. A method of providing a solar powered climate controlled
portable restroom, comprising: providing a portable restroom having
a housing with a door for entry therein; providing at least one
solar cell attached to the portable restroom and adapted to convert
sunlight into electrical energy; providing a vent fan configured to
receive power from the at least one solar cell and adapted to draw
air from inside the portable restroom and eject the air outside of
the portable restroom; monitoring the temperature of the inside of
the portable restroom and automatically activating the vent fan
when a predetermined temperature is detected; monitoring air in the
portable restroom and automatically activating the vent fan when a
predetermined level of particulate is detected; and monitoring the
occupancy of the portable restroom and releasing deodorant therein
after the portable restroom is vacated for a predetermined period
of time.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of monitoring
the occupancy of the portable restroom and illuminating the inside
of the restroom while occupied.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing a vent fan
further comprises providing a frame for supporting the at least one
solar cell in a configuration that causes air driven by the vent
fan to move along an opposite major surface of a portion of the
frame that supports the at least one solar cell to provide cooling
to the portion of the frame and the at least one solar cell.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of providing the frame
fan further comprises providing a frame which directs air driven
outside of the portable restroom by the vent fan in a direction
generally parallel to the at least one solar cell to reduce
particulate deposited on the at least one solar cell by vented
air.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of monitoring the air in
the portable restroom includes providing an air particulate sensor
in communication with a controller, the controller being adapted to
activate the vent fan.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of monitoring the
temperature in the portable restroom includes providing a
temperature sensor in communication with a controller, the
controller being adapted to activate the vent fan.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing illumination
in the portable restroom when a door latch, located on the portable
restroom, is positioned to secure the door in a locked and closed
position.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of monitoring occupancy
further comprises driving air containing deodorant into the
portable restroom.
9. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of monitoring occupancy
further comprises driving air containing a desired smell into the
portable restroom.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising selectively
activating illumination within the portable restroom via a
selectable control.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a battery
configured to store energy to power the portable restroom during
periods when sunlight is available to the at least one solar
cell.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising illuminating an
interior of the portable restroom whenever the at least one solar
cell is not generating energy.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising a backup energy
storage device for storing excess energy produced by the at least
one solar cell.
14. A method of providing a solar powered climate controlled
portable restroom, comprising: providing a portable restroom having
a housing with a door for entry therein; providing at least one
solar cell attached to the portable restroom and adapted to convert
sunlight into electrical energy; providing a vent fan configured to
receive power from the at least one solar cell and adapted to draw
air from inside the portable restroom and eject the air outside of
the portable restroom; providing a frame that located on the
portable restroom for supporting the at least one solar cell in a
configuration that causes air driven by the vent fan to move along
a portion of the frame that supports the at least one solar cell to
provide cooling to the at least one solar cell, the frame being
configured to direct air driven outside of the portable restroom by
the vent fan in a direction generally parallel to the at least one
solar cell to reduce particulate deposited on the at least one
solar cell by vented air.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step or providing the frame
further comprising the frame being configured to vent air driven by
the vent fan laterally out in directions, generally parallel a
plane defined by the at least one solar cell and to vent air
between the outer housing of the portable restroom and the at least
one solar cell so that particulate in the air ejected from the
portable restroom tends to fall away from the at least one solar
cell without passing over the at least one solar cell.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of using
energy from the at least one solar cell to illuminate an inside of
the portable restroom.
17. A solar powered, climate controlled portable restroom,
comprising: a housing having a door for entry therein, the housing
containing at least some bathroom facility; at least one solar cell
electrically connected to the portable restroom; a frame positioned
along the housing and configured to support the at least one solar
cell on an outside of the housing in a spaced apart relation
therefrom; a vent fan positioned in the housing and powered by the
at least one solar cell is configured to drive air out of the
housing between the housing and the at least one solar cell so that
particulate in the ejected air will tend to fall away from the at
least one solar cell.
18. The portable restroom of claim 17, wherein the at least one
solar cell is generally parallel to the portion of the housing
proximate to its perimeter, a mesh material being located between
the at least one solar cell and the housing and extending around
the perimeter of the at least one solar cell.
19. The portable restroom of claim 18, further comprising: a backup
energy storage device in electrical communication with the at least
one solar cell and the vent fan; a temperature sensor in electrical
communication with the vent fan and adapted to monitor the
temperature inside of the housing; a particulate sensor in
electrical communication with the vent fan and adapted to monitor
the air inside of the housing; and a timer mechanism in electrical
communication with the vent fan.
20. The portable restroom of claim 19, further comprising a second
vent located through the housing, the second vent guiding air into
the housing and over a deodorant while the vent fan drives air out
of the housing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 60/686,562, filed on May 25, 2005,
entitled "Solar Powered Exhaust Fan For Porta Potti", invented by
Jacob C. Tinnell, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein
as if fully set forth in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention is generally directed to portable
restrooms and, more specifically, to a portable restroom with solar
powered climate control.
[0003] Conventional portable restrooms tend to have poor climate
control which makes their use most unpleasant. While mechanisms can
be added to improve the interior climate within the portable
restroom, powering such mechanisms is problematic due to the remote
locations and extended placement of many portable restrooms.
[0004] It would be advantageous to provide a solar powered climate
control portable restroom that is easy to use, maintain, and
manufacture.
SUMMARY
[0005] Briefly speaking, one embodiment of the present invention is
directed to a method of providing a solar powered climate
controlled portable restroom. The method includes: providing a
portable restroom having a housing with a door for entry therein;
providing at least one solar cell attached to the portable restroom
and adapted to convert sunlight into electrical energy; providing a
vent fan configured to receive power from the at least one solar
cell and adapted to draw air from inside the portable restroom and
eject the air outside of the portable restroom; monitoring the
temperature of the inside of the portable restroom and
automatically activating the vent fan when a predetermined
temperature is detected; monitoring air in the portable restroom
and automatically activating the vent fan when a predetermined
level of particulate is detected; and monitoring the occupancy of
the portable restroom and releasing deodorant therein after the
portable restroom is vacated for a predetermined period of
time.
[0006] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a
method of providing a solar powered climate controlled portable
restroom. The method includes: providing a portable restroom having
a housing with a door for entry therein; providing at least one
solar cell attached to the portable restroom and adapted to convert
sunlight into electrical energy; providing a vent fan configured to
receive power from the at least one solar cell and adapted to draw
air from inside the portable restroom and eject the air outside of
the portable restroom; providing a frame that located on the
portable restroom for supporting the at least one solar cell in a
configuration that causes air driven by the vent fan to move along
a portion of the frame that supports the at least one solar cell to
provide cooling to the at least one solar cell, the frame being
configured to direct air driven outside of the portable restroom by
the vent fan in a direction generally parallel to the at least one
solar cell to reduce particulate deposited on the at least one
solar cell by vented air.
[0007] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a
solar powered, climate controlled portable restroom including a
housing having a door for entry therein. The housing contains at
least some bathroom facility. At least one solar cell is
electrically connected to the portable restroom. A frame is
positioned along the housing and configured to support the at least
one solar cell on an outside of the housing in a spaced apart
relation therefrom. A vent fan is positioned in the housing and
powered by the at least one solar cell is configured to drive air
out of the housing between the housing and the at least one solar
cell so that particulate in the ejected air will tend to fall away
from the at least one solar cell.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be better understood when read in conjunction with the
appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention,
there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently
preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not
limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In
the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable restroom
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
portable restroom has at least one solar panel positioned on an
upper end thereof,
[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial cross sectional view of the solar
powered vent fan of the portable restroom of FIG. 1, schematic
arrows illustrate airflow created by fan operation;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the portable restroom of FIG.
1 illustrating a door senor, a latch sensor, a temperature sensor,
an air particulate sensor, and a timer mechanism; and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a partial view of a second embodiment of the
portable restroom of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left,"
"top," and "bottom" designate directions in the drawings to which
reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of the portable restroom 10 and designated parts thereof. The term
"controller", as used in the claims and the corresponding portions
of the specification, means "any one of a circuit, an integrated
circuit, a printed circuit board, or the like". The term
"selectable control", as used in portions of the specification,
means "any one of a physical switch, a touch switch, a button, a
voice activated switch, a control knob, a remote control switch, or
any other known operating mode selection device". The term
"activated state", as used with lights, means that the light and/or
speaker has been manipulated to emit light. The language "at least
one of `A`, `B`, and `C`," as used in the claims and in
corresponding portions of the specification, means "any group
having at least one `A`; or any group having at least one `B`; or
any group having at least one `C`;--and does require that a group
have at least one of each of `A`, `B`, and `C`." Additionally, the
words "a" and "one" are defined as including one or more of the
referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The
terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned,
derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, wherein like numerals indicate like
elements throughout, there are shown preferred embodiments of a
solar powered, climate controlled portable restroom 10. Briefly
speaking, the portable restroom 10 uses solar power to operate
climate control devices which make use of the portable restroom 10
more convenient. This is accomplished by modifying interior
illumination, air quality, odors, temperature, etc. The present
invention can also be used with sheds, storage units, and other
enclosures without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the solar powered, climate
controlled portable restroom 10 preferably includes a housing 18
having a door 38 for entry therein. The housing 18 may include a
door open sensor 40 and/or a door latch sensor 36. These sensors
can be used to determine if someone is in the restroom by
monitoring when the door is latched closed in a locked
configuration. Additionally, the sensors can be used to determine
when the unit is vacant based on the unlatching of the door,
followed by an opening and closing of the door without the door
being latched after a predetermined time.
[0016] The housing 18 is preferably generally rectilinear in
horizontal cross section with a narrow upper section. The narrow
upper section is formed by two angled panels that are positioned
proximate the top end of the portable restroom 10.
[0017] The housing is preferably made from a suitable heavy duty
polymer. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate from this disclosure that the housing can be of any
shape and formed of any suitable material such as sheet metal or
the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The housing contains at least some bathroom facility, such as a
waste receptacle/toilet.
[0018] A solar panel may be formed by solar cells in an array or a
single solar collector or photovoltaic cell. The portable restroom
includes at least one solar cell 14 electrically connected to the
portable restroom 10.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a frame 30 is positioned along
the housing 18 and configured to support the at least one solar
cell 14 on an outside of the housing 18 in a spaced apart relation
therefrom. Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the frame includes
vertical members 30 that preferably sandwich a mesh 16
therebetween. The vertical members 30 extend around the opening of
the housing and are preferably connected to the fan shroud to allow
the solar powered vent fan to be detached from the portable
restroom 10. It is preferred that the frame 30 include a plate
which is generally parallel to the portion of the housing 18 which
surrounds the solar cell(s) 14. The plate supports the at least one
solar cell 14. A light 60 can be positioned on a bottom portion of
the vent fan 20 to allow illumination in the housing 18. The
illumination can be operated by a selectable control 56, be
activated when the door is latched, when the solar cell 14 receives
light, or when the solar cells 14 are not receiving light, as
desired.
[0020] A vent fan 20 is positioned at least partially in the
housing 18 and is preferably powered by the at least one solar cell
14. Alternatively, the vent fan 20 and other climate control
equipment can be powered by an electric conduit, batteries, or any
other suitable power supply. The vent fan 20 is configured to drive
air out of the housing 18 between the housing 18 and the at least
one solar cell 14 so that particulate in the ejected air will tend
to fall away from the at least one solar cell. Referring to FIGS. 2
and 3, a preferred air flow path is shown by the arrows labeled
24.
[0021] As mentioned above, the at least one solar cell 14 is
generally parallel to the portion of the housing 18 proximate to
its perimeter. The mesh material 16 is located between the at least
one solar cell 14 and the housing 18 and extends around the
perimeter of the at least one solar cell 14.
[0022] As best shown in FIG. 2, the restroom 10 preferably includes
a backup energy storage device 32, such as a battery, in electrical
communication with the at least one solar cell 14 and the vent fan
20. A temperature sensor 44 is preferably located in the portable
restroom and is in in electrical communication with the vent fan 20
and is adapted to monitor the temperature inside of the housing 18.
When a predetermined temperature is detected, the vent fan 20 can
be activated or its speed of operation increased to increase
airflow through the restroom 10.
[0023] A particulate sensor 46 may also be included in the portable
restroom 10. If so, the particulate sensor 46 is in electrical
communication with the vent fan 20 and is adapted to monitor the
air inside of the housing 18. When a predetermined particulate
level is detected, the vent fan 20 can be activated or its speed of
operation increased.
[0024] A timer mechanism may also be included in the portable
restroom 10. The timer is preferably in electrical communication
with the vent fan 20 to allow the fan to run according to a
predetermined schedule. Referring to FIG. 3, the portable restroom
may include a second vent 58 located through the housing 18. It is
preferred that the second vent 58 is located at a lower level of
the portable restroom to allow air to be carried upwardly along the
interior of the housing 18. The vent preferably has multiple plates
along the outer surface of the housing that are angled downwardly
and outwardly to prevent rain from entering the restroom. The vent
may be positioned to guide air through a deodorant container 52. A
supplemental fan 54 can also be used to drive air through the
restroom 10.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 4, a second preferred embodiment of the
climate controlled portable restroom 14 is shown. Here the frame
supports the at least one solar cell 14 along a perimeter thereof.
A vent fan 20 is positioned proximate a corner of the solar cell(s)
14 with a light 60 located nearby. A back up energy source 32 is
attached along an edge of the frame 30. A selectable control 56 is
preferably positioned along an interior wall of the housing 18 in a
location convenient for a user to operate while using the portable
restroom 10. This allows a user to adjust light, airflow, and
deodorized air to taste while occupying the restroom 10.
[0026] One method of the present invention preferably operates as
follows. The steps of the method of the present invention can be
performed in any order without departing from the scope of the
present invention. To the extent that portions of the solar
powered, climate controlled portable restroom are already described
above, it is preferred that the structure is generally the same and
operates in generally the same manner unless otherwise described
below. The first preferred method of providing a solar powered
climate controlled portable restroom is as follows.
[0027] A portable restroom 10 is provided that has a housing 18
with a door 38 for entry therein. At least one solar cell 14 is
attached to the portable restroom and is adapted to convert
sunlight into electrical energy. A vent fan 20 is provided and
configured to receive power from the at least one solar cell 14.
The vent fan 20 is preferably adapted to draw air from inside the
portable restroom 10 and eject the air outside of the portable
restroom 10;
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a frame 30 is preferably located
on the portable restroom 10 for supporting the at least one solar
cell 14 in a configuration that causes air 24 driven by the vent
fan 20 to move along a portion of the frame 30 that supports the at
least one solar cell 14 to provide cooling to the at least one
solar cell 14. The frame 30 is preferably configured to direct air
24 driven outside of the portable restroom 10 by the vent fan 20 in
a direction generally parallel to the at least one solar cell 14 to
reduce the amount of particulate deposited on the at least one
solar cell 14 by vented air 24.
[0029] It is preferred that the frame 30 is configured to vent air
24 driven by the vent fan 20 laterally out in at least one
direction, generally parallel a plane defined by the at least one
solar cell 14 and to vent air 24 between the outer housing 18 of
the portable restroom 10 and the at least one solar cell 14 so that
particulate in the air 24 that is ejected from the portable
restroom 10 tends to fall away from the at least one solar cell 14
without passing over the at least one solar cell 14. This maximizes
the cleanliness of the at least one solar cell 14 and, accordingly,
maintains their energy generation capacity at a higher efficiency
than otherwise possible. Preferably, energy from the at least one
solar cell 14 is used to illuminate an inside of the portable
restroom 10.
[0030] A second preferred method of providing a solar powered
climate controlled portable restroom 10 is as follows. A portable
restroom 10 having a housing 18 with a door 38 for entry therein is
provided. At least one solar cell 14 is attached to the portable
restroom 10 and is adapted to convert sunlight into electrical
energy. A vent fan 20 is provided and configured to receive power
from the at least one solar cell 14 and is adapted to draw air 24
from inside the portable restroom 10 and eject the air 24 outside
of the portable restroom 10.
[0031] The temperature of the inside of the portable restroom is
monitored and the vent fan 20 is automatically activated or its
speed increased when a predetermined temperature is detected. Any
suitable temperature sensor 44 can be used without departing from
the scope of the present invention. Air 24 in the portable restroom
10 is monitored and the vent fan 20 is activated or its speed
increased when a predetermined level of particulate is detected.
The occupancy of the portable restroom 10 is monitored and
deodorant is released in the portable restroom 10 after the
portable restroom 10 is vacated for a predetermined period of time.
The air 24 can be driven through the deodorant container or the
like by the vent fan 20 and/or the supplemental fan 54.
[0032] It is preferable that the portable restroom 10 is
illuminated while occupied. It is also preferred that a frame 30 is
provided for supporting the at least one solar cell 14 in a
configuration that causes air 24 driven by the vent fan 20 to move
along an opposite major surface of a portion of the frame 30 that
supports the at least one solar cell 14 to provide cooling to the
portion of the frame 30 and the at least one solar cell 14.
[0033] It is preferred that the frame 30 directs air 24 that is
driven outside of the portable restroom 10 by the vent fan 20 in a
direction generally parallel to the at least one solar cell 14 to
reduce particulate deposited on the at least one solar cell by
vented air. An air particulate sensor is preferably provided and,
if so, is in communication with a controller 42, the controller 42
being adapted to activate the vent fan 20. A temperature sensor 44
is preferably provided and is in communication with a controller
42, the controller 42 being adapted to activate the vent fan
20.
[0034] Illumination can be provided in the portable restroom 10
when a door latch 36, located on the portable restroom 10, is
positioned to secure the door 38 in a locked and closed position.
Deodorant is preferably driven into the portable restroom.
Alternatively, air containing a desired smell can be driven or
sucked into the portable restroom 10.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, illumination can be selectively
activated within the portable restroom 10 via a selectable control
56. A battery 32 may be provided and can be configured to store
energy to power the portable restroom 10 during periods when
sunlight is available to the at least one solar cell 14. The
interior of the portable restroom 10 can be illuminated whenever
the at least one solar cell 14 is not generating energy. A backup
energy storage device 32 can be used for storing excess energy
produced by the at least one solar cell.
[0036] It is recognized by those skilled in the art that changes
may be made to the above described methods and/or portable restroom
10 without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It
is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended cover all
modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the above specification, the appended
claims and/or shown in the attached drawings.
* * * * *