U.S. patent number 3,811,462 [Application Number 05/260,997] was granted by the patent office on 1974-05-21 for recreational vehicle utility stowage and transfer system.
Invention is credited to Jack M. Feliz.
United States Patent |
3,811,462 |
Feliz |
May 21, 1974 |
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE UTILITY STOWAGE AND TRANSFER SYSTEM
Abstract
An improved utility transfer and stowage system for recreational
vehicles and other passenger vehicles or the like, comprising a
baffled toilet holding tank and respective permanently installed,
self-supporting, telescopic drain line assembly, in which the
latter is provided with the inherent flexibility to enable its
transfer from a stowage to a drain position. The distal end of the
above drain line is provided with a water tight plug-in coupling,
for connecting to the park sewer receptor, and its upstream end is
provided with a permanently installed water wash down jet; a
bathtub and integral baffled holding tank, of which the latter is
cross connected with the kitchen sink and lavatory drains through
suitable piping and valves, thereby providing for the sanitary
isolation and controlled diversion of the accumulated drains into
either a catch bucket or into the above mentioned toilet holding
tank drain line assembly as deemed appropriate; a baffled potable
water holding tank and respective permanently installed, precoiled,
self-supporting, potable water hose, in which the distal end of the
latter is provided with a plug-in adapter coupling, for connecting
to the park potable water valve; a precoiled self-supporting
electrical entrance cable and a pair of hinged covered carrying
tubes for retention of the above mentioned cable and water
hose.
Inventors: |
Feliz; Jack M. (Palm Springs,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
22991536 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/260,997 |
Filed: |
June 8, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/240; 137/579;
285/274; 285/145.1; 137/355.16; 137/899 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03F
1/008 (20130101); B60R 15/00 (20130101); F16L
27/1274 (20190801); Y10T 137/6918 (20150401); Y10T
137/4259 (20150401); Y10T 137/6855 (20150401); Y10T
137/8626 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
B60R
15/00 (20060101); F16k 027/12 () |
Field of
Search: |
;137/355.16,355.17,344,615 ;285/7,165,273,274 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Klinksiek; Henry T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Harris, Kern, Wallen &
Tinsley
Claims
1. In a tank draining system, the combination of:
a. a tank having a drain;
b. telescoping conduit means;
c. swivel means mounting said conduit means for swiveling movement
relative to said drain;
d. said swivel means including a swivel plate fixed relative to
said tank, and a swivel bracket pivotally connected to said swivel
plate for pivotal movement about a vertical axis;
e. said swivel means further including hinge means fixedly
connected to said conduit means and pivotally connected to said
swivel bracket for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis
perpendicular to and intersecting said vertical axis; and
f. an extensible and contractible hose in said conduit means and
connected
2. A tank draining system according to claim 1 including means
for
3. In a tank draining system, the combination of:
a. a tank having a drain;
b. telescoping conduit means connected to said drain;
c. swivel means mounting said telescoping conduit means for
swiveling movement relative to said drain;
d. an extensible and self-contractible helical hose within said
telescoping conduit means;
e. said hose being connected at one end to said drain;
f. said hose having connected to its other end a fitting detachably
connected to the outer end of said telescoping conduit means,
whereby said fitting may be detached from said telescoping conduit
means to permit extension of said hose and withdrawal of said hose
from said conduit means; and
g. said hose embodying self-contracting means biasing it into said
telescoping conduit means, whereby said hose will retract itself
into said
4. A tank draining system according to claim 3 including means for
injecting a flushing liquid into said drain.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
I hereby claim the priority provided by my Disclosure Document No.
002350, filed June 17, 1970.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
This invention relates to an improvement of the utility system for
recreational vehicles, passenger buses or the like.
The chief aim of the present invention is to provide for a more
manageable, sanitary and safer utility stowage and transfer
system.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF INVENTION
A general object of the present invention is to provide an improved
toilet holding tank and respective drain line; a sink and bathtub
holding tank and respective drain lines; a potable water holding
tank and respective self-supporting hose; a self-supporting
electric entrance cable; and a pair of carrying tubes for the above
mentioned cable and hose.
In known types of flexible toilet holding tank drain lines, they
are, in the main, not entirely satisfactory due to their inherent
encumbrance in connecting, disconnecting, draining, washing,
handling and stowing. It is not uncommon to be confronted with the
horrendous task of cleaning up the parking site after an accidental
spillage caused by the retraction of the drain hose from non-secure
connections at the holding tank or at the park sewer receptor when
dumping the contents of the holding tank or when lifting the hose
to drain out low pockets prior to disconnecting for travel, and
further to encounter, the unsanitary and revolting job of
disconnecting from the toilet holding tank, washing out and
ultimately stowing the wet limp sewer drain hose into its remote
carrying tube for travel, invariably resulting in contamination of
yourself and your potable water hose.
It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the above
mentioned filthy and degrading job, by providing a permanently
installed toilet holding tank sewer drain line, supported within a
hinged and swiveled series of telescopic tubes, to insure proper
gravitational draining, combined with adequate flexibility to
facilitate handling and stowage, and further, by providing for a
water wash down jet permanently installed within the above
mentioned toilet holding tank drain line.
It is another object of the present invention to eliminate the need
for carrying an extra length of flexible sewer drain hose to reach
the occasional distant park sewer receptor, and to reduce the
number of hose fittings required to make connections to the varied
park sewer receptors, and further to reduce the discomforting, time
consuming job of exchanging the conventional type couplings. In the
present invention, connecting and disconnecting to the varied park
sewer receptors are facilitated by the use of a combination
internal-external quick change coupling mounted to the distal end
of the telescopic tubes. The internal portion of the quick change
coupling readily permits interchange of the varied type sewer
couplings. The external portion of the quick change coupling
facilitates disengagement from the distal end of the telescopic
tubes, thereby permitting withdrawal of the quick change coupling
and the attached flexible drain hose to reach the occasional
distant park sewer receptor, located beyond the normal extended
range of the telescopic tubes. The above extended range also
provides the flexibility required to connect with the occasional
park sewer receptor, whose direct access is obstructed and further,
to provide the necessary flexiblity to connect with a sewer
receptor located in the bottom of an antifreeze box.
When the recreational vehicle park sewer receptors become
nationally standardized a more self-contained modification of the
above mentioned toilet holding tank drain line is provided for in
this invention. In its present form the above modification can be
plugged into all of the standard vertical sewer receptors. During
the transition to standardization, certain interim modifications of
the sewer couplings are also provided for in this invention.
The above mentioned toilet holding tank drain line assembly and the
principal modification thereto, will transform a degrading, time
consuming job into a relatively clean task as easy to plug in and
out as the electrical entrance plug. The above mentioned telescopic
drain line assemblies could be feasibly used on liquid carrying
vehicles, transporting gasoline, milk and the like.
A further object of this invention is to reduce pollution of our
recreational areas caused by the uncontrolled draining on our camp
sites of seemingly harmless lavatory, kitchen sink and bathtub
drains which are frequently contaminated with human refuse,
introduced directly into the drain system or indirectly
contaminated from residue deposited in the open cross-connected
drain lines from previous occasions when dumping the toilet holding
tank. The above unsanitary conditions are averted in the present
invention by the installation of an independent lavatory, sink and
bathtub drain holding tank, connected by suitable piping and valves
to maintain a sanitary isolated storage and to control the
diversion of the respective drain waters into either, a catch
bucket for ultimate carrying to a designated disposal station, in
parks where hook ups are not available or by diverting the drains
through a stop and check valve into the toilet holding tank drain
line where park hook ups are provided.
It is another object of the present invention to dispense with the
need for washing, coiling, and tying the electric entrance cable
and the potable water hose prior to stowing for travel. Washing the
above disconnected cable and hose is necessary because the utility
area is frequently wet and contaminated with human refuse. In the
present invention the above undesirable task is eliminated by
preforming a resilient electric cable and potable water hose into
resilient helical coils having built-in memories biasing them into
contracted states, or by encasing them in or building thereinto
suitable plastic coated coil springs having sufficient tension to
provide self-support above the ground level between the park
utility receptors and the recreational vehicle. When released from
the park utility receptors the above mentioned cable and hose will
readily recoil into their respective carrying tubes for travel, and
further, the distal end of the above mentioned water hose is
provided with an adapter coupling, making the connection to the
park water valve as easy to plug in and out as the above mentioned
electrical entrance plug.
More generally, an object is to provide a tubular housing
containing a spring biased helical conduit which will retract
itself into its housing after being withdrawn therefrom and
released.
A further object of this invention is to diminish the dangerous and
damaging forces created by the free surface effect of a fluid in
motion. This condition is very prevalent in partially filled
potable water, toilet, and bathtub holding tanks where suitable
baffle plates are non-existent, thus contributing to the upsetting
moments of force as the recreation vehicle turns a corner, sways
due to wind action, or uneven road surfaces. In addition,
acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle creates similar forces
which contribute to escalated wear of the vehicles power train and
brakes, thereby causing premature repairs. In the present invention
these safety hazards and undue wear are greatly reduced by the
installation of longitudinal and transverse divisional baffles
within the holding tanks.
Another object of this invention is to eliminate the extraneous
fittings and rust frozen retainer nuts and studs on the inlet and
outlet flanges to the toilet holding tank. In the present invention
nonferrous retainer rings with integral studs are embedded in the
tank flanges thereby permitting the toilet and the holding tank
drain valve to be connected directly to the tank surfaces, thus
contributing to compactness and easy removal of the retaining nuts
when effecting repairs.
It is another object of the present invention to conserve space and
cost by fabricating the bathtub and its associated holding tank
into an integral unit.
The foregoing objects, advantages, features and results of the
present invention, together with various other objects, advantages,
features and results thereof which will be evident to those skilled
in the art to which the invention relates in the light of this
disclosure, may be achieved with the exemplary embodiments of the
invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in
detail hereinafter.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view, of one form of a
recreational vehicle, illustrating the improved electric, potable
water, and toilet holding tank, transfer and travel stowage
facilities;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view, partly in section,
taken as indicated along the angled arrows II--II of FIG. 1,
illustrating a portion of the improved toilet holding tank drain
assembly, sink and bathtub drain assembly, potable water holding
tank, electric cable, and potable water hose assemblies;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section, taken as
indicated along the angled arrows III--III of FIG. 1, illustrating
an improved toilet holding tank with the respective drain assembly,
and the combination bathtub with the respective drain holding
tank;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section, taken as
indicated along the angled arrows IV--IV of FIG. 3, illustrating
the toilet holding tank baffle plates, embedded bolt rings and a
portion of the water wash down jet;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section, taken as
indicated along the angled arrows V--V of FIG. 4, illustrating
details of the water wash down jet;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section, taken as
indicated along the angled arrows VI--VI of FIG. 3, illustrating
the bathtub holding tank baffle plates, drain trap and non-return
valve;
FIG. 7 taken with FIG. 6, constitutes an end portion of the bathtub
holding tank, illustrating the tank vent and access cover;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view, partly in section,
taken as indicated along the angled arrows VIII--VIII of FIG. 1,
illustrating the toilet holding tank drain hose, supporting
telescopic tubes and the dual quick change coupling;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view in section, taken as indicated along
the angled arrows IX--IX of FIG. 8, illustrating details of the
dual quick change coupling and associated attachments;
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view, partly in section, illustrating
the adapter coupling for the distal end of the potable water
hose;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, corresponding to
FIG. 3, illustrating a modification to the toilet holding tank
drain assembly;
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, corresponding to
a portion of FIG. 11, illustrating a modification to the terminal
elbow of the telescopic tube assembly; and
FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view, in section, corresponding
to FIG. 5, illustrating a modification to the water wash down
jet.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the vehicle 1 is provided with
a built-in locker 2, whose access door 3 is mounted flush and
hinged at 4 to the exterior hull plating. The door 3 is provided
with a resilient gasket 8 and a locking device 9. The contents of
the locker 2 will be described hereinafter.
Toilet Holding Tank Drain Assembly
Housed within the previously mentioned locker 2 is the telescopic
toilet holding tank drain hose 25, supported within the hinged and
swiveled telescopic tube assembly T, and associated quick change
couplings, to be described later. When the door 3 is in the open
position the telescopic tubes T may be withdrawn from the spring
retaining clips 11 and lowered from a stowage to a draining
position on the affixed offset hinges 14, rotating downwardly about
fulcra 15 (FIGS. 2 and 3), in turn supported by the rotatable
swivel bracket 16, in turn secured to the swivel fulcra 17, which
in turn is secured to the swivel plate 18 and the latter in turn is
secured as by screws 19 to the lower surface of the vehicles floor
boards 20. The trap door 5 is normally closed by the spring-biased
hinge 6. The door 5 is mechanically urged into the open position as
the telescopic tubes T are lowered, at first being urged by hose 25
and subsequently by the plastic lug 7, which is secured to the
hinge 14 and the telescopic tube 21. The above arrangement
facilitates handling, stowing and draining of the hose 25, by
providing stowage for the telescopic tubes T, and the drain hose 25
without disconnecting from the vehicle 1, and further, to be wholly
contained within the exterior hull plating for road travel or
readily lowered into a draining position below the overhang of
vehicle 1, thereby permitting horizontal rotation of the telescopic
tube assembly T within a scope of 360.degree. for alignment with
the varied park sewer receptors, and further providing a supported
incline that will assure proper gravitational draining of the drain
hose 25. Retracting and stowing of the telescopic tubes T, for road
travel, automatically permit the trap door 5 to close against
suitable stops 12, thence when door 3 is manually closed it will in
turn overlap the door 5, and form an interlocking cover over the
bottom of the locker 2, thus restoring the streamline
characteristics to the exterior hull plating of the vehicle 1. The
upstream end of the drain hose 25 is permanently secured by clamp
26 to the elbow 27 insuring a secure connection between the
flexible hose 25 and the stationary elbow 27, however, the clamp 26
is readily removed to effect repairs to the toilet drain system. A
lightening hole 24 in the vehicle frame 31 (FIG. 2) is utilized to
effect passage of the hose 25.
Jet Assembly
Referring to the FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, the water wash down jet
assembly J is integral with elbow 27, comprising a jet orifice 35,
and a centrally positioned diffuser ball 36, (as best seen in FIG.
5) which the latter in turn is secured to the removable strainer
plate 37, which in turn is retained by the flanged nipple 38, the
latter in turn is made water tight by the neoprene O-ring 39 and
the threaded throat bushing 40. The water for the jet assembly J is
supplied from the vehicles potable water piping system 45, (FIG. 1)
through the cut out valve 46 located in locker 2. The potable water
system is safeguarded from contamination by the anti-siphon valve
47, and the swing check valve 49 (FIG. 2) which are installed in
the wash water pipe line 48 between the potable water cut out valve
46 and the water wash down jet assembly J. The activation of the
jet assembly J is controlled by cut out valve 46 and should be
preferably opened prior to dumping the contents of the toilet
holding tank 31, by means of the reach rod 29 and cut out valve 30,
thereby intensifying the flow of its contents and preventing a back
surge into the jet assembly. After the contents of the tank 31 have
been evacuated, the holding tank valve 30 should be closed, then
subsequently the closing of the valve 46 will insure a clean and
adequately drained hose 25, and in addition insure a fully charged
potable water system prior to disconnecting from the park
utilities.
The above arrangement of the toilet holding tank drain assembly and
respective water wash down jet, precludes the need for
disconnecting, handling, hand washing, and stowing a wet limp hose
in its remote carrying tube after each use as currently
practiced.
Toilet Holding Tank Assembly
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the toilet holding tank 31 is
rectangular in plan and is constructed of fiber glass or other
suitable material. Integral with tank 31, is the reinforced lower
outlet flange 55 and the upper reinforced inlet flange 56. Embedded
within the above mentioned flanges are stainless steel or other
suitable nonferrous type retaining rings 57, and integral studs 58,
threaded on the distal ends, which facilitate securing of the dump
valve 30 and the toilet 69 directly to the tank 31, which will
eliminate extraneous fittings, provide compactness and facilitate
removal of the stainless steel nuts 70 to effect repairs. There are
certain type toilets that can be attached directly to the upper
flange 56, however an adapter spool 63 is provided (FIG. 4) to
accommodate those toilets with different base configurations. The
tank 31 is further provided with a baffle plate assembly which
comprises the vertical transverse and longitudinal baffle plates
65, which relate to a series of rectangular boxes diminishing in
size which are open at the top and bottom and held an equal
distance apart by webs 66. The inner bottom of tank 31 supports the
feet 64 of the webs 66. The webs 66 in turn are secured to and
support the baffle plates 65 which in turn support the top of tank
31, the latter in turn supports the integral toilet mounting flange
56 and in turn supports the toilet 69 (FIG. 3) secured thereto. The
lower core of the baffle plates 65 and webs 66 are pyramidal in
configuration to permit dispersal of the larger solid wastes as the
liquid level rises in the tank 31, thus preventing the total
accumulation of waste being trapped in the central cell directly
under the toilet discharge. The tops of the baffle plates 65 and
the webs 66 are provided with grooves 67 to permit air
equalization. The vent pipe 68 provides for gas escape and pressure
equalization of tank 31. The configuration of the baffle plates 65
and the webs 66, facilitates draining of the solid wastes and
reduces the upsetting moments of force created by the free surface
effect of a fluid in motion.
Telescopic Tube Assembly
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 8 and 9, the telescopic tube assembly T
comprises a series of tubes increasing in diameter to provide
sufficient clearance between sections to receive the low friction
stationary guide rings 73, the stationary stop rings 74 and the
slidable guide rings 75. The rings 73 and 74 are secured to the
inside of the tube 21 and the ring 75 is secured to the outside of
tube 22. As the tube 22 is extended, the ring 75 is slidingly
engaged with the tube 21 until terminated by striking against the
stop ring 74. The overlapping distance, between rings 73 and 75
provide for the mutual support of their respective tubes. In the
interest of brevity, identical stop and guide rings mentioned above
are located between the tubes 22 and 23 but are not illustrated.
Total retraction of the telescopic tubes 22 and 23 are prevented by
the lug 7 and the handle 79 respectively.
A cylindrical cam plate 76 is secured to the distal end of the tube
23, and is provided with a helical groove 77 to receive the hose
clamp housing 81, as will be described later. Integral with the cam
plate 76 are the hinge brackets 78, provided to support the
telescopic tube handle 79.
Quick Change Coupling Assembly
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the dual quick change coupling
assembly C, comprises the coupling 82 of which the upstream portion
83 receives the distal end of the flexible drain hose 25, secured
thereon by means of the hose clamp 80. The hose clamp worm gear
housing 81 is inserted in the helical groove 77 of the cam plate 76
and is rotatably engaged by gripping the hand grip grooves 84 and
the handle 79, to effect a semi-rigid connection between the
coupling 82 and the telescopic tube 23. The semi-rigid connection
permits limited flexibility to properly align the interchangeable
couplings with the park sewer receptors to be described later. The
dual quick change coupling assembly serves a two-fold function in
that it provides an expeditious means to disengage the coupling 82
from the telescopic tube 23, for the purpose of withdrawing the
drain hose 25, in order to reach the occasional distant park sewer
receptor located beyond the normal extended range of the telescopic
tubes, or when additional flexiblity is required to connect to the
occasional obstructed, or to the deep set sewer receptor located in
the bottom of an antifreeze box. The above mentioned extended range
is achieved by the utilization of a close-wound tension type sewer
drain hose, in which the extended length is equivalent to two
lengths of the more common open-wound compression type sewer hose.
The self-recoiling feature of the close-wound drain hose readily
permits retraction into the telescopic tubes when released from the
sewer receptor.
The other function of the dual quick change coupling 82 is to
provide a means for receiving the interchangeable couplings 85, 86
and 87 and further to provide a water tight coupling seal. As seen
in FIGS. 8 and 9 the coupling 85 is engaged to the dual coupling
82, and the straight couplings 86 and 87 are stowed in locker 2 of
FIG. 1. The coupling 82 is further provided with the internal
segmented threads 88 and the O-ring 90. The interchangeable
couplings 85, 86 and 87 are provided with external segmented
threads 89 and when rotatably engaged against the threads 88, a
water tight seal will be effected between the coupling 82, the
O-ring 90 and the above mentioned interchangeable couplings 85, 86
and 87.
The couplings 85 and 86 are constructed of ABS plastic or other
suitable material, and secured thereon, are the tapered neoprene
stopper rings 91 or other suitable resilient material, and when
forced into the park sewer receptors, a substantial degree of water
tight integrity is created. The coupling 87 is constructed of brass
or other non-ferrous metals, in order to resist damage to the
standard tapered pipe threads 92. The coupling 87 will provide a
water tight seal when engaged with like standard threads of the
park sewer receptors; however, in view of the varied sizes and
damaged threads encountered in many parks, the threaded coupling 87
is not always satisfactory. The coupling 86 is the least
preferable, however, there are a few non-threaded horizontal park
sewer receptors that will require the above type coupling for some
undetermined future.
The coupling 85 is the most preferred type in view of its quick
plug in and out connection to the park sewer receptor, the
anti-retraction feature, the water tightness and the close
proximity to the grade level thereby providing a maximum drainage
slope and accessibility to the preferred vertical sewer receptor,
which has been approved by the State of California.
The terminal cap 97 (FIGS. 1 and 9) is provided with a neoprene
O-ring 98 to effect a drip and odor proof seal when engaged to the
distal end of the interchangeable coupling. The cap 97 is secured
to the telescopic tube handle 79, by the lanyard 99.
The coupling 87 is further provided with an annular lip 95 to
receive the above mentioned terminal cap 97.
Sink and Bath Drain Holding Tank Assembly
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 6, the sink and bath drain holding
tank, comprises a double deck container constructed of fiber glass
or other suitable material. The upper level consists of a bathtub
105 and the lower level consists of a drain holding tank 106. The
tank 106 is provided with transverse and longitudinal baffles 107
and 108, respectively, which relate to a series of rectangular
interconnected boxes which are open at the top and bottom. The feet
109 are integral with and support the baffles 107 and 108 at a
suitable height above the bottom, botton, thereby permitting
gradual equalization of the drain water within the tank 106. The
top surface of the baffle plates 107 and 108 are provided with
grooves 67 to permit air equalization and further to provide a
supporting structure for the bathtub 105. The vent pipe 68 (FIG. 7)
provides for gas escape and pressure equalization for the tank
106.
The vent pipe 68 is secured to the access plate 111 which in turn
is secured to the end wall of tank 106 by means of the embedded
stainless steel retaining ring 112, integral studs 113 and
retaining nuts 114. The access plate 111 provides access for the
clearing of obstructed drains, repairs or replacement to the
non-return valve 117, which is constructed of neoprene or other
suitable resilient material. The valve 117 is secured to the
conventional drain trap 116 by the hose clamp 118. The above
arrangement permits the flow of the tub drains into the holding
tank 106, but prevents their return.
The above mentioned baffle plate assembly can be related to the
conventional ice cube tray, in that the baffle plates subdivide the
water content into individual non-tight cells, thus permitting a
gradual ingress or egress of the drain water between the adjacent
cells. The above mentioned restriction to flow will diminish the
wave action of the accumulated drain waters, thereby reducing the
magnitude of the upsetting moments of force created by the free
surface effect of the fluid in motion, thereby providing a safer
holding tank for recreational vehicles and the like.
Sink and Bath Drain Transfer Assembly
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the sink and bath drain transfer
assembly, comprises a main drain line 124 common to the holding
tank drain line 121, lavatory sink drain line 122 and the kitchen
sink drain line 123. When the vehicle is parked the cross
connection valve 125 is manually opened by reach rod 126,
permitting free communication of the sink and lavatory drains with
the holding tank drains. The valve 125 is secured while traveling
to isolate the holding tank 106 to prevent possible surging of the
drain water into the sink and lavatory.
It appears feasible to install vertical non-return valves in the
drain lines 122 and 123, to prevent back surging in lieu of the
manual cut out valve 125.
The reach rods 29 and 126 previously mentioned are protected from
damage by the vehicle bumper 32 and could be enclosed to prevent
unauthorized use.
When the vehicle is hooked up to a park sewer receptor, the
accumulated sink and bath drains may be diverted into the toilet
holding tank drain line 25 through cut out valve 130 which is
operated by reach rod 131 located in locker 2 (see also FIG. 1)
thence through the horizontal swing check valve 132, in turn
through nipple 133, thence discharging into the elbow 27 of the
toilet holding tank drain line assembly, as previously
described.
When the vehicle is parked at a campsite in which sewer hookups are
not available, the accumulated drains may be diverted through the
drain valve 135 thereby controlling the flow of the drain water
into a catch bucket for ultimate carrying to a designated disposal
station. The terminal cap 136 is secured to the valve 135 when not
in use to prevent unauthorized draining.
Potable Water Holding Tank Assembly
Referring now to FIG. 2, the potable water holding tank 140 is
rectangular in plan and comprises an identical baffle plate system
with commensurate safety features as previously described for the
sink and bath drain holding tank 106. The exterior plating of the
tank 140 is provided with the conventional filling and discharge
pipe connections.
Electrical and Potable Water Transfer Assembly
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the inboard ends of the electric
entrance cable and the potable water hose 145 and 146 respectively,
are secured to the vehicle frame 31 as by clamps (not shown) to
prevent total withdrawal from their respective carrying tubes 147
and 148. The cable 145 and hose 146 are resilient and preformed
into helical coils which inherently bias themselves into contracted
states. The above arrangement provides a self-storing feature,
facilitating withdrawal and self-recoil into their respective
carrying tubes. The carrying tube cover doors 149 and 150 are
hinged at 151 and 152 respectively. The recesses 143 are provided
in the bottom overhang of the tubes 147 and 148 to receive the
cable 145 and hose 146 after a sufficient length has been withdrawn
to reach the park electric and water receptors. The doors 149 and
150 are then closed and locked to retain the unused coils within
the carrying tubes, which are not required for that particular
hookup. The above locking arrangement provides an adjustable means
to maintain adequate tension on the cable and hose to permit
self-support above the contaminated ground level. A lanyard may be
required to secure the electrical plug of the cable 145 to some of
the older type park receptors.
Referring now to FIG. 10, the adapter 154 provides a means to
facilitate connecting and disconnecting the quick change coupling
144 attached to the distal end of the hose 146 to the conventional
park garden hose valve.
The adapter 154 comprises a standard garden type threaded female
coupling 155, a hose gasket 156 and the male portion 157 of the
standard quick change coupling. The adapter 154 is further provided
with finger tightening spokes 158 to facilitate tightening the
adapter to the park water valve. The adapter is further provided
with a retaining ring 159 which in turn is secured to the hose 146
by lanyard 160 to prevent loss. The above adapter will be required
until national standardization of the park water valves are
provided with the male portion of the quick change coupling. The
conventional precoiled nylon air hose 146 and its attached quick
change coupling 144 are readily adaptable for use as a recreational
vehicle water hose, in addition the female portion of the quick
change coupling serves as a non-return check valve to retain the
water pressure in the vehicles potable water system when
disconnected from the male portion of the adapter 154.
The foregoing electrical and water transfer assembly eliminates the
need to disconnect the water hose from the vehicle water system,
and further to preclude the need to wash, tie and stow the cable
and hose in a conventional locker, amid other entangled
paraphernalia, thus transforming a dirty discomforting job into a
clean expeditious task.
Modified Toilet Holding Tank Drain Assembly
FIG. 11 illustrates a modified telescopic toilet holding tank drain
assembly constructed of ABS plastic or other suitable material. The
components having their counterparts in the first embodiment of the
invention are identified by the same reference numerals and only
those features requiring a change of parts are identified by new
reference numerals of the "200" series. The principal change is in
the water tight structure of the telescopic tubes and their
supporting vertical and horizontal rotatable elbows, which provide
the required flexibility for alignment with the park receptor, and
further provides for the proper gravitational draining and stowage
for traveling in a like manner described in the first embodiment of
the invention. The telescopic tube assembly T, comprises an elbow
200 with an integral handle 201. The elbow 200 is secured to the
distal end of the telescopic tube 202, which the latter in turn is
slidably engaged within the telescopic tube 203, the latter in turn
is slidably engaged within the supporting tube 204. The water tight
integrity is achieved between the telescopic tubes by the means of
a slidingly engaged neoprene stop and guide ring 206 which is
secured in an annular recess 205 on the upstream end of the
telescopic tube 203. The ring 206 is provided with a conical inlet
209, to minimize the restriction of flow, and to prevent the
accumulation of waste particles. The ring 206 fits snugly against
the inner wall of tube 204 and in conjunction with the peripheral
grooves 207 and the lands 208 provide a water tight means,
permitting the extension and retraction of the tube 203 within the
tube 204. A threaded terminal bushing 210 is secured to the distal
end of the tube 204. The bushing 210 is further provided with
integral stop and guide rings 211 and 214. The extension of tube
203 is terminated when the stop and guide ring 206 strikes the
stationary stop and guide ring 214, thereby providing suitable
overlap between the tubes 203 and 204 for mutual support. The
threaded end portion of ring 210 receives the hand tightened ring
nut 212, which in turn is provided with an O-ring 213, which the
latter in turn is seated against the stop and guide ring 211. An
annular recess 215 is provided between the stop and guide rings 211
and 214 to reduce frictional contact with the slidably engaged tube
203. The hand tightened ring nut 212 is tightened when the tube 203
has been extended to the desired length thus insuring maximum water
tight integrity from any small quantity of water that may have
leaked past the stop and guide ring 206. The stop and guide rings
206, 211 and 214 further provide support and concentric guidance
for the tube 203.
An identical water tight sealing assembly as described above is
installed between the telescopic tubes 202 and 203, but are not
described or illustrated in the interest of brevity. If and when
the standardization of the park sewer inlets become more exacting,
only one telescopic section may be required in lieu of the two
sections mentioned above.
The supporting tube 204 is secured to the threaded end of the elbow
220 and made water tight by O-ring 221 or other suitable gasket
material. The elbow 220 is rotatably engaged to nipple 223 and
secured thereto by the retaining bolt 224. The distal end of the
bolt 224 rotates within the annular groove 225 of the nipple 223. A
water tight seal is provided between the rotatable elbow 220 and
the fixed nipple 223 by the means of a pair of O-rings 227, thus
permitting the elbow 220 and the attached telescopic tube assembly,
to rotate horizontally about the fulcra nipple 223, for appropriate
alignment with the park receptor. The nipple 223 is secured to the
elbow 230, which in turn is secured to the nipple 231 (partially
shown) in an identical manner as previously described for the
rotatable end of the elbow 220. The vertical rotation of elbow 230
about its fulcra nipple 231, enables the telescopic tube assembly
to be transited from the draining to the stowage position as
previously described in the first embodiment of this invention. The
nipple 231 is secured to the elbow 232 which in turn is secured to
the nipple 233 which the later in turn is supported by bracket 234.
The bracket 234 should be secured to nipple 231, however for
purposes of clarity it is attached to the nipple 233. The bracket
234 is secured to the vehicle frame 31. The nipple 233 is secured
to the elbow 27, which in turn houses the water wash down jet
assembly J as previously described in the first embodiment of this
invention.
The above arrangement facilitates handling, connecting,
disconnecting, draining, washing and stowing of the toilet holding
tank drain transfer assembly, in addition it further provides for
adequate water tight integrity, supported drain incline and the
flexibility required to achieve its prescribed function. In the
event that future standardization may require the recreational
vehicle toilet drain line to be threadedly engaged to a park
receptor, comprising a 90.degree. elbow, connected to a vertical
sewer stand pipe, the necessary provisions have been made in this
invention to modify the terminal coupling as provided for in FIG.
12, comprising a threaded ball socket 233, secured to the distal
end of the telescopic tube 202. The hand tightening nut 234, is
threadedly engaged to the ball socket 233. An O-ring 235 is secured
within an annular recess in the ball socket 233, to effect water
tight integrity between the socket and the ball 236 when compressed
by the ring nut 234. Integral with the hollow ball 236 is a hollow
shaft 237, the latter in turn is externally provided with the hand
tightening grooves 238 and standard pipe threads 239 for engagement
to the park threaded elbow receptor.
In the event that standardization should turn toward a vertical
park sewer receptor, requiring a threaded connection, the elbow
200, previously described, could be mutually modified to receive
the above mentioned ball socket 233, in order to vertically orient
the axis of the ball shaft 237 for engagement of its threaded end
portion 239 to the vertical park sewer receptor.
Modified Jet Assembly
FIG. 13 illustrates a modified water wash down jet assembly. The
components having their counterparts in the first described
embodiment of the invention are identified by the same reference
numerals and only those features requiring a change of parts are
identified by new numerals of the "300" series. The principal
change is that the combination jet and non-return valve 301, is a
substitution for the swing check valve 49, the diffuser ball 36 and
the strainer plate 37. The valve 301 is shown in the open position,
as caused by the exertion of the wash-water pressure. The valve 301
is provided with the tangential orifices 302 and a diffuser cone
303 which impart a whirling motion to the water wash spray cone.
The valve 301 is slidably engaged with the valve body 304, which
has a conical outlet that provides a seat for the diffuser cone
303. When the potable water cut out valve 46 is secured, the valve
301, will be automatically urged into a closed position by the coil
spring 305, thus preventing the entry of waste particles into the
jet orifices 302.
Although two exemplary embodiments and modifications of the
invention have been disclosed herein for purposes of illustration,
it will be understood that various other changes, modifications and
substitutions may be incorporated without departing from the spirit
of the invention as defined by the claims which follow.
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