WO2005071186A1

WO2005071186A1 - Mobile changing cubicle

Info

Publication number: WO2005071186A1
Application number: PCT/SE2005/000093
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan SJÖDIN; Lars Fordner
Original assignee: Boxen Media Ab
Priority date: 2004-01-27
Filing date: 2005-01-27
Publication date: 2005-08-04
Also published as: DE202005020813U1; SE0400152D0; SE0400152L; SE525246C2; EP1716297A1

Abstract

Mobile changing cubicle principally comprising a vertically standing panel element (3), which is detachably arranged on a support element (5) for supporting said panel element (3). The support element (5) is mobile and is primarily designed, through its weight, to help maintain the largely vertical position of the panel element (3).

Description

Mobile changing cubicle

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mobile changing cubicle and a modular system according to the precharacterizing parts of claims 1 and 9 respectively. The present invention may be classified with mobile arrangements provided for changing when engaged in bathing, sports and leisure activities etc.

BACKGROUND ART

Over a long period of time a multiplicity of known arrangements have been invented in order to solve the problem of changing out of doors. US 5,331 ,778 shows a portable structure having dividable wall panels which entirely shield a person changing clothes, the structure being anchored to the ground by means of anchoring bolts. DE 1184466 shows a tent structure with frame which can be assembled and dismantled.

The problem with known structures is that they are susceptible to wind and weather and require anchoring to the ground, and that their constructions are not adaptable to provide a flexible system which can be erected according to prevailing space requirements and according to natural conditions, such as the state of the ground etc.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to eliminate said disadvantages and other disadvantages of known mobile changing cubicles.

A further object is to facilitate adaptation of the mobile changing cubicle to varying environments and requirements, for example out of doors and/or indoors, which is easy to store and transport.

A further object is to provide a mobile changing cubicle which affords a higher level of safety. A further object is to provide a mobile changing cubicle which increases the level of service and versatility.

A further object is to provide a mobile changing cubicle which can be used for advertising and accommodating most fixtures and fittings.

The mobile changing cubicle described in the introductory part achieves these objects through the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. In this way the changing cubicle can be easily transported to and from a place of storage, or moved to another location, whilst being able to use the changing cubicle in a modular system, it being possible to place the changing cubicle on any underlying surface such as sand, rock or clay out of doors, on indoor floors etc. The term mobile support element signifies, for example, that this is designed with means for lifting and transport, such as loops, pockets for forklift trucks etc. or that the support element can be dismantled. The changing cubicle according to the invention is thereby moveable and can be used on beaches, in parks, indoors, on gravel surfaces etc. according to requirements. The present changing cubicle can be produced with few parts. The changing cubicle can be freely placed on most underlying surfaces without the need for preparatory ground work or for fixed installations.

The panel element preferably comprises at least two panels that can be coupled together by means of a coupling member. In this way the panels can be angularly adjusted in relation to one another at a corner of a structure. Two plane panels create a satisfactory surface for applying information, advertising etc. An individual panel can be replaced in the event of vandalising, graffiti etc.

The panel element alternatively comprises an upright member detachably fitted to the support element. Multiple upright members can thereby be coupled together by means of fasteners in a mobile modular system. The upright members constitute a part of the aforementioned coupling member.

The support element suitably comprises a base part spanning the extent of the panel element, largely in a horizontal plane, the base part serving as floor. There is thereby no need for anchoring, so that the changing cubicle according to the invention can be placed on hard underlying surfaces or indoors, whilst providing a floor on which the person can stand to change.

The base part is preferably so rigid that the changing cubicle retains its shape when placing it on an uneven underlying surface and when in use. The present changing cubicle can thereby be placed on uneven underlying surfaces such as a pebbly beach, the top of a slope etc. without giving rise to stresses in the upper part of the panel element or in the coupling members.

The lower and upper edge of the panel element are alternatively arranged at such a distance from one another that a person changing is partially screened by the panel element and so that a person of normal height has a clear view over the upper edge. This creates an openness which protects the user from being seen but at the same time means that supervision of personal belongings, children etc. can be ensured. This also reduces the surface area exposed to the wind, which makes the mobile changing cubicle more stable. The absence of a roof means that the changing cubicle can have few parts, making it easy to transport.

The panel element and the support element suitably form a foundation for the attachment of parts, such as advertising boards, fixtures adapted for the disabled and access ramps, lifebuoys, waste paper bins, multimedia apparatus etc, according to the prevailing requirements. This creates a changing cubicle which enhances the level of service and the versatility.

The coupling member preferably comprises fasteners for easy, user-friendly handling in the form, for example, of lockable bolts, which lock panels and the base part together. This makes the theft of parts of the changing cubicle more difficult. Quick-fit couplings or clipped connections are other types of fasteners that may be used.

The modular system described in the introductory part achieves these objects through the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 9.

This creates a mobile changing cubicle which can readily be placed either out of doors or indoors on the surfaces that are available, and which is easily dismantled, flexible and of modular construction. A uniform standard is achieved whilst providing a varying level of service with regard to available facilities.

The plane geometry of the support element suitably corresponds, in the main, to the plane geometry of the panel element. The parts of the changing cubicle can thereby be stacked in a pack, the pack or bundle largely having regular edges, without having to transport incompletely filled volumes.

Further modules are a lifeguard platform module and a valuables safe- deposit module. They can be added separately or in combination with one another. Like the basic structure, both of the modules can be extended or dismantled, making them easy to move for winter storage, for example.

The lifeguard platform module preferably comprises a platform having a floor, railing, and arrangement for a locker, holder for flag and sunshade, steps and extension legs (fitted to the underside of the platform). These basic components give the mobile changing cubicle an enhanced functionality/utility, which means that one or more persons can exercise supervision over bathers in the sea, a lake or a heated swimming pool.

The lifeguard platform is very easy to assemble, since the extension legs are designed to be fitted on the outside of the changing cubicle's existing corner uprights and centre upright and in this way form a raised unit. The dimensions of the platform are equal to the outside dimensions of the changing cubicle. The extension legs are anchored in the existing structure with through-bolts and lock nuts.

The valuables safe-deposit module (one or more modules) affords yet another function which provides safekeeping of valuables when visiting the facility in question. Four safe-deposit modules are preferably fitted to the existing changing cubicle (one module coming from each corner upright), which would mean 240 safe-deposit lockers, for example. The valuables safe-deposit module is fitted to at least one wall element and preferably comprises safe-deposit lockers (30 per wall side, for example), a folded roof which is folded over the top locker units, a closing (end) part, which comprises a height adjustment device and a connecting clamp arrangement (fitted around the respective corner upright).

A valuables safe-deposit module suitably comprises 60 safe-deposit locker s (30 on each side) and is easily fitted around the existing corner upright by means of two clamp-like fasteners at the top and bottom edge of the upright, and is secured by means of hexagon bolts to the inside of the upright. A lock can simply complete the securing arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings showing the following schematic representations:

Fig. 1 represents a mobile changing cubicle according to the invention, located on a beach;

Figs. 2a-2c show various embodiments of the changing cubicle according to the invention; Fig. 2d represents two panels that can be coupled together;

Fig. 3 shows a mobile changing cubicle according to a further embodiment;

Fig. 4a shows the changing cubicle in Fig. 3 partially dismantled;

Figs. 4b-4d show fasteners and coupling members according to one embodiment; Figs. 4e-4g show cross-sections through various types of panels;

Figs. 5a-5c show different types of base parts;

Fig. 6a represents the mobile changing cubicle in Fig. 3 equipped with fixtures and fittings;

Fig. 6b shows a changing cubicle comprising wheeled access ramp; and Figs. 7a-7d show plan views of a modular system comprising changing cubicles.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures. For the sake of clarity, parts which are of no significance for the invention will not be represented. The term mobile is synonymous with the term movable.

Fig. 1 shows a mobile changing cubicle 1 , in this application also called a cubicle 1 , largely comprising a vertically standing panel element 3, which is detachably arranged on a support element 5 for supporting the panel element 3. The cubicle 1 has been placed on a beach and a person 7 changing can watch over his belongings 9 and child 11. The support element 5 comprises a base part 13 spanning the extent of the panel element 3, largely in a horizontal plane, the base part 13 serving as floor. The cubicle 1 , thanks primarily to the base part 13, does not need to be anchored to the ground, so that the cubicle 1 is movable for precise adjustment. The support element 5, comprising the base part 13, is mobile and is primarily designed, through its weight, to help maintain the largely vertical position of the panel element 3. By virtue of its design the cubicle 1 is capable of withstanding even very strong winds. Secondly the cubicle 1 may (from the safety point of view) have supplementary ground anchorage, such as stakes, anchors etc driven into the ground and connected to the base part 13.

Figs. 2a-2c show plan views of variants of changing cubicles 1. Fig. 2a shows a cubicle 1 having a helical panel element 3 of injection moulded plastic arranged on a base part 13. Fig. 2b shows a cubicle 1 having two joined panels 4 coupled at the corner to a base part 13. The cubicle 1 has been placed indoors in a corner 15, so that the person 7 changing has privacy and the changing procedure is facilitated. The two panels 4 can be coupled together by means of a coupling member (ref. 17), which will be explained in more detail below. Fig. 2c shows a further variant of a cubicle 1 , in which the panel element 3 comprises an upright member 19, in the form of a stake, detachably arranged by bolting to the support element 5. Three cubicles 1 have been coupled together in a modular system 21 , in which the base parts 13 of the cubicle 1 combine to ensure that the vertical position of the panel elements 3 is maintained. One of the cubicles 1 is designed with a door 23. Fig. 2d shows another variant of the coupling member 17, the coupling member 17 comprising fasteners 25 for easy, user-friendly handling, which is achieved by two panels 4 that can be joined together, the edge of one panel 4 being provided with flaps 27 and recesses 29 corresponding to flaps and recesses in the other panel, so that it is possible to fit them together. The joint is locked by means of clipped connections (not shown).

A further variant of the cubicle is shown in Figs. 3 and 4a. The mobile cubicle 1 is an easily dismantled, flexible and modular structure, which can easily be put in place according to the prevailing needs and requirements. The cubicle 1 has five panels 4', 4", 4'", 4"", 4'"" of approximately 1.5 mm, preferably 1-3 mm sheet steel. The panels comprise reinforcing elements 31 in the form of ribs 33 welded to the insides of the panels. The panel element 3, formed from the panels, comprises an upright member 19 in the form of six metal profile legs 35, detachably arranged on the support element 5. Flanges 37 of the lower ends of each profile leg 35 are firmly bolted to a profile frame 39 of the support element 5 and firmly clamp a wooden duckboard 41 composed of impregnated timber to the lower parts of the profile frame 39, as is also clearly shown in Fig. 5a. The profile frame 39 has a sufficient thickness of material so that the base part 13 remains sufficiently rigid for the cubicle 1 to retain its shape when placing the cubicle 1 on an uneven underlying surface and when using the cubicle 1. This thickness of material helps to make the base part heavy enough to ensure that the panels 4 are maintained in a vertical position, without the base part becoming cumbersome in transport. Three panels 4'"", 4', 4'" are joined together by welding to the six profile legs 35, the two remaining panels 4", 4"" being bolted together with these three panels. The cubicle 1 does not have a roof. The distance H from the upper part of the base part 13 to the upper edge of the panels is approximately 155-165 cm, preferably 140-170 cm. The distance h between the base part 13 and the lower edge of the panels is 20- 40 cm, preferably 10-50 cm. These distances mean that a person looking at the cubicle can see whether anyone is using it, and that a user can keep watch on his personal belongings, children etc, whilst the surface exposed to the wind is reduced, which further helps to ensure that the largely vertical position of the panel element 3 is maintained in strong winds. Loops 38 are fitted to the profile frame 39, the loops 38 being intended to be coupled to a further base part 13 or extension frame for constructing a modular system. The panels may be plates with bent edges or with welded tubes as reinforcement. The profile frame may be hot-dip galvanized.

The lower edge 42 and upper edge 43 of the panel element 3 are arranged at a distance from one another so that a person 7 changing is partially hidden by the panel element 3 and so that a person of normal height can have a clear view over the upper edge 43.

Fig. 4b shows a cross-section of the profile leg 35 in Fig. 4a. Slots 45 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the profile leg 35, the slots in extent approximately corresponding to the height of the panel 4 and beginning in the upper section of the profile leg 35. A projecting section 47 of the panel 4, which is shown in Fig. 4c, is fitted into the slot 45 and is locked by means of a locking flap 49, which also protects the inside of the profile leg 35 from rain, sand etc. The locking flap 49 is provided with a padlock (not shown). Fig. 4d shows the same as Fig. 4c, viewed from above. Fig. 4e represents a panel 4 having bent edges forming reinforcing elements 31. Fig. 4f illustrates a panel 4 of corrugated sheet metal comprising a flattened end 51 with reinforcement 53 welded on. The end 51 of the panel is firmly bolted to the upright member 19, which has a circular cross-section according to a further embodiment. Fig. 4g shows a moulded plastic panel having four reinforcing strips 55.

Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c show variants of base parts 13. Fig. 5a shows how a wooden duckboard 41 , when installing the cubicle 1 in place, is sunk in the profile frame 39 and is fixed by means of the upright member 19, firmly bolted by means of lockable bolts 57 (shown by dashed lines). The weight of the wooden duckboard 41 and the profile frame 39 ensure that the largely vertical position of the panels 4 is maintained. Fig. 5b shows a base part 13, which has been adapted for coupling to a wheeled access ramp 59, which can be used for wheel chairs, children's prams etc. The wheeled access ramp 59 is articulated by way of a pin joint 61. Fig. 5c shows a further embodiment, in which the profile leg 35 does not have any flange 37, but can be sunk in a casing 63 arranged at the corner of a "high" base part 13 comprising a framework 65 accommodating ballast 67, which also forms the floor of the cubicle 1. A lockable pin (not shown) through a hole 69 locks the panel 4 to the base part 13. Figs. 6a and 6b represent the panel element 3 and the support element 5 shown in Fig. 3, but with the difference that these form a foundation for the attachment of parts, such as advertising boards 71 , fixtures adapted for the disabled, such as a hand grip 73 and bench 75, which also lends stability to the cubicle 1 , wheeled access ramp 59, lifebuoy/lifeline 77, waste paper bin (not shown), multimedia apparatus 79, stainless steel mirror 90, signal flag 80 (see Fig. 1 ) etc, according to the prevailing requirements. Fig. 6b shows a model of a cubicle 1 in which a door 23 is used instead of an inward- aligned panel 4'. Screws passing through the panel 4 can hold together parts opposite one another on either side of the panel.

Fig. 7a shows a modular system 21 comprising three cubicles 1 , 1", 1'". The panel element 3 of one changing cubicle 1 can be coupled to a panel element 3 of the second changing cubicle 1 in order to connect the changing cubicles 1 together. The figure shows the use of an unattached panel 400, which partly forms a wall, and partly a coupling member 17. The rear panel of the cubicle V is not fitted in order to provide a through-passage. A third cubicle 1 "' is also used for coupling between the cubicles 1 and 1 ' by means of a rear panel 4"", which is also made higher (including heightening part) in order to prevent anybody seeing into the third cubicle 1 '" from the space between the cubicles 1 and V.

Fig. 7b represents a plan view of a profile leg 35 in Fig. 7a, the profile leg 35 comprising four slots 45. The right-hand slot 45' has been closed again by means of a sealing strip 81 , which can easily be removed and a further panel element 3 can be coupled to the profile leg 35. Fig. 7c shows different variants of the geometry of base parts 13, in which recesses 83 in the corner section of certain base parts 13 are provided so that a common upright member 19 can be used. According to another variant of the modular system 21 all base parts 13 have an identical geometry and the upright members 19 are coupled together by way of H-shaped connecting parts 85 or bolted together, as shown in Fig. 7d.

In the modular system 21 in the example described above the plane geometry of the support element 5 largely corresponds to the plane geometry of the panel element 3. That is to say both the base part 13 and the panels 4 have a square shape, for example, which saves space during transport and which means that when putting the cubicles 1 together they can be joined together to form a system adapted to the prevailing requirements. The modular system 21 is not dependent on the ultimate position of the openings 87 (see Fig. 7), it being possible to turn each cubicle 1 to the desired position without the need to rearrange adjacent cubicles 1 in order to do this.

Other fastening arrangements exist within the scope of the present invention and the examples described above must not be seen as limitative, the invention rather being disclosed by what is specified in the following patent claims. Fasteners may be screws, bolts, locking rings, bands etc. Other geometries of the base parts such as triangular, circular etc. may naturally be used. The panel reinforcing elements may consist of channels, greater material thicknesses, walls of box construction etc. Upright members may have different profiles, such as l-shaped, H-shaped or triangular profiles etc. The panels of the cubicle may be made of plastics, MDF, film-coated glass, aluminium etc. If ballast is used in the base part, naturally occurring material such as sand, gravel, stones etc. may be used according to the natural conditions. Different reinforcements can obviously be arranged according to need, such as inclined braces or cross-bracing tying the various panels together. The solution can readily be enlarged sideways or lengthways and can also be provided with a sliding door to suit other user categories such as the disabled.

Further modules are a lifeguard platform module and a valuables safe- deposit module (not shown). They can be added separately or in combination with one another. Like the basic structure, both of the modules can be extended or dismantled, making them easy to move for winter storage, for example. The lifeguard platform module preferably comprises a platform having a floor, railing, and arrangement for locker, holder for flag and sunshade, steps and extension legs (fitted to the underside of the platform). These basic components give the mobile changing cubicle an enhanced functionality/utility, which means that one or more persons can exercise supervision over bathers in the sea, a lake or a heated swimming pool.

The lifeguard platform is very easy to assemble, since the extension legs are designed to be fitted on the outside of the changing cubicle's existing corner uprights and centre upright and in this way form a raised unit. The dimensions of the platform connect to the outside dimensions of the changing cubicle. The extension legs are anchored in the existing structure with through-bolts and lock nuts.

The valuables safe-deposit module (one or more modules) affords yet another function which provides safekeeping of valuables when visiting the facility in question. Four safe-deposit modules are preferably fitted to the existing changing cubicle (one module coming from each corner upright), which would mean 240 safe-deposit lockers, for example. The valuables safe-deposit module is fitted to at least one wall element and preferably comprises safe-deposit lockers (30 per wall side, for example), a folded roof which is folded over the top locker units, a closing (end) part, which comprises a height adjustment device and a connecting clamp arrangement (fitted around the respective corner upright). A valuables safe-deposit module suitably comprises 60 safe-deposit lockers (30 on each side) and is easily fitted around the existing corner upright by means of two clamp-like fasteners at the top and bottom edge of the upright, and is secured by means of hexagon bolts to the inside of the upright. A lock can simply complete the fastening arrangement. The safe-deposit lockers (approved standard locker suited to the safekeeping of wallets, keys, mobile phones etc.) are suitably provided with a shackle for a padlock. A suitable size for the safe-deposit locker is 15 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm.

Claims

1. Mobile changing cubicle principally comprising a vertically standing panel element (3), which is detachably arranged on a support element (5) for supporting said panel element (3) characterized in that said support element (5) is mobile and is primarily designed, through its weight, to help maintain the largely vertical position of the panel element (3).

2. Mobile changing cubicle according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said panel element (3) comprises at least two panels (4) that can be coupled together by means of a coupling member (17).

3. Mobile changing cubicle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said panel element (3) comprises an upright member (19) detachably arranged on said support element (5).

4. Mobile changing cubicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said support element (5) comprises a base part (13) spanning the extent of the panel element, largely in a horizontal plane, the base part (13) serving as floor.

5. Mobile changing cubicle according to Claim 4, characterized in that said base part (13) is so rigid that the changing cubicle (1) retains its shape when placing it on an uneven underlying surface and when in use.

6. Mobile changing cubicle according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the lower edge (42) and upper edge (43) of said panel element (3) are arranged at such a distance from one another that a person (7) changing is partially screened by the panel element (3) and so that a person of normal height has a clear view over the upper edge (43).

7. Mobile changing cubicle according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that said panel element (3) and said support element (5) form a foundation for the attachment of parts, such as advertising boards (71 ), fixtures adapted for the disabled and access ramps (59), lifebuoys (77), waste paper bins, multimedia apparatus (79) etc, according to the prevailing requirements.

8. Mobile changing cubicle according to any one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the coupling member (17) comprises fasteners (25) for easy, user-friendly handling.

9. Modular system comprising at least two changing cubicles (1 ) according to Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said panel element (3) of one changing cubicle (1 ) can be coupled to a panel element (3) of the other changing cubicle (1 ) for joining the changing cubicles together.

10. Modular system according to Claim 9, characterized in that the plane geometry of said support element (5) largely corresponds to the plane geometry of said panel element (3).