US20060260032A1

US20060260032A1 - Anti-splash device for fixtures

Info

Publication number: US20060260032A1
Application number: US11/419,638
Authority: US
Inventors: James Smartt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-23
Filing date: 2006-05-22
Publication date: 2006-11-23
Also published as: CA2609698A1; WO2006128023A2; WO2006128023A3

Abstract

A drain cover is provided having an anti-splash device and an enclosure for containing the deodorant block. The enclosure projects upwardly from a drain cover. The anti-splash device projects upwardly from the enclosure so that the anti-splash device is disposed above the top surface of the enclosure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for reducing or eliminating splashing of fluids, and more particularly to devices for reducing or eliminating splashing in fixtures, such as urinals.

BACKGROUND

A variety of devices and inserts have been developed for controlling the splashing of fluids in urinals. Many of the known inserts contain a deodorizing block or cake, which emits a sanitary scent in the urinal basin. Inserts are typically placed in a centralized location over or adjacent to the drain in the urinal. Although there are numerous advantages to having an insert with a deodorizing block, the known devices typically increase a splash back onto the user. Furthermore, urinal inserts are considered commodity items so that the acceptance of any improvement will be highly dependent upon the cost of the improved device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, the present invention provides a urinal insert that reduces the splash back on the user. The efficient design provides the desired result at a minimal cost.
More specifically, an anti-splash drain cover is provided having a base, an enclosure and a splash reducing element is provided According to one aspect, the base is configured to overlie the drain of a urinal. The enclosure projects upwardly from the base and comprises at least one wall and a top surface forming a cover over a chamber formed by the at least one wall. The enclosure is configured so that the diameter of the chamber is greater than the height of the chamber and the chamber is configured to receive a deodorant block. The enclosure also includes one or more openings to allow fluid flow through the enclosure. According to one aspect, the rotatable splash-reducing element is connected to the top surface of the enclosure and projects upwardly from the top surface. Further, the rotatable element may be configured to impede splashing of fluid back toward the source of a stream of fluid.
According to another aspect of the invention, an anti-splash drain cover is provided, which comprises a base, an enclosure projecting upwardly from the base and a displaceable splash reducing element. The displaceable splash-reducing element projects upwardly adjacent the top surface, and the displaceable element is configured to impede splashing of fluid back toward the source of a stream of fluid.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, an anti-splash drain cover is provided that includes a base configured to overlie a drain and an enclosure projecting upwardly from the base. The enclosure may be configured to receive a deodorant block. A splash-reducing element connected to a top surface of the enclosure is configured to impede splashing of fluid back toward the source of a stream of fluid. Additionally, the splash-reducing element may be positioned and configured to overlie any continuous surface on the top surface of the enclosure having a width of approximately ¼ inch or greater.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the figures in which:
FIG. 1 is a top view of a device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a top view of a device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a top view of a device in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a top view of a device in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is a top view of a device in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 13.,
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The drawbacks of known urinal inserts are solved to a great degree by the present invention, which features an interactive anti-splash device that may be placed in the drain area of a urinal. The device includes a base portion and one or more anti-splash elements or elements that extend from the base portion. The anti-splash elements attract the attention of the individual using the urinal and are designed to disperse the stream of fluid to reduce or eliminate urine from splashing back onto the individual and other surfaces.
The device may have a variety of configurations to channel or deflect urine around the drain opening of the urinal. Referring to the drawing figures in general, and to FIGS. 1 and 2 specifically, a device 20 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The device 20 is dimensioned for placement adjacent a drain opening at the bottom of a urinal. The device 20 has a generally cylindrical base portion 21 supported by a mesh body 28. The base portion 21 has a hollow screen 24 with a substantially flat supporting surface 22. The screen 24 surrounds an interior chamber 26. The screen 24 and chamber 26 preferably have a diameter that is large enough to cover the drain opening at the bottom of the urinal. In addition, the diameter and height of the inner chamber 26 is preferably large enough to fit a deodorant cake or block. In FIG. 1, the device 20 includes a disk-shaped deodorant cake 50 in the interior chamber 26 of the screen 24.
An anti-splash element 30 extends from the supporting surface 22 in a conspicuous manner to attract the attention of the individual using the urinal. The anti-splash element 30 may have a variety of shapes and configurations to disperse the stream of fluid. Additionally, the conspicuous nature of the anti-splash element 30 urges the individual to concentrate the urine stream on the drain area, as opposed to the back wall of the urinal, sides of the urinal, or other surfaces on the fixture.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, the device 20 includes a pin wheel or propeller 30 mounted on the support surface 22 of the base 21. The pin wheel 30 spins or rotates in response to contact with a urine stream to disperse the stream of fluid. The spinning effect of the pin wheel 30 also provides an efficient and effective mechanism for encouraging the direction of urine into the drain area. The pin wheel 30 has a pair of blades 32 supported on a shaft or axle 33. The blades 32 may be rotatably connected with the shaft 33, so that the blades rotate while the shafts remains fixed relative to the base 21. Alternatively, the blades 32 and shaft 33 may be fixed to one another and rotate as a unit relative to the base. In either arrangement, the blades 32 spin in response to the pressure exerted by the urine stream when the stream contacts the blades. The friction between the blades 32 and shaft 33 is preferably minimized to provide maximum rotational response when urine impinges on the blades. The blades 32 may rotate at different velocities, depending on the force being exerted by the urine stream.
Each blade 32 has a specific hydraulic contour to facilitate rotation of the propeller 30 when a stream of urine contacts the propeller. In this arrangement, the propeller 30 responds like a turbine when a urine stream contacts the blades. The contour of each blade 32 is configured to deflect urine laterally as the propeller rotates. This causes the blades 32 to rotate, and dissipates the kinetic energy of the urine stream, so that the urine has a reduced velocity when it reaches the urinal or drain area. The reduced velocity of the urine greatly reduces or restrains splashing of urine in the urinal basin, so that the stream of urine remains in the drain area.
The device may use a variety of propeller structures that spin in response to contact with a urine stream. For example, the device may include propellers having three, four or more blades. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a device 120 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention is shown. The device 120 includes a base portion 121 and pin wheel or propeller 130 mounted on a supporting surface 122. The propeller 130 has three blades 132 pivotally mounted on a shaft 133. The blades 132 spin in response to contact with a stream of urine.
It may be desirable to use a variety of indicia on the propeller 130 to attract attention and maintain the attention on the propeller. For example, the blades 132 may include an assortment of bright colors. Alternatively, the blades may include a variety of visible indicia, such as symbols or characters that can be read by the user. In FIG. 3, each blade 132 includes a numerical indicia. The numerical indicia are the numbers 1-2-3 arranged in a counter-clockwise arrangement The arrangement suggests a counter-clockwise direction of rotation that can be accomplished if the urine stream is concentrated on the propeller. This visual signal induces the individual to focus attention on the propeller, direct the urine stream onto the propeller, and maintain the urine stream on the propeller to produce a desired or anticipated effect. As a result, the individual knowingly or unknowingly concentrates the urine stream onto the anti-splash element, rather than other surfaces.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a device 220 in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention is shown. The device 220 includes a base portion 221 and pin wheel or propeller 230 mounted on a supporting surface 222. The propeller 230 has four blades 232 pivotally mounted on a shaft 233, similar to the first and second embodiments. The blades 232 spin in response to contact with a stream of urine.
Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a device 320 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown. The device 320 includes a base portion 321 and a spherical flow distributor 330 mounted on a support surface 322. The flow distributor 330 has an exterior surface 332 that receives urine and disperses the urine over the exterior of the distributor, after which the urine goes into the drain area at a reduced velocity. The exterior surface 332 may have a plurality of apertures 334 that collect urine and pass the urine down into the drain area.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a device 420 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown. The device 420 includes a base portion 421 and an elongated post or extension 430 mounted on a support surface 422. The post 430 has a rounded contour that receives urine and disperses the urine over the exterior of the post, after which the urine goes into the drain area at a reduced velocity.
Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a device 520 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention is shown. The device 520 includes a base portion 521 and a spherical or dome-shaped flow distributor 530 mounted on a support surface 522. The flow distributor 530 has an exterior surface 532 that receives urine and disperses the urine over the exterior of the distributor, after which the urine goes into the drain area at a reduced velocity.
Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a device 620 in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention is shown. The device 620 includes a base portion 621 and a spherical or dome-shaped flow distributor 630 mounted on a support surface 622. The flow distributor 630 has a dome-shaped exterior surface 632 that receives urine and disperses the urine over the distributor, after which the urine goes into the drain area at a reduced velocity. The exterior surface 632 has a plurality of apertures 634 that collect urine flowing over the distributor 630 and distribute the urine into the drain area. The distributor 630 forms an inner chamber 636 that contains a pin wheel or propeller 640. The pin wheel 640 is visible through the apertures 634 on the top of the flow distributor 630. The pin wheel 640 has a plurality of blades 642 rotatably mounted on a shaft 643. The blades 642 spin in response to pressure exerted by urine that passes through the apertures 634 in the flow distributor 630. If desired, the flow distributor 630 may be rotatably mounted on the shaft 643 so that it also rotates in response to pressure exerted by the urine stream. Alternatively, the flow distributor 630 may remain fixed relative to the base 621. The flow distributor 630 and pin wheel 640 also combine to dissipate kinetic energy of the urine stream and minimize splattering or splash-back of urine onto the person and other surfaces on or in the vicinity of the urinal.
Referring now to FIG. 15, a further embodiment is illustrated. The device 720 is similar to the foregoing embodiments in that it incorporates an anti-splash element 750 mounted onto an enclosure 740 that is attached to a drain cover base element 730.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the base element 730 is a generally planar element that is formed into a generally triangularly-shaped element having rounded corners and concave sides. However, the exact shape of the base may be varied depending on the application for the device. The base includes a plurality of holes and or slits to allow fluid to readily flow through the base and down a drain.
The device further includes an enclosure 740 for receiving and maintaining a deodorant block. In the present embodiment, the enclosure is a generally cylindrical element projecting upwardly from the base element 730. More specifically, the enclosure includes a side wall 742 projecting upwardly so that a shoulder is formed at the intersection of the sidewall and the base 730. A top surface 744 is attached to the top edge of the side wall 742. In this way, the side wall and the top surface combine to form walls that define a chamber 746 configured to receive a deodorant block, which may be cylindrical block having a height that is less than its diameter.
The walls of the enclosure 740 may be configured having various surfaces and textures. For instance, as shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of spaced apart parallel ridges are formed on the surface of the side wall 742, extending vertically. On the top, a plurality of spaced apart ridges extend radially outwardly from the center of the top surface 744 projecting upwardly. However, the enclosure 740 may be formed of differently configured surfaces, such as generally smooth surfaces if desired. Additionally, the enclosure comprises a plurality of openings to allow fluid flow through the walls of the enclosure.
The anti-splash element 750 projects upwardly above the top surface 744 of the enclosure 740 so that preferably a stream of fluid impinges the anti-splash element prior to contacting the top surface. More specifically, the anti-splash element 750 comprises a generally vertical shaft 752 projecting upwardly from the top surface 744 of the enclosure. In the present instance, the shaft is integrally molded with the enclosure.
A propeller 754 is rotatably attached to the vertical shaft so that the propeller rotates in a generally horizontal plane. In the present instance, the propeller comprises a plurality of blades, such as six blades. At least one surface of the blades forms an angle relative to the shaft to channel the fluid downwardly and away from the user and toward the drain. More specifically, a surface of the blades forms an angle with the axis that is greater than 0 degrees, but less than 90 degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the blades have a leading surface that forms an angle relative to the shaft of between 30 and 60 degrees. Furthermore, each of the blades has a trailing surface that forms an angle relative to the shaft of between 30 and 60 degrees. The leading and trailing surfaces angle toward one another. In this way, a stream of fluid impinging the angled leading surface tends to cause the propeller to rotate in a first direction, whereas a stream of fluid impinging the angled trailing surface tends to cause the propeller to rotate in the opposite direction.
In the present embodiment, the anti-splash element is configured to overlie any continuous surface on the top surface 744 of the enclosure that could tend to cause splash back of a stream of fluid. More specifically, the top surface 744 is formed so that the top surface is generally devoid of continuous surfaces having a width of approximately ¼ inch or ½ cm or greater. As shown in FIG. 15, the top surface is formed from a web of elongated arms 745. The arms have a length that is greater than their width, with the arms preferably being limited to a width of approximately ⅛ inch or ¼ cm or less. The space between the arms 745 is open to allow flow of fluid through the top surface. Further, the anti-splash element 740 is positioned and configured to overlie any continuous surface on the top surface having a width of approximately ¼ inch or ½ cm or larger. For instance, in FIG. 15, the outer radial edge of the propeller blades overlie the continuous surface formed by the base of the shaft 752 and any continuous surface of the top surface 744 adjacent the shaft. In this way, when a stream of fluid is directed at the top surface of the enclosure, rather than contacting any rigid flat surface, the stream of fluid impinges on either the blades of the propeller or the narrow arms 745 thereby limiting splash back.
As the stream of fluid flows over the propeller, the blades of the propeller disperse the fluid. Additionally, since the blades readily rotate, the force of the fluid flow operates to rotate the propeller. Since the impact surface moves, the stream of fluid tends to splash back less than if the impact surface is fixed.
Referring to FIG. 16 another embodiment is illustrated. The embodiment in FIG. 16 is substantially similar to the embodiment in FIG. 15 except for the configuration of the anti-splash element 850. In FIG. 16, the device 820 includes a propeller 854 wherein each blade has a single angled surface. Specifically, each blade forms an angle with the axis that is greater than 0 degrees, but less than 90 degrees. In the embodiment shown in Fig, 16, the blades have a leading surface that forms an angle relative to the shaft of between 30 and 60 degrees.
Although the anti-splash element 750, 850 may be configured in various ways, as shown in FIG. 15-16, the anti-splash element is a solitary element projecting upwardly from the top surface of the enclosure 740, 840. Further, the propeller is at or adjacent the center of the top surface, and the propeller has a radius that is at least approximately ⅓ the radius of the top surface, as shown in FIG. 15 and in the instance of the embodiment in FIG. 16 is at least approximately ⅔ the radius of the top surface. However, preferably the radius of the propeller is less than the radius of the top surface so that the propeller does not extend beyond the edge of the enclosure 740, 840.
The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation. There is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. It is recognized, therefore, that various modifications are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the present invention has been shown and described in connection with urinals that are used in men's lavatories. The device of the present invention may be installed in a variety of fixtures where fluids are discharged, flushed and disposed, however. For example, the device of the present invention may be installed in drain pipes connected to sinks, wash basins, shower stalls, water fountains and other plumbing fixtures. The present invention has also been shown with pin wheels, spherical flow distributors, posts, and dome-shaped flow distributors. A variety of other anti-splash elements may be used, and the invention is not limited to the specific anti-splash elements illustrated in the drawings. For example, the anti-splash element may include paddle wheels, spinning baffles and other movable structures. Accordingly, the invention incorporates variations that fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An anti-splash urinal drain cover, comprising;

a base configured to overlie the drain of a urinal;

an enclosure projecting upwardly from the base comprising

at least one wall projecting upwardly from the base;

a top surface forming a cover over a chamber formed by the at least one wall, wherein the enclosure is configured so that the diameter of the chamber is greater than the height of the chamber and the chamber is configured to receive a deodorant block; and

one or more openings to allow fluid flow through the enclosure; and

a rotatable splash-reducing element connected to the top surface of the enclosure and projecting upwardly from the top surface, wherein the splash-reducing element is configured to impede splashing of fluid back toward the source of a stream of fluid.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the rotatable splash-reducing element comprises a plurality of blades connected to a shaft, wherein the blades are rotatable in response to contact with the stream of fluid.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of blades has a surface forming an angle relative to the axis of the shaft.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the plurality of blades are rotatable relative to the shaft.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the splash-reducing element is configured to rotate in response to the force of a stream of fluid against the splash-reducing element.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein each blade forms an angle with the axis of the shaft of between zero degrees and ninety degrees.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein each blade forms an angle with the axis of the shaft of between 45 degrees and 60 degrees.

8. The device of claim 1 comprising a deodorant block disposed within the chamber.

9. An anti-splash drain cover, comprising:

a base configured to overlie a drain;

an enclosure projecting upwardly from the base, wherein the enclosure comprises an internal chamber configured to receive a deodorant block and a plurality of opening to allow fluid flow through the enclosure; and

a displaceable splash-reducing element connected to a top surface of the enclosure and projecting upwardly from the top surface, wherein the displaceable element is configured to impede splashing of fluid back toward the source of a stream of fluid.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the rotatable splash-reducing element comprises a plurality of blades connected to a shaft, wherein the blades are rotatable in response to contact with the stream of fluid.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein each of the plurality of blades has a surface forming an angle relative to the axis of the shaft.

12. The device of claim 10 wherein the plurality of blades are rotatable relative to the shaft.

13. The device of claim 9 wherein the splash-reducing element is configured to rotate in response to the force of a stream of fluid against the splash-reducing element.

14. The device of claim 10 wherein each blade forms an angle with the axis of the shaft of between zero degrees and ninety degrees.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein each blade forms an angle with the axis of the shaft of between 45 degrees and 60 degrees.

16. An anti-splash drain cover, comprising:

a base configured to overlie a drain;

an enclosure projecting upwardly from the base, wherein the enclosure comprises an internal chamber configured to receive a deodorant block; and

a splash-reducing element connected to a top surface of the enclosure, wherein the splash-reducing element is configured to impede splashing of fluid back toward the source of a stream of fluid;

wherein the splash-reducing element is positioned and configured to overlie any continuous surface on the top surface of the enclosure having a width of approximately ¼ inch or greater.

17. The drain cover of claim 16 wherein a continuous surface having a width of approximately ¼ inch or greater is formed at an intersection of the splash reducing element and the top surface of the enclosure and the remaining portion of the top surface is substantially devoid of continuous surfaces having a width of approximately ¼ inch or greater.

18. The drain cover of claim 16 wherein the splash-reducing element comprises a rotatable element.

19. The drain cover of claim 18 wherein the top surface of the enclosure has a width and the rotatable element has a diameter that is at least approximately ⅓ of the width of the top surface.

20. The drain cover of claim 16 wherein the splash-reducing element is a single moveable element projecting upwardly from the top surface from the approximate center of the top surface.