Urinal coaster

Abstract

A urinal coaster affixed to an upper portion of a plumbing fixture of a urinal. The coaster includes a planar section affixed to a top of the plumbing fixture by an elastomeric attachment section surrounding the upper portion of the plumbing fixture. A beverage container may be positioned on top of the planar section.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to urinals, and more particularly, to a coaster affixed to a top portion of a plumbing fixture of a urinal.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] For a variety of reasons, it is not uncommon for people to hold their beverage container with them at all times at a public bar, restaurant, or public event location. Specifically, many men fear that if their beverage containers are left unattended, that the containers will be removed or tampered with. One place where it is awkward to carry the beverage container is into the restroom. When a man is urinating in a conventional urinal, many men place their beverage containers, such as beer bottles on top of the upper portion of the urinal. However, this place provides a precarious perch for the beverage container since most plumbing fixtures include a large hex-shaped nut protruding from the top of the plumbing fixture. Yet, many men still place the beverage container in this location, which can result in the inadvertent spillage of the beverage container. Additionally, since men must spend a limited period of time urinating, there is a brief moment in which the men have nothing to do. The urinal offers an ideal location to place various advertisements for review by urinating patrons. Currently, many facilities, such as bars, include bulletin boards to provide reading material to men utilizing the urinals. However, there is no existing device which covers the upper portion of the urinal with advertising space. A device is needed which provides a safe convenient perch for placement of a beverage container for a man urinating in a conventional public urinal, while providing an advertisement place for review by the urinating man.

[0005] Although there are no known prior art teachings of a device such as that disclosed herein, prior art references that discuss subject matter that bears some relation to matters discussed herein are U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,733 to Shields (Shields), U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,770 to Louthan (Louthan), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,292 to O'Toole (O'Toole). Shields discloses an adjustable support device for use in a vehicle for removably securing an open container to prevent the spillage of the contents within the container. The support device includes a pair of adjacent ring members secured together so as to prevent separation while allowing for relative rotation about a common central axis. The lower ring member is defined by the upper portion of a base member which also defines a horizontal beverage container support surface and a non-skid lower bottom surface adapted to rest on a horizontal surface in a vehicle. A plurality of radial gripping flanges are carried by and project outwardly from the ring members which are adapted to be grasped by the user to facilitate relative rotation of the ring members. However, Shields does not teach or suggest affixing the coaster to a urinal to provide a planar surface for the placement of a beverage container.

[0006] Louthan discloses a holder connected to a support for holding a beverage receptacle. This holder includes a body with a strap constructed of a flexible material connected to the body. The strap is removably connected to the support. The holder also includes a connector for connecting the holder to an automobile ashtray and means for connecting the holder in a cup opening of an automobile console. However, Louthan does not teach or suggest affixing the holder to a urinal. Additionally, Louthan does not disclose providing advertising on the beverage holder.

[0007] O'Toole discloses a cover used for commercial advertising for the flush handle of commercially made toilets and urinals. In one embodiment, the cover is a container, where printed matter illustrates a particular advertisement. A second embodiment is a molded replica of a novelty piece or the actual product being advertised. Each embodiment is attached by a nylon, plastic, or rubber sleeve that slides onto the metal flush handle of a toilet and tightly fits onto the smallest diameter of the toilet flush handle by at least two Allen screws. However, O'Toole does not teach or suggest affixing the covering to the top portion of the plumbing fixture of the urinal or providing a planar surface for a beverage container.

[0008] Review of the foregoing references reveals no disclosure or suggestion of a coaster affixed to the top portion of a urinal as that described and claimed herein. Thus, it would be a distinct advantage to have a platform for holding a beverage container on a top portion of the plumbing fixture of a urinal which provides advertising space on the platform. It is an object of the present invention to provide such a device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention is a urinal coaster for placement of a beverage container on an upper portion of a plumbing fixture of a urinal. The coaster includes a planar section sized and shaped to fit on the upper portion of the plumbing fixture of the urinal. Additionally, the planar section is affixed to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture. The beverage container is then placed on a top surface of the planar section.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention is a urinal coaster for placement of a beverage container on an upper portion of a plumbing fixture of a urinal. The coaster includes a planar section sized and shaped to fit on the upper portion of the plumbing fixture of the urinal. An attachment section surrounds the upper portion of the plumbing fixture to affix the planar section to the plumbing fixture. The beverage container is placed on a top surface of the planar section.

[0011] In still another aspect, the present invention is a placement system for positioning a beverage container on an upper portion of a plumbing fixture of a urinal. The placement system includes a urinal having a plumbing fixture and a planar section sized and shaped to fit on an upper portion of the plumbing fixture of the urinal. Additionally, the system includes an attachment section surrounding the upper portion of the plumbing fixture to affix the planar section to the plumbing fixture. The beverage container may then be placed on a top surface of the planar section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention will be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction with the accompanying specification, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a conventional urinal;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of the upper portion of the plumbing fixture;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a top view of the upper portion illustrating the hex-shaped nut;

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded front view of a urinal coaster and the upper portion of the plumbing fixture;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of the urinal coaster;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a front view of the urinal coaster affixed to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture illustrating a beverage bottle positioned on the urinal coaster in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 7 is an exploded front view of a urinal coaster and the upper portion of the plumbing fixture in an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 8 is a top view of the urinal coaster.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A coaster providing a platform for a beverage container which is affixed to an upper portion of a urinal is disclosed. FIG. 1 is a front view of a conventional urinal 20. The urinal includes a porcelain portion 22 and a plumbing fixture 24. On an upper portion 26 of the plumbing fixture is a hex-shaped nut 28. The hex-shaped nut protrudes upwardly from the upper portion of the plumbing fixture.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a front view of the upper portion 26 of the plumbing fixture 24. FIG. 3 is a top view of the upper portion 26 illustrating the hex-shaped nut 28. Normally, when a man urinates at a urinal, the man positions a beverage container on the flat surface of the hex-shaped nut. Since the hex-shaped nut protrudes upwardly from the upper portion of the plumbing fixture, properly positioning the beverage container on the hex-shaped nut is sometimes difficult. The beverage container can also easily fall off its perch.

[0023] FIG. 4 is an exploded front view of a urinal coaster 30 and the upper portion 26 of the plumbing fixture 24. The urinal coaster is generally circular and sized to fit the upper portion of the plumbing fixture. However, the size and shape of the coaster may vary to accommodate various shapes and sizes of the top portion of the plumbing fixture. Some urinals may have an upper portion of the plumbing fixture which does not include a hex-shaped nut or may include a different size and shape. The coaster includes a planar section 32. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the planar section is generally circular, larger than the diameter of the hex-shaped nut and slightly smaller than the upper portion 26 of the plumbing fixture 24. This provides a large surface for holding the beverage container.

[0024] The coaster also includes an attachment section 34 running downwardly from the planar section. Preferably, the attachment section is constructed of an elastomeric material allowing the attachment section to grasp and surround the upper portion 26. However, if necessary, by utilizing the elastomeric material, the coaster may be easily removed from the upper section of the plumbing fixture. On an outer edge 36 of the attachment section 34 is a space large enough to accommodate an advertisement 38.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a top view of the urinal coaster 30. An advertisement 40 may be placed on a top surface 42 of the planar section 32. The planar section is preferably constructed of a rigid material strong enough to support a beverage container.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a front view of the urinal coaster 30 affixed to the upper portion 26 of the plumbing fixture 24 illustrating a beverage bottle 50 positioned on the urinal coaster in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The coaster is attached to the plumbing fixture by positioning the attachment section around the upper portion of the plumbing fixture. The beverage bottle 50 is easily and safely positioned on the planar section. The coaster prominently displays the advertisement 38. When a beverage container is not positioned on the planar section, the advertisement 40 (FIG. 5) is also displayed. Additionally, since the coaster completely encompasses the upper portion of the plumbing fixture and the hex-shaped nut, the coaster provides an enhanced aesthetic appearance for the urinal 20.

[0027] FIG. 7 is an exploded front view of a urinal coaster 90 and the upper portion 26 of the plumbing fixture 24 in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The urinal coaster 90 is similar to the coaster 30 by having the planar section 32, the attachment section 34, the outer edge 36 and the advertisement 38. The urinal coaster 90 may also be attached to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture in the same manner discussed for the coaster 30. However, the urinal coaster 90 also includes a substantially circular rim wall 92. The rim wall extends upwardly from a circumference of the planar section. FIG. 8 is a top view of the urinal coaster 90. The coaster 90 includes the advertisement 40.

[0028] The urinal coaster 90 provides additional security in holding a beverage container in place on the planar section 32. By providing the rim wall 92, there is less likelihood for the beverage container to fall from its perch on the coaster 90. The rim wall prevents the beverage container from being inadvertently hit off its perch.

[0029] The urinal coaster may also be attached to the upper urinal by other methods, such as adhesive being attached to a portion of the urinal coaster contacting the hex-shaped nut. Additionally, rather than utilizing an elastomeric material, the attachment section 34 may attach around the upper portion of the plumbing fixture by straps, or open and close in a clam-shape fashion around the fixture. The urinal coaster may be attached by any means allowing the urinal coaster to remain securely fastened to the plumbing fixture, while still allowing the planar section to be used to position a beverage container upon. The urinal coaster may also be sized and shaped to fit a wide variety of plumbing fixtures. For example, there are many models and shapes of the upper portion of the plumbing fixtures of urinals. The urinal coaster may be shaped in such a fashion to be affixed to any urinal plumbing fixture which provides a convenient location for placing a beverage container on while a user is urinating.

[0030] In addition, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the urinal may include a sensor which senses the presence of a person located in front of the urinal. When the person leaves, the urinal automatically flushes. Sometimes the sensor may be located on the upper portion of the plumbing fixture. When a sensor is positioned on the plumbing fixture, the urinal coaster may be shaped to allow the sensor to still sense individuals. For example, the coast may include a gap, hole or slot allowing the sensor to function properly.

[0031] The urinal coaster offers several advantages. First, the coaster offers a secure area for positioning a beverage container for a man while urinating at a urinal. Additional, the urinal coaster provides easy attachment and removal. The urinal coaster also allows for prominent display of advertisements, which may be changed as required for various events. The urinal coaster also enhances the appearance of the plumbing fixture by covering the upper portion of the plumbing fixture with a pleasing advertisement display.

[0032] It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the device shown and described has been characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A urinal coaster for placement of a beverage container on an upper portion of a plumbing fixture of a urinal, the coaster comprising:

a planar section sized and shaped to fit on the upper portion of the plumbing fixture of the urinal; and

means for affixing the planar section to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture, whereby the beverage container is placed on a top surface of the planar section.

2. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the planar section is substantially circular and sized to accommodate the beverage container.

3. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the means for affixing the planar section to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture includes an attachment section surrounding the upper portion of the plumbing fixture.

4. The urinal coaster of claim 4 wherein the attachment section is constructed of an elastomeric material.

5. The urinal coaster of claim 4 wherein the attachment section includes an advertisement located on an outer surface of the attachment section.

6. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the means for affixing the planar section to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture includes applying an adhesive to a bottom surface of the planar section and positioning the planar section to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture.

7. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the means for affixing the planar section to the upper portion of the plumbing fixture includes attaching an attachment section around the upper portion of the plumbing fixture in clamshell fashion.

8. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the planar section includes a rim extending upwardly from the planar section, whereby the beverage container is positioned within an interior portion of the rim.

9. The urinal coaster of claim 8 wherein the rim includes an advertisement located to an outer surface of the rim.

10. The urinal coaster of claim 1 wherein the top surface of the planar section includes an advertisement.

11. A urinal coaster for placement of a beverage container on an upper portion of a plumbing fixture of a urinal, the coaster comprising:

a planar section sized and shaped to fit on the upper portion of the plumbing fixture of the urinal; and

an attachment section surrounding the upper portion of the plumbing fixture to affix the planar section to the plumbing fixture, whereby the beverage container is placed on a top surface of the planar section.

12. A placement system for positioning a beverage container on a urinal, the beverage container comprising:

a urinal having a plumbing fixture;

a planar section sized and shaped to fit on an upper portion of the plumbing fixture of the urinal; and

an attachment section surrounding the upper portion of the plumbing fixture to affix the planar section to the plumbing fixture, whereby the beverage container is placed on a top surface of the planar section.

13. The placement system of claim 12 wherein the upper portion of the plumbing fixture includes a hex-shaped nut located on a top of the upper portion of the plumbing fixture, whereby the planar section is positioned on the hex-shaped nut.

14. The placement system of claim 12 wherein the plumbing fixture includes a sensor for sensing the presence of an individual located in front of the urinal; and

wherein the attachment section is shaped to allow the sensor to operate properly.