URINAL SCREENS

Abstract

A urinal assembly having a frame and a plurality of posts extending from the frame. The frame can include a plurality of openings. The openings can be defined by a plurality of sides and corners. The posts can extend from the corners and/or from the sides of the openings. In some embodiments, the urinal assembly includes a second frame attached to one or more of the plurality of posts.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Certain embodiments discussed herein relate to restroom screens and mats, and, more particularly, the present inventions relate to restroom urinal screens and mats.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Urinal screens are widely used to prevent debris from being flushed down a urinal drain. In some cases, a fragrance is provided with the screens to help sanitize and freshen the air in and around the urinal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

A urinal screen can comprise a first frame portion and a second frame portion connected to one another by a plurality of posts. The first frame portion and the second frame portion can each desirably define an outer face and an inner face opposite the outer face, so that the inner face of the first frame portion faces the inner face of the second frame portion. Desirably, the outer face of at least one of the first frame and the second frame and, more desirably, both of the outer face of at least one of the first frame and the second frame define one or more contoured areas configured to deflect a stream of urine. Desirably, at least one of the first frame and the second frame defines a plurality of closed cells. Desirably, said outer face of said plurality of cells defines contoured surfaces which are configured to deflect a stream of urine. In some embodiments, the contoured surfaces are outwardly concave. In some embodiments, the first frame portion defines a desirably closed outer perimeter. The first frame portion can define a plurality of openings. In some embodiments, at least portion of said plurality of cells define an opening. Desirably, at least a portion of said plurality of cells of said first frame is connected to a plurality of cells of said second frame by at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five or at least six posts per cell. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings occupy at least one half, at least two thirds or at least three fourths of a surface area of the frame portions as measured parallel to the first face of the first frame portion, when the urinal screen is sitting on a flat surface.

The outer perimeter of the first frame portion can be substantially identical to the outer perimeter of the second frame portion. In some embodiments, the outer perimeter of the first frame portion is aligned with the outer perimeter of the second frame portion when observed from a perspective perpendicular to the first face of the second frame portion when the urinal screen is sitting on a flat surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings of the first frame portion are aligned with the plurality of openings of the second fame portion when observed from a perspective perpendicular to the first face of the second frame portion. In some embodiments, the plurality of posts are aligned perpendicular to the first face of the first frame portion and perpendicular to the second face of the second frame portion. In some cases, each of the posts has a same height. In some embodiments, a thickness of the first frame as measured perpendicular to the first face of the first frame is less than one fourth of a height of the posts. Desirably, the outer face of the first frame and the second frame each define contoured areas to deflect urine and/or are substantially similar. The outer face of the first frame and the second frame can similarly be different in appearance and/or color.

According to some variants, a urinal screen comprises a first frame portion. The first frame portion can have: a first face; a second face opposite the first face; an outer perimeter; and/or a plurality of openings. The screen can include a second frame portion. The second frame portion can have: a first face; a second face opposite the first face; an outer perimeter; and/or a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings of the second frame portion can be aligned with the plurality of openings of the first frame portion when observed from a perspective perpendicular to the first face of the first frame portion when the urinal screen is set on flat surface. In some embodiments, the screen includes a plurality of posts extending from the first face of the first frame portion and connected to the second face of the second frame portion.

In some embodiments, the plurality of openings occupy at least three fourths of a surface area of the first frame portion as measured parallel to the first face of the first frame portion when the first or second frame portions are resting on a flat surface.

In some embodiments, the plurality of openings occupy at least one half of a surface area of the first frame portion as measured parallel to the first face of the first frame portion when the first or second frame portions are resting on a flat surface.

In some embodiments, a size and shape of the outer perimeter of the first frame portion is substantially identical to a size and shape of the outer perimeter of the second frame portion.

In some embodiments, the outer perimeter of the first frame portion is aligned with the outer perimeter of the second frame portion when observed from a perspective perpendicular to the first face of the second frame portion.

In some embodiments, the plurality of posts are aligned perpendicular to the first face of the first frame portion and perpendicular to the second face of the second frame portion.

In some embodiments, each of the posts has a same height, and wherein a thickness of the first frame as measured perpendicular to the first face of the first frame is less than one fourth of a height of the posts.

According to some variants, a urinal screen comprises a first frame portion. The first frame can include a plurality of connected cells. In some embodiments, each of the cells has a plurality of sides and a plurality of corners. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of sides is connected at two corners to at least two other sides. The urinal screen can include a second frame portion. The second frame portion can comprise a plurality of connected cells. In some embodiments, each of the cells of the second frame portion has a plurality of sides and a plurality of corners. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of sides of the cells of the second frame portion are connected at two corners to at least two other sides. In some embodiments, the urinal screen includes a plurality of posts extending between and connected to each of the first and second frame portions. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides of each of the cells of the first frame and second frame is shared with another cell. In some embodiments, the connected cells form at least a majority of an area of the first frame and of the second frame.

In some embodiments, each of the sides of each of the cells of the first frame is either shared with another cell or forms a portion of an outer perimeter of the first frame portion.

In some embodiments, each of the cells has a hexagonal shape.

In some embodiments, each of the sides of the cells of the first frame has a same, uniform thickness as measured in a plane parallel to the first frame.

In some embodiments, each of the cells has a same shape as each other cell.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of posts is shorter than at least another one of the plurality of posts.

In some embodiments, each of the cells of the first frame portion has an opening defined by an interior of the plurality of sides and corners.

According to some variants, a urinal screen can comprise a first frame portion. First frame portion can include: a plurality of interconnected sides and/or a plurality of corners at junctions between two or more sides. The sides and corners of the first frame portion can form open cells. The urinal screen can include a second frame portion. The second frame portion can include a plurality of interconnected sides and/or a plurality of corners at junctions between two or more sides. In some embodiments, the sides and corners of the second frame portion form open cells. The urinal screen can include a plurality of posts connecting the first frame portion to the second frame portion. In some embodiments, the plurality of interconnected sides of the first frame portion have convex surfaces facing away from the second frame portion.

In some embodiments, the plurality of interconnected sides of the second frame portion have convex surfaces facing away from the first frame portion.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of interconnected sides has a first end, a second end, and a length measured from the first end to the second end. In some embodiments, a thickness of each of the one or more interconnected sides as measured parallel to the first frame portion and perpendicular to the length of the side is substantially constant between the first end and the second end of the side.

In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of posts extends at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first frame portion.

In some embodiments, a radius of curvature of the convex surfaces is non-constant.

In some embodiments, one or more of the posts is tapered between the second frame portion and the first frame portion.

In some embodiments, one or more of the first frame portion and the second frame portion is loaded with a fragrance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present inventions are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters reference like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a urinal screen;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the urinal screen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the urinal screen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the urinal screen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the urinal screen of FIG. 1 along the cut plane 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the urinal screen of FIG. 1 along the cut plane 6-6 of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS

An embodiment of a urinal screen 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The urinal screen 110 can be sized and shaped to fit into a urinal, toilet, or other bathroom appliance. As illustrated, the urinal screen 110 can include a first frame 114. In some embodiments, the screen 110 includes a second frame 116. The frames 114, 116 can be sized and shaped to fit over all or a portion of a drain of a toilet or urinal. The frame 114 can include a plurality of openings 118 through a thickness of the frame 114. As illustrated, the second frame 116 can include a plurality of openings 120 through the thickness of the second frame 116. In some embodiments, the urinal screen 110 includes a plurality of posts 122 extending between the frames 114, 116.

The screen 110 can have a polygonal, elliptical, circular, or other overall shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the screen 110 can have a generally rectangular shape, though many other shapes are contemplated (e.g., hexagons, pentagons, triangles, ellipses, or some combination thereof). In some embodiments, the screen 110 is shaped to fit a particular urinal or toilet.

The frames 114, 116 and/or posts 122 can be constructed from a polymer, ceramic, or some other material. For example, one method of manufacturing an embodiment of the urinal screen 110 includes providing plastic or EVA material, which may have a melting point of not greater than 250° F., loading the plastic or EVA with at least 15% to about 75% by weight of fragrance material to produce a fragranced plastic or EVA, loading the fragrance at a stage conducted at temperatures such that the fragranced plastic or EVA is from at least 15% by weight fragrance upon completion of the loading stage, and molding the fragranced plastic or EVA into a urinal screen, sized and shaped to be disposed in a urinal, forming openings 118, 120 in the frames 114, 116, and forming posts 122. In some embodiments, the screen 110 is constructed from a material including one or more additives such as anti-bacterial compounds, odor-neutralizers, silver ions, or other additives. In some embodiments, the screen 110 is at least partially manufactured using a 3-D printer.

The openings 118, 120 can have various shapes, including, but not limited to, polygons (e.g., triangles, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc.), ellipses, circles and/or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, each of the openings 118, 120 has a substantially identical shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the openings 118, 120 have a different shape from one or more of the other openings.

In some embodiments, one or more of the openings 118 is defined by a perimeter having a plurality of sides 142a and corners 146a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, each of the openings 118 is defined by six sides 142a and six corners 146a. In some cases, one or more of the sides 142a is shared by two or more openings 118. In some embodiments, all of the sides 142a are either shared by a plurality of opening 118 or form a portion of the outer perimeter of the frame 114. The sides 142a can each have substantially the same length. In some embodiments, some or all of the sides 142a has a substantially constant thickness along the length of the sides 142a in a direction parallel to the frame 114 and perpendicular to the lengths of the respective sides 142a. In some embodiments, one or more of the sides 142a has a different length from one or more of the other sides 142a. In some configurations, each of the sides 142a is connected to at least two other sides 142a at two corners 146a. The openings 120 of the second frame 116 can have the same or similar characteristics (e.g., the characteristics of the sides 142b and corners 146b of the openings 120) as the openings 118 of the first frame 114. In some embodiments, the perimeters of the respective openings 118, 120 form an array of closed and/or connected cells having sides 142a, 142b and corners 146a, 146b. The closed/connected cells can form at least a majority (i.e., more than 50%), at least ⅔ or at least ¾ of the surface area of the first frame 114. In some embodiments, the cells form the entirety of the area of the first frame 114.

The urinal screen 110 can be constructed such that the openings 118 and overall structure of the first frame 114 align with the openings 120 and overall structure of the second frame 116 when viewed from above the urinal screen 110 (e.g., the view of FIG. 2) when the screen 110 is set on a flat horizontal surface. In some embodiments, one or more of the openings 118 of the first frame 114 do not align with any openings 120 of the second frame 116 and/or one of the openings 120 of the second frame 116 do not align with any of the openings 118 of the first frame 114. For example, one or more of the posts 122 can extend at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to and between the frames 114, 116.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the openings 118 can occupy a large percentage of the overall surface area of the frame 114 as viewed in FIG. 2 (e.g., viewed from above the frame 114). For example, the openings 118 can occupy more than ⅛, more than 2/9, more than ⅓, more than ¼, more than ⅜, more than ½, more than ⅝, more than ⅔, and/or more than ¾ of the overall surface area of the frame 114 as viewed in FIG. 2. The openings 120 of the second frame 116 can have similar or identical size and shapes to the openings 118 of the frame 114. Utilizing a large number of openings 118, 120 can reduce the overall weight of the urinal screen 110.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the frames 114, 116 have a generally planar or flat shape. In some embodiments, the frame 114 has an outer perimeter that matches an outer perimeter of the second frame 116. In some embodiments, the frames 114, 116 have differing perimeters. The outer perimeters of the first and second frames 114, 116 can be aligned when observed from a perspective perpendicular to the first face 116a of the second frame 116. In some embodiments, the frames 114, 116 are curved or otherwise shaped in non-planar fashion. For example, the frames 114, 116 can be molded in a non-planar shape to match the contours of a urinal or toilet. Either or both of the frames 114, 116 can be constructed from a flexible material configured to flex to match or substantially match the contours of the surface onto which the urinal screen 110 is installed. The first frame 114 can have a first frame thickness 115. The second frame 116 can have a second frame thickness 117. The second frame thickness 117 can be greater than, equal to, or less than the first frame thickness 115.

In some embodiments, the first frame thickness 115 is less than or equal to approximately ½ of the overall screen thickness 111 as measured perpendicularly to a first surface 114a (e.g., outer surface) of the frame 114 when the frame 114 or second frame 116 rests on a flat surface. In some embodiments, the first frame thickness 115 is less than or equal to ⅔, less than or equal to ⅝, less than or equal to ⅜, less than or equal to ⅓, less than or equal to ¼, less than or equal to 2/9, less than or equal to ⅛, less than or equal to 1/10, less than or equal to 1/12, less than or equal to 1/16, and/or less than or equal to 1/32 of the overall screen thickness 111. In some cases, wherein the frame thicknesses 115, 117 are relatively thin compared to the overall thickness 111 of the urinal screen 110, the overall weight of the urinal screen 110 can be reduced.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the urinal screen 110 can include a plurality of posts 122. The posts 122 can extend between a second surface 114b (e.g., inner surface) of the first frame 114 and a first surface 116a (e.g., inner surface) of the second frame 116. In some cases, the posts 122 extend perpendicularly from one or both of the second surface 114b of the first frame 114 and the first surface 116a of the second frame 116. In some embodiments, the posts 122 extend at a non-perpendicular angle from one or both of the second surface 114b of the first frame 114 and the first surface 116a of the second frame 116.

One or more of the posts 122 can have a substantially constant cross-section along the length of the post 122 as measured parallel to the first surface 116a of the second frame 116. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, one or more of the posts 122 can have a tapered shape. For example, one or more posts 122 can taper down from a maximum cross-section at or near the first surface 116a of the second frame 116 to a minimum cross-section at or near the second surface 114b of the first frame 114. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the posts 122 tapers down at a constant taper angle α. In some embodiments, the taper angle of the posts 122 is not constant. In some embodiments, the cross-section of one or more of the posts 122 has a maximum or minimum at a point along the length of the post 122 between the first surface 116a of the second frame and the second surface 114b of the first frame 114 (e.g., the mid-point of the post 122 between the first frame 114 and the second frame 116).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the posts 122 can extend from the second frame 116 (e.g., from the first surface 116a). In some embodiments, each of the posts 122 extends from a corner 146b of an opening 120 of the second frame 116. In some embodiments, each of the posts 122 extends from a side 142b of an opening 120. In some embodiments, one or more posts 122 extend from a side 142b of an opening 120 and one or more posts extend from a corner 146b of an opening 120. The posts 122 can connect similarly to the sides 142a and/or corners 142b of the first frame 114 (e.g., from the second surface 114b of the first frame 114).

One or more of the posts 122 can have a height different from one or more of the other posts. For example, one or more posts 122 can be shorter than one or more other posts 122. In some embodiments, one or more of the shorter posts 122 connects to both the first frame 114 (e.g., to the second surface 114b) and the second frame 116 (e.g., to the first surface 116b). In some such embodiments, the overall height of the screen 110 can vary across the first surface 114a of the first frame 114 and/or across the second surface 116b of the second frame 116. Varying the overall height of the screen 110 can reduce surface contact between surface of the installation site (e.g., urinal or toilet) and the frame 114, 116 in contact with the surface. Reducing such surface contact can reduce the likelihood that the screen 110 would move on the installation surface. In some embodiments, varying the overall height of the screen 110 can reduce splashing from the screen 110 when in use. The first surface 114a of the first frame 114 and/or the second surface 116b of the second frame 116 can include one or more surface features (e.g., bumps, protrusions, ribs, nubs, knobs) configured to reduce the likelihood that the screen 110 would move on the installation surface when in use. In some embodiments, the use of variable-height posts 122 and/or use of one or more surface features on the frames 114, 116 can provide one or more gaps between the installation surface and the frame 114, 116 in contact with the installation surface. The one or more gaps can be small enough to inhibit passage of debris between the urinal screen 110 and the installation surface while allowing passage of liquid between the urinal screen 110 and the installation surface.

In some embodiments, one or more of the posts 112 extend between the first and second frames 114, 116 and are connected to only one of the first and second frames 114, 116. In some such embodiments, flexibility of the screen 110 can be increased and/or splash from the screen 110 can be reduced when in use.

In some embodiments, the urinal screen 110 may function (e.g., alleviate splash, reduce odor, etc.) within a urinal or toilet independent from the orientation of the first frame 114 with respect to the second frame 116. For example, the first frame 114 and second frame 116 may have similar or identical sizes and shapes which permit the urinal screen 110 to function in a substantially similar or identical manner whether the first frame 114 contacts the urinal/toilet or the second frame 116 contacts the urinal/toilet. Such orientation-independent functionality and reduce the likelihood of installation error of the urinal screens 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first surface 114a (e.g., outer surface) of the first frame 114 and/or the second surface 116b (e.g., outer surface) of the second frame 116 can have a curved or contoured profile (e.g., convex). For example, one or more of the cells on the first frame 114 can have a perimeter (e.g., sides 142a and corners 146a) having curved surfaces 154. The curved surfaces 154 can deflect urine or other fluids which impact the urinal screen 110. In some embodiments, the curved surfaces 154 reduce splashing in the urinal or other appliance in which the urinal screen 110 is installed.

The curved surfaces 154 can have constant or varying radii of curvature. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the sides 142a can have a maximum cross-sectional width D. The curved surfaces 154 can have a vertical radius of curvature R1. The vertical radius of curvature R1 can be greater than D/8, greater than D/6, greater than D/4, greater than D/2, greater than D, and/or greater than 2D. A second radius of curvature R2 can be oriented 45 degrees away from the vertical radius of curvature in a first direction. The second radius of curvature R2 can be greater than ⅛, greater than ¼, greater than ½, greater than ¾, greater than 1 times, and/or greater than 2 times the vertical radius of curvature R1. A third radius of curvature R3 can be oriented 45 degrees away from the vertical radius of curvature in a second direction opposite the first direction. The third radius of curvature R3 can be greater than ⅛, greater than ¼, greater than ½, greater than ¾, greater than 1 times, and/or greater than 2 times the vertical radius of curvature R1. Many variations are possible.

Similarly, one or more of the cells of the second frame 116 can have a perimeter (e.g., sides 142b and corners 146b) having curved surfaces 156 which function in the same or in a similar manner to the curved surfaces 154 of the first frame 114 if the screen is installed with the second frame 116 positioned away from the installation surface.

While the preferred embodiments of the present inventions have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus the present inventions should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, while certain advantages of the inventions have been described herein, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventions. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventions may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Claims

1. A urinal screen comprising:

a first frame portion having: a first face; a second face opposite the first face; an outer perimeter; and a plurality of openings;

a second frame portion having: a first face; a second face opposite the first face; an outer perimeter; and a plurality of openings aligned with the plurality of openings of the first frame portion when observed from a perspective perpendicular to the first face of the first frame portion when the urinal screen is set on flat surface; and

a plurality of posts extending from the first face of the first frame portion and connected to the second face of the second frame portion.

2. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings occupy at least three fourths of a surface area of the first frame portion as measured parallel to the first face of the first frame portion when the first or second frame portions are resting on a flat surface.

3. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings occupy at least one half of a surface area of the first frame portion as measured parallel to the first face of the first frame portion when the first or second frame portions are resting on a flat surface.

4. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein a size and shape of the outer perimeter of the first frame portion is substantially identical to a size and shape of the outer perimeter of the second frame portion.

5. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the outer perimeter of the first frame portion is aligned with the outer perimeter of the second frame portion when observed from a perspective perpendicular to the first face of the second frame portion.

6. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the plurality of posts are aligned perpendicular to the first face of the first frame portion and perpendicular to the second face of the second frame portion.

7. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein each of the posts has a same height, and wherein a thickness of the first frame as measured perpendicular to the first face of the first frame is less than one fourth of a height of the posts.

8. A urinal screen comprising:

a first frame portion comprising a plurality of connected cells, each of the cells having a plurality of sides and a plurality of corners, each of the plurality of sides connected at two corners to at least two other sides;

a second frame portion comprising a plurality of connected cells, each of the cells of the second frame portion having a plurality of sides and a plurality of corners, each of the plurality of sides of the cells of the second frame portion connected at two corners to at least two other sides; and

a plurality of posts extending between and connected to each of the first and second frame portions;

wherein at least one of the sides of each of the cells of the first frame and second frame is shared with another cell, and wherein the connected cells form at least a majority of an area of the first frame and of the second frame.

9. The urinal screen of claim 8, wherein each of the sides of each of the cells of the first frame is either shared with another cell or forms a portion of an outer perimeter of the first frame portion.

10. The urinal screen of claim 8, wherein each of the cells has a hexagonal shape.

11. The urinal screen of claim 8, wherein each of the sides of the cells of the first frame has a same, uniform thickness as measured in a plane parallel to the first frame.

12. The urinal screen of claim 8, wherein each of the cells has a same shape as each other cell.

13. The urinal screen of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of posts is shorter than at least another one of the plurality of posts.

14. The urinal screen of claim 8, wherein each of the cells of the first frame portion has an opening defined by an interior of the plurality of sides and corners.

15. A urinal screen comprising:

a first frame portion comprising: a plurality of interconnected sides; and a plurality of corners at junctions between two or more sides, the sides and corners of the first frame portion forming open cells;

a second frame portion comprising: a plurality of interconnected sides; and a plurality of corners at junctions between two or more sides, the sides and corners of the second frame portion forming open cells; and

a plurality of posts connecting the first frame portion to the second frame portion;

wherein the plurality of interconnected sides of the first frame portion have convex surfaces facing away from the second frame portion.

16. The urinal screen of claim 15, wherein the plurality of interconnected sides of the second frame portion have convex surfaces facing away from the first frame portion.

17. The urinal screen of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of interconnected sides has a first end, a second end, and a length measured from the first end to the second end, and wherein a thickness of each of the one or more interconnected sides as measured parallel to the first frame portion and perpendicular to the length of the side is substantially constant between the first end and the second end of the side.

18. The urinal screen of claim 15, wherein one or more of the plurality of posts extends at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first frame portion.

19. The urinal screen of claim 15, wherein a radius of curvature of the convex surfaces is non-constant.

20. The urinal screen of claim 15, wherein one or more of the posts is tapered between the second frame portion and the first frame portion.