Urinal Mat

A urinal mat (10) comprises a mat of material (12), a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion (52) surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein, wherein the housing or cover (52) comprises a continuously curved surface. The urinal mat may be generally octagonal in shape. The urinal mat may have a plurality of octagonal openings (38) and a plurality of rectangular or diamond-shaped openings (40) and a plurality of upstanding fingers (42).

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2017261534, filed Nov. 15, 2017

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a urinal mat of the type that is placed into a urinal.

2. Background and Related Art

Male urinals typically comprise a receptacle made from ceramics or metal. The urinal typically has a generally vertical wall that extends down to a floor region of the urinal. The floor is fitted with an opening so that urine and flush water can be removed from the urinal. In use of such urinals, a stream of urine impacts on to the wall and/or floor of the urinal and pools in the lower part of the urinal as it drains from the urinal. Flush water may be used to flush out any residual urine. Flush water may be provided by a user manually operating a flush button or by way of periodic automatic flushing.

In order to address issues of odor and hygiene in male urinals, it has been common practice to place cakes of chemicals in the urinal. Such cakes typically include antiseptic agents and fragrances. The cakes slowly dissolve when they are contacted with urine or flush water. Such cakes typically have a very strong and somewhat unpleasant odor.

More recent developments have seen the introduction of urinal mats into urinals. Urinal mats typically comprise a plastic mat having a number of holes or apertures therethrough. Such mats may also include upstanding fingers or bristles to reduce or minimize splashing of urine streams that are directed onto the mat. The plastic may be impregnated with a fragrance or perfume that is released to thereby mask odors.

Other efforts to address odor and hygiene in male urinals involve the use of blocks containing bacterial products that consume or react with compounds in urine. These bacterial blocks are typically made by mixing bacterial culture(s) with a powdered surfactant and water and pressing the blocks to shape. The blocks are placed into the urinal and when they are wetted by urine or flush water, they start to dissolve to thereby release bacteria into the urinal and the piping associated with the urinal. The bacteria then consume or react with some of the compounds in the urine to thereby improve hygiene. In practice, these bacterial blocks can be rapidly consumed and require frequent replacement.

In our Australian innovation patent number 2015100064 (which corresponds to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/002,219), the entire contents of which are here incorporated by cross-reference, a urinal mat is described that has a block containing bacterial material, a housing or cover having a closed upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein. In this urinal mat, water or moisture can only come into contact with the block of bacterial material by flowing upwardly through the openings in the lower surface of the mat below the block of bacterial containing material. This urinal mat provides exceptional performance and has met considerable commercial success.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved urinal mat, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a urinal mat comprising a mat of material, a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein, wherein the housing or cover comprises a continuously curved surface.

In one embodiment, the housing or cover comprises a partly spherical or a generally hemispherical surface.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a urinal mat comprising a mat of material, a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein, the mat having a generally octagonal shape.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a urinal mat comprising a mat of material, a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein, wherein the housing or cover comprises a generally hemispherical housing.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a urinal mat comprising a mat of material, a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein, wherein an upper surface of the mat has essentially no flat surfaces.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a urinal mat comprising a mat of material, a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or

more openings therein, wherein the mat includes a plurality of openings therein and the material of the upper surface of the urinal mat that defines the plurality of openings in the urinal mat comprises a curved surface extending from one opening to an adjacent opening.

In preferred embodiments, the curved surface is convex when viewed from above. It will be appreciated that there will be a web of material that forms the mat, with the web of material also defining the openings in the mat. The material of the web that extends from one opening to an adjacent opening is curved in a direction from one opening to an adjacent opening such that it is convex when viewed from above.

The urinal mat of the fifth aspect of the present invention may greatly reduce splashing of urine without requiring that the urinal mat also have upstanding fingers or projections. This provides an advantage in that the upstanding fingers or projections can capture pubic hair, which is unsightly and can also cause urine to be trapped between the fingers or projections which can increase odors.

The mat of material suitably comprises a mat of plastic material.

The urinal mat in accordance with the first and second aspects of the present invention provides reduced splashing, thereby increasing user comfort and minimizing splashing of urine outside the urinal, which increases bathroom/toilet cleanliness.

In one embodiment, the urinal mat of the present invention may include a plurality of openings formed in the mat. The plurality of openings may comprise a plurality of octagonal openings. In one embodiment, the plurality of openings comprises a plurality of octagonal openings and a plurality of rectangular or diamond shape openings. In one embodiment, the plurality of rectangular or diamond shape openings are located between the octagonal openings.

In one embodiment, the urinal mat has a plurality of projections or fingers extending upwards from an upper surface of the urinal mat. The plurality of projections or fingers may assist in reducing splashing of urine.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the housing or cover has a closed upper surface, or the housing or cover has a water impermeable upper surface. Suitably, the housing or cover is arranged such that water can only access the block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant through the openings in the lower surface of the mat.

In one embodiment, the upper portion of the housing or cover comprises a closed surface that encloses the upper surface and the sides of the block containing bacterial material. The upper portion of the housing or cover may be made from a water impermeable material.

In some embodiments, the urinal mat includes an upper mat surface extending over the upper surface of the housing or cover, the upper mat surface including a plurality of octagonal openings. In one embodiment, the plurality of openings further comprises a plurality of rectangular or diamond shape openings. The rectangular or diamond shape openings may be located between the octagonal openings.

The upper mat surface may also include a plurality of fingers or protuberances extending upwardly.

In one embodiment, urinal mat comprises a mat having a domed central region, the housing being received within the domed central region. The domed central region may also include a plurality of octagonal openings, a plurality of rectangular or diamond shape openings and a plurality of fingers or projections. The domed central region may be partly spherical or it may be generally hemispherical.

In embodiments that include fingers or projections, the fingers or projections may be between 3 mm and 10 mm long, more preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm long. The fingers or projections may comprise thin fingers or projections. The fingers or projections may be generally cylindrical.

In some embodiments, the material of the upper surface of the urinal mat that defines the plurality of openings in the urinal mat comprises a curved surface extending from one opening to an adjacent opening. In preferred embodiments, the curved surface is convex when viewed from above. It will be appreciated that there will be a web of material that forms the mat, with the web of material also defining the openings in the mat. The material of the web that extends from one opening to an adjacent opening is curved in a direction from one opening to an adjacent opening such that it is convex when viewed from above.

In one embodiment, the lower surface extending below the block of bacterial material and/or a lower surface of the mat is provided with feet or legs to space the lower surface from a floor or wall of the urinal. The feet or legs may have a length that falls within the range of from 2 mm to 5 mm, or suitably from 2 mm to 3 mm.

In some embodiments, the block containing bacterial material is located within a block housing. The block housing may comprise a lower part comprising the lower surface and an upper part comprising a continuously curved wall that defines a closed upper surface. The upper part and the lower part of the housing may be adapted to be joined together to form the block housing. The block containing bacterial material may be located in the upper part of the block housing and the upper part and the lower part of the block housing subsequently joined together to thereby retain the block containing bacterial material within the housing. The upper part may comprise the upper portion of the housing or cover.

In one embodiment, the mat of plastics material is formed with an opening therein that is of complementary size to a periphery of the lower part of the housing. The lower part of the housing can then be fitted into that opening and thereby connected to or joined to the mat of plastics material. The upper part of the housing may then be joined to the lower part of housing. It will also be appreciated that the upper part and the lower part of the housing may be joined together and then the housing placed into the opening into the plastics that to thereby join the housing to the plastic mat.

In another embodiment, the mat of plastics material is formed with a domed central region, the domed central region receiving the housing, the domed central region having a lower periphery that enables the housing to be attached thereto or connected thereto to thereby connect the housing to the mat.

In some embodiments, the mat of plastics material is impregnated with a fragrance. The fragrance is released when the mat is wetted by urine or flush water. Desirably, the fragrance is present in the plastic mat in an amount of up to 30% by volume. The fragrance may comprise any commercially available fragrance known to be used in urinal mats.

The mat of plastics material is desirably made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Using EVA as the sole material from which the plastic mat is made at allows for a high concentration of fragrance to be incorporated into the mat. For example, as indicated above, the fragrance may be incorporated into the EVA mat in an amount of up to 30% by volume. However, it will also be appreciated that the mat of plastic material may be made from any other plastic material known to be suitable for use in the manufacture of urinal mats.

The block containing bacterial material may comprise any bacteria known to be suitable for the degradation of urine by-products. The block many include aerobic bacteria. Bacillus bacteria may be used. The bacteria may include those that produce one or more of the following enzymes: protease, lipase, amylase, cellulose and urease. They bacteria produce these enzymes to help break down the urine into chemicals which they and other bacteria can digest. The final outcome is that the bacteria reduce the urine to harmless substances such as carbon dioxide and water.

In some embodiments, the block containing bacterial material may also include one or more enzymes that can help break down urine into chemicals which the bacteria can digest. This allows the urine to rapidly break down and the bacteria to rapidly digest the compounds produced by the enzymatic action. This, in turn, allows for rapid odor reduction.

The block containing bacterial material also suitably comprises one or more surfactants.

When the block is contacted by urine or water, surfactant is released from the block along with bacteria and this assists in having the bacteria coat the entire inner surface of pipes connected to the urinal. In this regard, the surfactant may have a foaming action and the foam may assist in distributing the released bacteria around the inner surface of the pipes.

The surfactant is suitably a water soluble surfactant.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the block containing bacterial material includes a solid surfactant. The solid surfactant may comprise a surfactant that is in the solid state at temperatures ranging from −15° C. to +50° C. The surfactant should suitably dissolve at a steady rate in the presence of water or urine to allow for dispersal of the bacteria and the surfactant.

The block containing bacterial material may be produced by melting the solid surfactant and mixing bacteria into the solid surfactant. This allows the bacteria to be well dispersed through the solid surfactant. Other ingredients, such as fragrances, may also be added to the block. The molten mixture may then be poured into a mold and allowed to cool so that it hardens into a solid block. In some embodiments, the mold may comprise the upper part of the housing or the cover. This is advantageous in that the block containing bacterial material does not need to be ejected from a mold and then positioned in the housing. Suitably, the solid surfactant becomes molten at a temperature that is low enough so that it is not harmful to the bacteria.

The block containing bacterial material may have bacteria present in an amount that is suitable to achieve the bacterial effects to reduce odors in urinals. In one embodiment, the block may have a bacterial count of from 1×107 to 1×109 counts per gram, suitably from 1×108 to 1×109 counts per gram, more suitably from 5×108 to 7.5×108 counts per gram. It will be appreciated that the present invention encompasses any suitable bacterial concentration in the block.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from above of a urinal mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the urinal mat shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the urinal mat shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a urinal mat in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the urinal mat has no upstanding projections on its upper surface;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the urinal mat shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view, taken from the right side, of the urinal mat shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the urinal mat shown in FIG. 4, looking up from the bottom of FIG. 4.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a completed urinal mat in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The urinal mat 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a plastic mat 12. The plastic mat 12 may be made from EVA or other suitable plastic. The mat 12 is flexible, which means it is able to closely conform to the shape of the bottom of the urinal when the urinal mat 10 is placed in the urinal.

The plastic mat 12 is suitably made from plastic material that is impregnated with a fragrance. The fragrance may be present in the mat in an amount of up to 30% by volume. Using EVA as the plastic allows for such high fragrance concentrations to be attained. The fragrance may be any suitable fragrance known to be used in urinal mats. Examples of suitable fragrances include spiced apple, kiwi grapefruit, cucumber melon and mango. The person skilled in the art will understand that the fragrances are able to volatilize out of the plastic over a period of time.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the urinal mat 10 has a generally octagonal outer shape. In particular, the urinal mat 10 has 8 side edges 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28. The side edge 28 is slightly offset from the other side edges, although this does not affect the generally octagonal outer shape of the urinal mat 10. As the urinal mat 10 has a generally octagonal outer shape, it can conform more closely to the shape of the urinal, when compared to circular urinal mats. This can assist in lowering splashing of urine.

The mat 12 has an upper surface 30 and a lower surface 32 (best shown in FIG. 2). A plurality of feet 34 extend downwardly from the lower surface 32 of the mat 12. This acts to space the lower surface 32 of the mat 12 above the surface of the urinal, which allows urine and flush water to run underneath the urinal mat 10 during use.

The mat 12 also includes a central region 36. The central region 36 is in the shape of a generally continuously curved surface. The central region 36 may be partially spherical or, in a preferred embodiment, generally hemispherical.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the mat 12 has a plurality of generally octagonal openings 38.

Only some of the octagonal openings 38 are numbered in FIG. 3. The generally octagonal openings 38 extend across most of the area of the urinal mat, including the central region 36. A plurality of square or diamond shape openings 40 are also formed in the mat 12. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the square or diamond shape openings 40 are located between adjacent groups of generally octagonal openings 38. The present inventor believes that the use of these generally octagonal openings and square or diamond shape openings assist in allowing the urinal mat 10 to more closely conform to the shape of the urinal and to minimize splashing of urine. The openings 38, 40 also allow urine that impinges on top of the urinal mat 10 to flow therethrough, thereby providing for enhanced drainage of urine from the upper surface of the urinal mat 10. Similarly, flush water that impinges upon the upper surface of the urinal mat 10 can also flow through the openings 38, 40.

The urinal mat 10 also includes a plurality of upstanding fingers 42. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upstanding fingers 42 are located on the plastic material that defines the plurality of openings 38, 40. The upstanding fingers 42 are located on the bulk of the upper surface of the mat 12, except for a small region 44, which has no fingers formed on it. The region 44 may comprise less than ⅕, or less than ⅙, of the total area of the mat 10. The region 44 may have a generally flat solid region 46 that may provide a convenient area to place branding information or trademark information on the urinal mat. The region 44 also includes regions 48, 50 that are adjacent to solid flat region 46, which regions 48, 50 include the plurality of openings 38, 40 but are not provided with upstanding fingers.

The upstanding fingers 42 are also located on the central region 36 of the urinal mat 10.

The upstanding fingers 42 extend upwardly and act to reduce splashing when a stream of urine is directed onto the urinal mat. The fingers 42 also act to increase the surface area of the mat 12, which allows for a larger amount of fragrance to be released from the surface of the mat 12.

The mat 12 may be formed by molding. The molding forms the flat regions of the mat 12, the central region 36 that is continuously curved or domed, the openings 38, 40 and the region 44.

During formation of the mat 12, a recess is formed underneath the central region 36. This recess allows a housing that holds the block containing bacterial material to be mounted to the mat 12.

The housing that holds the block containing bacterial material comprises a domed upper portion 52 that is connected to a lower portion 54 that has a generally flat lower surface. The domed upper portion 52, which forms the upper surface of the housing, can be best seen in FIG. 2. The domed upper portion is formed as a closed, water impermeable surface. The lower portion 54 can also be seen in FIG. 2. The lower portion 54 may be essentially identical to the lower portion of the housing shown in FIG. 6 of our Australian innovation patent number 2015100064, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. Similarly, the domed upper portion 52 of the housing may be as shown in FIG. 7 of our Australian innovation patent number 2015100064, with the exception that the upper surface of the housing shown in FIG. 7 of our Australian innovation patent number 2015100064 has been modified to now have a continuously curved upper surface, rather than an upper surface that has the general shape of an ice hockey puck as shown in our Australian innovation patent number 2015100064. Manufacture and assembly of the housing into the urinal mat of the present invention may be generally similar to that affects and assembly of the housing is described in our strain innovation patent number 2015100064. In particular, the plastic mat 12 may be molded such that a domed central region is formed, which domed central region defines a recess. The housing can be positioned in the recess and the lower portion of the housing connected to complementary joining regions formed in the lower periphery of the recess.

As mentioned above, the upper surface 52 of the housing comprises a closed upper surface. In one embodiment, the upper part of the housing is made from polypropylene or from another plastic material. As a result, the upper part 52 of the housing presents a water impermeable surface that does not allow the passage of urinal or water therethrough.

The housing of the urinal mat 10 holds a block containing bacterial material. The bacterial material may comprise aerobic bacteria that can digest compounds in urine and other bacteria that produce enzymes that break down compounds in urine into by-products that can be utilized by the aerobic bacteria. Alternatively, or additionally, the block containing bacterial material may also comprise enzymes. The block containing bacterial material also comprises one or more surfactants. One or more fragrances may also be present. The block containing bacterial material is suitably formed by melting a solid surfactants and mixing in bacterial material, fragrances and enzymes. When the mixture is fully mixed, the mixture is poured into an upturned upper part 52 of the housing and allowed to cool and solidify. Once it has solidified, the upper part 52 of the housing may then be joined to the lower part 54 of the housing, as described above, to form the completed urinal mat 10.

The surfactant used in the block containing bacterial material is suitably a solid surfactant that is solid from −15° C. to 50° C. The surfactant may comprise a nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether, a polyol ester polyoxyethylene ether, an alkyl polyglucoside or mixtures of two or more thereof. The block preferably consists of surfactants, fragrances, bacteria and enzymes only. Suitably, no fillers are used in the block. The surfactant is suitably water-soluble so that it slowly dissolves when it is wetted by urine or flush water. In preferred embodiments, the block contains around 5.9×108 counts bacteria per gram. The block may have a weight of approximately 50 g with approximately 2 g of bacterial compound per block. Fragrances may be present in the block in amount of from 5% to 10% by volume.

The lower portion 54 of the housing is provided with a plurality of apertures. In particular, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the lower portion 54 is provided with seven apertures. The apertures provide openings through which urine and flush water can pass and come into contact with the block containing bacterial material that is housed within the housing. In this manner, when the urinal is being used, some of the block containing bacterial material dissolves when it is contacted by urine and/or flush water that travels through the apertures in the lower portion of the housing. This releases the bacterial material, the fragrances, and the surfactants from the housing. In order to provide for an appropriate release rate of material from the block containing bacterial material, the openings in the lower portion of the housing 54 may have a total area that is between 5 and 10% of the area of the base of the block of material. The present inventor has found that using this ratio of open area in the base plate to area of the base of the block of material allows for a suitable rate of release of material from the block containing bacterial material whilst also ensuring that the rate of release is not so high that the usable lifetime of the urinal mat 10 is shortened.

The urinal mat in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention has a continuously curved central region and a generally octagonal shape. The generally octagonal shape allows the urinal mat to better conform to the shape of the urinal in which the mat is placed. The continuously curved central region provides no sharp edges or flat surfaces that may increase splashing of urine. Further, the combination of upstanding fingers, the generally octagonal openings 38 and the square or diamond shape openings 40 also acts to reduce splashing of urine.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the region of material 56 between adjacent octagonal openings has a surface that is convex when viewed from above. This also acts to dissipate splashing of urine. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, all of the upper surfaces of the mat 12 that define the regions between adjacent openings 38 or 40 are convex when viewed from above. Even those regions of material 56 in the regions 48, 50 of the mat that have no upstanding fingers may have an upper convex surface. In some embodiments, the use of the curved or convex surfaces can greatly decrease splashing of urine even without requiring the presence of projections or fingers on the mat.

The urinal mat shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is generally similar to the urinal mat as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, except that the urinal mat shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 does not include any upstanding projections on its upper surface. For brevity of discussion, the features of the urinal mat shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 that are common with the features of the urinal mat shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 like reference numerals by similar reference numerals, but with the addition of a ′. These features need not be described further.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 to 7, the urinal mat 10′ has a plurality of openings 38′. These openings 38′ are generally octagonal in shape. A plurality of rectangular or diamond shaped openings 40′ are also formed in the urinal mat. As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 4 to 7, the upper surfaces of the mat that define regions between adjacent openings 38′ and 40′ have an upper convex surface. The present inventor has found that urinal mats having the upper convex surfaces as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 can greatly reduce splashing even without the presence of upstanding projections or fingers extending upwardly from the urinal mat.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the central region of the urinal mat houses the housing having a closed upper domed surface and the block of bacterial material. The central region of the mat 12 has an upstanding area that is of complementary shape to the upper portion of the housing so that the housing can be housed in that region. The central region of the mat 12 is suitably provided with the openings 38, 40, the regions of material 56 between those openings and a plurality of upstanding fingers 42. This arrangement and design minimizes sharp edges and flat regions that could otherwise cause urine to bounce or splash of the central region, thereby again minimizing splashing of urine. In some embodiments, upstanding projections or fingers are not required.

Embodiments of the present invention are generally devoid of flat surfaces, except for possibly a small flat region where branding information or advertising material can be placed. This flat region is preferably formed so that it extends inwardly from an edge of the urinal mat. This flat region is suitably located on the mat so that when the mat is placed in a urinal, the flat region lies adjacent to a rear wall of the urinal. This results in the flat region having a large angle to horizontal, such that any urine that impinges upon that flat region does not tend to splash upwardly.

The urinal mat in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a blend of non-pathogenic microorganisms and free enzymes that produces an enzymatic activity to degrade organic matter, whilst filling the washroom with odor masking fragrances. The blend of microorganisms contains strains producing protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase and uriase. These enzymes attack the compounds present in urine to break them down to a state where they can be easily digested by aerobic bacteria present in the block. The solid-state form of surfactant then acts in combination, flushing away the remnants of the urine and helping to clean the outlet pipes.

Combining an aerobic bacterial/enzyme blend with the solid-state surfactants and masking fragrances gives rise to a three tier approach to managing washroom odors, most of which are a direct result of urine breakdown by anaerobic bacteria in piping. In standard urinals that use a single fragrant masking agent, urine coats the outlet pipes, which results in the formation of uric acid crystals. These crystals harbor anaerobic bacteria, which are the main culprits in causing unpleasant odors in washrooms. Even when the urinal is not being used, the crystals in the pipes attract moisture and continue to produce many of the odors found offensive, such as ammonia, mercaptans, amines, indioles and skatoles.

The urinal mat in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention includes bacteria producing the enzyme urease which breaks down urea, a product of urine. The urinal mat in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention also includes surfactants that are released during urination and flushing. The surfactants assisting cleaning the urinal and the pipes. The surfactants also tend to form a foam as they travel through the pipes with flush water, which results in bacteria that are released from the bacterial block at the same time coating all of the inside of the pipes. Therefore, the bacterial activity takes place across the full periphery of the pipes. The plastic mat and the bacterial block of the urinal mat in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention also contain fragrances to mask any undesirable odors.

The urinal mat may be made from materials that are 100% recyclable. The urinal mat may be packed in a bag with a disposable glove. The urinal mat may be packed in a barrier film which means that the fragrance does not dissipate to any meaningful extent during storage.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A urinal mat comprising a mat of material, a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein, wherein the housing or cover comprises a continuously curved surface.

2. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing or cover comprises a partly spherical or a generally hemispherical surface extending above the mat.

3. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mat of material comprises a mat of plastic material.

4. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of openings formed in the mat.

5. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 4 wherein the plurality of openings comprises a plurality of octagonal openings.

6. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 5 wherein the plurality of openings comprises a plurality of octagonal openings and a plurality of rectangular or diamond shape openings, the plurality of rectangular or diamond shape openings being located between the octagonal openings.

7. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the urinal mat has a plurality of projections or fingers extending upwards from an upper surface of the urinal mat.

8. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing or cover has a closed upper surface, or the housing or cover has a water impermeable upper surface and the housing or cover is arranged such that water can only access the block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant through the openings in the lower surface of the mat.

9. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the urinal mat includes an upper mat surface extending over the upper surface of the housing or cover, the upper mat surface including a plurality of octagonal openings.

10. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 9 wherein the urinal mat includes an upper mat surface extending over the upper surface of the housing or cover, the upper mat surface including a plurality of octagonal openings and a plurality of rectangular or diamond shape openings.

11. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 10 wherein the upper mat surface includes a plurality of fingers or protuberances extending upwardly.

12. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the urinal mat comprises a mat having a domed central region, the housing being received within the domed central region, the domed central region including a plurality of octagonal openings, a plurality of rectangular or diamond shape openings and a plurality of fingers or projections.

13. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein material of the upper surface of the urinal mat that defines the plurality of openings in the urinal mat comprises a curved surface extending from one opening to an adjacent opening.

14. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 13 wherein the curved surface is convex when viewed from above.

15. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 14 wherein the mat comprises a web of material that forms the mat, with the web of material also defining openings in the mat, the material of the web that extends from one opening to an adjacent opening being curved in a direction from one opening to an adjacent opening such that it is convex when viewed from above.

16. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant is located within a block housing, the block housing comprising a lower part and an upper part comprising a continuously curved wall that defines a closed upper surface the upper part and the lower part of the housing being adapted to be joined together to form the block housing, the block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant being located in the upper part of the block housing and the upper part and the lower part of the block housing subsequently joined together to thereby retain the block containing bacterial material within the housing.

17. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mat of plastics material is formed with an opening therein or a recess that is of complementary size to a periphery of the lower part of the housing, the lower part of the housing being fitted into that opening or recess and thereby connected to or joined to the mat of plastics material.

18. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mat of material is formed with a domed central region, the domed central region receiving the housing, the domed central region having a lower periphery that enables the housing to be attached thereto or connected thereto to thereby connect the housing to the mat.

19. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the block comprises bacterial material, enzymes and a surfactant.

20. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the urinal mat includes upwardly extending fingers or projections that are between 3 mm and 10 mm long.

21. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower surface extending below the block of bacterial material and/or a lower surface of the mat is provided with feet or legs to space the lower surface from a floor or wall of the urinal.

22. A urinal mat comprising a mat of material, a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein, the mat having a generally octagonal shape.

23. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 22 wherein the housing or cover comprises a partly spherical or a generally hemispherical surface extending above the mat.

24. A urinal mat comprising a mat of material, a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein, wherein an upper surface of the mat has essentially no flat surfaces.

25. A urinal mat comprising a mat of material, a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein, wherein the mat includes a plurality of openings therein and the material of the upper surface of the urinal mat that defines the plurality of openings in the urinal mat comprises a curved surface extending from one opening to an adjacent opening.

26. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 25 wherein the curved surface is convex when viewed from above.

27. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 26 wherein the mat is formed from a web of material, with the web of material also defining the openings in the mat, wherein material of the web that extends from one opening to an adjacent opening is curved in a direction from one opening to an adjacent opening such that it is convex when viewed from above.

28. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 25 wherein the mat is formed from a web of material, with the web of material also defining the openings in the mat, wherein material of the web that extends from one opening to an adjacent opening is curved in a direction from one opening to an adjacent opening such that it is convex when viewed from above.

29. A urinal mat as claimed in claim 25 wherein the urinal mat is devoid of any upstanding projections extending from an upper surface of the urinal mat.

30. A urinal mat comprising a mat of material, a block containing bacterial material, enzymes or disinfectant material, a housing or cover having an upper portion surrounding an upper part of the block, and a lower surface extending below the block containing bacterial material, the lower surface having one or more openings therein, the mat having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, the material of the mat that extends from one opening to an adjacent opening having a curved upper surface.

Patent History
Publication number: 20190145088
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 14, 2018
Publication Date: May 16, 2019
Inventor: Joel Vivian Keune (Mt. Ommaney)
Application Number: 15/921,637
Classifications
International Classification: E03D 9/00 (20060101); E03D 13/00 (20060101);