Abstract:
The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a treatment device for a urinal (e.g., waterless urinal, waterless conversion, “P” trap in addition to skirt valve) is effective to reduce insects, uric acid buildup and odor in urinals and urinal pipes. The treatment device is typically installed in a urinal cartridge having a valve (e.g., a skirt valve), and comprises an upper dispenser positioned above the valve and a lower dispenser positioned below the valve.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/108,940, filed Jan. 28, 2015. All extrinsic materials identified herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of the invention is treatment devices for common plumbing issues related to urinals. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0004]    All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
         [0005]    Plumbing is a necessary component in modern businesses. While it is a convenient to have plumbing for many reasons, plumbing can cause problems if improperly maintained. For example, insects and foul odor can travel through floor drains. In another example, uric acid crystals can form in waterless urinals piping. 
         [0006]    Some have attempted to reduce the problems that arise in plumbing. For example, some have contemplated reducing odor and insects from traveling through plumbing pipes by providing a one way mechanism or a water trap in the plumbing pipe. This concept is generally disclosed in CN2579967Y, CN101922179A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,804 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,640,271. Others have contemplated using chemicals to reduce problems that arise in plumbing as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697B2, US20130240423A1, US20150000183A1, and the Drain-Net Defender. While these attempts have produced some advantages, there is still a need for an improved treatment device for plumbing. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a treatment device for a urinal (e.g., waterless urinal, waterless conversion, “P” trap in addition to skirt valve) is effective to reduce insects, uric acid buildup and odor in urinals and urinal pipes. The treatment device is typically installed in a urinal cartridge having a valve (e.g., a skirt valve), and comprises an upper dispenser positioned above the valve and a lower dispenser positioned below the valve. Most typically, the upper dispenser dispenses a deodorant, and the lower dispense comprises an active agent that is selected from the list of an insecticide and a uric-acid consuming bacteria. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIGS. 1-2  are various views of an embodiment of a urinal cartridge with an upper dispenser. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 3-4  are various views of an embodiment of a urinal cartridge with an upper and lower dispenser. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 5-6  are various views of another embodiment of a urinal cartridge with an upper and lower dispenser. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 7A-7B  are various views of an embodiment of a lower dispenser having a fastening mechanism. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 8A-8B  are various views of an embodiment of a dispenser. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 9A-9B  are various views of an embodiment of a fastener. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 10A-10C  are various views of an embodiment of an upper dispenser. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 11A-11B  are various views of another embodiment of a urinal cartridge having an upper and lower dispenser. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 12A-12B  are various views of an embodiment of an upper dispenser. 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a urinal cartridge having an upper and lower dispenser. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 14A-14B  are various views of an embodiment of a lower dispenser. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 15A-15D  are various views of an embodiment of a fastener. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 16A-16B  are various views of an embodiment of a lower dispenser. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 17A-17C  are various views of an embodiment of a component of a urinal cartridge. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 18A-18D  are various views of an embodiment of a fastener. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 19A-19C  are various views of an embodiment of an upper dispenser. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 20A-20C  are various views of an embodiment of an upper dispenser. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
         [0026]    As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0027]    The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of a urinal cartridge with an upper dispenser. The upper dispenser is housed using a perforated grate. The upper dispenser can be exposed to the surface of a urinal, such that an upper dispenser comprising a deodorant can be dispensed to nearby users.  FIG. 2  shows a bottom perspective view of the urinal cartridge having an upper dispenser. The bottom of urinal cartridge has a post that extends through a portion of the body of urinal cartridge. The portion of the post that extends is exposed on the underside of the urinal cartridge can be threaded or non-threaded. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  shows a bottom perspective view of a urinal cartridge having an upper and a lower dispenser. The lower dispenser has a fastening mechanism to fasten the lower dispenser to the urinal cartridge. In this embodiment the lower dispenser is slidably coupled to the post so that it can be easily replaced when necessary. For a better illustration of the inside of the urinal house,  FIG. 4  shows a cross sectional view. This cross sectional view shows a valve that has a first skirt, and a post about which is at least partially disposed (a) the first skirt, (b) a second skirt, and (c) the lower dispenser. However, in other contemplated embodiments the first skirt and the upper dispenser are at least partially disposed about the post or only the first skirt and the lower dispenser are at least partially disposed about the post. Nonetheless, it should be apparent that the upper dispenser is positioned above the valve and the lower dispense is positioned below the valve as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0030]    While the fastening mechanism of the lower dispenser can comprise a through hole that couples to the post as shown in  FIG. 4 , it is contemplated that the lower dispenser can have a fastening mechanism comprising mating inner threads on the lower dispenser and outer threads on the post. Alternatively, the fastening mechanism of the lower dispenser can comprise a fastener slidably couples with the post as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a urinal cartridge having an upper and lower dispenser, and the lower dispenser has a fastening mechanism that includes a fastener. 
         [0031]    A better illustration of the fastening mechanism can be seen in  FIG. 6 . The fastener slidably couples to the post at a position below the valve, and the lower dispenser is slidably coupled to the lower dispenser. It should be appreciated that the lower dispenser is most preferably positioned below the valve to prevent users from coming into accident contact with chemicals that are dispensed by the lower dispenser. 
         [0032]    The lower dispenser is preferably configured to dispense an active agent comprising at least one of an insecticide, uric acid-consuming bacteria, a deodorant, and enzymes to digest grease and oil. It is contemplated that the lower dispenser is the shape of the active agent, such that the dispenser is the active agent, or the lower dispenser is a carrier of the active agent. For example, the lower dispenser can be a sacrificial bait for insects, and in such case, the lower dispenser is the shape of the active agent. In another example, the lower dispenser can comprise freeze-dried uric acid-consuming bacteria, and in such case, the lower dispenser is a carrier of the active agent. The active agent can be a liquid soluble material, such that liquid dissolves or reacts with the active agent, or can be stored in a membrane permeable bag. It is contemplated that the lower dispenser couples to the post as the membrane permeable bag and the active agent is disposed within membrane permeable bag. Thus, the treatment device provides a safer method of treating insects and uric acid buildup in drain pipes by placing the active agent below the valve and away from nearby users. 
         [0033]      FIG. 7B  shows an exploded view of the fastening mechanism that comprises a fastener (e.g., rubber coupler) that engages a pole (e.g., bottom of valve stem). The fastener has at least one rib, and is sized and dimensioned to slidably couple a hole disposed in the lower dispenser (e.g., sacrificial bait). While the coupling between the fastener and the pole is a slidable coupling, it is contemplated that the fastener and pole have threaded portions that mate with one another. Similarly, it is contemplated that the fastener and the lower dispenser can have threaded portions that mate with one another. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  show a top and side view of a lower dispenser. The lower dispenser has a diameter of 1.5 inches as shown in  FIG. 8A . However, it is contemplated that the diameter of the lower dispenser has a diameter between 1 and 2 inches. The lower dispenser can also have a cavity having a diameter of 0.8 inches as shown in  FIG. 8A . However, it is contemplated that the cavity has a diameter between 0.5 and 1.2 inches. It should be appreciated that the cavity has a size and dimension to receive the fastener or the pole, and can be threaded or non-threaded as discussed above. 
         [0035]      FIG. 8B  shows a side view of the dispenser having a height of 0.7 inches. The height in  FIG. 8B  is an exemplary height, and it is contemplated that the height of the dispenser can range between 0.5 and 1 inch.  FIG. 8B  also shows a top side and a bottom side. The dispenser has a downward sloping surface that slopes towards the bottom side of the dispenser. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  show perspective view and a top view of a fastener. As shown, the fastener can have a plurality of ribs. The ribs are sized and dimensioned to engage the lower dispenser to hold it in place. Thus, the lower dispenser can be replaced by simply pulling it off the fastener. The fastener also includes inward notches that are sized and dimensioned to engage the stem. The inward notches allow a user to simply slide the fastener onto the pole for easy installation. As discussed above, it is contemplated that the fastener can have threads to mate with a threaded portion of at least one of the dispenser and the pole. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 10A-10C  show a top perspective view and a side view of an upper dispenser. It is contemplated that a deodorant is configured to be dispensed by the upper dispenser. The deodorant can be configured as a solid pellet or can be a liquid formulation that coats the upper dispenser. Additionally, it is contemplated that the upper dispenser is the deodorant. The upper dispenser is typically locked by a locking mechanism to resist rotation of the upper dispenser and to contain the upper dispenser in the urinal cartridge. The locking mechanism can include a detent as shown in  FIG. 10A , which mates with a protrusion in the urinal cartridge. Additionally, or alternatively, the locking mechanism can include a perforated grate positioned above the upper dispenser. 
         [0038]      FIG. 10B  shows that upper dispenser has a top side having a downward sloping surface that slopes towards a bottom side of the upper dispenser. The diameter of the upper dispenser is 2.24 inches. However, it is contemplated that the diameter of the upper dispenser can range between 2 and 4 inches. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the upper dispenser has a cavity. The cavity can be 0.710 inches as shown in  FIG. 10C , and in other embodiments, can range between 0.5 and 1 inch. The cavity is preferably sized and dimensioned to receive a raised component of the urinal cartridge. As shown in  FIG. 10C , a hole disposed on the upper housing can have a smaller diameter than the cavity. 
         [0039]    The upper dispenser of the embodiment in  FIG. 10C  is about 1.170 inches. However, it is contemplated that the upper dispenser can have other heights, such as a height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. For an upper dispenser with a shorter height,  FIGS. 11A and 11B  show a urinal cartridge having a shorter upper dispenser.  FIGS. 12A and 12B  show a top perspective view and a side view of the shorter upper dispenser. The features of the upper dispensers are similar in many respects.  FIG. 13  shows another embodiment of a urinal cartridge with an upper and lower dispenser. It should be appreciated that all the drawings and figures are drawn to scale. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. 
         [0041]    The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0042]    Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
         [0043]    As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. 
         [0044]    It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.