Abstract:
A fixture drain insert assembly includes a material module support with a securing component; at least one of a trap housing or trap cover comprising an upper surface with a securing component corresponding to the securing component of the material support module, a plurality of drain apertures, and an interlocking structure on the external surface of an inner diameter; a valve; a gasket; and a housing support comprising a body with an open top end having an interlocking structure and an inner lip on the inner surface of the open top end, wherein the interlocking structure corresponds to and mates with the interlocking structure of the trap housing or trap cover. The fixture drain insert assembly can be retrofit into existing fixtures such as urinals to create efficient and clean low water to no-water use fixtures or be integrated into new fixtures with corresponding mating features to optimize fit.

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to fixture drain inserts, and more specifically to inserts that contain one of many trap assemblies for fixture drains. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Water conservation is a major concern in many areas and is likely to become even more important in the future as populations increase resulting in more water consumption. Practicing water conversation on a regular basis has many benefits including saving money both in the short term and long term. In the short term, water conservation saves the consumer money by reducing a consumer&#39;s monthly water utility bill. In the long term, consumers save money by postponing, or even preventing, the building of new water supply infrastructures, thereby reducing the per unit cost (or slowing the increase in cost) of water. 
     The bathroom is one area where water is often needlessly used. In fact, the largest daily user of water in the commercial establishments is the urinal and in homes is the toilets. To conserve water use, low water use urinals and no-water urinals and other fixtures have been devised. These no-water urinals are not flushed with water each time a person uses the urinal and, in fact, they are not equipped for flushing as they are not connected to a water supply. As the no-water urinal is repeatedly used, most urine is collected in a compartment of the urinal while some passes through the drain. An oily sealing liquid that is immiscible with the urine and is lighter than the urine covers the collected urine. This oily sealing liquid floats on the surface of the urine, serving as a barrier that prevents odors from the urinal from escaping to the environment. Typically, such no-water urinals include a removable cartridge having a top with an opening in communication with the compartment holding an initial water charge that mixes with urine flowing into the compartment through the opening. A stand pipe type drain is in communication with the compartment that allows the compartment to be drained continually to a sewer or other waste disposal system as the compartment is filled with urine. Dry traps using mechanical valve or small p-traps are also used to prevent odor from escaping while still allowing urine to pass. 
     A disadvantage of these no-water urinals is that the urinals are specially designed to accept these removable cartridges. For an institution to convert from water-based urinals to no-water urinals requires the complete replacement of the existing water-based urinals. This can be an expensive and time-consuming process. 
     It is desirable to provide a fixture drain insert which may be used in present water-based urinals to convert the urinals to low-water or no-water based urinals. 
     It is desirable to provide a fixture drain insert which may be used with existing traps and fixtures to permit the passage of used fluids and urine while preventing sewer gas from escaping. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In at least one embodiment, a fixture drain insert assembly is provided that includes a material module support comprising a bottom surface with a securing component; at least one of a trap housing or trap cover comprising an upper surface with a securing component corresponding to the securing component of the material support module, wherein the trap housing or trap cover further includes a plurality of drain apertures, an inner diameter with an external surface, and an interlocking structure on the external surface of the inner diameter; a valve; a gasket; and a cylindrical housing support comprising a cylindrical body with an open top end, the open top end comprising an interlocking structure and an inner lip on the inner surface of the open top end, wherein the interlocking structure corresponds to and mates with the interlocking structure of the trap housing or trap cover. 
     In at least another embodiment, a fixture drain insert assembly is provided comprising a material support module comprising a cover and a bottom configured to secure together to house a material selected from the group consisting of a fragrance material, an enzyme and/or bacteria material, a cleaning material, and combinations thereof, and a female securing component on the bottom surface of the bottom; a trap housing comprising a sloped upper surface containing a plurality of drain apertures and a central male securing component corresponding to the female securing component of the material support module, an inner diameter containing a plurality of interlocking L-shaped protuberances on an outer surface of the inner diameter, and a plurality of pin interlocking structures around an outer surface of the housing; a housing support comprising an open end containing an inner lip and a plurality of protuberances on an inner surface of the open end, wherein the plurality of pin protuberances correspond to the plurality of interlocking L-shaped protuberances on the inner diameter of the trap housing, wherein the L-shaped protuberances of the inner diameter and the pin protuberances of the housing support are configured to matingly join as a bayonet mount, and a cylindrical body; a valve secured between the housing support and the trap housing and projecting to the housing support; and a drain mounting component comprising a plurality of L-shaped interlocking structures corresponding to the pin interlocking structures around the outer surface of the housing, wherein the L-shaped protuberances of the drain mount and the pin protuberances of the trap housing are configured to matingly join as a bayonet mount. 
     In at least another embodiment, a fixture drain insert assembly is provided comprising a material support module comprising a cover and a bottom configured to secure together to house a material selected from the group consisting of a fragrance material, an enzyme and/or bacteria material, a cleaning material, and combinations thereof, and a female securing component on the bottom surface of the bottom; a trap cover comprising a sloped upper surface containing a plurality of drain apertures and a central male securing component corresponding to the female securing component of the material support module, an inner diameter containing a plurality of interlocking L-shaped protuberances on an outer surface of the inner diameter, and a plurality of legs; a housing support comprising an open end containing an inner lip and a plurality of protuberances on an inner surface of the open end, wherein the plurality of pin protuberances correspond to the plurality of interlocking L-shaped protuberances on the inner diameter of the trap housing, wherein the L-shaped protuberances of the inner diameter and the pin protuberances of the housing support are configured to matingly join as a bayonet mount, and a ridge; a drain cover skirt secured between the housing support component and the trap cover; a valve secured between the housing support and the trap cover and projecting into the housing support; and a gasket secured in the ridge of the housing support component. 
     Other embodiments, aspects, features, objectives and advantages of the hygiene product disposal apparatus and method of use will be understood and appreciated upon a full reading of the detailed description and the claims that follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the fixture drain insert assembly are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings and are for illustrative purposes only. The fixture drain insert assembly is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangement of the components illustrated in the drawings. The fixture drain insert assembly is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in other various ways. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture drain insert assembly inserted in a urinal; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of drain mounting component in a urinal for securing the fixture drain insert assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the fixture drain insert assembly; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side perspective view of the fixture drain insert assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture drain insert assembly taken along the line V-V of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture drain insert assembly inserted in a urinal drain taken along the line VI-VI of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a fixture drain insert assembly inserted in a urinal drain; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of the fixture drain insert assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the gasket of the fixture drain insert assembly shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the fixture drain insert assembly; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture drain insert assembly taken along the line XI-XI of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture drain insert assembly inserted in a urinal drain taken along the line XII-XII of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of the fixture drain insert assembly inserted in a floor mounted urinal; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture drain assembly inserted in a floor mounted urinal taken along the line XIV-XIV of  FIG. 13 ; and 
         FIGS. 15-20  illustrate alternative embodiments of a fixture drain insert assembly in use with various types of traps. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixture drain insert assembly  300  with material support module  280  inserted in a urinal  350 . While in the exemplary embodiments described herein, fixture drain insert assembly  300  is described in the context of urinal drains, it is to be understood that fixture drain insert assembly  300  may be used with other fixtures, such as sinks. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of urinal  350  with drain mounting component  301 . Drain mounting component  301  fits within the urinal drain and contains interlocking members  302  which engage protuberances  241  of trap housing  240  (see  FIG. 4 ) in a bayonet mount style. Other forms of securing trap housing  240  to drain mounting component  301  may be used however, such as threaded structures, friction fit components, and other attachment structures and assemblies known in the art. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the fixture drain insert assembly  300  shown in  FIG. 1 . Material support modules  280  comprises cover  282  and bottom  284  which secure together to enclose fragrance or enzyme/bacteria material  290 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, material  290  is a solid block containing a fragrance or enzyme/bacteria or other cleaning agent. In further exemplary embodiments, material  290  could be a gel or liquid. 
     Bottom  284  of material support module  280  includes securing component  288  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) on its bottom surface. Securing component  288  connects and secures material support module  280  to trap housing  240 . Trap housing  240  has a corresponding securing component  248  at the center of sloped upper surface  245  which engages securing component  288  of material support module  280 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, securing component  248  is a threaded male member which threadingly engages securing component  288 , which is a threaded female member. However, in further exemplary embodiments, material support module  280  and trap housing  240  may secure to each other through any means known in the art. Sloped upper surface  245  is sloped downwardly towards drain apertures  249  which permit the passage of liquid through trap housing  240  and the rest of fixture drain insert assembly  300 . 
     The inner bottom surface of trap housing  240  includes an interlocking structure  246  (shown in more detail in  FIG. 5 ), which, in the exemplary embodiment described, is a plurality of L-shaped protuberances oriented radially around the outer surface of an inner diameter  247  (not shown) of trap housing  240 . Interlocking structure  246  engages corresponding interlocking structure  226  of housing support  220 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , corresponding interlocking structure  226  comprises a plurality of pin protuberances radially configured around the inner surface of open top end  224 . When housing support  220  and trap housing  240  are secured together, open top end  224  slides over inner diameter  247  of trap housing  240  when interlocking structures  246  and  226  of offset relative to each other. Once interlocking structures  246  and  226  are past each other, trap housing  240  and housing support  220  are rotated relative to one another to align interlocking structures  246  and  226  such that the pin interlocking structures  226  are secured against the L-shaped protuberances  246 . This style of joining is called a bayonet mount, which is easy to engage and disengage for quick and easy joining/removal of trap housing  240  from housing support  220 . 
     In further exemplary embodiments, any structure, mechanism or combination thereof may be used to join trap housing  240  and housing support  220 . For example, trap housing  240  and housing support  220  could be joined by interlocking threaded components, adhesives or sonic welding. However, using a form of interlocking components, such as the bayonet mount or threads, provides a quick and easy way to remove fixture drain insert assembly  300  components for cleaning, replacement or repair. It also makes accessing the trap and valve easy without having to remove the entire fixture drain insert assembly  300  from the fixture. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , housing support  220  also includes a smooth cylindrical body  228  for insertion into a fixture drain. In other embodiments, cylindrical body  228  may be threaded or have a different shape to conform or secure to a given drain/trap style. 
     Fixture drain insert assembly  300  also includes elastomer trap  230  which has an open top end  234  configured to sit on inner lip  225  of housing support  220 . Open top end  234  of elastomer trap  230  provides a passage for liquid from trap housing  240  into housing support  220  (and therefore a fixture drain) through flaps  232 . While two flaps  232  are shown, other exemplary embodiments may use more flaps  232 . When urinal drain insert assembly  300  is assembled, the joining of housing support  220  and trap housing  240  secures elastomer trap  230  between them. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side perspective view of the fixture drain insert assembly  300 . Material support module  280  is assembled and secured to trap housing  240  with sloped upper surface  245  extending beyond material support module  280 . Trap housing  240  has cylindrical outer surface  242  with protuberances  241  for securing in a fixture drain. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture drain insert assembly  300  taken along the line V-V of  FIG. 4 . Material support module  280  contains fragrance or enzyme/bacteria material  290  and is secured to trap housing  240  at securing components  248  (on trap housing) and  228  (on material support module  280 ). As illustrated, male securing component  248  is securely threaded into female securing component  288 . 
     The mating of interlocking structures  246  (on inner diameter  247  of trap housing  240 ) and  226  on housing support  220  is also shown. Interlocking structures  246  and  226  are aligned to engage one another and connected as in a bayonet mount, described above. Elastomer trap  230  with two flaps  232  is secured between trap housing  240  and housing support  220 . Trap housing  240  also contains gasket  243  which helps create a seal around a fixture drain. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture drain insert assembly  300  inserted in a urinal  350  taken along the line VI-VI of  FIG. 1 . Material support module  280  projects into the basin of urinal  350  and is visible. Trap housing  240  is secured within the urinal&#39;s drain with sloped upper surface  245  concealed in the drain beneath material support module  280 . Housing support  220  projects downward into the urinal trap with elastomer trap  230  secured between housing support  220  and trap housing  240 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, as liquid (i.e., water, urine, etc.) flows enters the urinal basin, the liquid passes through drain apertures  249  of trap housing  240 , through elastomer trap  230  and out housing support  220 . Elastomer trap  230  acts as a one-way valve permitting only the passage of liquid downward through its flaps  232  and preventing the backup of liquid or gas through elastomer trap  230 . Trap housing  240  further prevents gases and liquids from escaping back up the urinal drain. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′ with material support module  280  inserted in a urinal  350 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-11 , fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′ is designed to retrofit into any existing fixture drain. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of the fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′ of  FIG. 7 . Material support module  280  comprises cover  282  and bottom  284  which secure together to house material  290 . In place of trap housing  240 , however, fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′ comprises trap cover  250  which secures to support module  280  through the connection of securing components  288  (on support module  280 ) and  258  (on trap cover  250 ). Like trap housing  240 , trap cover  250  includes an inner diameter  257  which contains an interlocking structure  256  which corresponds to interlocking structure  226  of housing support  220 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Trap cover  250  also contains legs  251  which keep trap cover with drain apertures  259  slightly raised over drain cover skirt  255 . Drain cover skirt  255  is a flexible piece of material that does not interact with most liquids exposed in urinals (such as a polymeric based material, silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic olefinic elastomers, etc.) which conforms to a fixture to seal around a drain. Drain cover skirt  255  functions to further ensure no odor escapes the drain and helps ensure that urine/liquids pass through drain apertures  259  and, ultimately, elastomer trap  230 . 
     Fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′ also includes elastomer trap  230  which has two flaps  232  and an open top end  234  which provides passage of liquid from trap cover  250  through housing support  220  and is designed to rest on inner lip  225  of housing support  220 . Housing support has interlocking structure  226  which corresponds to interlocking structure  256  of trap cover  250  and cylindrical body  228 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, cylindrical body  228  includes ridge  221  for seating gasket  210 . Inner edge  211  of gasket  210  secures in ridge  221  to connect gasket  210  to housing support  220 . Gasket  210  creates an odor seal for fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of gasket  210 . Gasket  210  includes a plurality of removable concentric rings, allowing gasket  210  to be sized to any existing drain or trap style and still create a seal to prevent odors from escaping. Gasket  210  also includes drain apertures  218  which permit liquid to flow past gasket  210  if it should leak past drain cover skirt  255 . Gasket  210  also serves to help secure fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′ in the drain and prevent movement. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′. Material support module  280  is assembled and secured to trap cover  250 . Legs  251  hold trap cover  250  up from drain cover skirt  255 , with gasket  210  secured to housing support  220 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′ taken along the line XI-XI of  FIG. 10 . Material support module  280  contains material  290 , which may be a block, gel or liquid material containing a fragrance, enzyme/bacteria or other cleaning/deodorizing agent. Material support module  280  is secured to trap cover  250  at securing components  258  and  288 . In the embodiment shown, securing component  288  (on material support module  280 ) is a threaded female component into which securing component  258  (on trap cover  250 ), a threaded male component, is threaded. Other securing structures, however, may be used. 
     Trap cover  250  with interlocking structures  256  on inner diameter  257  are joined with corresponding interlocking structures  226  on housing support  220  in a bayonet mount style. Elastomer trap  230  with two flaps  232  is secured between trap cover  250  and housing support  220 , and drain cover skirt  255  is secured around inner diameter  257  of trap cover  250 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′ inserted in a urinal  350  taken alone the line XII-XII of  FIG. 7 . Material support module  280  projects into the basin of urinal  350  and is visible. Trap cover is secured underneath material support module  280  outside of the urinal drain with drain cover skirt  255  creating a liquid seal around the drain. Gasket  210 , secured to housing support  220 , creates a gas tight seal from under the urinal drain. Elastomer trap  230  is secured between housing support  220  and trap cover  250 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, as liquid (i.e., water, urine, etc.) flows enters the urinal basin, the liquid passes through drain apertures  259  of trap cover  250 , through elastomer trap  230  and out housing support  220 . Elastomer trap  230  acts as a one-way valve permitting only the passage of liquid downward through its flaps  232  and preventing the backup of liquid or gas through elastomer trap  230 . Gasket  210  and drain cover skirt  255  further prevents gases and liquids from escaping back up the urinal drain. Drain cover skirt  255  also directs liquids to drain apertures  250  of trap cover  250  so that the liquids (i.e., urine, water) are directed through elastomer trap  230 . 
     While in the exemplary embodiments above fixture drain insert assembly  300 / 300 ′ have been shown in use with wall-mounted urinals, fixture drain insert assemblies  300 / 300 ′ may be used with other fixtures, including, but not limited to, floor mounted urinals, such as depicted in  FIGS. 13-14 .  FIGS. 13-14  illustrate fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′ with material support module  280  and drain cover skirt  255  secured in a floor mounted urinal  350 . 
       FIGS. 15-20  illustrate alternative embodiments of a fixture drain insert assembly. In  FIG. 15 , fixture drain insert assembly  300 ″ is as shown in  FIGS. 7-14 , but uses a ball valve  230 ″ instead of elastomer trap  230 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, housing support  220 ″ is threaded; however, it is to be understood that housing support  220  may be any shape or include threads or other securing structures to be configured for insertion into a given drain style. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16  fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′″ uses a bulb valve  230 ′″ instead of elastomer trap  230 . As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , different styles of valves (i.e., elastomer trap, ball valve, bulb valve) may be used with different styles of existing traps. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , fixture drain insert assembly  300 ″ with bulb valve  230 ′″ uses trap housing  240 , as shown with  FIGS. 1-6 , and is shown in a J-trap design. However, it should be understood that the different fixture drain insert assembly embodiments (i.e., trap housing style and trap cover/drain cover skirt style) may be used with a variety of valves and therefore be configured for use in a variety of drain/trap styles. 
       FIGS. 18-20  illustrate an exemplary fixture drain insert assembly  300 ′″″ as used with a two-inch code valve ( 298   a ,  298   b ). The embodiment in  FIGS. 16-17  uses a trap cover  250  with drain cover skirt  255 , while the embodiment in  FIG. 18  uses a trap housing  240  with a bulb valve  230 ′″. 
     In the exemplary embodiments described above, the embodiments of the fixture drain insert assembly are described for use with various valve, trap and drain styles. It is understood that assemblies described herein may be used with any valve and trap known in the art, including, but not limited to, elastomer valves comprising at least two flexible flaps, ball valves, bulb valves, two-inch code valves, J-traps, and S-traps. 
     It is specifically intended that the hygiene product disposal apparatus and method of use not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.