Abstract:
A deodorant and urine dispersing device for placement in a urinal and including a receptacle mounted on a flexible base pad having an opening for alignment with the outlet opening in a urinal and including vertically spaced urine dispersing filters each of which includes a plurality of rod-like members oriented in spaced, parallel relation with the rod-like members in the upper dispersing filter being parallel to the path of urine flow and the rod-like members in the lower dispersing filter being perpendicular to the rod-like members in the upper dispersing filter. Each of the rod-like members have a generally cylindrical upper surface and a lower edge defined by downwardly converging surfaces forming a V-shaped configuration with the lower apex defining a narrow edge to reduce capillary action and reduce splashing of urine when it engages the dispersing filters. In one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle includes a lower shelf formed by a plurality of spaced parallel supporting rods with a front wall of the receptacle having an opening above the shelf to enable a deodorant block or cake to be easily inserted into the receptacle. In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle includes only upper and lower urine dispersing filters, is substantially shorter in height and includes a flexible base pad.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to receptacles and pad assemblies for urinals and, more particularly, to splash proof urinal receptacles which have dispersing filters for preventing splash back from the urinal toward the urinal user or other surfaces. In one embodiment, the assembly receptacle holds a deodorant block in the urine flow path and includes a pair of vertically spaced urine dispersing filters which prevent urine back splash. The assembly also includes a flexible base pad having an opening for alignment with the outlet opening in the urinal, and the dispersing filters are spaced above the deodorant block to disperse urine flow over the block. The vertically spaced dispersing filters include a plurality of rod-like members oriented in spaced, parallel relation with the rod-like members in the upper dispersing filter being parallel to the path of urine flow and the rod-like members in the lower dispersing filter being perpendicular to the rod-like members in the upper filter. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle includes only upper and lower dispersing filters and does not include a deodorant block. The receptacle in this embodiment of the invention is also attached to a flexible base pad which includes a large discharge opening aligned with the urinal outlet. In this embodiment, the receptacle is shorter in height, uses less material and is constructed in a manner to be inexpensive and disposable. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Deodorant block holders are commercially available and generally include a flexible pad with a perforate receptacle on the upper surface of the pad receiving a deodorant block. Replacement of the deodorant block is somewhat difficult and the construction of some presently available commercial devices utilize upwardly facing flat surfaces which cause splashing of urine when urine flow impacts against the flat surfaces. The following U.S. patents disclose devices for positioning in or on urinals. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
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     The above patents disclose structures associated with urinals to support deodorant blocks in the flow path of urine and include screen structures and slotted receptacles to permit contact of urine with the deodorant block and enable discharge of urine to the outlet of the urinal. The prior patents, however, do not disclose the specific structural arrangement of the embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, the prior art does not disclose a receptacle for a deodorant block which includes vertically spaced upper and lower dispersing filter elements above the deodorant block for more effectively dispersing urine flow and avoiding surface flow of urine along the surfaces of the dispersing filter and receptacle due to capillary action. Further, the prior art does not show the specific construction of the receptacle, dispersing filter assembly and flexible base pad with a large center opening with the structure enabling replacement of the deodorant block easily and expeditiously. Finally, the prior art does not disclose urinal receptacles with vertically spaced dispersing filters supported from a flexible base pad with each dispersing filter including spaced parallel rod-like members having a convexly curved upper surface and a V-shaped lower surface. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The splash proof urinal receptacle and pad assembly of the present invention includes a plastic receptacle connected with a flexible resilient base pad which includes a large central opening for alignment with the outlet of a urinal when the receptacle and pad assembly are placed in the urinal. The pad supports the receptacle in the urinal in a stable position with the upper end of the receptacle facing upwardly for positioning in the flow path of urine. The receptacle preferably has a generally square or rectangular shape and is provided with upper and lower urine dispersing filters with each dispersing filter including a plurality of spaced parallel rod-like members. The rod-like members in the upper dispersing filter are oriented at a substantial angle rotation in relation to the rod-like members in the lower dispersing filter for more effective dispersion of the urine. Preferably, the rod-like members in the lower dispersing filter are approximately perpendicular to the rod-like members in the upper dispersing filter. 
     The rod-like members in each of the dispersing filters includes a unique cross-sectional configuration. Each rod-like member has a generally semi-cylindrical upper surface and a substantially V-shaped lower surface to define a sharp bottom edge. It has been found that this configuration produces two very beneficial results. First, the convexly curved upper surface facilitates dispersion of the urine flow and eliminates flat surfaces which have a tendency to cause splash back of the urine toward the urinal user. Second, the V-shaped lower surface substantially reduces the capillary action of the urine along the surfaces of the rod-like members and thus facilitates separation of the urine droplets from the rod-like members. It has further been found that the upper and lower dispersing filters constructed in accordance with the present invention should be spaced apart a sufficient distance in order to achieve the separation of the urine droplets from the rod-like members of the upper filter. In particular, the bottom edge of the V-shaped lower edge of the upper filter rod-like members should be spaced a distance of at least about ¼ inch above the apex of the convexly shaped upper surface of the lower filter rod-like members. In addition, it has been found that the rod-like members in each of the upper and lower filters should preferably be spaced from each other a distance of between about {fraction (1/16)} inch and ⅛ inch. 
     In one embodiment, a deodorant block is supported on a shelf below the lower dispersing filter and the dispersed urine comes into contact with the deodorant block as it proceeds toward the base pad and is discharged through the opening in the base pad. In this embodiment of the invention, the receptacle includes a front wall with an opening and a shelf defined by a plurality of rod-like members positioned below the bottom of the opening to enable easy insertion and removal of the deodorant block. In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle and pad assembly is designed to be disposable. The receptacle includes only the upper and lower dispersing filters and the base pad. The base pad is impregnated with a deodorant composition and, when the deodorant composition has dissipated from the pad during use, the assembly is simply thrown away. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a splash proof urinal receptacle and pad assembly in which the receptacle has a peripheral wall and a pair of generally parallel, vertically spaced urine dispersing filters at the top. The upper dispersing filter preferably forms the top surface of the receptacle and the lower dispersing filter is spaced below the upper dispersing filter. Both dispersing filters are constructed of spaced parallel rod-like members with the rod-like members in the lower dispersing filter being at a substantial angle, preferably perpendicular, in relation to the rod-like elements in the upper dispersing filter. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a urinal deodorant receptacle and pad assembly including a flexible panel defining the base pad secured to the receptacle and including an enlarged central opening aligned with an outlet in the urinal for discharge of urine from the receptacle to the urinal outlet. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a urinal deodorant receptacle having a peripheral wall with an opening therein above a shelf spaced below the lower dispersing filter and a deodorant block supported on the shelf immediately below the edge of the opening to enable insertion and replacement of the deodorant block and support of the deodorant block in alignment with and spaced below the lower dispersing filter. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a urinal receptacle including vertically spaced dispersing filters each of which includes a plurality of parallel rod-like members with the cross-sectional configuration of each rod-like member having a semi-cylindrical upper surface and a generally V-shaped lower surface, which V-shaped lower surface defines a narrow bottom edge to reduce the capillary action of the urine along the surfaces of the rod-like members and thus facilitate the discharge of the urine droplets from the lower surface of the rod-like members. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a urinal receptacle in which the upwardly facing surfaces thereof are convexly curved to facilitate dispersion of the urine flow and eliminate flat surfaces which may cause splash back of urine when urine flow impinges upon such flat surfaces. 
     Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a urinal deodorant receptacle and pad assembly in which the flexible base pad is impregnated with a deodorant and in which the receptacle is relatively short in vertical height and includes only the upper and lower dispersing filters in order to be economically disposable. 
     Yet another object of this invention to be specifically enumerated herein is to provide a urinal deodorant receptacle and pad assembly in accordance with the preceding objects which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that will be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation. 
     These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the splash proof urinal receptacle and pad assembly of the present invention installed in a typical urinal. 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the receptacle shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the base pad and the central large opening therein. 
     FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the assembly, on an enlarged scale, taken along section line  7 — 7  on FIG. 2, illustrating the vertically spaced upper and lower dispersing filters, the cross-sectional configuration of the rod-like members forming the dispersing filters and the deodorant block supported on a supporting shelf below the lower dispersing filter. 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the lower portion of the receptacle and pad assembly illustrating an alternative structure for supporting the flexible pad from the lower end of the receptacle. 
     FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 illustrating the opening in the flexible base pad. 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the receptacle and pad assembly of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 12 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the assembly of FIG. 9 taken along section line  12 — 12  on FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 13 is a plan view of an alternative base pad illustrating its association with the receptacle of FIG.  9 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Although only two preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
     FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrates one embodiment of the urinal receptacle and pad assembly of the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral  20 . Assembly  20  is installed in a conventional urinal, generally designated by reference numeral  22 , provided with an outlet (not shown) in the bottom wall  24  which extends between the back panel  26  and a lower front wall  28  extending upwardly above the bottom wall  24 . The urinal  22  is of conventional construction and the receptacle  20  is positioned in overlying relation to the outlet and rests upon the surface of the bottom wall  24 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 2-8, the urinal assembly  20  includes an upwardly extending generally square or rectangular container or receptacle generally designated by reference numeral  30 . The receptacle  30  includes a front wall  32 , a rear wall  34  and side walls  36  of unitary construction. Each of the walls are preferably inclined downwardly and inwardly with an upper portion of each wall being vertically oriented as indicated by reference numeral  38 . The front wall  32  includes an enlarged, generally rectangular opening  40  which enables insertion of a deodorant block  42  as shown in FIG. 7 in a manner described hereinafter. 
     The upper end of the receptacle  30  includes a one-piece cover or cap generally designated by reference numeral  44 , in the form of an upper dispersing filter, generally designated by reference numeral  45 . Upper dispersing filter  45  includes a peripheral member  46  having a down turned lip  48  which frictionally and detachably engages the external surface of the upper edge of the vertical upper portion  38  of the peripheral walls. The upper dispersing filter  45  includes a plurality of spaced parallel rod-like members  50  extending between opposite portions of member  46 . Each rod-like member  50  include a generally semi-cylindrical upper surface  52  and a V-shaped lower surface  54  defining a narrow knife edge  56 . 
     Positioned below the upper dispersing filter  45  is a lower dispersing filter, generally designated by reference numeral  58 , which includes a peripheral member  60  and a plurality of rod-like members  62 . The rod-like members  62  in the lower dispersing filter  58  have the same transverse configuration as the rod-like members  50  in the upper dispersing filter  45 . The peripheral member  60  of the lower dispersing filter  58  rests upon a plurality of inward projections  64  oriented in spaced relation along the side walls  36  at the juncture of the side walls  36  with the vertical upper portions  38  as illustrated in FIG.  7 . 
     Below the lower edge of the opening  40 , a supporting shelf  66  is provided for the deodorant block  42  which has been inserted through the opening  40 . As illustrated in FIG. 7, the block  42  drops downwardly onto the shelf  66  after insertion through opening  40  with partial wall  65  serving to retain the bottom edge of block  42  on shelf  66 . The shelf  66  is smaller than the dispersing filters  45  and  58  and includes a peripheral member  68  and a plurality of parallel, spaced rod-like members  70 . The rod-like members  70  preferably have the same cross-sectional configuration as the rod-like members  50  and  62  in the dispersing filters  45  and  58 . However, the rod-like members  70  are spaced apart a greater distance than the rod-like members  50  and  62 . The shelf  66  is supported by a plurality of inward projections  72  on the interior surface of each of the side walls  36  at a position generally aligned with the bottom edge of the side walls  36 . The bottom shelf  66  is preferably spaced about 1 inch above the bottom surface of the urinal to prevent the deodorant block from excessive deterioration when flushing the urinal. 
     Each of the walls  32 ,  34  and  36  includes spaced downwardly extending narrow wall extensions  74  which are continuations of the inclined walls and which are spaced apart as illustrated in FIGS. 4-8. These extensions  74  terminate in spaced bottom straps  76  which intersect with each other in the same plane and define large openings between the extensions  74  and the bottom straps  76  as illustrated in FIGS. 3-7. 
     Connected to the receptacle  30  is a flexible base pad, generally designated by reference numeral  78 , in the form of a rectangular panel  80  constructed of plastic or other material which extends peripherally outwardly beyond the bottom end of the receptacle  30  and includes a centrally located enlarged square opening  82  as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7. The pad  78  serves to properly align the attached receptacle  30  in the urinal  22  so that the upper dispersing filter  45  is positioned to receive the urine flow. 
     The bottom surface of the panel  80  is preferably provided with a plurality of short projections  84  which space the bottom surface of the base pad  78  from the surface of the bottom wall  24  of the urinal  22  to enable liquid flow along the surface of the bottom wall  24  of the urinal. The upper surface of the panel  80  is provided with a plurality of pairs of upward projections  86  integral with the panel  80  and oriented outwardly of the corners of the opening  82 . The spacing of the pairs of projections  86  and the spacing of the projections  86  in each pair is dimensioned to frictionally grip the outermost bottom straps  76 . Thus, as illustrated, the two pairs of projections  86  engage the opposite sides of the outermost bottom straps  76  which extend from side-to-side of the receptacle  30 . Likewise, the projections  86  on opposite sides of the opening  82  engage the edges of the outermost bottom straps  76  which extend from front-to-rear of the receptacle  30 . This provides a frictional resilient gripping engagement between the lower end of the receptacle  30  and the flexible, resilient base pad  78 . 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a modified structure for securing base pad  78 ′ to the bottom straps  76 ′. In this embodiment, a plurality of rigid fasteners  88  provided with slanted and pointed upper ends  90  are rigidly affixed to the flexible resilient base pad  78 ′ adjacent the periphery of the opening  82 ′ for penetrating the outer bottom straps  76 ′ which extend from the front-to-rear of the receptacle. Other than the manner of attaching the base pad  78 ′ to the bottom straps  76 ′, the remainder of the structure in FIG. 8 is the same as in FIGS. 1-7. 
     The opening  40  in the front wall  32  of the receptacle in FIGS. 1-8 enables the deodorant block  42  to be readily replaced when necessary. The base pad stabilizes the receptacle and directs urine flow toward the region of the urinal outlet. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the opening  40  in the front wall  32  of the receptacle should face the user of the urinal  22  and toward the front of the urinal  22 . This provides easy access to the opening  40  for the deodorant block refills and aligns the rod-like members  50  in the upper dispersing filter  45  parallel with the urine flow. 
     FIGS. 9-13 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in the form of a urinal receptacle and pad assembly generally designated by reference numeral  90 . The assembly  90  is simpler and less expensive in construction than assembly  20  thereby rendering assembly  90  economically feasible to be used as a disposable unit. 
     This embodiment of the invention includes a filter and dispersion assembly  92  mounted on a flexible deodorized resilient base pad  94 . The dispersion assembly  92  includes a peripheral vertical wall  98  having an upper urine dispersing filter  100  in the form of a cap or cover attached to the upper end thereof. The upper dispersing filter  100  includes a peripheral member  102  with a down turned lip  104  which frictionally and telescopically engages the upper edge of the vertical wall  98 . A plurality of rod-like members  106  are arranged in spaced parallel relation between opposite portions of the peripheral member  102 . 
     Spaced below the upper dispersing filter  100  is a lower urine dispersing filter  108  including a plurality of spaced parallel rod-like members  110  that are perpendicular to the rod-like members  106  in the upper dispersing filter  100 . The lower dispersing filter  108  includes a peripheral member  112  which rests against inward projections  114  on the interior of the peripheral wall  98 . The lower external surface of the peripheral wall slants inwardly slightly and is connected to the flexible base pad  94 . The base pad  94  may take any suitable configuration, such as the curved triangular shape illustrated in FIG. 9 or the square or rectangular shape as illustrated in FIG.  13  and designated as  94 ′. The base pad  94  is preferably provided with holes  116  therethrough at various locations. The center of the base pad  94  or  94 ′ is provided with an enlarged opening  118  for alignment with the outlet in the urinal. The internal periphery of the opening  118  may include recesses  120  to facilitate flow of water when flushing the urinal. As shown in FIG. 13, the base pad may be provided with diagonal corner portions  122  which underlie corner gusset portions  124  of the lower end of the filter and dispersion assembly  92 , and pegs or pins  126  can secure the diagonal corners  122  of opening  118  in pad  94  to the gusset corners  124  (see FIG.  13 ). 
     The shape and spacing of the rod-like members  106  and  110  are the same as in FIGS. 1-8 with the upper surface being semi-cylindrical or rounded and the lower surface being V-shaped to define a narrow knife edge to reduce the retention of urine by capillary action. The pad  94  or  94 ′ is impregnated with a deodorant in this embodiment of the invention, and the pad as well as the plastic components in both embodiments of the invention may also be impregnated with a deodorant material. 
     The present invention centralizes the flow of urine and directs it toward the region of the urinal outlet without any splash back onto the user of the urinal or any other part of the urinal. The size of the rod-like member cross-section and the distance between the upper and lower dispersing filters is important in achieving the benefits of the present invention, in particular, in eliminating any capillary action between the two dispersing filters. Preferably the rod-like members are about ⅛ inch in height and ⅛ inch in width. The lower dispersing filter should be spaced at a clearance of at least ¼ inch below the upper dispersing filter and, preferably, approximately ½ inch below the upper dispersing filter. Preferably, the rod-like members, such as members  50  of the upper dispersing filter  45 , are perpendicular to the rod-like members of the lower dispersing filter, such as members  62  in the lower filter  58 , although some substantial angle of rotation less than 90° would be acceptable. 
     In addition, the spacing of the rod-like members in the upper and lower dispersing filters is important in order to properly restrict and disperse the urine flow. Preferably, the open space between the rod-like members in the upper dispersing filter is greater than the open space between the rod-like members in the lower dispersing filter so that the upper dispersing filter will accept and disperse the urine flow without splash back. It has been found that the open space between adjacent rod-like members in the upper dispersing filter should be about ⅛ inch, and the open space between adjacent rod-like members in the lower dispersing filter should be about {fraction (1/16)} inch. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the closer together rod-like members in the lower dispersing filter maximizes dispersion and containment of the urine flow after it hits the deodorant block and prevents any splash back therefrom. The combination of the semi-cylindrical upper surface of each of the rod-like members in the upper and lower dispersing filters and the V-shaped lower edge reduces the capillary action of the urine which otherwise would tend to retain droplets of urine if the rod-like members had a cylindrical configuration. 
     The other dimensional characteristics of the urinal deodorant receptacle illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 may vary within certain prescribed limits. The receptacle is preferably square with each side ranging between 4 and 5 inches in length. The height of the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1-8 preferably ranges between 3 and 4 inches and the pad may have a thickness of about ¼ inch. The corners of the receptacle may be rounded and reinforced as necessary and constructed of any suitable plastic material and of any desired color. The assembly  92  illustrated in FIGS. 9-13 has the same perimetrical dimensions but has a vertical height of only about 1½ inches. 
     The receptacles of the present invention are made of any conventional plastic material known for molding or forming semi-rigid plastic products of this type. The flexible base pads for this invention are also made from conventional plastic or other materials well-known for making flexible, liquid-impervious pad-like products. 
     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.