Abstract:
Improvements in retention of the oily liquid sealant ( 20 ) in a oil-sealed odor trap ( 10 B- 10 M), for drain applications such as a waterless urinal or anti-evaporation floor drain, are accomplished by minimizing turbulence in the oil sealant, such as by making the liquid flow path ( 22 A,  22 B) substantially horizontal as a departure from conventional practice of substantially vertical flow and by positioning a barrier ( 40 ) above the oil sealant to prevent direct impingement of urine or other waste products onto the sealant. The trap is thus structured to realize the substantially horizontal liquid flow path and to locate the flow path immediately beneath the sealant layer or beneath a baffle portion ( 16 B). The baffle portion may be sloped such that stray sealant droplets are encouraged to migrate upwardly to the upper surface of the flow path due to their buoyancy and, therefore, the stray droplets will be recaptured and returned to the main sealant layer. To accomplish substantially horizontal flow, the entry compartment can be made to have entry and exit openings ( 16 D,  14 E) substantially offset from each other. The baffle between the entry compartment and the discharge compartment, which has traditionally been made entirely vertical, is made to have a non-vertical portion that is preferably sloped for sealant recovery. A sealant sheltering region (T) with an air vent ( 16 F) can be provided in the vicinity of the entry region to prevent catastrophic loss of sealant in the event of high pressure water flushing. When the trap is embodied as a replaceable cartridge, a tool with hook-shaped projections, such as L-shaped or T-shaped projections ( 183, 183 A), engageable with openings ( 154 ) in an upper wall ( 152 ) of the cartridge is used to help removal and replacement of the cartridge.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/855,735 filed May 14, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,411 patented Jul. 30, 2002 entitled “Oil Sealant-Preserving Drain Odor Trap,” in turn a continuation-in-part of 09/515,870 filed Feb. 29, 2000, in turn a continuation-in-part of both U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/548,281 filed Oct. 25, 1995, now abandoned, and PCT Application No. PCT/US95/16064 filed Dec. 11, 1995, all entitled “Horizontal-Flow Oil-Sealant-Preserving Drain Odor Trap.” 
     
    
     
       REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP  
         [0002]    Not Applicable  
         REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX  
         [0003]    Not Applicable  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0005]    The present invention relates to sealed odor traps for waterless urinals, anti-evaporation floor drain traps and, more particularly, to improvements in the internal structure of oil-sealed odor traps for prolonging sealant retention and for protection against high pressure water flushing.  
           [0006]    2. Description of Related Art and Other Considerations  
           [0007]    With increasing emphasis on water conservation, there is continuing interest in toilets and urinals designed to minimize the amount of water consumed in flushing, to mitigate excessive demands on both water supplies and wastewater disposal systems, both of which have tended to become overloaded with increasing populations.  
           [0008]    Sanitation codes require urinals to provide an odor seal to contain gasses and odors which develop in the drain system; this function is conventionally performed by the well known P-trap or S-trap in which the seal is formed by a residual portion of the flushing water. This seal effectively provides a barrier to sewer odors from passing from the drainpipe beyond the trap. However, the upward-facing liquid surface communicates freely with the user environment and, therefore, the trap must be kept free of residual urine by copious flushing to prevent unacceptable odor levels from the liquid in the trap. As a result, a large amount of water is consumed in flushing these conventional urinals. Especially in the United States over many years when water was cheap and plentiful, conventional flushing type urinals and water-wasteful toilets held an unchallenged monopoly. However, more recently, threatened and real water shortages have aroused new environmental concerns and heightened conservation awareness as evidenced by the introduction of low flush toilets.  
           [0009]    As the cost of water increases and budgets tighten, the prospect of a viable waterless urinal system becomes extremely attractive to a wide range of public agencies, cities, states, penal institutions, defense establishments, recreational and parks departments and the like. Waterless urinals utilizing oil-sealed odor traps are becoming viable. However, the present inventor has discovered that a key factor in their potential is the attainment of low maintenance, and that this is largely dependent on the longevity of the liquid sealant which, in turn, is related to the internal structure of the odor trap. Thus, the present inventor has recognized that improvements are desirable both in the rate of depletion under normal service conditions and in protection against catastrophic sealant loss due to high pressure water flushing which, though not required, can occur inadvertently.  
           [0010]    Known prior art is listed, as follows.  
                                         List of References            Patent No:   Patentee:                 303,822   D&#39;Heureuse       1,050,290   Posson       3,829,909   Rod, et al.       4,026,317   Ekstrom       4,028,747   Newton       4,045,346   Swaskey       4,244,061   Webster, et al.       4,263,934   Redden, et al.       4,411,286   Ball       4,432,384   Guiboro       4,773,441   Biba       5,159,724   Vosper       5,203,369   Hwang          318264   Zeigler       Germany           2816597.1   Ernst       Germany         606,646   Ernst       Switzerland                  
 
           [0011]    Statement of the Prior Art  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 303,822 (D&#39;Heureuse) discloses a wastewater pipe S-trap into which a disinfectant or deodorizer is introduced.  
           [0013]    The use of an oil as a recirculated flushing medium in a toilet system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,829,909 (Rod, et al.).  
           [0014]    The use of oil in toilets to form an odor trap is disclosed in German Patent No. 121356 (Beck, et al.) and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,050,290 (Posson) and 4,028,747 (Newton).  
           [0015]    Bell traps, essentially a coaxial form of S-trap, have been known for over a century; a popular form is exemplified in German Patent No. 318264 (Zeigler). A multiple baffle structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,317 (Ekstrom). Center-entry coaxial trap configurations are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4, 045,346 (Swaskey) and 5,203,369 (Hwang).  
           [0016]    Beetz introduced an oily liquid layer floating in the trap as an odor barrier through which urine and water can permeate downward. Beetz makes the oil mixture have disinfectant properties and to have “innate adhesion power to attach itself to the odor lock parts so that the latter cannot be attacked by urine”. The Beetz disclosure includes daily maintenance, including cleaning, and coating the cast iron parts of the urinal, including the housing of the odor trap, with the oil mixture that “the oil has the property that said parts absorb so much of it that the oil film somehow repels the urine”. Beetz&#39; requirement for daily cleaning and maintenance dictates an easily-disassembled-three piece structure with a leakage-prone bottom interface joint, and this requirement for the sealant to also act as a disinfectant is now believed to have caused excessive depletion of the sealant.  
           [0017]    Other examples of oil-sealed traps are found in German Patent No. 2816597.1, and Swiss Patent No. 606,646 (Ernst), practiced under the trademark SYSTEM-ERNST.  
           [0018]    The foregoing examples of traps found limited use in Europe. Typically, they are utilized in a “low flush” rather than a “waterless” manner, e.g. the Beetz patent was classified under water pipe lines, and the specification thereof refers to “water and urine”. The odor trap is mounted beneath the floor level and set in a concrete swale, functioning as an occasionally-flushed trough type or stall urinal of a type which is no longer recognized in United States building and sanitation codes.  
           [0019]    A flushless urinal disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,061 (Webster, et al.) uses no oil, but instead relies on a small “plug flow” entrance opening associated with a P-trap, and is based on the premise that “the urine in the trap during normal use will be fresh and therefore without unpleasant odor.” 
           [0020]    A unitized cylindrical cartridge odor seal for a waterless urinal is disclosed by the present inventor as a joint inventor in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/052,668 filed Apr. 27, 1993 and in a continuation-in-part thereof Ser. No. 08/512,453 filed Aug. 8, 1995, in the category of an oil-sealed coaxial edge-entry trap having a cap part with an attached downward-extending tubular vertical partition.  
           [0021]    A key parameter of oil-sealed odor traps for waterless urinals is the amount of sealant depletion that takes place under normal service conditions over periods of time and frequency of usage. Related to this is the possible partial or complete loss of sealant due to the abnormal condition of unnecessary but unavoidable high pressure flushing with water. While some modern oil-sealed odor traps are considerably improved over early versions, there remains an unfulfilled need for further improvements in the above-described aspects of sealant preservation; such improvements are provided by the present invention.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0022]    These and other problems are successfully addressed and overcome by the present invention, which comprises a unitized oil-sealed odor trap that departs from conventional practice of predominantly vertical liquid flow through the trap. Instead, the trap is constructed and arranged in a special manner to provide minimum turbulence on the oil sealant.  
           [0023]    Preferably, minimization of turbulence is effected by a design in which a substantial portion of the total flow path is directed in a generally horizontal path and stray droplets of sealant, due to buoyancy, are encouraged to migrate upwardly back to the main body of the sealant, either directly or as guided by a sloping baffle configuration. Turbulence may be further discouraged by preventing direct contact of waste liquid from impinging directly on the sealant. In addition, an air vent in a shelter region above the sealant acts as a safety outlet against unusually high pressures exerted upon the sealant. Thus, escaping of sealant down the drain is largely prevented.  
           [0024]    The odor trap is configured such that it can be economically made, for example, from two molded plastic parts, i.e., a main compartment part and a cap/baffle part, that can be molded from plastic and joined by thermal bonding into a unit configured as a replaceable cylindrical cartridge that can be charged with sealant and sealed with a sticker for shipment so that, upon installation, it is necessary only to install the cartridge and remove the sticker.  
           [0025]    In service, required maintenance, i.e., sealant checking and replenishment, if and when needed, can be easily performed with the unit in place.  
           [0026]    The cartridge is shaped to be easily pushed into place by hand and held frictionally in a mating recess provided by a casing that can be installed as part of the host plumbing, either in a urinal or in a floor drain. For drain cleaning or replacement purposes, the odor trap can be removed with a special simple hand tool.  
           [0027]    However, should it be desired, the odor trap may be integrated into a urinal or similar device.  
           [0028]    The shape of the entry compartment provides a sheltered region to which sealant tends to be temporarily displaced in the event of high pressure water flushing, thus avoiding catastrophic sealant loss.  
           [0029]    Several advantages are derived from this arrangement. The usual objectives of eliminating the need for a P-trap in the drain line are met, while complying with United States sanitation standards. Turbulence in the sealant layer is at least minimized, if not essentially eliminated. Manufacturing and installation is economical and easy. Performance is reliable and efficient, with low maintenance requirements. Particularly with regard to depletion of oily liquid sealant, any stray droplets of sealant drift buoyantly in the flow path and return to the main sealant body. The odor trap configuration is such as to enable easy installation and removal from a permanent drain terminal plumbing fixture. Loss of sealant in the event of high pressure flushing with water is minimized, if not prevented  
           [0030]    Other aims and advantages, as well as a more complete understanding of the present invention, will appear from the following explanation of exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings thereof. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]    [0031]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an oil-sealed coaxial odor trap of known art;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1A is functional diagram representing the left hand half of the trap illustrated in FIG. 1;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIGS. 2 and 3 are functional diagram illustrating alternate descriptions of the principles of the present invention utilizing methods for minimizing turbulence in the oil sealant, such as by predominantly horizontal flow and a barrier or shield to direct contact of the waste liquid with the sealant;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 4 and 5 are functional diagrams illustrating two different baffle configurations in edge-entry coaxial trap structures according to the present invention;  
         [0035]    FIGS.  6 - 9  are functional diagrams illustrating different baffle configurations in center-entry coaxial odor trap structures according to the present invention;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a center-entry cylindrical odor trap cartridge;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional cutaway view of an embodiment of a horizontal-flow odor trap cartridge of the present invention having a cylindrical container and a non-coaxial internal configuration with vertical and horizontal baffle portions and an offset tubular drain stand;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 12 shows an alternative illustrative embodiment derived from FIG. 11 with a flat-partitioned drain stand;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG. 11 or  12 , but having the lower baffle portion sloped for additional recovery of stray sealant;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 15 shows an example of a wall mounted urinal in which an odor trap can be incorporated;  
         [0042]    FIGS.  16 - 19  show one preferred construction of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 14.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a top member thereof;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 17 is a perspective side view of a middle member thereof;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 18 is a perspective side view of a bottom member thereof (with upper and middle members represented in part in dotted lines); and  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 19 is a perspective side view of a plug-handle member capable of being included in this embodiment; and  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 20 depicts an alternate construction of the plug-handle member illustrated in FIG. 19. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0048]    [0048]FIG. 1 is a mid cross-sectional view of an odor trap  10 A of the edge-entry trap configuration of known art as described above, and configured as a cylindrical cartridge.  
         [0049]    Odor trap  10 A has a main liquid container  14  extending from an outer wall to an inner wall that forms a drain stand pipe  14 A which defines, at its upper edge, the overflow level of liquid in the container  14 . An overhead cap portion  16  is formed to provide a vertical baffle  16 A which extends down into container  14  and divides it into an inner discharge compartment and a surrounding entry compartment. A body of residual urine  18  extends up to the overflow level at the top of stand pipe  14 A and, in conjunction with the overhead plenum region formed by the cap portion  16 , the residual body of urine  18  serves to trap sewer gasses from the external drain line in accordance with plumbing codes.  
         [0050]    A body of oily liquid sealant  20 , lighter than water or urine, floats in the entry compartment on top of the trapped body of urine  18 , and serves to trap urine odors from escaping from trap  10 A.  
         [0051]    In operation of the urinal, urine from above, near the outer edge, separates into droplets that permeate through the layer of sealant  20  and then joins the main body of urine  18 . As additional urine enters the body of urine  18 , it overflows stand pipe  14 A and the overflow portion gravitates down the drain.  
         [0052]    Known oil-sealed odor traps are configured as in FIG. 1 with a vertical baffle  16 A. From actual experience, traces of sealant can escape during usage. Such depletion occurs as follows. Due to turbulence or emulsification during each usage event, and despite the inherent buoyancy of sealant  20  due to its low density and the non-affinity to water/urine, some droplets of sealant can separate from the main body and get swept downward along with the main flow of urine in the outer chamber. These stray droplets tend to decelerate due their inherent buoyancy and, depending on downward urine flow velocity and travel depth, some of them may come to rest, then reverse and rise against the flow, and return to the main sealant body above. Such droplets thus are recovered. However, any droplets, that are dragged by the urine flow past the bottom of baffle  16 A, will then, due to their buoyancy, accelerate upwardly in the inner compartment, defined by drain stand pipe or overflow riser  14 A and vertical baffle or portion  16 A. Such droplets will then escape through exit opening  14 E and down the drain conduit through reduction portion or drain housing  12 B.  
         [0053]    The present invention, operating on a modified form of the basic principle described above and teaching novel internal structure, can be implemented with the same general cylindrical exterior shape as that of the odor trap shown in FIG. 1, and can be made to fit into a cavity receptacle that is part of a urinal system having an  12 A above, leading to tapered upper edges of the outer wall of the main liquid container of odor trap  10 A and extending downward around trap  10 A to a reduction portion  12 B which connects by regular plumbing attachments to the external drain system.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic representation of the left hand half of the symmetrical configuration of FIG. 1 which is coaxial about a central axis C-C′, showing again the relation of sealant  20 , urine  18  and a sealant flow path  22  in the urine in the entry compartment. It is evident that in this configuration, due to the vertical orientation of baffle  16 A, flow path  22  is predominantly vertical, that is, downward in the outer compartment as shown and upward in the inner chamber, with only relatively small horizontal components around the bottom of baffle  16 A and around the top of stand tube  14 A. Flow path  22 , having sealant  20  overhead, is the only portion of the total flow path where sealant recovery can occur; thus a corresponding parameter can be estimated as indicated by dimension x, representing the effective sealant-recovery horizontal flow path length. In a typical odor trap of the category of FIGS. 1 and 1A, with main liquid container  14  having an inside radius R of 5.4 cm, and the baffle  16 A having an outside radius of 4 cm, the horizontal recovery dimension x is about 0.8 cm, from which is obtained the unitless ratio x/R=14.8% which characterizes this particular internal structure.  
         [0055]    Component x labelled in the figures is an approximate average of the horizontal vector components x of the wastewater flow, extending from the middle of the entry opening (e.g. the point of average entry of the wastewater into the sealant) to a furthest point along the flow path (e.g. around the baffle) in which sealant recovery can occur. Although the invention contemplates a value x based on the approximate average, preferably, generally all of the wastewater will follow a flow math having a component x, e.g., any wastewater not following such a flow path would be insubstantial enough to effect the proper functioning of the invention, such as if extraneous openings were provided to allow a minimal volume flow rate therethrough.  
         [0056]    A vertical vector component y of the flow path may be approximately defined as the vertical distance from the top of stand pipe  14 A to the bottom of baffle  16 A. Accordingly, an alternative feature may be based on a ratio x/y, for use in estimating an effective slope of the flow path, e.g., x/y&lt;1 to indicate a predominantly vertical flow path and x/y&gt;1 to indicate a predominantly horizontal flow path.  
         [0057]    This category of odor trap is vulnerable to total loss of sealant if subjected to water-flushing at high pressure, due to the relatively narrow width of the outer compartment and absence of any sizeable shelter compartment around the entry region to which sealant can be displaced temporarily by the flushing water instead of being forced down the drain.  
         [0058]    FIGS.  2 - 9  are simplified cross-sectional functional diagrams representing various odor trap configurations illustrating principles of the present invention, which is directed to preservation of sealant. For simplicity, as in FIG. 1A, only half of symmetrical cross-sections is shown, along with a central axis. The shapes generally apply to structure that is coaxial about the axis as shown, but the present invention can be practiced by applying such cross-sections to other, non-coaxial and/or non-symmetrical configurations such as rectangular containers or cylindrical containers with non-coaxial internal structure.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating basic principles of the present invention wherein an odor trap  10 B is structured in a novel manner. Rather than configuring the baffle vertical as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A, at least a portion of the baffle is shaped in a non-vertical manner to cause the liquid flow path to be predominantly horizontal, as a major departure from entirely vertical baffles and consequent predominantly vertical liquid flow that has been universal in the known art as described above.  
         [0060]    The baffle in FIG. 2 has a vertical portion  16 A, facing the vertical wall of drain riser  14 A, and an inclined, but substantially horizontal portion  16 B sloping up to cover  16 C which has an entry opening  16 D at the left. Cover  16 C may be defined as an entry region. The contour of bottom portion  14 B of main liquid container  14  is shown for simplicity as forming a flow path of substantially constant depth; however in practice, there can be a much greater variation in depth along the flow path.  
         [0061]    From an entry opening  16 D at the left, the flow is to the right. The liquid flow path has two recovery portions  22 A and  22 B. In portion  22 A, starting at the entry inlet, the flow is horizontal, passing under the main body of sealant  20 . Then, in portion  22 B, the flow path slopes downward but remains predominantly horizontal as directed by sloping baffle portion  16 B. The flow path turns abruptly upward at the plane of vertical baffle portion  16 A, to overflow riser  14 A and then exits down the drain in the same manner as in FIGS. 1 and 1A.  
         [0062]    It is evident that, in both flow path portions  22 A and  22 B, the flow path is predominantly horizontal, in distinction from the predominantly vertical flow paths in FIGS. 1 and 1A.  
         [0063]    In FIG. 2 within the path length x indicated, practically all stray sealant droplets migrating upwardly to the top side of the flow path will be recovered and returned to the main body of sealant  20 . In flow path portion  22 A, the body of sealant  20  is directly overhead, and along portion  22 B the slope of baffle  16 B redirects upwardly-migrating stray sealant back to the main body of sealant  20 , as indicated by the curved arrows. Since sealant recovery occurs along both of these portions, the recovery dimension x as shown is the sum of the horizontal components of the two portions.  
         [0064]    The cross-section of FIG. 2 can be applied to a coaxial cylindrical structure having a central axis about line C-C′ and the outer wall of cylindrical container being at D-D′, such as wall  14  is shown. Alternatively, the cross-section of FIG. 2 can be applied in reverse manner to provide a coaxial cylindrical odor trap structure of the central-entry type with a central axis at D-D′, and outer wall of the cylindrical container at C-C′.  
         [0065]    As a further alternative, the cross-section of FIG. 2 can represent that of an enclosure that is other than cylindrical, e.g., rectangular. In addition, the container can alternatively be made with side walls at both D-D′ and C-C′, such that a non-symmetrical, non-axial, device is formed.  
         [0066]    A coaxial structure based directly on FIG. 2 would tend to be shallower and larger in diameter than cartridges shaped as shown in FIG. 1. As a practical limitation, a minimum liquid depth is required in the trap to meet regulations regarding containment of sewer gas pressure in the drain system, e.g., 2 inches in the United States and 50 mm in Europe. Due to existing urinal space limitations, cylindrical traps are typically limited to a maximum diameter of about 150 mm (5.9 inches) and a maximum height of about 90 mm (3.54 inches). To function properly in such a compact size, the conceptual example shown in FIG. 2 is preferably reconfigured in shape with the wasted space between baffle portions  16 A,  16 B and cover  16 C more preferably being utilized.  
         [0067]    The above stated principles may also be understood with reference to a specific odor trap, such as that depicted in FIG. 3. Here, an odor trap  30 , like odor trap  10 B of FIG. 2, includes a discharge section  32  which incorporates a similar outlet defined by exit drain stand pipe or overflow riser  14 A and vertical baffle or vertical upper portion  16 A so that wastewater or urine  18  may be conducted to the external drain system. The wastewater enters odor trap  30  from an entry section or region  34 , having an inlet cover  36  having and entry opening defining one or more openings  38  therein to provide a similar function as entry opening  16 D. Positioned below openings  38  is a layer of sealant  20  floating upon wastewater  18 . The wastewater contacts, flows into and passes through sealant layer  20 , and flows atop and beneath portion  16 B on its journey into discharge section  32  and out of the odor trap. Such flow of the wastewater oft times creates turbulence in the sealant, and results in displacement of the sealant and formation of droplets therefrom, which droplets will migrate beneath portion  16 B and pass from the odor trap if not otherwise prevented. The extent of the turbulence and the displacement of sealant layer  20  is directly related to the force of the wastewater contacting the sealant layer, and to the time in which the turbulence can subside.  
         [0068]    To mitigate against such force and to provide sufficient time, the extent of the passage of the wastewater atop portion  16 B must be controlled. Such control is effected by sufficiently lengthening the passage e.g., by distance x or the like, so that the effect of the wastewater to cause sealant turbulence will be adequately dissipated and so that the sealant likewise will have adequate opportunity to become sufficiently quiescent.  
         [0069]    Odor trap  30  also incorporates an additional feature by which turbulence in the oil sealant is minimized. A shield or barrier  40  is positioned between openings  38  and sealant layer  20  to prevent the wastewater from directly striking or otherwise impinging or impacting upon the sealant. Thus, excessive force against and resultant turbulence of the sealant is minimized, if not altogether avoided. Shield  40  is secured to inlet cover  36  by any suitable means, such as by a connector  42 . The shield is further oriented with respect to portion  16 B so that the shield opens at its terminus  44  towards baffle or baffle portion  16 A, and in a direction opposite from terminus  46  of portion  16 B. As a result, the distance by which the wastewater passes from openings  38  to terminus  46  of portion  16 B is accordingly increased while, at the same time, the wastewater will contact sealant layer  20  with minimum force. The outcome is minimization, if not elimination of sealant droplets passing underneath portion  16 B.  
         [0070]    The principles and advantages in sealant retention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be realized in various odor trap configurations according to the present invention, and constructed and arranged to meet particular practical requirements, such as shown in the following examples.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 4 depicts the structure of an edge-entry odor trap  10 C having the baffle configured with a vertical upper portion  16 A and a sloped portion  16 B as shown, providing a flow path  22  corresponding to horizontal recovery dimension x as shown, extending from an averaged entry point to the extremity of sloped baffle portion  16 B.  
         [0072]    In FIGS. 3 and 4 which depict visible baffle shape variations, the vertical portion  16 A can be located anywhere along the sloped portion  16 B between the extremes shown in these two figures, while keeping the sloped portion  16 B as shown; basic functioning and dimension x would be virtually unaffected.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 5 depicts an odor trap  10 D as a variation of FIG. 4 having baffle  16 B sloped in its entirety. The flow path  22  and the dimension x are approximately the same as in FIG. 4.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 6 depicts a center-entry odor trap  10 E wherein the baffle is configured with a vertical upper portion  16 A and a horizontal lower portion  16 B flanged outwardly as shown. This creates a folded liquid path having upper portion  22 A above and lower portion  22 B as shown. Only the upper portion  22 A will be effective in returning stray sealant because baffle  16 A is not sloped.  
         [0075]    Thus, stray sealant in the portion  22 B will tend to get swept along to the right and escape to the drain along with the effluent. Horizontal recovery dimension x will be as indicated, derived from upper flow path portion  22 A.  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 7 depicts an odor trap  10 F as a variation of FIG. 6 wherein lower baffle portion  16 B is sloped as shown so as to recapture stray sealant from lower horizontal flow path  22 B, thus adding to upper path  22 A to yield the indicated much greater horizontal recovery dimension x.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 8 depicts an odor trap  10 G as a variation of FIG. 7 wherein the sloped flange portion  16 B is made to have an oppositely-slope upper surface which serves to prevent accumulation of debris on the flange&#39;s upper surface which could otherwise occur in this region in the structure of FIG. 7. Dimension x is virtually the same as in FIG. 7.  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 9 depicts an odor trap  10 H as a reversed version of the foregoing center entry coaxial configurations which achieves a form of predominantly horizontal flow path with a simple vertical baffle  16 A surrounded by a drain stand wall  14 A′ which sets the overflow level. Wall  14 A′, surrounded by an outer wall extending down from the circumference of cover  16 C, is attached to the circumference of floor  14 B so as to form a simple cylindrical main container pan  14  which can be supported by surrounding cover  16 C or drain housing  12 B by radial vanes (not shown). The center entry causes the liquid to spread out radially in a sloped but substantially horizontal flow path  22  leading to the bottom edge of baffle  16 A as shown, corresponding to recovery dimension x as indicated.  
         [0079]    In FIGS.  6 - 9 , a triangular-shaped empty region can be seen in cross-section above the sealant, as formed by the slope of the cover. This triangular region serves an important function as a sealant shelter region into which the sealant tends to be displaced in the event of high-pressure water flushing, instead of being forced down the drain ahead of the flushing water, as could occur with trap structure of known art, such as in FIGS. 1 and 1A, having the conventional vertical baffle  16 A and the conventional predominantly vertical flow paths.  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a cylindrical odor trap cartridge  10 I with center entry  16 D in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The upper surface slopes downward in a shallow inverted cone toward the center where entry opening  16 D is fitted with a filter screen or a fine perforation pattern formed in the cover material.  
         [0081]    The enclosure can be, for example, dimensioned about 4½ inches (11.4 cm) in diameter and 2¾ inches (7.0 cm) in height. As noted, due to existing industry limitations, the size of the trap is to be limited. For example, the diameter of the trap is preferably between about 2 to 2½ inches. It is preferably molded from polyethylene, or from another suitable plastic material such as polypropylene, ABS or polystyrene, to provide a smooth stain-resistant surface. The material can also include a fiberglass reinforced polyester. Other suitable materials can also be utilized. Typically, main container  14  and cap/partition part  16  are molded as separate parts and then bonded together to form an integral enclosure, since access to the interior is not normally required. The entry configuration of trap  10 I makes it feasible to seal entry opening  16 D (with the bottom exit opening, not visible in FIG. 10, sealed in a similar or other manner) for shipment as a cartridge already charged with sealant, ready for deployment. For example, to seal opening  16 D, a sticker can be attached thereto, and can further include labelling, etc., such as installation instructions and product labelling.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional cutaway view of a center-entry cylindrical odor trap  10 J having a non-coaxial interior configuration, shown without liquid for clarity. The baffle has two flat portions. Vertical portion  16 A extends downward from the upper surface offset to the right of entry opening  16 D. At the bottom of vertical baffle portion  16 A, a horizontal portion  16 B extends fully to the left hand wall of odor trap  10 J. A round opening  16 E, about the same size as opening  16 D, is configured in a horizontal baffle portion  16 B at the edge furthest from vertical baffle portion  16 A. Opening  16 E leads into a lower compartment which is configured with a flat floor  14 B of which a portion is extended upwardly at the right hand side to form tubular drain stand  14 C whose top edge defines the overflow level of the container as in the figures described above. Liquid flow paths  22 A and  22 B are shown and corresponding recovery path dimension x is indicated as derived from path  22 A.  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 12 depicts an odor trap  10 K which is a variation having a baffle configured as in FIG. 11 but wherein drain riser  14 D is here configured as a flat vertical riser wall  14 D attached integrally to floor  14 B and to the interior wall of main enclosure  14  of odor trap  10 L, preferably molded together in one piece.  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 13 is a central cross-section depicting an odor trap that represents an important variation applicable to both FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. Horizontal baffle portion  16 B is sloped in a manner to recover stray sealant and return it to the main body of sealant  10 . The resultant horizontal recovery dimension x is much longer than in FIGS. 11 and 12 due to the additional recovery provided by sloped baffle portion  16 B.  
         [0085]    It is seen that the cross-sections of FIGS. 11 and 12 generally resemble that of FIG. 6, and the cross-sect ion of FIG. 13 generally resembles that of FIG. 7. However, preferred constructions according to FIGS. 6 and 7 as shown imply fully coaxial internal and external configuration centered on axis C-C′ whereas the internal structure in FIGS.  11 - 13  is clearly non-coaxial with the outlet offset rather than centered and the baffles flat rather than cylindrical.  
         [0086]    The relative sealant recovery effectiveness of the above configurations as approximated by the recovery-effective length of the horizontal flow paths x relative to container radius R can be compared in the following estimated table. The following Table I lists examples of estimated values which can be achieved for x/R in the illustrated embodiments, the illustrated embodiments not being limited thereto:  
                           TABLE 1                                   FIG.   x/R                           1, 1A   15%            2   76%           3, 4, 5   50%           6, 7    105%             8   56%           10   71%           12   165%                       
 
         [0087]    Alternatively, the relative sealant recovery effectiveness of the above configurations, as a few examples, can be expressed as a function of the flow path slope x/y. The following Table 2 lists estimated examples of values which can be achieved for x/y in the illustrated embodiments, the illustrated embodiments not being limited thereto.  
                           TABLE 2                                   FIG.   x/y                            1, 1A   0.12           2   4.64           3, 4   3.50           5   5.50           6   5.75           7   8.60           8   3.67           10, 11   3.08           12    5.82                      
 
         [0088]    According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the inlet and outlet locations and the baffle configuration, etc., result in a predominantly horizontal flow. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the present invention yields preferred values of x/R&gt;30%, as distinguished, for example, from predominantly vertical flow of known art in the above table. As seen in Table 1, the present invention can even yield values greater than 50%, allowing for a wide margin above the 15% estimated for the noted prior art. As another example, the present invention can yield preferred values of x/y of greater than 1.0, while the above-noted estimate of the noted prior art achieves a value substantially less than 1.0. Although clearly less preferred, it is contemplated that values less than the preferred examples of x/R and/or x/y can, in some cases, be used according to principles of the invention.  
         [0089]    It is recognized that a one-dimensional parameter, such as x/R, is merely a first approximation of effectiveness; a more refined two-dimensional parameter would take into account the effective horizontal recovery area located above the flow path. An even more refined three-dimensional parameter would take into account fluid viscosities, width, depth and length and resulting flow velocities at various incremental points in the flow paths.  
         [0090]    The relative effectiveness indicated by the above tables apply to normal operation and does not necessarily include the additional improvement provided by the present invention in protection against catastrophic loss of sealant under the condition of high pressure water flushing as described above. In this regard, according to another aspect of the invention, a shelter region is provided for the sealant, and can be provided in any of the embodiments of the invention. The configurations of the embodiments of, for example, FIGS.  11 - 13 , include entry compartments with shelter regions (e.g., as identified by indicium T shown in FIG. 13) wherein high-pressure flushing water tends to take a direct path from entry opening  16 D to baffle opening  16 E while parting much of the sealant and temporarily pushing it into the shelter regions at both sides. In addition to their other functions, the angled top wall and the wide entry compartment help provide such shelter regions. The shelter region is preferably formed by an airspace T above the normal sealant level, such as shown in FIG. 13. In order to allow the sealant to quickly enter the shelter region, the device can include one or more air vents to allow air within the shelter region to vent outside thereof. For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 includes at least one air vent  16 F at an upper end of the trap. Air vent  16 F is sized to allow air to pass therethrough while substantially preventing fluid flow therethrough, and preferably has a diameter of about 1-2 mm. As shown, the air vent is preferably in the top wall of the device. In this manner, in the event that any sealant is forced through the air vent, the sealant can be redirected along the upper surface and into upper opening  16 D so as to return to the body of sealant.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 14 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention. The device shown in FIG. 14 employs a number of features which are similar to certain features shown in FIGS.  11 - 13 . FIG. 14 is a three-dimensional cutaway view of an odor trap  10 M having a non-coaxial interior configuration. The baffle has a generally vertical portion  16 A extending downward from the upper surface, offset to the right of entry opening  16 D, and a horizontal portion  16 B extending fully to the left hand wall of odor trap  10 M at the bottom of vertical baffle portion  16 A. The horizontal baffle extends only partially across the trap so as to leave an opening  16 E at the edge furthest from vertical baffle portion  16 A. Opening  16 E leads into a lower compartment which is configured with a floor  14 B. A tubular drain stand  14 C is provided which extends upward at the right hand side of floor  14 B. The top edge of drain stand  14 C defines the overflow level of the container. Liquid flow oaths  22 A and  22 B provide a corresponding recovery path dimension x similar to that shown in FIG. 13, e.g., the sum (x1+x2) from the paths  22 A and  22 B, respectively. As shown in FIG. 14, a body of wastewater  18  has sealant layer  20  buoyantly floating thereon. Wastewater  18  follows the flow path (a)  22 I into the entry opening  16 D, (b)  22 A above the baffle, ©)  22 B below baffle  16 B, (d)  22 C up and over the top edge of drainstand  14 C, and (e)  22 D down drainstand  14 C.  
         [0092]    FIGS.  16 - 19  show a preferred construction of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14. This preferred construction includes a top member  150  (FIG. 16), a middle member  160  (FIG. 17), a bottom member  170  (FIG. 18), and a plug member  180  (FIG. 19). Top member  150  includes a generally cylindrical perimeter wall  151 , a downwardly inclined top wall  152  having a center area  152 A, and an entry opening  153  at the center area of the top wall. Top wall  152  is inclined in a manner like that in FIG. 14. As shown, the entry opening preferably includes three holes  154  in center area  152 A of the top wall. In addition to their function as described below, holes  154  also serve as the openings for passage of urine or other wastewater into the odor trap. The top wall also preferably includes two sealing ridges  155  for receiving and sealing baffle  165 , as discussed below.  
         [0093]    Middle member  160  includes a perimeter wall  161  and a baffle having a generally vertical portion  165  and an upwardly inclined portion  166 . Portion  166  has a generally straight upper edge  167  providing a fluid passage  168  around the baffle.  
         [0094]    Bottom member  170  includes a perimeter wall  171 , a bottom wall  172 , and a upwardly extending drain stand  173 . The drain stand preferably is a cylindrical tube extending above wall  171  with an upper opening  175  and a lower opening  176 . The lower edge of the bottom member can, for example, as shown include a tapered wall  174 .  
         [0095]    The device is assembled with the middle member fitted such that perimeter wall  161  snugly fits within perimeter wall  151  and baffle portion  165  snugly fits between ridges  155 . Wall  151  only extends down over part of the height of wall  161 . Lower member  170  fits with drain stand  173  within the area to the right of baffle portion  165  and the lower portion of cylindrical wall  161  snugly fitted within cylindrical wall  171 . As a result, a sealed container can be constructed having separately isolated entry and discharge compartments.  
         [0096]    [0096]FIGS. 19 and 20 show plug-handle members  180  and  180 A which can be included in this latter embodiment. Each plug-handle member  180  ( 180 A) preferably includes a tubular member  181  ( 181 A), handle projections  182  ( 182 A) and hook-shaped projections, such as L-shaped and T-shaped projections  183  and  183 A, at upper wall  184  ( 184 A). Each projection  183  and  183 A includes a vertical portion  186  ( 186 A) and one horizontal portion  188  for projection  183  and two horizontal portions  188 A for projection  183 A. The plug is preferably shaped and sized so as to snugly fit within drain stand  173 . With this construction, the odor trap can be transported with a body of sealant within the assembled structure, if plug  180  ( 180 A) is inserted in opening  176  and a seal (such as an adhesive backed label) is placed over opening  153 . As shown, the L-shaped and T-shaped projections are sized and shaped to fit within holes  154  so that the assembled device can be carried by simply inserting the projections into the holes  154  and by rotating plug  180  ( 180 A) in the direction L of respective FIG. 19 and similarly in FIG. 20, so that the L-shaped and T-shaped projections engage under top wall  152 . Thus, member  180  ( 180 A) provides a tool that can be used to seal a new, unused unit and to remove a dirty, wastewater filled, unit. Although the plug and handle functions are preferably combined into single tool  180  ( 180 A), it is contemplated that separate devices embodying these features can be included and/or either the plug or handle can be eliminated depending on the desired handling.  
         [0097]    Sealant  20  is preferably a biodegradable oily liquid. A preferred composition of liquid  20  comprises an aliphatic alcohol containing 9-11 carbons in the chemical chain, wherein the specific gravity is 0.84 at 68° Fahrenheit. Since the operation of the urinal is based on the differential between the specific gravity of the oily liquid and that of urine, typically near 1.0, the specific gravity of the oily liquid should be made as low as possible, preferably not exceeding 0.9 and, preferably, well under 0.9. Sealant  20  preferably is chosen to have a very low affinity to water so that the sealant and the urine strongly repel each other physically and so that there is no chemical or other interaction apart from a purely physical separation which allows urine/water from above to divide finely and permeate downwardly through the sealant layer. Sealant  20  is preferably colored, e.g., blue, for maintenance and identification purposes.  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 15 shows one example of type of urinal into which the various odor traps, shown generally as  10 , can be located. The illustrated urinal, designated by indicium  140 , is a wall mounted unit attached above a floor surface (not shown). The urinal shown is for illustrative purposes only; a trap of the present invention can be used in any type of urinal. More notably, the utility of the invention, while directed in some aspects to waterless urinals as illustrated above, is not restricted thereto. The present odor trap is applicable to other drained surfaces and the like. For example, since the preferred sealant utilized is considerably more stable than water with regard to evaporation, the present invention has widespread utility as floor drains, solving, for example, problems of sewer gas release from conventional S-type floor drains resulting from, for example, total seal failure due to evaporation of the residual water and lack of replenishment thereof, particularly in hot, dry climates.  
         [0099]    Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it should be realized that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.