RETROFIT CARTRIDGE SYSTEM WITH CONTROLLED FLOW, FOR CONVERTING TRADITIONAL URINAL INTO HYBRID

Abstract

A cartridge formed to fit in the drain of a urinal is presented. The cartridge has an orifice formed therein to regulate a flow of flushing water so that the flushing water rises to come in contact with a chemical volume, thereby becoming chemically infused. The orifice may be adjustable to determine a height to which the flushing water rises in the urinal bowl. The orifice comprises a screw adjustment system, an orifice occlusion system, or a shaft and cap system. A flushing water source having an adjustable orifice is also presented. The flushing water source orifice can be adjusted to determine a height to which flushing water rises in the urinal bowl when the urinal is flushed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a cartridge system for a urinal and, more particularly, to a cartridge system for a urinal having a cartridge that regulates the flow of flushing water in a controlled manner.

(2) Description of Related Art

Hybrid flushing urinals do not flush with every use, but rather only with time or number of users in order to save water. The challenge of doing this is that resting urine in the trap of the urinal will precipitate solids and cause hard build-up to form on the trap walls, eventually closing it off. Further, this build-up can have a strong and unpleasant odor for the end user.

Thus, a continuing need exists for system that doses each flush with chemicals known within the industry to fight this build-up, which are generally acidic in nature and often are made up of naturally occurring acids like citric acid from fruits. Since urinals are commonly equipped with flushometers of differing volumes, controlling the rate at which the water drains during a flush is essential to ensuing a consistent dosing volume of any chemicals reliant on the flush for dispersal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cartridge system for a urinal and, more particularly, to a cartridge system for a urinal having a cartridge that regulates the flow of flushing water in a controlled manner.

In one aspect, the cartridge system comprises a cartridge formed to fit into the drain of a urinal, where the cartridge has an orifice formed therein to regulate a flow of flushing water in a bowl of the urinal in a controlled manner such that the flushing water rises to a predetermined level and drains at a predetermined rate within the bowl when the urinal is flushed.

In another aspect the cartridge system includes a chemical volume disposed within the bowl of the urinal, whereby when the urinal is flushed and the flushing water rises to the predetermined level within the bowl, the flushing water contacts the chemical volume and becomes chemically infused.

In a further aspect, the cartridge system includes the chemical volume attached with the cartridge.

In a still further aspect, the cartridge system includes the chemical volume detachably attached with the cartridge.

In a yet further aspect, the cartridge system includes the orifice that is adjustable to modify the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

In yet another aspect, the cartridge system includes the orifice selected from a group consisting of: a screw adjustment system comprising a screw, a regulator body, and a cover surface, where the screw threadably passes through at least one of the regulator body and the cover surface such that when the screw is rotated, a gap between the regulator body and the cover surface is adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; an orifice occlusion system comprising an orifice-containing surface having an orifice with an area formed therethrough and a cover surface disposed thereon: where the cover surface occludes at least a portion of the orifice, and where at least one of the cover surface and orifice-containing surface can be moved relative to the other to adjust the area of the orifice to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; and a shaft system comprising a shaft attached with a cap and an interior of the cartridge where the shaft is moveable to adjust a height of the cap relative to the drain of the urinal to adjust a gap therebetween to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

In still another aspect, the cartridge system, wherein in the orifice occlusion system, the orifice-containing surface contains an orifice consisting of: a single orifice where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the orifice; and a plurality of orifices where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the plurality of orifices.

In a further aspect, a urinal flushing system including a flushing water source having an adjustable flushing water output; and a cartridge formed to fit into the drain of a urinal, the cartridge having an orifice formed therein to regulate a flow of flushing water from the flushing water source in a bowl of the urinal in a controlled manner such that the flushing water rises to a predetermined level and drains at a predetermined rate within the bowl when the urinal is flushed.

In a still further aspect, the urinal flushing system, wherein flushing water source includes an adjustable flushing water orifice to adjust flushing water output.

In a yet further aspect, the urinal flushing system, wherein the chemical volume is attached with the cartridge.

In a still further aspect, the urinal flushing system, wherein the chemical volume is detachably attached with the cartridge.

In a yet further aspect, the urinal flushing system, wherein the flushing water orifice is adjustable to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

In another aspect, a urinal flushing system, wherein the flushing water orifice is selected from a group consisting of: a screw adjustment system comprising a screw, a regulator body, and a cover surface, where the screw threadably passes through at least one of the regulator body and the cover surface such that when the screw is rotated, a gap between the regulator body and the cover surface is adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; an orifice occlusion system comprising an orifice-containing surface having an orifice with an area formed therethrough and a cover surface disposed thereon: where the cover surface occludes at least a portion of the orifice, and where at least one of the cover surface and orifice-containing surface can be moved relative to the other to adjust the area of the orifice to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; and a shaft system comprising a shaft attached with a cap and an interior of the cartridge where the shaft is moveable to adjust a height of the cap relative to the drain of the urinal to adjust a gap therebetween to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

In still another aspect, a urinal flushing system, wherein in the orifice occlusion system, the orifice-containing surface contains an orifice consisting of: a single orifice where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the orifice; and a plurality of orifices where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the plurality of orifices.

In yet another aspect, a cartridge system kit comprising: a cartridge formed to fit into the drain of a urinal, the cartridge having an orifice formed therein to regulate a flow of flushing water in a bowl of the urinal in a controlled manner such that the flushing water rises to a predetermined level and drains at a predetermined rate within the bowl when the urinal is flushed.

In a further aspect, a cartridge system kit, further comprising: a chemical volume disposed within the bowl of the urinal, whereby when the urinal is flushed and the flushing water rises to the predetermined level within the bowl, the flushing water contacts the chemical volume and becomes chemically infused.

In a still further aspect, a cartridge system kit, wherein the chemical volume is attached with the cartridge.

In a yet further aspect, a cartridge system kit, wherein the chemical volume is detachably attachable with the cartridge.

In another aspect, a cartridge system kit, wherein the orifice is adjustable to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

In a further aspect, the cartridge system kit, wherein the orifice is selected from a group consisting of: a screw adjustment system comprising a screw, a regulator body, and a cover surface, where the screw threadably passes through at least one of the regulator body and the cover surface such that when the screw is rotated, a gap between the regulator body and the cover surface is adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; an orifice occlusion system comprising an orifice-containing surface having an orifice with an area formed therethrough and a cover surface disposed thereon: where the cover surface occludes at least a portion of the orifice, and where at least one of the cover surface and orifice-containing surface can be moved relative to the other to adjust the area of the orifice to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; and a shaft system comprising a shaft attached with a cap and an interior of the cartridge where the shaft is moveable to adjust a height of the cap relative to the drain of the urinal to adjust a gap therebetween to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

In a still further aspect, a cartridge system kit, wherein in the orifice occlusion system, the orifice-containing surface contains an orifice consisting of: a single orifice where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the orifice; and a plurality of orifices where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the plurality of orifices.

In a yet further aspect, a urinal flushing system kit comprising: a flushing water source having an adjustable flushing water output; and a cartridge formed to fit into the drain of a urinal, the cartridge having an orifice formed therein to regulate a flow of flushing water from the flushing water source in a bowl of the urinal in a controlled manner such that the flushing water rises to a predetermined level and drains at a predetermined rate within the bowl when the urinal is flushed.

In another aspect, a urinal flushing system kit, wherein flushing water source includes an adjustable flushing water orifice to adjust flushing water output.

In still another aspect, a urinal flushing system kit, wherein the chemical volume is attached with the cartridge.

In yet another aspect, a urinal flushing system kit, wherein the chemical volume is detachably attachable with the cartridge.

In a still further aspect, a urinal flushing system kit, wherein the flushing water orifice is adjustable to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

In a further aspect, a urinal flushing system kit, wherein the flushing water orifice is selected from a group consisting of: a screw adjustment system comprising a screw, a regulator body, and a cover surface, where the screw threadably passes through at least one of the regulator body and the cover surface such that when the screw is rotated, a gap between the regulator body and the cover surface is adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; an orifice occlusion system comprising an orifice-containing surface having an orifice with an area formed therethrough and a cover surface disposed thereon: where the cover surface occludes at least a portion of the orifice, and where at least one of the cover surface and orifice-containing surface can be moved relative to the other to adjust the area of the orifice to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; and a shaft system comprising a shaft attached with a cap and an interior of the cartridge where the shaft is moveable to adjust a height of the cap relative to the drain of the urinal to adjust a gap therebetween to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

In a yet further aspect, a urinal flushing system kit, wherein in the orifice occlusion system, the orifice-containing surface contains an orifice consisting of: a single orifice where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the orifice; and a plurality of orifices where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the plurality of orifices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a urinal system where a cartridge system with an orifice therein and a chemical volume can be seen in a bowl of a urinal, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the lower part of a urinal bowl having a drain with a cartridge disposed therein where the urinal has been flushed, according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the lower part of a urinal bowl having a drain with a cartridge disposed therein, according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the individual components of a screw-type cartridge, according to the present invention;

FIG. 5a is a side view of the assembled screw-type cartridge, according to the present invention;

FIG. 5b is a top-down view of the regulator body of the screw-type cartridge, according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of the screw-type cartridge, according to the present invention;

FIGS. 7a-7d are a variety of cutaway perspective views of the screw-type cartridge, according to the present invention;

FIGS. 8a-8c are a variety of non-cutaway perspective views of the screw-type cartridge, according to the present invention;

FIGS. 9a-9e is a collection of top-down views of a rotatably variable orifice-type cartridge, according to the present invention;

FIG. 10a is a cross-sectional side view of the rotatably variable orifice-type cartridge with a flange, disposed within a drain of a urinal bowl, according to the present invention;

FIG. 10b is a perspective view of the rotatably variable orifice-type cartridge having a first orifice body and a second orifice body, each with a single orifice formed therethrough, according to the present invention;

FIG. 10c is a perspective view of the rotatably variable orifice-type cartridge having a first orifice body with a single orifice formed therethrough and a second orifice body with a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, according to the present invention;

FIGS. 11a-11h is a collection of side and top-down views of an alternative rotatably variable orifice-type cartridge, according to the present invention;

FIG. 12a is a cross-sectional side view of a rotatably variable orifice-type cartridge with a flange, disposed within a drain of a urinal bowl, according to the present invention;

FIG. 12b is a perspective view of the rotatably variable orifice-type cartridge having a first orifice body and a second orifice body, each with a single orifice formed therethrough, according to the present invention;

FIG. 12c is a perspective view of the rotatably variable orifice-type cartridge having a first orifice body with a single orifice formed therethrough and a second orifice body with a plurality of orifices formed therethrough, according to the present invention;

FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional side view of a cap-type cartridge with a support structure, disposed within a drain of a urinal bowl, according to the present invention;

FIG. 13b is a perspective view of the cap-type cartridge, according to the present invention;

FIG. 13c is a top-down view of the cap-type cartridge without the cap and the threaded shaft, according to the present invention;

FIG. 13d is side view of the support structure with the threaded hole, according to the present invention;

FIG. 13e is a side view of the cartridge with the cap, according to the present invention;

FIG. 13f is a top-down view of the cap with the tab, according to the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a urinal system where the rate of flushing fluid flow is controlled at the flushing fluid source, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a cartridge system for a urinal and, more particularly, to a cartridge system for a urinal having a cartridge that regulates the flow of flushing water in a controlled manner. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses, in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded with the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter-clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object. As such, as the present invention is changed, the above labels may change their orientation.

Specific Details:

Described is a retrofit cartridge system with a controlled flow. Existing urinals, which are often manual urinals, can be made into hybrid models that do not flush with every use by adding automated actuators. The automated actuator flushes the urinal at a predetermined time intervals or after a number of users, rather than after every user. FIG. 1 shows a urinal 100 with a cartridge 102 according to the present invention. The cartridge 102 is formed to drop into the urinal drain 104. A chemical volume 106 is attached at a predetermined distance above the cartridge 102 or it can be positioned to have controlled/regulated exposure to the flushing water. The cartridge 102 has an orifice therein to restrict the flow of flushing water therethrough so that when the urinal is flushed, the flushing water rises within the urinal bowl 108 to a level sufficient for the flushing water to contact the chemical volume 106 and to become infused with chemicals. As will be described below, the orifice of the cartridge 102 may be adjustable to modify the height to which the flushing water rises in the urinal bowl 108 and the dwell time that the chemical volume is in contact with the flushing water. As will also be described below, the flushing water source may also include an orifice that may be adjustable to customize the flow of flushing water into the urinal bowl 108 to modify the height to which the flushing water rises in the urinal bowl 108.

The main purpose of the cartridge is to control the flow of the flushing water so that when the urinal 100 is flushed, the flushing water rises to come into contact with the chemical volume 106. This is depicted in FIG. 2, which is a cross-sectional view of the lower part of a urinal bowl 200 having a drain 202 with a cartridge 102 disposed therein. In this case, the cartridge 102 is a screw-type cartridge where the adjustment of a screw 204 adjusts a distance 206 between a regulator body 208 and a cap (or counterweight cover) 210 to control the opening of an orifice 212. Also shown is the chemical volume 214, held a distance 216 above the cartridge 102 by a support 218. The chemical volume 214 may be fixedly attached with the cartridge 102 or it may be removably attached. The support 218 may support the chemical volume 214 from the cartridge 102 or from the urinal bowl 200. The chemical volume 214 can take many forms, non-limiting examples of which include a solid block of chemicals and a vessel filled with liquid or gel chemicals which can optionally be refillable. The chemical volume 214 can also rest on the surface of the urinal bowl 200 in the form of a permeable mat or mesh, for example. The chemicals of the chemical volume 214 can be acidic, enzymatic, basic, or PH neutral cleaners.

The same urinal bowl 200, the cartridge 102, and the chemical volume 214 configuration shown in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3, where the urinal 100 has been flushed. Flushing water 300 has entered the urinal bowl 200 and based on the size of the orifice 212 of the cartridge 102, has risen to a predetermined level 302, where it is in contact with the chemical volume 214 for a sufficient amount of time to infuse the flushing water 300 with chemicals from the chemical volume 214 in a controlled amount. In case where the chemical volume 214 is a hollow body containing chemicals, the hollow body has holes strategically placed in it to allow the flushing water to come in contact with the chemicals. The chemicals then dilute into the water in a controlled amount with each flush, depending on how high the flushing water rises, and how long it remains there.

It is also contemplated that different flush volumes, which are common in the market, can be accommodated by adjustment of the flow rate of the cartridge 102. This will allow different flush volumes to have the same amount of dosing of the water that is left in the trap. Therefore, if each flush should leave 1% of the volume of the trap to be chemicals, then no matter what size flush occurs, the cartridge 102 can be set to hit the target volume. This is important because there are many different flush volumes available on the market, and adjustment of cartridge flow rate will, thus, allow the chemicals in the chemical volume 214 to last the same amount of time, even with different flush volumes.

Next, three specific cartridge configurations will be described as non-limiting examples of how to control the flow of flushing water 300 in order to control the level 302 of the flushing water 300 in the urinal bowl 200. These include a screw-type cartridge, a rotatably variable orifice-type cartridge, and a cap-type cartridge. Additionally, another way of controlling the rate of fluid flow in a urinal by controlling the flow of flushing fluid from a flushing fluid source will be presented.

(1) Screw-Type Cartridge

The individual components of a screw-type cartridge are shown in an exploded view in FIG. 4. From top to bottom, these include a strainer 400, a screw 402, a regulator body 404, a cap/counterweight cover 406, a threaded counterweight 408, and a counterweight cover 410. When assembled, the screw 402 passes through the regulator body 404 and the cap 406 and threadably connects with the counterweight 408. The counterweight cover 410 fits over the counterweight 408, frictionally connecting thereto. The strainer 400 either frictionally connects with the regulator body 404 or can snappably connect thereto. The regulator body 404 includes at least one orifice, the opening of which can be adjusted by rotating the counterweight 408 relative to the screw 402, thus adjusting a distance between the regulator body 404 and the cap 406. This orifice adjustment mechanism was also shown in, and described with respect to, FIG. 2 above.

A side view of an assembled screw-type cartridge is shown in FIG. 5a. In this instance, the strainer 400 is connected with the regulator body 404. The screw 402 passes through the regulator body 404 and into the threaded counterweight 408 (shown in FIG. 4). In FIG. 5a, the counterweight 408 is not visible because it resides within the counterweight cover 410. Again, the counterweight 408 can be rotated relative to the screw 402 to adjust a distance 500 between the regulator body 404 and the cap 406. This may be accomplished by rotating the counterweight cover 410, which encloses the counterweight 408. By varying the distance 500 between the regulator body 404 and the cap 406, the flow of flushing water there-between may be adjusted.

A top-down view of the regulator body 404 is presented in FIG. 5b. The regulator body 404 comprises a side wall 502 and a bottom surface 504. The bottom surface 504 has a screw hole 506 and at least one orifice 508 (in this case, four orifices are shown). The screw hole 506 is configured to receive the screw 402 (shown in FIG. 5a) and to maintain the position of the regulator body 404 relative thereto. This may be accomplished by, for example, adhesively affixing the regulator body 404 with the screw 402 or threadably attaching the regulator body 404 with the screw 402. The orifice 508 allows flushing water to flow through the regulator body 404, downward toward the cap 406. By adjusting the distance 500 between the regulator body 404 and the cap 406, the flow rate of flushing fluid through the cartridge can be altered. Note that the position of the orifice 508 may be such that when the distance 500 between the regulator body 404 and the cap 406 closes to zero, the cap 406 covers the orifice 508 so no flushing water can flow through.

A cutaway cross-sectional view of the screw-type cartridge is shown in FIG. 6. As described previously, the strainer 400 is connected with the regulator body 404. The regulator body 404 includes a screw hole 506, through which passes the screw 402. In this case, the screw hole 506 is formed to threadably receive the screw 402. The counterweight 408 and the cap 406 are threaded onto the screw 402, creating a distance 500 between the regulator body 404, orifice 508, and the cap 406. The counterweight 408 is enclosed within the counterweight cover 410, which may be rotated relative to the regulator body 404 to adjust the distance 500 between the regulator body 404 and the cap 406 in order to alter the flow of flushing fluid through the orifice 508.

A variety of cutaway perspective views of the screw-type cartridge are shown in FIGS. 7a-7d. All of the parts are as previously labeled and described, with the exception of the holes 700 through the strainer 400. The holes 700 through the strainer 400 are configured to permit flushing fluid to flow therethrough while trapping larger objects that could block the flow of flushing fluid through the orifice 508 (shown in FIG. 5b) of the regulator body 404 or otherwise prevent the flow of flushing fluid through the cartridge.

A variety of non-cutaway perspective views of the screw-type cartridge are shown in FIGS. 8a-8c. All of the parts are as previously labeled and described, with the exception of the holes 700 through the strainer 400. Again, the holes 700 through the strainer 400 are configured to permit flushing fluid to flow therethrough while trapping larger objects that could block the flow of flushing fluid through the orifice 508 (shown in FIG. 5b) of the regulator body 404 or otherwise prevent the flow of flushing fluid through the cartridge.

(2) Rotatably Variable Orifice-Type Cartridge

A variable-area orifice mechanism according to the present invention is presented in FIG. 9. Generally, this mechanism includes two components, a first orifice body 900, an example of which is depicted in FIG. 9a and a second orifice body 902, two examples of which are depicted in FIG. 9b and FIG. 9d. Each of the orifice bodies 900 and 902 have at least one orifice 904 formed therethrough. As shown in FIGS. 9c and 9e, the orifice bodies 900 and 902 are positioned coaxially with respect to each other, such that at least one of the orifice bodies 900 and 902 may be rotated relative to the other in order to cover/occlude at least a portion of the other, thus adjusting the cross-sectional area of an open orifice 906. Specifically, FIGS. 9b and 9c show a case where the orifice bodies 900 and 902 each have a single orifice 904 formed therethrough. FIGS. 9d and 9c show a case where one of the orifice bodies 900 and 902 has a single orifice 904 therethrough and the other has multiple orifices 904 therethrough. In a further case, both orifice bodies 900 and 902 can have multiple orifices 904 therethrough. Additionally, in FIGS. 9a, 9c, and 9e, the first orifice body 900 includes a tab 908 formed thereon, which provides a grip to rotate the first orifice body 900 relative to the second orifice body 902. The tab 908 is formed to be gripped, for example, by human fingers or a pair of pliers.

A cartridge 1000 disposed within a drain 1002 of a urinal bowl 1004 is presented in FIG. 10a. The cartridge 1000 has a flange 1006 that rests on the surface of the urinal bowl 1004 proximate the drain 1002 to stop the cartridge 1000 from falling into the drain 1002 (the flange 1006 gives the cartridge 1000 a diameter larger than that of the drain 1002). As shown, the cartridge 1000 includes a first orifice body 900 and a second orifice body 902 as described with respect to FIG. 9.

A cartridge 1000 having a first orifice body 900 and a second orifice body 902, each with a single orifice formed therethrough is depicted in FIG. 10b; and a cartridge 1000 having a first orifice body 900 with a single orifice formed therethrough and a second orifice body 902 with a plurality of orifices formed therethrough is depicted in FIG. 10c.

An alternative variable-area orifice mechanism according to the present invention is presented in FIGS. 11a-h. In this case, the orifice bodies are shaped conically in order to prevent flushing fluid from pooling on the top surface. The operation is essentially the same as that of the version presented in FIGS. 9a-e and 10a-c. Again, this version comprises a first orifice body 1100 and a second orifice body 1102, each having at least one orifice 1104 formed therethrough, which are rotatable relative to each other in order to vary the cross-sectional area of an open orifice 1106. This open orifice 1106 permits the passage of flushing water therethrough. As was the case in the version presented in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first orifice body 1100 includes a tab 1108 which can be grasped, for example, by fingers or a pair of pliers in order to rotate the first orifice body 1100 relative to the second orifice body 1102. Specifically, the first orifice body 1100 is presented in a perspective view and a top-down view in FIGS. 11a and 11b, respectively. Next, the second orifice body 1102 is presented with a single orifice 1104 in a perspective view and a top-down views in FIGS. 11c and 11d, respectively. Further, the second orifice body 1102 is presented with a plurality of orifices 1104 in a perspective view and a top-down view in FIGS. 11f and 11g, respectively. A combined and rotated first orifice body 1100 and second orifice body 1102 are presented in a top-down view in FIG. 11e with both the first orifice body 1100 and the second orifice body 1102 having a single orifice. Finally, a combined and rotated first orifice body 1100 and second orifice body 1102 are presented in a top-down view in FIG. 11h with the first orifice body 1100 having a single orifice 1104 and the second orifice body 1102 having a plurality of orifices 1104.

A cartridge 1200 disposed within a drain 1202 of a urinal bowl 1204 is presented in FIG. 12a. The cartridge 1200 has a flange 1206 that rests on the surface of the urinal bowl 1204 proximate the drain 1202 to stop the cartridge 1200 from falling into the drain 1202 (the flange 1206 gives the cartridge 1200 a diameter larger than that of the drain 1202). The cartridge 1200 includes a first orifice body 1100 and a second orifice body 1102 as shown and described in FIGS. 11a-h.

A cartridge 1200 having a first orifice body 1100 and a second orifice body 1102, each with a single orifice formed therethrough is depicted in FIG. 12b; and a cartridge 1200 having a first orifice body 1100 with a single orifice formed therethrough and a second orifice body 1102 with a plurality of orifices formed therethrough is depicted in FIG. 12c.

(3) Cap-Type Cartridge

A cap-type cartridge 1300 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 13a, positioned in a drain 1302 within a urinal bowl 1304. The cartridge 1300 includes a flange 1306 that is wider than the drain 1302 to prevent the cartridge 1300 from falling into the drain 1302. The cartridge 1300 further includes a support structure 1308 fixed therein. In this case, the support structure 1308 is presented in the form of a crossbar having a threaded hole 1310 (shown in FIG. 13c) therethrough. The threaded hole 1310 is configured to receive a threaded shaft 1312 having a cap 1314 affixed at an end of the shaft 1312. The cap 1314 has a tab 1316 formed thereon/attached thereto. The tab 1316 can be gripped, for example, by fingers or a pair of pliers and turned, rotating the cap 1314 and turning the shaft 1312, adjusting a height 1318 of the cap 1314 relative to the flange 1306 of the cartridge 1300. This allows for adjustment of the flow rate of flushing water through the cartridge 1300, thus adjusting the height to which flushing water rises within the urinal bowl 1304, when the urinal is flushed. This also allows the flushing water to rise to a level where it contacts a chemical volume 214 as was shown in FIG. 3.

A perspective view of the cap-type cartridge 1300 is presented in FIG. 13b. A top-down view of the cartridge 1300 without the cap 1314 and the threaded shaft 1312 is shown in FIG. 13c, providing a better view of the support structure 1308 and the threaded hole 1310 therein. The support structure 1308 is designed to allow flushing fluid to pass by and through the cartridge 1300. The support structure 1308 can take any form that provides this function, a non-limiting example of which would be a pair of crossbars rather than a single crossbar as shown.

A side view of the support structure 1308 with the threaded hole 1310 is shown in FIG. 13d. In this version, the support structure 1308 has an angled shape so that flushing fluid flows past the support structure 1308 without collecting thereon.

A side view of the cartridge 1300 with the cap 1314 is shown in FIG. 13e. In this case, the cap 1314 is screwed down to the level of the flange 1306, closing the cartridge 1300 to fluid flow. This configuration could be used, for example, during storage or transport of the cartridge.

A top-down view of the cap 1314 with the tab 1316 is presented in FIG. 13f.

In addition to cartridges with built-in mechanisms for controlling the rate of flushing fluid flow therethrough, the rate of flushing fluid flow can also be controlled at the flushing fluid source 1400, as shown in FIG. 14. Here, a urinal 1402 is shown having a urinal bowl 1404. The urinal 1402 includes a flushing handle 1406, which activates the flushing fluid source 1400, releasing flushing fluid through the flushing fluid source 1400 and through a flushing fluid outlet 1408 into the urinal bowl 1404. The flushing fluid then flows through a cartridge 1410, as previously described. The flushing fluid source 1400 contains one of the three flow control mechanisms from the cartridges previously described. Specifically, these include a screw-type flow control, a rotatably variable orifice-type flow control, and a cap-type flow control. These flow control mechanisms are positioned in line with the fluid flow and can be adjusted to modify the rate of fluid flow from the flushing fluid source 1400 into the urinal bowl 1404.

The rate of fluid flow through the drain of a urinal can be controlled by having an adjustable-rate fluid source and a cartridge with a fixed orifice area, a fixed-rate fluid source and a cartridge with a variable orifice area, or by having both an adjustable rate fluid source and a cartridge with an adjustable orifice area.

In addition to being presented as complete devices, the various cartridges and fluid flow structures can be manufactured as kits of varying components for later assembly.

Claims

1. A cartridge system comprising: a cartridge formed to fit into the drain of a urinal, the cartridge having an orifice formed therein to regulate a flow of flushing water in a bowl of the urinal in a controlled manner such that the flushing water rises to a predetermined level and drains at a predetermined rate within the bowl when the urinal is flushed.

2. A cartridge system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a chemical volume disposed within the bowl of the urinal, whereby when the urinal is flushed and the flushing water rises to the predetermined level within the bowl, the flushing water contacts the chemical volume and becomes chemically infused.

3. A cartridge system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the chemical volume is attached with the cartridge.

4. A cartridge system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the chemical volume is detachably attached with the cartridge.

5. A cartridge system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the orifice is adjustable to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

6. A cartridge system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the orifice is selected from a group consisting of: a screw adjustment system comprising a screw, a regulator body, and a cover surface, where the screw threadably passes through at least one of the regulator body and the cover surface such that when the screw is rotated, a gap between the regulator body and the cover surface is adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough;an orifice occlusion system comprising an orifice-containing surface having an orifice with an area formed therethrough and a cover surface disposed thereon: where the cover surface occludes at least a portion of the orifice, and where at least one of the cover surface and orifice-containing surface can be moved relative to the other to adjust the area of the orifice to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; anda shaft system comprising a shaft attached with a cap and an interior of the cartridge where the shaft is moveable to adjust a height of the cap relative to the drain of the urinal to adjust a gap therebetween to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

7. A cartridge system as set forth in claim 6, wherein in the orifice occlusion system, the orifice-containing surface contains an orifice consisting of: a single orifice where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the orifice; anda plurality of orifices where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the plurality of orifices.

8. A urinal flushing system comprising: a flushing water source having an adjustable flushing water output; anda cartridge formed to fit into the drain of a urinal, the cartridge having an orifice formed therein to regulate a flow of flushing water from the flushing water source in a bowl of the urinal in a controlled manner such that the flushing water rises to a predetermined level and drains at a predetermined rate within the bowl when the urinal is flushed.

9. A urinal flushing system as set forth in claim 8, wherein flushing water source includes an adjustable flushing water orifice to adjust flushing water output.

10. A urinal flushing system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the chemical volume is attached with the cartridge.

11. A urinal flushing system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the chemical volume is detachably attached with the cartridge.

12. A urinal flushing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the flushing water orifice is adjustable to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

13. A urinal flushing system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the flushing water orifice is selected from a group consisting of: a screw adjustment system comprising a screw, a regulator body, and a cover surface, where the screw threadably passes through at least one of the regulator body and the cover surface such that when the screw is rotated, a gap between the regulator body and the cover surface is adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough;an orifice occlusion system comprising an orifice-containing surface having an orifice with an area formed therethrough and a cover surface disposed thereon: where the cover surface occludes at least a portion of the orifice, and where at least one of the cover surface and orifice-containing surface can be moved relative to the other to adjust the area of the orifice to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; anda shaft system comprising a shaft attached with a cap and an interior of the cartridge where the shaft is moveable to adjust a height of the cap relative to the drain of the urinal to adjust a gap therebetween to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

14. A urinal flushing system as set forth in claim 6, wherein in the orifice occlusion system, the orifice-containing surface contains an orifice consisting of: a single orifice where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the orifice; anda plurality of orifices where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the plurality of orifices.

15. A cartridge system kit comprising: a cartridge formed to fit into the drain of a urinal, the cartridge having an orifice formed therein to regulate a flow of flushing water in a bowl of the urinal in a controlled manner such that the flushing water rises to a predetermined level and drains at a predetermined rate within the bowl when the urinal is flushed.

16. A cartridge system kit as set forth in claim 15, further comprising: a chemical volume disposed within the bowl of the urinal, whereby when the urinal is flushed and the flushing water rises to the predetermined level within the bowl, the flushing water contacts the chemical volume and becomes chemically infused.

17. A cartridge system kit as set forth in claim 16, wherein the chemical volume is attached with the cartridge.

18. A cartridge system kit as set forth in claim 16, wherein the chemical volume is detachably attachable with the cartridge.

19. A cartridge system kit as set forth in claim 15, wherein the orifice is adjustable to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

20. A cartridge system kit as set forth in claim 19, wherein the orifice is selected from a group consisting of: a screw adjustment system comprising a screw, a regulator body, and a cover surface, where the screw threadably passes through at least one of the regulator body and the cover surface such that when the screw is rotated, a gap between the regulator body and the cover surface is adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough;an orifice occlusion system comprising an orifice-containing surface having an orifice with an area formed therethrough and a cover surface disposed thereon: where the cover surface occludes at least a portion of the orifice, and where at least one of the cover surface and orifice-containing surface can be moved relative to the other to adjust the area of the orifice to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; anda shaft system comprising a shaft attached with a cap and an interior of the cartridge where the shaft is moveable to adjust a height of the cap relative to the drain of the urinal to adjust a gap therebetween to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

21. A cartridge system kit as set forth in claim 20, wherein in the orifice occlusion system, the orifice-containing surface contains an orifice consisting of: a single orifice where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the orifice; anda plurality of orifices where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the plurality of orifices.

22. A urinal flushing system kit comprising: a flushing water source having an adjustable flushing water output; anda cartridge formed to fit into the drain of a urinal, the cartridge having an orifice formed therein to regulate a flow of flushing water from the flushing water source in a bowl of the urinal in a controlled manner such that the flushing water rises to a predetermined level and drains at a predetermined rate within the bowl when the urinal is flushed.

23. A urinal flushing system kit as set forth in claim 22, wherein flushing water source includes an adjustable flushing water orifice to adjust flushing water output.

24. A urinal flushing system kit as set forth in claim 23, wherein the chemical volume is attached with the cartridge.

25. A urinal flushing system kit as set forth in claim 23, wherein the chemical volume is detachably attachable with the cartridge.

26. A urinal flushing system kit as set forth in claim 22, wherein the flushing water orifice is adjustable to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

27. A urinal flushing system kit as set forth in claim 26, wherein the flushing water orifice is selected from a group consisting of: a screw adjustment system comprising a screw, a regulator body, and a cover surface, where the screw threadably passes through at least one of the regulator body and the cover surface such that when the screw is rotated, a gap between the regulator body and the cover surface is adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough;an orifice occlusion system comprising an orifice-containing surface having an orifice with an area formed therethrough and a cover surface disposed thereon: where the cover surface occludes at least a portion of the orifice, and where at least one of the cover surface and orifice-containing surface can be moved relative to the other to adjust the area of the orifice to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough; anda shaft system comprising a shaft attached with a cap and an interior of the cartridge where the shaft is moveable to adjust a height of the cap relative to the drain of the urinal to adjust a gap therebetween to adjust the flow rate of the flushing water therethrough.

28. A urinal flushing system kit as set forth in claim 27, wherein in the orifice occlusion system, the orifice-containing surface contains an orifice consisting of: a single orifice where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the orifice; anda plurality of orifices where the cover surface can be moved to cover a portion of the plurality of orifices.