Patent Grant
11585078
Certain embodiments discussed herein relate to restroom screens and mats, and, more particularly, the present inventions relate to restroom urinal screens and mats.
Urinal screens are widely used to prevent debris from being flushed down a urinal drain. In some cases, a fragrance is provided with the screens to help sanitize and freshen the air in and around the urinal.
According to some embodiments, a urinal screen comprises: a frame having: an outer perimeter; a first face; a second face opposite the first face; and a plurality of apertures extending through the first and second faces, each of the plurality of apertures defined at least partially by a perimeter structure; and a first set of posts extending from the first face of the frame, each of the posts of the first set of posts having a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame; wherein: at least some of the posts of the first set of posts extend at a first non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the frame and are positioned such that they obstruct a view of at least one of the plurality of apertures when viewed normal to the first face, wherein the at least some of the posts of the first set of posts can at least partially dissipate splashing of urine that impacts the urinal screen; and at least some of the perimeter structures comprise a side wall oriented at a second non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the frame; wherein the at least some of the perimeter structures can at least partially dissipate splashing of urine that impacts the urinal screen.
In some embodiments; the first non-perpendicular angle is equal to the second non-perpendicular angle. In some embodiments, the first non-perpendicular angle is within 10% of the second non-perpendicular angle. In some embodiments; the first non-perpendicular angle is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees and the second non-perpendicular angle is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees. In some embodiments, a majority of the plurality of apertures are positioned such that the perimeter structure that at least partially defines the aperture has at least three posts extending therefrom, with only one of the second ends of the at least three posts positioned to obstruct a view of the aperture when viewed normal to the first face. In some embodiments, each of the at least three posts is connected to a different corner of the perimeter structure. In some embodiments, a majority of the plurality of apertures are positioned such that the perimeter structure that at least partially defines the aperture has at least six posts extending therefrom, with only one of the second ends of the at least six posts positioned to obstruct a view of the aperture when viewed normal to the first face. In some embodiments, each of the at least six posts is connected to a different corner of the perimeter structure. In some embodiments, the second end of at least one of the posts of the first set of posts is positioned outside of the outer perimeter of the frame when observed from a position normal to the first face of the frame. In some embodiments, the urinal screen further comprises a second set of posts extending from the second face of the frame, each of the posts of the second set of posts having a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame, wherein, when the urinal screen is placed on a surface of a urinal with the second face of the frame facing the surface of the urinal, the second set of posts can at least partially dissipate splashing of a urine stream after the urine stream passes through the plurality of apertures. In some embodiments; at least some of the posts of the second set of posts extend at a third non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the frame. In some embodiments, the second end of at least one of the posts of the second set of posts is positioned outside the outer perimeter of the frame when observed from a position normal to the second face of the frame. In some embodiments, the third non-perpendicular angle comprise a same value as the first non-perpendicular angle. In some embodiments, the third non-perpendicular angle comprises a same value as the first non-perpendicular angle and the second non-perpendicular angle. In some embodiments, the at least some of the posts of the first set of posts are parallel to the at least some of the second set of posts. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of apertures overlaps at least one post of the first set of posts when observed from a position normal to the first face of the frame. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of apertures overlaps at least one post of the first set of posts when observed from a position normal to the first face of the frame. In some embodiments, each of the posts of the first set of posts has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the first and second ends of each of the posts lie on the longitudinal axis of the post. In some embodiments, each of the posts of the second set of posts are parallel to each of the posts of the first set of posts. In some embodiments, a total number of posts extending from the first face of the frame is equal to a total number of posts extending from the second face of the frame. In some embodiments, a total number of posts extending from the first face of the frame is within 10% of a total number of posts extending from the second face of the frame. In some embodiments, the second end of the at least one of the posts of the second set of posts that is positioned outside of the outer perimeter of the frame when observed from a position normal to the second face of the frame is positioned on a side of the frame opposite a second end of at least one of the posts of the first set of posts that is positioned outside of the outer perimeter of the frame when observed from a position normal to the first face of the frame. In some embodiments, each of the posts in the first set of posts has a length measured between the first and second ends of the post and a base width measured perpendicular to the length at the first end of the post, wherein a ratio between the base width and the length is within a range of 1:6 to 1:3. In some embodiments, each of the posts in the first set of posts has a length measured between the first and second ends of the post, a base width measured perpendicular to the length at the first end of the post, and a tip width measured perpendicular to the length of the posts adjacent the second end of the posts, wherein a ratio between the tip width and the base width is within a range of 1:5 to 1:2. In some embodiment, the plurality of apertures are a majority of a total number of apertures defined by the frame. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures are at least ⅛, ¼, ⅜, ½, ⅝, ¾, or ⅞, of a total number of apertures defined by the frame. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures are all of the apertures defined by the frame.
According to some embodiments, a urinal screen comprises: a frame having: a first face; a second face opposite the first face; and a plurality of apertures extending through the first and second faces; a plurality of first posts extending from the first face of the frame and configured to at least partially dissipate splashing of urine that impacts the urinal screen; and a plurality of second posts extending from the second face of the frame and configured to at least partially dissipate splashing of urine that impacts the urinal screen; wherein: at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts are parallel to each other; at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts are parallel to each other; and the at least ⅓ of the plurality of firsts posts extend at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the frame.
In some embodiments, the non-perpendicular angle is less than or equal to 75 degrees. In some embodiments, the non-perpendicular angle is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees. In some embodiments, the at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts are parallel to the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of each of the at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts is aligned with a longitudinal axis of each of the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts. In some embodiments, the at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts extend at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the frame. In some embodiments, the non-perpendicular angle at which the at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts extend is congruent to the non-perpendicular angle at which the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts extend. In some embodiments, a first height of the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts, measured perpendicular to the first face, is greater than a second height of the at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts, measured perpendicular to the second face. In some embodiments, a ratio of the first height to the second height is at least 2:1. In some embodiments, a ratio of the first height to the second height is at least 3:1. In some embodiments, a ratio of the first height to the second height is at least 4:1. In some embodiments, the second height is equal to or greater than a thickness of the frame, measured perpendicular to the first face. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of apertures comprise a side wall oriented at the same non-perpendicular angle as the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts, the side wall configured to at least partially dissipate splashing of urine that impacts the urinal screen. In some embodiments, at least ⅓ of the plurality of apertures comprise a side wall oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the frame, the side wall configured to at least partially dissipate splashing of urine that impacts the urinal screen. In some embodiments, at least ½ of the plurality of first posts are parallel to each other, and at least ½ of the plurality of second posts are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, at least ⅔ of the plurality of first posts are parallel to each other, and at least ⅔ of the plurality of second posts are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, at least ¾ of the plurality of first posts are parallel to each other, and at least ¾ of the plurality of second posts are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts each comprise a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame, wherein the second end of each of a majority of the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts is positioned to at least partially obstruct a view through one of the plurality of apertures when the urinal screen is observed normal to the first face. In some embodiment, the plurality of apertures are a majority of a total number of apertures defined by the frame. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures are at least ⅛, ¼, ⅜, ½, ⅝, ¾, or ⅞, of a total number of apertures defined by the frame. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures are all of the apertures defined by the frame.
According to some embodiments, a urinal screen comprises: a frame having: a first face; a second face opposite the first face; and a plurality of apertures extending through the first and second faces; a plurality of first posts extending from the first face of the frame, each of the plurality of first posts comprising a base portion connected to the frame and an end portion spaced from the frame; and a plurality of second posts extending from the second face of the frame, each of the plurality of second posts comprising a base portion connected to the frame and an end portion space from the frame; wherein, when the urinal screen is placed on a surface of a urinal with the second face of the frame facing the surface of the urinal, the plurality of first posts can at least partially dissipate splashing of a urine stream before the urine stream passes through the plurality of apertures, and the plurality of second posts can at least partially dissipate splashing of the urine stream after the urine stream passes through the plurality of apertures; wherein, for each of at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts, a vector that passes through a center of the base portion and a center of the end portion is oriented at a first non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the frame; and wherein, for each of at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts, a vector that passes through a center of the base portion and a center of the end portion is oriented at a second non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the frame.
In some embodiments, the first non-perpendicular angle is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees and the second non-perpendicular angle is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees. In some embodiments; the vector for each of the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts is parallel to the vector for each of the at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts. In some embodiments, the first non-perpendicular angle is congruent to the second non-perpendicular angle. In some embodiments, the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts and the at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts comprise a non-linear shape. In some embodiments, at least ⅓ of the plurality of apertures comprise a side wall oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the frame, the side wall configured to at least partially dissipate splashing of the urine stream. In some embodiments, at least some of the end portions of the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts and the at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts extend outside an outer perimeter of the frame, when the urinal screen is observed normal to the first face. In some embodiments, at least some of the end portions of the at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts and the at least ⅓ of the plurality of second posts are positioned to at least partially obstruct a view through one of the plurality of apertures when the urinal screen is observed normal to the first face. In some embodiment, the plurality of apertures are a majority of a total number of apertures defined by the frame. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures are at least ⅛, ¼, ⅜, ½, ⅝, ¾, or ⅞, of a total number of apertures defined by the frame. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures are all of the apertures defined by the frame.
According to some embodiments, a urinal screen comprises: a frame having: a first face; a second face opposite the first face; and a plurality of apertures extending through the first and second faces, each of the plurality of apertures defined at least partially by a perimeter structure; and a plurality of first posts extending from the first face of the frame, each of the plurality of first posts comprising a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame; wherein a majority of the plurality of apertures are each positioned with at least two of the plurality of first posts connected to the perimeter structure that at least partially defines the aperture; wherein at least one of the at least two of the plurality of first posts is oriented with its second end positioned outside of the perimeter structure when viewed normal to the first face; wherein at least one of the at least two of the plurality of first posts is oriented with its second end positioned at least partially obstructing a view of the aperture when viewed normal to the first face; and wherein the plurality of first posts are configured to at least partially dissipate splashing of urine that impacts the urinal screen.
In some embodiments, the perimeter structure comprises a polygonal shape. In some embodiments, each of the at least two of the plurality of first posts is connected to a corner of the polygonal shape. In some embodiments, each of the at least two of the plurality of first posts is connected to a side of the polygonal shape. In some embodiments, the second end of one or more of the plurality of first posts is positioned outside of an outer perimeter of the frame when viewed normal to the first face. In some embodiments, the urinal screen further comprises: a plurality of second posts extending from the second face of the frame, each of the plurality of second posts comprising a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame; wherein a majority of the plurality of apertures are each positioned with at least two of the plurality of first posts connected to the perimeter structure that at least partially defines the aperture; wherein at least one of the at least two of the plurality of second posts is oriented with its second end positioned outside of the perimeter structure when viewed normal to the first face; wherein at least one of the at least two of the plurality of second posts is oriented with its second end positioned at least partially obstructing a view of the aperture when viewed normal to the first face; and wherein, when the urinal screen is placed on a surface of a urinal with the second face of the frame facing the surface of the urinal, the plurality of second posts can at least partially dissipate splashing of a urine stream after the urine stream passes through the plurality of apertures. In some embodiment, the plurality of apertures are a majority of a total number of apertures defined by the frame. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures are at least ⅛, ¼, ⅜, ½, ⅝, ¾, or ⅞, of a total number of apertures defined by the frame. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures are all of the apertures defined by the frame.
According to some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a urinal screen comprises: molding a urinal screen comprising: a frame having a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and a plurality of apertures extending through the first and second faces; and a plurality of first posts extending from the first face of the frame, each of the plurality of first posts comprising a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame; and applying a force to at least a portion of the plurality of first posts, resulting in plastic deformation of the at least a portion of the plurality of first posts such that a vector that passes through a center of the first end and a center of the second end is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the frame.
In some embodiments; the non-perpendicular angle is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees. In some embodiments, the at least a portion of the plurality of first posts comprises at least ⅓ of the plurality of first posts. In some embodiments, the force is applied to the second end of the at least a portion of the plurality of first posts. In some embodiments, the force is applied to a portion between the first end and the second end of the at least a portion of the plurality of first posts. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: applying heat to the at least a portion of the plurality of first posts prior to or during applying the force to the at least a portion of the plurality of first posts. In some embodiments, the urinal screen further comprises a plurality of second posts extending from the second face of the frame, each of the plurality of second posts comprising a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame; and wherein the method further comprises applying a force to at least a portion of the plurality of second posts, resulting in plastic deformation of the at least a portion of the plurality of second posts such that a vector that passes through a center of the first end and a center of the second end is oriented at a second non-perpendicular angle with respect to the second face of the frame. In some embodiments, the second non-perpendicular angle is between 15 degrees and 75 degrees. In some embodiments, the applying a force to the at least a portion of the plurality of second posts occurs concurrently with the applying a force to the at least a portion of the plurality of first posts.
According to some embodiments, a urinal screen comprises: a frame having: an outer perimeter; a first face; a second face opposite the first face; and a plurality of apertures extending through the first and second faces; and a first set of posts extending from the first face of the frame, each of posts of the first set of posts having a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame; wherein: at least one of the posts of the first set of posts extends at a non-perpendicular angle from the first face of the frame; and Wherein the second end of at least one of the posts of the first set of posts is positioned outside of the outer perimeter of the frame when observed from a position normal to the first face of the frame.
In some embodiments, the urinal screen further comprises a second set of posts extending from the second face of the frame, each of the posts of the second set of posts having a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame. In some embodiments, at least one of the posts of the second set of posts extends at a non-perpendicular angle from the second face of the frame. In some embodiments, the second end of at least one of the posts of the second set of posts is positioned outside the outer perimeter of the frame when observed from a position normal to the second face of the frame. In some embodiments, the at least one of the posts of the second set of posts that extends at a non-perpendicular angle from the second face of the frame is parallel to at least one of the first set of posts. In some embodiments, the at least one of the posts of the first set of posts that extends at a non-perpendicular angle from the first face of the frame is parallel to at least one of the second set of posts. In some embodiments, one or more of the apertures overlaps at least one post of the first set of posts when observed from a position normal to the first face of the frame. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of apertures overlaps at least one post of the first set of posts when observed from a position normal to the first face of the frame. In some embodiments, each of the posts of the first set of posts has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the first and second ends of each of the posts lie on the longitudinal axis of the post. In some embodiments, each of the posts of the second set of posts are parallel to each of the posts of the first set of posts. In some embodiments, a total number of posts extending from the first face of the frame is equal to a total number of posts extending from the second face of the frame. In some embodiments, the second end of the at least one of the posts of the second set of posts that is position outside of the outer perimeter of the frame when observed from a position normal to the second face of the frame is positioned on a side of the frame opposite the second end of at least one of the posts of the first set of posts that is positioned outside of the outer perimeter of the frame when observed from a position normal to the first face of the frame.
According to some embodiments, a urinal screen comprises: a frame having: a first face; a second face opposite the first face; and a plurality of apertures extending through the first and second faces; a plurality of first posts extending from the first face of the frame; and a plurality of second posts extending from the second face of the frame; wherein: a majority of the first and second posts are parallel to each other; and a majority of the firsts posts extend at a non-perpendicular angle from the first face of the frame.
In some embodiments, at least ⅔ of the first and second posts are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, at least ¾ of the first and second posts are parallel to each other.
According to some embodiments, a urinal screen comprises: a frame having: a first face; a second face opposite the first face; and a plurality of apertures extending through the first and second faces; a plurality of first posts extending at a non-perpendicular angle from the first face of the frame and extending outside an outer perimeter of the frame; and a plurality of second posts extending from the second face of the frame.
According to some embodiments, a urinal screen comprises: a frame comprising a first region and a second region, wherein each of the first region and second region comprises: a first face; a second face opposite the first face; and a plurality of apertures extending through the first and second faces; a plurality of first posts extending from the first face of the first region, each of the plurality of first posts comprising a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame; a plurality of second posts extending from the first face of the second region, each of the plurality of second posts comprising a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame; wherein the first region surrounds the second region.
In some embodiments, a majority of the plurality of apertures of the first region comprise a different shape than a majority of the plurality of apertures of the second region. In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of first posts are not parallel to at least some of the plurality of second posts. In some embodiments, a majority of the plurality of first posts are not parallel to a majority of the plurality of second posts. In some embodiments, a majority of the plurality of first posts extend from the first face of the first region at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the first region, and wherein a majority of the plurality of second posts extend from the first face of the second region at a perpendicular angle with respect to the first face of the second region. In some embodiments, the urinal screen further comprises: a plurality of third posts extending from the second face of the first region, each of the plurality of third posts comprising a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame; and a plurality of fourth posts extending from the second face of the second region, each of the plurality of fourth posts comprising a first end connected to the frame and a second end spaced from the frame. In some embodiments, the first region comprises a different color than the second region.
The present inventions are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters reference like elements, and wherein.
An embodiment of a urinal screen 10 is illustrated in
In some embodiments, the screen 10 has a polygonal, elliptical, circular, or other overall shape. For example, as illustrated in
The frame 14 and/or posts 22a, 22b can be constructed from a polymeric or other solid material. For example, the frame 14 and/or posts 22a, 22b can be constructed using a 3D printer or an injection molding machine. In some cases, additives are added to the material of the frame 14 and/or posts 22a, 22b. Additives can include, for example, bacteria and/or odor neutralizers, silver ions, and other additives or combinations of additives. One method of manufacturing an embodiment of the urinal screen 10 can include providing plastic or EVA material, which may have a melting point of not greater than 250° F., loading the plastic or EVA with at least 15% to 75%, 15% to 50%, and/or 15% to 35% by weight of fragrance material to produce a fragranced plastic or EVA, loading the fragrance at a stage conducted at temperatures such that the fragranced plastic or EVA is from at least 15% by weight fragrance upon completion of the loading stage, and molding the fragranced plastic or EVA into a urinal screen, sized and shaped to be disposed in a urinal, forming openings 18 in the frame 14, and forming posts 22a, 22b extending from the frame 14.
The openings 18 can have various shapes, including, but not limited to, circles, polygons (e.g., triangles, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc.), ellipses, and/or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, each of the openings 18 has a substantially identical shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the openings 18 has a different shape from one or more of the other openings.
The openings 18 can occupy a large percentage of the overall surface area of the frame 14 as viewed in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In some cases, the sides 42 and/or corners 46 of the openings 18 have contoured (e.g., convex) upper and/or lower surfaces (for example, surfaces 44a and 44b, discussed below). The contoured surfaces of the sides 42 and corners 46 can deflect fluid (e.g., urine) to reduce splash in the urinal, toilet, or other environment in which the urinal screen 10 is installed.
In some embodiments, portions of the frame 14 include one or more solid or closed portions between or surrounding the openings 18. For example, the frame 14 can include one or more solid cells 52 positioned between and/or adjacent the openings 18 of the frame 14. The solid cells can provide a surface area on which various letters, numbers, symbols, trademarks, and/or other visual features may be placed. For example, advertisements, installation instructions, date features, expiration dates, and/or other features may be included on the solid cells 52. In some embodiments, the frame 14 includes one or more intermediate solid cells 50 and/or large solid cells 15 for placement of larger/more complex visual features. For example, the intermediate solid cells 50 can occupy an area greater than or equal to 2, 3, 4, 0.5, and/or 6 openings 18. In some embodiments, the large solid cell 15 can occupy an area greater than or equal to 10 openings 18. Many variations are possible. In some embodiments, the one or more solid or closed portions facilitate easier removal of the screen 10 from a mold. In some cases, utilizing solid portions increases an amount of fragrance that can be embedded, coated, injected, or otherwise associated with the screen 10. One or more of the solid cells 50, 52, 15 may be removable from the frame 14. For example, one or more of the solid cells may be attached to the frame via a neck 51 (
In some embodiments, the posts 22a and/or 22b extend from the corners 46 of the frame forming openings 18. In some embodiments, one or more of the posts 22a. 22b extend from the sides 42 (e.g., the midpoints of the sides 42) of the portions of the frame 14 forming the openings 18 of the frame 14. In some embodiments, posts 22a, 22b extend from both the portions of the fame forming the corners 46 and the portions of the frame forming the sides 42 between the corners or from some combination thereof. In some embodiments, posts 22a, 22b extend from the portions of the frame forming the corners 46 of the openings 18 on one side of the frame 14 (e.g., the first side 26) and from the portions of the frame forming the sides 42 of the openings 18 on the other side of the frame 14 (e.g., the second side 30). In some embodiments, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 posts extend from the portions of the frame forming the sides 42 (including the corners) of the openings. In some embodiments, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, or at least 6 posts extend from the portions of the frame forming the sides 42 (including the corners) of the openings.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the plurality of openings 18 comprise outer openings and inner openings. The outer openings are defined as (1) openings that are at least partially defined by a perimeter structure that also at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the urinal screen, (2) openings that are positioned such that a distance from the outer perimeter of the urinal screen to a closest point of the opening is less than a width or diameter of the opening, or (3) openings that are positioned such that a distance from the outer perimeter of the urinal screen to a closest point of the opening is less than ⅕ of the largest linear dimension, measured parallel to the top or bottom surface of the frame 14, from one point of the outer perimeter to another point of the outer perimeter. For example, if a urinal screen comprises a circular outer perimeter, the largest linear dimension would be the diameter of the circular outer perimeter. As another example, if a urinal screen comprises a hexagonal outer perimeter, the largest linear dimension would be the distance between two opposite vertices. As another example, for the urinal screen 10 shown in
With further reference to
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, at least half, at least ¾, at least ⅕, at least ⅔, at least ⅓, at least 9/10, at least ⅘ and/or at least 1/10 of the first plurality of posts 22a have a same size and shape as at least half, at least ¾, at least ⅕, at least ⅔, at least ⅓, at least 9/10, at least ⅘ and/or at least 1/10 of the second plurality of posts 22b. In some embodiments, one or more of the posts in the first plurality of posts 22a has a different shape and/or height than one or more of the posts in the second plurality of posts 22b. In some embodiments, the first plurality of posts 22a and/or the second plurality of posts 22b have a plurality of heights. For example, a percentage (e.g., 25%, 50?, 75% or some other percentage) of the posts 22 can be shorter than the remaining posts as measured from the first or second surfaces 26, 30 of the frame 14. In some embodiments, at least ⅘, at least ⅗, at least ½, and/or at least ¼ of the posts 22 have a height differing from the remaining posts 22. In some embodiments, one or more of the posts 22 is at least ⅕, at least 1/10, at least ⅛, at least ¼, and/or at least ⅓ shorter than one or more of the other posts 22. In some cases, each post is at least ⅕ shorter, at least 1/10 shorter, at least ⅛ shorter, at least ¼ shorter, at least ⅓ shorter, at least ½ taller, at least ¼ taller, at least ⅛ taller, at least 1/10 taller, and/or at least 1/16 taller than at least one of the 3 closest posts 22, at least one of the 5 closest posts 22, at least one of the 7 closest posts 22, at leak one of the 9 closest posts 22, at least one of the 10 closest posts 22, at least one of the 12 closest posts 22, and/or at least one of the 15 closest posts 22. In some embodiments, shortening a percentage of the posts 22 can reduce the likelihood that debris is caught in the urinal screen 10. In some embodiments, a total number of the first plurality of posts 22a is equal to a total number of the second plurality of posts 22b. In some embodiments, the total number of the first plurality of posts 22a is within 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% of the total number of the second plurality of posts 22b.
In some embodiments, one or more of the posts 22a, 22b extends from the frame 14 at a non-perpendicular angle. For example, as illustrated in
Orienting the protrusions 22a, 22b at non-perpendicular angles with respect to the surfaces 26, 30 can increase the area of the frame 14 over which the protrusions 22a, 22b overlap or cover. This can reduce the amount of urine that directly impacts the frame 14. This can be especially beneficial in urinals that have bottom surface/drains positioned close to the ground, as the angle of urine will be steeper/closer to vertical. The angled orientation of the protrusions 22a, 22b can allow for fewer protrusions to cover the same or more area of the frame 14 than embodiments wherein the protrusions extend perpendicularly from the frame 14. Using fewer protrusions can reduce the weight and material costs of the screen 10.
Although
The frame 14 can have a generally planar or flat shape. Additionally, the distal ends of the posts 22a, 22b can be formed such that the frame of the urinal screen 10 is positioned parallel or within 5 degrees of parallel to a flat surface on which the urinal screen is supported or the opposing face of the urinal or toilet on which the urinal screen is supported. In some embodiments, the frame 14 is curved or otherwise shaped in non-planar fashion. For example, the frame 14 can be molded in a non-planar shape to match the contours of a urinal or toilet.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the frame thickness 34 at a given position on the frame 14 is less than or equal to ½ of the overall screen thickness 38 as measured perpendicularly to the first surface 26 of the frame 14 at the given position. In some embodiments, the frame thickness 34 is less than or equal to ⅔, less than or equal to ⅝, less than or equal to ⅜, less than or equal to ⅓, less than or equal to ¼, less than or equal to 2/9, less than or equal to ⅛, less than or equal to 1/10, less than or equal to 1/16, and/or less than or equal to 1/32 of the overall screen thickness 38. In some embodiments, the maximum frame thickness 34 is less than or equal to ½ of the maximum screen thickness 38 as measured perpendicularly to the first surface 26 of the frame 14. In some embodiments, the maximum frame thickness 34 is less than or equal to ⅔, less than or equal to ⅝, less than or equal to ⅜, less than or equal to ⅓, less than or equal to ¼, less than or equal to 2/9, less than or equal to ⅛, less than or equal to 1/10, less than or equal to 1/16, and/or less than or equal to 1/32 of the maximum overall screen thickness 38. Use of a thin frame 14 can reduce the overall weight of the urinal screen 10.
The height 39 of the first plurality of posts 22a, as measured perpendicular to the first surface 26 of the frame 14, can be approximately equal to the height 41 of the second plurality of posts 22b, as measured perpendicular to the second surface 30 of the frame 14. In some embodiments, the height 39 of the first plurality of posts 22a, as measured perpendicular to the first surface 26 of the frame 14, is less than or greater than the height 41 of the second plurality of posts 22b, as measured perpendicular to the second surface 30 of the frame 14. In some embodiments, the height of one or more posts of the first plurality of posts 22a is greater than height of one or more of the other posts of the first plurality of posts, as measured perpendicular to the first surface 26 of the frame. In some embodiments, the height of one or more posts of the second plurality of posts 22h is greater than height of one or more of the other posts of the second plurality of posts, as measured perpendicular to the second surface 30 of the frame. The heights 39, 41 of the posts 22a, 22b can be affected by the angles A1, A2 at Which the posts 22a. 22h extend from the frame 14 (
In some embodiments, the base width 25 of the posts is less than a width 31 of the sides/braces 42 forming the perimeters of the openings 18 in the frame 14. The width 31 is measured parallel to the first surface 26 of the frame 14. In some embodiments, the base width 25 of the posts is approximately equal to the width 31 of the sides/braces 42. In some embodiments, the base width 25 of the posts is greater than the width 31 of the sides/braces 42 (see, e.g.,
In some embodiments, the posts 22a, 22b have a generally cylindrical or tapered cylindrical shape. Other shapes are also possible. For example, all or a portion of one or more of the posts 22a, 22b can have an oval cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, and/or a combination of curved and polygonal shaped cross-section.
With continued reference to
In some embodiments, the urinal screen 10 is configured such that a plurality of posts 22a, 22b space the frame 14 from the installation surface of a urinal or other fixture onto which the urinal screen 10 is installed. The posts 22a, 22b space the frame 14 from the installation surface independent from the orientation of the urinal screen 10. For example, the second plurality of posts 22b can form a base of the urinal screen 10 and can space the frame 14 from the installation surface when the screen 10 is installed with the second surface 30 of the frame 14 facing the installation surface % On the other hand, the first plurality of posts 22a can form a base of the urinal screen 10 and can space the frame 14 from the installation surface when the screen 10 is installed with the first surface 26 of the frame facing the installation surface. In some embodiments, the posts 22a, 22h space the frame 14 from the installation surface by at least ⅓ of the overall thickness 38 of the urinal screen 10. In some embodiments, the posts 22a, 22b space the frame 14 from the installation surface by at least ⅛, at least 1/7, at least ⅙, at least ⅕, at least ¼, at least ⅜, and/or by at least 4/9 of the overall thickness 38 of the urinal screen 10.
Spacing the frame 14 from the installation surface can reduce the likelihood that the openings 18 are clogged by debris. In some embodiments, the posts 22a, 22b positioned between the frame 14 and the installation surface can reduce splashing in the urinal by deflecting urine or other fluids which pass between the frame 14 and the installation surface (e.g., fluid that passes through the openings 18 or around the perimeter of the frame 14).
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As shown in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the embodiment illustrated in
As explained above, and best illustrated in
Although most of the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the figures have been described as having posts 22a, 22b extending from both the top and bottom surfaces 26, 30 of a urinal screen, the concepts disclosed herein may also be used with urinal screens that have posts extending from only one side of the urinal screen and/or urinal screens that have posts extending at a non-perpendicular angle from one side of the urinal screen and at a perpendicular angle from another side of the urinal screen.
It should be noted that, because
The urinal screen 2510 is similar in many respects to other urinal screens disclosed herein, such as urinal screen 10 illustrated in
With reference to
One difference in the urinal screen 2510 with respect to the urinal screen 10 of
In some embodiments, it may be desirable to have multiple regions of posts and/or openings (such as outer region 2597 and inner region 2599) for various reasons. For example, one region, such as the inner region 2599, may be intended to form a “target” for a user of the urinal to direct a urine stream upon. Further, it may be desirable to have different splash dissipation characteristics between multiple regions. For example, the outer region 2597 may comprise a more dense distribution of posts that are intended to provide greater splash dissipation than a less dense distribution of posts in the inner region 2599. As another example, the outer region 2597 may comprise angled posts, while the inner region may comprise non-angled posts, for similar reasons (e.g., to provide greater splash dissipation in the outer region). This may be desirable, for example, because when a urinal screen is placed centered over a drain in the bottom of a urinal, a stream of urine directed further from the drain may be more likely to splash back onto the user than a stream of urine directed directly onto the drain.
With further reference to
With reference to
With reference to
Any of the embodiments disclosed herein may comprise a thermochromic paint on all or a portion of the urinal screen. A thermochromic paint may be desirable, for example, to enable a portion or all of the urinal screen to change color in response to urine hitting the urinal screen. This may, for example, help to incentivize users of the urinal to direct their urine onto the urinal screen, which may result in less splashing than if the urine were directed elsewhere. In some embodiments, the entire urinal screen can be painted with thermochromic paint. In other embodiments, a certain percentage of the urinal screen may be painted with thermochromic paint. For example, at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the urinal screen may be painted with thermochromic paint. In some embodiments, the urinal screen may comprise multiple regions (such as outer and inner regions 2597, 2599 of urinal screen 2510), with at least one of the multiple regions comprising thermochromic paint, and at least one of the multiple regions not comprising thermochromic paint. In some embodiments, between 25 and 75% of the urinal screen may be painted with thermochromic paint. In some embodiments, other techniques may be used, such as incorporating thermochromic paint or pigments into the material of the urinal screen, instead of performing a secondary painting operation. In some embodiments, the thermochromic paint or pigment is configured such that the urinal screen changes color in response to urine that is at a standard human body temperature (for example, the paint changes color at approximately 86° F., within a range of 80 to 90° F., above 80° F., above 86° F., and/or the like), and that reverts to its normal color in response to an ambient temperature, such as around 70° F., below 80° F., and/or the like.
For expository purposes, the term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of the floor of the area in which the system being described is used or the method being described is performed, regardless of its orientation. The term “floor” can be interchanged with the term “ground.” The term vertical refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms such as “above,” “below,” “bottom,” “top,” “side,” “higher,” “lower,” “upper,” “over,” and “under,” are defined with respect to the horizontal plane.
As used herein, the terms “attached,” “connected,” “mated,” and other such relational terms should be construed, unless otherwise noted, to include removable, moveable, fixed, adjustable, and/or releasable connections or attachments. The connections/attachments can include direct connections and/or connections having intermediate structure between the two components discussed.
The terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of the stated amount.
While the preferred embodiments of the present inventions have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, the present inventions should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, while certain advantages of the inventions have been described herein, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventions. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventions may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
This application is a national stage entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2018/066302, filed Dec. 18, 2018, entitled URINAL SCREENS, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/693,248, filed Jul. 2, 2018, titled URINAL SCREENS; U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/680,394, filed Jun. 4, 2018, titled URINAL SCREENS; and U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/608,455, filed Dec. 20, 2017, titled URINAL SCREENS. Each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2018/066302 | 12/18/2018 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019/126217 | 6/27/2019 | WO | A |
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| Fresh Products Tidal Wave Urinal Screen, YouTube Video Frame 0: 19/1 :23, Publish Date Sep. 20, 2017,Visited Online May 26, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_g2_ 1NtE2l&feature=emb_logo (Year: 2017). |
| Gray, Henry. “The Male Urethra”. Anatomy of the Human Body, 3b. 4, 1918. http://www.bartleby.com/107/256.html, retrieved on Oct. 27, 2014. 5 pages. |
| Ritter, R. C. et al., “Analysis of Drop Intervals in Jets Modelling Obstruction of the Urinary Tract,” Physics in Medicine and Biology, 1974, vol. 19, No. 2, 161-170, 11 pages. |
| Ritter, R. C. et al., “Physical Information in the External Urinary Stream of the Normal and Obstructed Adult Male,” British Journal of Urology, 1977, vol. 49, 293-302, 10 pages. |
| The Pearl 3D urinal screen product cut sheet, and 3D renderings of The Pearl 3D urinal screen product, in three pages. The cut sheet includes a date of Sep. 2013; however, Applicant makes no representations as to the accuracy of this date. Applicant further makes No. representation as to whether the 3D renderings accurately represent the product shown in the cut sheet and as to whether the 3D renderings accurately represent any prior art product. Applicant requests that the Examiner review the reference as prior art. Applicant reserves the right to disqualify the reference as prior art if needed. |
| International Search Report and Written Opinion for application No. PCT/US2018/066302, dated May 24, 2019, in 26 pages. |
| Big D Product Catalog, Jan. 2013, in 16 pages. |
| Non-Infringementand Invalidity Contentions [with Exhibits 1-7], Case No. CIV-21-00211-F, dated Aug. 20, 2021. |
| Defendant Impact Products, LLC's Responsive Claim Construction Brief, Case No. 3:19-cv-02109-JZ, with exhibits, dated Sep. 3, 2020. |
| Fresh Products, Inc.'s Responsive Claim Construction Brief, Case No. 3:19-cv-02109-JZ, dated Sep. 3, 2020. |
| Joint Claim Construction and Prehearing Statement, Case No. 3:19-cv-02109-JZ, dated Sep. 8, 2020. |
| Joint Notice of Additional Agreed-Upon Claim Constructions, Case No. 3:19-cv-02109-JZ, dated Oct. 28, 2020. |
| Transcript of Video Claim Construction Hearing Proceedings Before the Honorable Jack Zouhary, United States Senior District Judge, Case No. 3:19-CV-2109, dated Nov. 16, 2020. |
| Joint Notice of Additional Agreed-Upon Claim Constructions, Case No. 3:19-cv-02109-JZ, dated Nov. 17, 2020. |
| Markman Order, Case No. 3:19-cv-02109-JZ, dated Nov. 24, 2020. |
| Dismissal and Order re Validity and Enforceability, Case No. 3:19-cv-02109-JZ, dated Feb. 3, 2021. |
| Fresh Products 3WDS60SAP Wave 3-D Urinal Deodorizer Screen, Red; Spiced Apple Fragrance; indicated as first available date May 10, 2013; visited online Feb. 5, 2022; https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Products-3WDS60SAP-Deodorizer-Fragrance/dp/b00MX5A9ME/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_i=800MX5A9ME&psc=1. |
| Fresh Products Wave 3-D Urinal Screen, Herbal Mint; indicated as first available date Sep. 3, 2014; visited online Feb. 5, 2022; https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Products-Urinal-Screen-Herbal/dp/B00NA58YGE. |
| Declaration of Sean Stewart, dated Mar. 23, 2022, with exhibits, in 30 pages. |
| Fresh Products, Inc., The Wave 2.0 Flyer, in 1 page. |
| Non-Final Office Action in U.S. Appl. No. 29/701,433, dated Feb. 9, 2022, in 24 pages. |
| Order Regarding Claim Construction, Big D Industries, Inc., v. Fresh Products, Inc., Case No. 5:21-cv-00211-F, May 6, 2022. |
| Order Regarding Claim Construction, Big D Industries, Inc., v. Fresh Products, Inc., Case No. 5:21-cv-00211-F, Apr. 5, 2022. |
| Complaint, Big D Industries, Inc., v. Fresh Products, Inc., Case No. 5:22-cv-00182-PRW, Mar. 2, 2022. |
| Fresh Products Final Infringement Contentions, Big D Industries, Inc., v. Fresh Products, Inc., Case No. 5:21-cv-00211-F, Jun. 15, 2022. |
| Expert Report of Nathan J. Macdonald, Case No. CIV-21-211-F, Oct. 21, 2022. |
| Expert Report of Randy Hurd, PH.D., Case No. 5:21-cv-00211-F, Sep. 23, 2022. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200378104 A1 | Dec 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62693248 | Jul 2018 | US | |
| 62680394 | Jun 2018 | US | |
| 62608455 | Dec 2017 | US |
