Urinal Anti-splashback device

Abstract

An insert (1) for a urinal configured in use to prevent splashback, the insert (1) comprising a central portion (2) for extending across a drain of a urinal, and a plurality of spaced apart outer portions (3) extending radially outwardly from the central portion (2) and defining gaps between adjacent outer portions (3), in which the central portion (2) and each outer portion (3) comprises: a plurality of spaced apart pebble features (5), in which each pebble feature (5) comprises a mound having a domed surface; and a plurality of spacers (6), in which each spacer (6) adjoins adjacent pebble features (5) in a configuration such that each pebble feature (5) is adjoined to at least one adjacent pebble feature (5), and in which openings (7) providing a fluid flowpath are defined between the pebble features (5) and the spacers (6).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for use in a urinal for preventing splashback.Background

[0002] Conventional urinal anti-splashback devices have been found to be bulky and to use more material than is necessary. Furthermore, the devices aren't able to be used effectively over a range of different shaped urinals. Conventional urinal anti-splashback devices have been found to not fit correctly in or across the drain of a range of urinals.

[0003] There is therefore a need for an improved device which can be installed to provide a good fit across a range of urinals.Prior Art

[0004] CN219298369 discloses a splash-proof deodorizing device which comprises a bottom cover, a top cover and deodorizing blocks. One surface of the bottom cover is provided with a plurality of clamping blocks. The top cover is hemispherical. Splash-proof columns are densely distributed on the outer surface of the top cover. Clamping grooves are formed in the round edges of the top cover. The clamping blocks are clamped with the inner surfaces of the clamping grooves. A containing cavity is formed after the bottom cover is clamped with the top cover, and the deodorizing blocks are placed in the containing cavity.

[0005] WO2022 / 271461 discloses a urine containment and deodorizing device having a funnel portion having a top side, left side, right side, bottom side, left side raised funnel portion, right side raised funnel portion, funnel portion upper side and funnel portion underneath side wherein the top side is wider than the bottom side, a bottom portion having a shaped portion, a narrower tapered portion, a bottom portion upper side, a bottom portion underneath side and at least one opening between the bottom portion upper side and the bottom portion underneath side; and a connecting portion between the narrower tapered portion of the bottom portion and the bottom side of the funnel portion.

[0006] WO2022 / 254296 discloses a urinal mat configured to grip a surface of a urinal or toilet. The urinal mat includes a base with apertures therein, a surface engager, in the form of a suction cup, forms part of a lower side of the base. In use, the urinal mat is placed in a section of the collection area of a urinal. The base covers part of the collection area of the urinal and cylindrical baffles protrude from an upper side of the base to assist in decelerating and to disperse a urine stream as it collides with the baffles.

[0007] The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an insert for a urinal configured in use to prevent splashback, the insert comprising a central portion for extending across a drain of a urinal, and a plurality of spaced apart outer portions extending radially outwardly from the central portion and defining gaps between adjacent outer portions, in which the central portion and each outer portion comprises: a plurality of spaced apart pebble features, in which each pebble feature comprises a mound having a domed surface; and a plurality of spacers, in which each spacer adjoins adjacent pebble features in a configuration such that each pebble feature is adjoined to at least one adjacent pebble feature, and in which openings providing a fluid flowpath are defined between the pebble features and the spacers.

[0009] Optional features are now described, these are applicable singly or in combination with any aspect.

[0010] Preferably, a V-shaped gap is provided between adjacent outer portions. The insert may comprise a plurality of spaced apart gaps (for example V-shaped gaps) between adjacent outer portions. For example, the insert may comprise three or four spaced apart gaps, for example V-shaped gaps.

[0011] The central portion of the insert may have any suitable shape and / or dimensions. The central portion of the insert may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0012] Each outer portion of the insert may have any suitable shape and / or dimensions. The outer portions of the insert may all have the same shape and / or dimensions. One or more of the outer portions of the insert may have different shapes and / or dimensions compared to the other outer portions.

[0013] Each outer portion may be substantially triangular, or truncated triangular, in shape. The term "truncated triangular" shape is used herein to refer to an apex of a triangular portion being removed, for example when adjoining the central portion.

[0014] The central portion may comprise any suitable number of pebble features. Preferably, the central portion comprises at least 10, preferably at least 12 for example at least 15 pebble features. The central portion preferably comprises no more than 30, preferably no more than 25, for example about 20 pebble features.

[0015] Each outer portion may comprise any suitable number of pebble features. The number of pebble features present on each outer portion may vary. Preferably, each outer portion comprises at least 10, preferably at least 12 for example at least 15 pebble features. The outer portion preferably comprises no more than 30, preferably no more than 25, for example about 20 pebble features.

[0016] The height of a pebble feature is measured between a free end of the domed surface and the opposed lower end (configured in use to be positioned at or adjacent a surface of the urinal).

[0017] The diameter of a pebble feature may be measured between opposing side portions of the mound.

[0018] The height of each pebble feature may be uniform across the insert.

[0019] The diameter of the pebble features may be uniform across the insert.

[0020] The plurality of spaced apart pebble features preferably comprises pebble features having at least two different heights and / or diameters.

[0021] The height of the pebble features of the central portion may be different to the height of the pebble features of one or more, preferably each, outer portion.

[0022] The height of the pebble features of the central portion may be greater than the height of the pebble features of the outer portions.

[0023] The insert is preferably composed of injection moulded plastic. Preferably, the injection moulded plastic is EVA a rubberised plastic.

[0024] The insert preferably further comprises fragrance oil. For example, the insert may further comprise a coating comprising fragrance oil.

[0025] The pebble features are preferably located at or adjacent an upper surface of the insert.

[0026] The insert preferably further comprises an opening, recess or compartment for receiving and storing an enzyme cake.

[0027] The opening, recess or compartment is preferably located so as to position an enzyme cake, in use, at or adjacent a surface of the urinal, for example at or adjacent a drain of a urinal.

[0028] The opening, recess and / or compartment may be preferably located at or adjacent a lower surface of the insert, for example, at or adjacent a lower surface of the central portion of the insert.

[0029] The insert may further comprise an edge definer for defining the edge of the configuration of pebble features.

[0030] The insert may comprise any suitable number of outer portions. The insert may comprise four spaced apart outer portions.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insert for a urinal configured in use to prevent splashback, the insert comprising: a domed central portion for extending across a drain of a urinal, in which the central portion comprises: a plurality of spaced apart pebble features, in which each pebble feature comprises a mound having a domed surface; and a plurality of spacers, in which each spacer adjoins adjacent pebble features in a configuration such that each pebble feature is adjoined to at least one adjacent pebble feature, and in which openings providing a fluid flowpath are defined between the pebble features and the spacers; and a neck portion configured in use to be received within a drain of a urinal.

[0032] Optional features are now described, these are applicable singly or in combination with any aspect.

[0033] The central portion may comprise any suitable number of pebble features. Preferably, the central portion comprises at least 10, preferably at least 12 for example at least 15 pebble features. The central portion preferably comprises no more than 30, preferably no more than 25, for example about 20 pebble features.

[0034] The height of each pebble feature may be uniform across the insert.

[0035] The diameter of the pebble features may be uniform across the insert.

[0036] The plurality of spaced apart pebble features preferably comprises pebble features having at least two different heights and / or diameters.

[0037] The plurality of spaced apart pebble features may comprise pebble features having at least two different heights and / or diameters.

[0038] The height of the pebble features located at or adjacent the centre of the domed central portion may be greater than the height of the pebble features at or adjacent an edge of the domed central portion.

[0039] The insert is preferably composed of injection moulded plastic. The injection moulded plastic is preferably EVA a rubberised plastic.

[0040] The insert preferably further comprises fragrance oil. For example, the insert may further comprise a coating comprising fragrance oil.

[0041] The pebble features are preferably located at or adjacent an upper surface of the insert.

[0042] The insert preferably further comprises an opening, recess or compartment for receiving and storing an enzyme cake.

[0043] The opening, recess or compartment is preferably located so as to position an enzyme cake, in use, at or adjacent a surface of the urinal, for example at or adjacent a drain of a urinal.

[0044] The opening, recess and / or compartment may be preferably located at or adjacent a lower surface of the insert, for example, at or adjacent a lower surface of the central portion of the insert.

[0045] The insert may further comprise an edge definer for defining the edge of the configuration of pebble features.Brief Description of Figures

[0046] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of an insert according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of the insert of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from above of an insert according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of the insert of Figure 3. Detailed Description of Figures

[0047] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the insert 1 for a urinal comprises a central portion 2 for extending across a drain of a urinal, and four spaced apart outer portions 3 extending radially outwardly from the central portion 2.

[0048] The central portion 2 is substantially circular in shape.

[0049] Each outer portion 3 is substantially truncated triangular in shape such that an apex of the triangular outer portion 3 has been removed at the join formed between the central portion 2 and the outer portion 3.

[0050] V-shaped gaps 4 are provided between adjacent outer portions 3.

[0051] The central portion 2 and each outer portion 3 comprises: a plurality of spaced apart pebble features 5, in which each pebble feature comprises a mound having a domed surface; and a plurality of spacers 6.

[0052] The central portion 2 comprises 19 pebble features 5.

[0053] The outer portions 3 each comprise 22 pebble features 5.

[0054] Each spacer 6 adjoins adjacent pebble features 5 in a configuration such that each pebble feature 5 is adjoined to at least one adjacent pebble feature 5.

[0055] Openings 7 are provided between adjacent pebble features 5 and spacers 6. The openings 7 provide a fluid flowpath through the insert 1.

[0056] The height of a pebble feature 5 is measured between a free end 8 of the domed surface 9 and the opposed lower end 10.

[0057] The diameter of a pebble feature 5 may be measured between opposing side portions of the mound.

[0058] The height of the pebble features 5 of the central portion 2 is greater than the height of the pebble features 5 of the outer portions 3. For example, the height of the pebble features 5 of the central portion 2 is at least twice the height of the pebble features 5 of the outer portions 3.

[0059] The insert 1 is composed of EVA rubberised plastic.

[0060] The insert 1 further comprises a recess 11 located at or adjacent a lower surface 12 of the insert 1. The recess 11 is located at or adjacent a lower surface of the central portion 2 of the insert 1. In the illustrated embodiment the recess is substantially circular in cross-section, it is however to be understood that the recess 11 may have any suitable shape. The recess 11 is configured in use to receive and retain an enzyme cake 13 therein.

[0061] In use, the insert 1 may be fitted into any urinal and provide for a good fit due to the flexibility provided by the V-shaped gaps between the outer portions 103. The insert 1 of the present invention therefore provides for efficient and effective installation resulting in reduced splashback.

[0062] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the illustrated insert 101 is for use with a waterless urinal. The insert 101 comprises a domed central portion 102 for extending across a drain of a urinal in which the central portion 102 comprises a 24 spaced apart pebble features 105. Each pebble feature 105 comprises a mound having a domed surface. The central portion 102 further comprises a plurality of spacers 106. Each spacer adjoins adjacent pebble features 105 in a configuration such that each pebble feature 105 is adjoined to at least one adjacent pebble feature 105. Openings 107 providing a fluid flowpath are defined between the pebble features and the spacers 106.

[0063] The insert 101 further comprises a neck portion 114 configured in use to be received within a drain of a urinal.

[0064] The height of the pebble features 105 located at or adjacent the centre of the domed central portion 102 is greater than the height of the pebble features 105 at or adjacent an edge of the domed central portion 102.

[0065] The insert is composed of injection moulded plastic. The injection moulded plastic is preferably EVA rubberised plastic.

[0066] The insert 101 further comprises a recess 111 for receiving and storing an enzyme cake 113.

[0067] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

[0068] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0069] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0070] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0071] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0072] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example ±10%.

Claims

1. An insert (1) for a urinal configured in use to prevent splashback, the insert (1) comprising a central portion (2) for extending across a drain of a urinal, and a plurality of spaced apart outer portions (3) extending radially outwardly from the central portion (2) and defining gaps between adjacent outer portions (3), in which the central portion (2) and each outer portion (3) comprises: a plurality of spaced apart pebble features (5), in which each pebble feature (5) comprises a mound having a domed surface; and a plurality of spacers (6), in which each spacer (6) adjoins adjacent pebble features (5) in a configuration such that each pebble feature (5) is adjoined to at least one adjacent pebble feature (5), and in which openings (7) providing a fluid flowpath are defined between the pebble features (5) and the spacers (6).

2. An insert (1) as claimed in claim 1, in which a V-shaped gap (4) is provided between adjacent outer portions (3).

3. An insert (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the central portion (2) has a substantially circular cross-section.

4. An insert (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each outer portion (3) is substantially triangular, or truncated triangular, in shape.

5. An insert (101) for a urinal configured in use to prevent splashback, the insert (101) comprising: a domed central portion (102) for extending across a drain of a urinal, in which the central portion (102) comprises: a plurality of spaced apart pebble features (105), in which each pebble feature (105) comprises a mound having a domed surface; and a plurality of spacers (106), in which each spacer (106) adjoins adjacent pebble features (105) in a configuration such that each pebble feature (105) is adjoined to at least one adjacent pebble feature (105), and in which openings (107) providing a fluid flowpath are defined between the pebble features (105) and the spacers (106); and a neck portion configured in use to be received within a drain of a urinal.

6. An insert (1, 101) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the plurality of spaced apart pebble features (5, 105) comprises pebble features (5, 105) having at least two different heights and / or diameters.

7. An insert (1, 101) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the height of the pebble features (5, 105) of the central portion (2, 102) (as defined between the upper and lower surfaces thereof) is greater than the height of the pebble features (5, 105) of the outer portions (3) or the pebble features at or adjacent an edge of the domed central portion (102).

8. An insert (1, 101) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the insert (1, 101) is composed of injection moulded plastic.

9. An insert (1, 101) as claimed in claim 8, in which the injection moulded plastic is EVA a rubberised plastic.

10. An insert (1, 101) claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising fragrance oil.

11. An insert (1, 101) as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pebble features (5, 105) are located at or adjacent an upper surface of the insert (1, 101).

12. An insert (1, 101) as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an opening or compartment (11, 111) for receiving and storing an enzyme cake (13, 113).

13. An insert (1, 101) as claimed in claim 12, in which the opening or compartment (11, 111) is located at or adjacent a lower surface of the insert (1, 101).

14. An insert (1, 101) as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an edge definer for defining the edge of the configuration of pebble features (5, 105).

15. An insert (1, 101) as claimed in any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 1, comprising four spaced apart outer portions (3).

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