Urinal screen having indicia formed by varying height of Anti-splash bristles

Abstract

A urinal screen include a main body that has a plurality opening and bristles or protrusions that act to prevent splash of a stream of fluid incident on the urinal screen. The bristles have a regular pattern in height and spacing. There is also an indicia region in which the bristles have a different height, spacing, and arrangement pattern compared to those of the main body that is visually distinct from the main body region. The bristles of the indicia region can be arranged in a particular shape, such as a logo or alphanumeric characters.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 63 / 751,527, filed Jan. 30, 2025, and further as a continuation in part to U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29 / 920,845, filed Dec. 13, 2023, and is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 076,173, filed Dec. 6, 2022, which was a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 573,359, filed Jan. 11, 2022 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,519,164 on Dec. 6, 2022, the entireties of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to anti-splash urinal screens, and, more particularly, relates to a urinal screen having anti-splash bristles or protrusions, wherein some indicia is formed among the anti-splash bristles by varying the height and density of the bristles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Urinal screens are commonly used to reduce, if not prevent “splash back” where droplets from a stream of urine are ejected out of the urinal, onto the floor and potentially on the user's clothing. It is clearly of interest to prevent splash to reduce janitorial efforts as well as to avoid soiled clothing. To prevent splash from a urine stream, a urinal screen can include two important features. First, there is a surface feature across the urinal screen that tends to capture fluid of a stream. This is often implemented as bristles or protrusions that extend from a front or top side of the screen, where the opposite side (back or bottom side) is intended to be against the surface of the urinal. The bristles break up a fluid stream that is incident on the bristles, and provide a block to droplets that might otherwise be ejected away from the screen. The positioning of bristles across the screen is typically a regular pattern, and the bristles can be of a uniform height or length from the main body of the screen. The second feature that can greatly reduce splash is sufficiently drainage through the screen. That is, openings through the screen body that allow fluid to pass through the screen. Thus, a fluid stream incident on a screen is broken up by the bristles, and the fluid is directed through openings through the main body of the screen to the urinal drain.

[0004] In the manufacture of urinal screens, it is desirable to provide information in graphic form-indicia of some sort. For example, the manufacturer's name or logo, or a distributor's name and / or logo. The conventional way of providing such indicia on a urinal screen is to provide a small area of the body that lacks both the openings and the bristles, and print or mold the desired indicia on this region. Without the bristles and openings, the indicia can be easily perceived, visually. However, since this region lacks the bristles and openings provided on the rest of the urinal screen, it can present a splash risk. Typically, to minimize the effect of a flat region, this region is positioned at a side, away from the center of the screen, to minimize the chance of a urine stream being incident on the flat indicia region. However, the risk is not completely eliminated as the flat region is still present.

[0005] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] In accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a urinal screen having a main body. The main body includes a main region and an indicia region. The main region has a plurality of openings through the main body, and a plurality of bristles extending from the main body outward. The bristles of this region have a first height and a first spacing between the bristles. The indicia region of the main body has a plurality of bristles that have a second height that is substantially different than the first height. The bristles of the indicia region are spaced closer together than the bristles of the main region such that the indicia region is visually distinct from the main region.

[0007] In accordance with a further feature, the bristles of the main region include bristles of the third height that alternate with bristles of the first height, and wherein the second height is also substantially different than the third height.

[0008] In accordance with a further feature, the indicia region, in at least one direction is not wider than a spacing across adjacent openings in the main region.

[0009] In accordance with a further feature, the second height is shorter than the first height.

[0010] In accordance with a further feature, the indica region further include openings that have a different and visually distinctive shape from the plurality of openings through the main region.

[0011] In accordance with a further feature, the indicia region comprises a plurality of concentric circular regions.

[0012] In accordance with a further feature, the main body incudes a first portion that is configured to rest against a back wall of a urinal, and a second portion that is configured to rest against a bottom of the urinal, when the urinal screen in positioned in the urinal.

[0013] In accordance with a further feature, the main body comprises at one extended linear opening.

[0014] In accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a urinal screen that has a body, which includes a main portion and one or more indicia regions. The main portion is comprised of a webbing having of a plurality of main interconnecting links of material around a plurality of main openings, and a plurality of main protrusions that extend from the main interconnecting links. The plurality of main interconnecting links, plurality of main openings, and plurality of main protrusions are arranged in a regular pattern including a regular height of the plurality of main protrusions, a regular spacing between the main protrusions of the plurality of main protrusions, a regular pattern of location of main protrusions of the plurality of main protrusion on the main interconnecting links of the plurality of main interconnecting links, a regular shape and arrangement of the main interconnecting links of the plurality of main interconnecting links, and a regular shape and arrangement of the main openings of the plurality of main openings. The indicia region is located on the main body, within or adjacent to the main portion, and has a plurality of indicia protrusions, a plurality of indicia interconnecting links, or a plurality of indica openings. To make the indica region visually distinct, the pattern of at least one of the plurality of indicia protrusions, the plurality of indica interconnecting links, or the plurality of indicia openings are varied relative to the plurality of main protrusion, plurality of main interconnecting links, or plurality of main openings in a visually distinct manner. By “visually distinct” it is meant that the difference can be readily discerned visually by simple visual observation, and that, for example, instruments would not be needed to determine the differences in height of the protrusions, or spacing or pattern of the protrusions, links or openings. A casual observer would immediately recognize the visual difference between the indicia region and the main portion of the body.

[0015] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a urinal screen having indica formed by varying height of anti-splash bristles, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

[0016] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0017] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and / or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing / coming into physical existence, making available, and / or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.

[0018] “In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a kite-shaped urinal screen have fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of a urinal screen having a kite-shaped body and that has longitudinal and crosswise fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a detail of the web of the body of a urinal screen having intersecting lines of material that define openings through the body of the urinal screen, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a side cutaway view of FIG. 3 taken along line A-A;

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a detail view of a portion of the crosswise fold line between the right and left side apexes, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 6 shows a detail view of a portion of a longitudinal fold line, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a urinal screen, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of the bottom side of a urinal screen having fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of a urinal screen having a kite-shaped body and that has longitudinal and crosswise fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a suction cup support having an integral suction cup, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 11 shows a tab that is part of a suction cup support, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, that is configured to receive a removable suction cup, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 12 shows a side view of a removable suction cup; and

[0033] FIG. 13 shows the removable suction cup mounted in the tab of the suction cup support, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 14A shows a top plan view of a urinal screen having multiple height protrusions / bristles used to form visually distinct patterns as indicia, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 14B shows a detail of the “target” pattern formed by differently sized and spaced protrusions / bristles in the urinal screen of FIG. 14A.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the urinal screen of FIG. 14A.

[0037] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the urinal screen of FIG. 14A.

[0038] FIG. 17 is a front side view of a urinal screen having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 18 is a side cut section view of a urinal screen having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a detail section of a urinal screen having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a urinal screen 100 having fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments. The urinal screen 100 of the particular example includes a kite-shaped body 102 that has a rear apex 104 and a front apex 106 that define a first or longitudinal axis 108. The body 102 further includes a right-side apex 110 and a left side apex 112 between which a second or crosswise axis 114 is defined that is at a right angle to the longitudinal axis 108. Being kite-shaped, the crosswise axis 114 is closer to the rear apex 104 than it is to the front apex 106. Further, the body 102 is symmetric about the longitudinal axis 108, and asymmetric about the crosswise axis 114. A pair of longitudinal fold lines 116, 118 are shown on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 108, offset by equal distances from the longitudinal axis 108. A crosswise fold line can be defined along the crosswise axis 114. The fold lines 114, 116, 118 are lines along which the urinal screen 100 is configured to bend in order to allow the urinal screen 100 to conform to various urinal basin shapes.

[0043] In general, the body 102 is sheet-like, having a top side on one major surface, and the bottom side opposite the top side forming another major surface, wherein the body 102 has a perimeter that is bounded along the sides of the kite-shape. The body has a front, rear, and opposite sides. The front can be at the front apex, the rear at the rear apex, and so on. When placed into a urinal basin, the rear apex 104 is placed at the rear of the basin and the front apex is placed at the front of the basin, which will be closest to the user. That is, the front of the body 102 is intended to be located at the front of the basin, and the rear of the body 102 is intended to be at the rear of the basin of the urinal, or farthest from the user of the urinal. Although shown here with a crosswise fold line along the crosswise axis 114, the crosswise fold line can be parallel to, but offset from the crosswise axis in some embodiments, on the rear or front side of the crosswise axis (i.e. closer to the rear apex 104 or the front apex 106). Further, there can be more than one crosswise fold line. In some embodiments it is contemplated that there may be a single longitudinal fold line along the longitudinal axis 108.

[0044] The urinal screen 100 represents an abstraction to clearly show the major features of the urinal screen being disclosed in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In particular, the urinal screen 100 of the inventive disclosure includes a kite-shaped body 102, with at least one crosswise fold line and at least one longitudinal fold line. The kite shape is used for urinal screens that fit in urinals with kite-shaped basins. Other shapes may be more appropriate for urinal that have basins of other shapes. In addition to the fold line features, the urinal screen can include anti-splash protrusions that extend from the top side and are disposed around openings through the body 102 that allow fluid from a fluid stream incident on the urinal screen to pass through the body and reduce splashing of the fluid. The bottom side of the urinal screen (opposite that in view here) can include features intended to raise the body of the urinal screen off the surface of the urinal basin to allow fluid to flow under the urinal screen into the urinal drain. These and other features will be shown in the subsequent illustrations.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a urinal screen 200 having a kite-shaped body sheet or simply body 202 and that has longitudinal and crosswise fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments. The urinal screen 200 incorporates the major features described in relation to urinal screen 100 of FIG. 1, and includes other features and refinements not shown in FIG. 1. The body 202 includes a perimeter that has a boundary 204 that bounds a web made up of lines of material 206. The boundary 204 is a thin region of material around the perimeter that that the web of lines are connected to. Around the border 204 there can be breaks 232 that compensate for shrinkage over time as fragrance oil is emitted from the material. The lines of material 206 include at least one set of lines of material 206 arranged in a first direction, and other lines arranged in a second direction within the sheet-like body 202. Both sets of lines are arranged at a regular spacing which results in the line intersecting at nodes and defining openings 208 through the body 202.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a detail view 300 of the web of the body, including lines of material 206 formed along or parallel to intersecting lines 306, 308 at regular spacing across the body 202. Located on the lines of material 206 are protrusions 302, 304. The protrusions 302 can be located at the intersections of lines (nodes) and protrusions 304 can be located on the lines (links) between the intersections of the lines. As shown here, lines 306, 308 are not at right angles to each other, and as a result, the openings 208 have a generally rhombus shape. FIG. 4 shows a side cutaway view 400 of detail of FIG. 3 taken along line A-A. In this view it can be seen that there are two sets of protrusions, a first set 302 having a first height, and second set 304 having a second height. The protrusions in general extend away from the top surface of the body, and can be integrally formed / molded of same material as the body. The taller protrusions 302 can be located at the nodes 402 where lines 206 intersect, and the shorter protrusions 304 can be located on the links, which are the portions of the lines 206 between the nodes 402. Varying the height of the protrusions as shown has been found to be more effective in reducing splash of a fluid stream incident on the urinal screen than if the protrusions are all the same height. The protrusions 302, 304 can be conical in shape, having a generally round body that tapers in diameter from the base, where they are joined with the lines 206, to a tip at the distal end of the protrusions.

[0047] Returning now to FIG. 2, the body 202 has a front apex 210 and a rear apex 212 which define a longitudinal axis 218 between the front apex 210 and rear apex 212. The front apex is the forward or front-most region and can be curved / radiused as shown, or more pointed as in FIG. 1. Likewise, the rear apex 212 is further to the rear of the body 202 and can have a larger radius of curvature than the front apex 210, or can also be more pointed. The body further has a first side apex 214 and a second side apex 216 that define a crosswise axis 220 that is at right angle to the longitudinal axis 218. The body 202 is symmetric about the longitudinal axis 218 and asymmetric about the crosswise axis 220 with the crosswise axis 220 being closer to the rear apex 212 than it is to the front apex 210.

[0048] A crosswise fold line can be formed along the crosswise axis 220 by breaking the lines of material 202 at points along the crosswise axis to form extended openings 222, where the nodes 402 of material are removed at one or more intersection points on the crosswise axis 220. In the example shown, the extended openings are formed by breaking the intersecting points at two consecutive locations along the crosswise axis. As used here, “breaking” and “broken” means that there is an absence of material along a line of material that results in adjacent ones of the openings being joined to form an extended opening, which can be created by the shape of a mold used to form the urinal screen, and does not necessarily mean that a person, for example, uses to tool to break the connections. In other words, the lines of material are broken at the crosswise axis 220 at certain locations to create the extended openings 222. However, not all of the node points on the crosswise axis 220 are broken, thus there are a plurality of extended openings 222 alternating with joined sections of the intersecting lines 206.

[0049] Likewise, there are longitudinal fold lines 228, 230 that are parallel to the longitudinal axis 218, and offset from the longitudinal axis 218. The longitudinal fold lines 228, 230 are formed by broken section of the intersecting lines 206 that create extended openings 226, which can intersect with the crosswise extended openings 222 along the crosswise axis 220. As with the crosswise fold lines, the extended openings 226 have non-broken portions between them along the longitudinal fold lines 228, 230. Thus, both the crosswise fold lines and longitudinal fold lines 228, 230 facilitate bending or folding of the body 202 along these lines due to the lack of material along the fold lines relative to other portions of the body 202. FIG. 5 shows a detail view of a portion of the crosswise fold line along the crosswise axis 222, between the right and left side apexes. As can be seen the extended openings 222 are formed by breaks in regions 502 that joins consecutive openings 208 together so that three openings are joined (open) together in each of the extended openings 222. Similarly, in FIG. 6 there is shown a detail view of a portion of a longitudinal fold line 230, in which extended openings 226 are formed by breaks 602 in the lines 206 to result in consecutive openings 208 being joined (open) together. Furthermore, to match the curvature of some urinal basins, the perimeter along the border can curve inward along the sections between the side apexes 214, 216 and the front apex, relative to a straight line between those apexes.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the urinal screen 200, in which the body 202 has a top side 700 and a bottom side 702. FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of the bottom side 702 of a urinal screen 200. The plurality of protrusions (e.g. 302, 304) extend from the top side 700. On the bottom side 702 there are one or more forward diverter walls 704 which are located between the crosswise axis 220 and the front apex 210 along the longitudinal axis. The forward diverter wall(s) 704 can have a uniform height relative to the bottom side 702 of the body 202. one or more rearward diverter walls 706 can be located along the longitudinal axis 218 between the crosswise axis 220 and the rear apex 212, and have a varying height that increases along the rear diverter wall 706 towards the rear. Further a suction cup support can be provided that includes a support wall 708 and a tab 710 that extends from the support wall 708. The support wall 708 extends from the bottom side, and the tab extends from a top of the support wall toward the rear, and comprises a relative flat portion. A hole 802 can be provided through which the anchor of a suction cup can be placed, allowing the use of a suction cup to hold the urinal screen 200 in place in a urinal basin. One or more forward standoffs 712 and rearward standoffs 714, 716 can be provided on the bottom side 702 between the crosswise axis 220 and the rear apex 212. The rearward standoffs 714 are shorter than rearward standoffs 716, and the difference in height of these standoffs 714, 716 follows the angle (relative to the surface of the bottom side 702) of the top of the rearward diverter wall 706 and the angle of the tab 710. The angle of the rearward elements (e.g. 706, 710, 714, 716) is intended to optimize the angle of the rearward portion of the urinal screen body 202 (e.g. from the crosswise axis 220 to the rear apex 212) relative to the forward portion (e.g. between the front apex 210 and the crosswise axis 220) when the urinal screen is placed in a urinal basin as these features will be in contact with the surface of the basin.

[0051] In some embodiments there can be a flat region 234 proximate to the rear apex 212 on which printing can be placed (i.e. branding). The flat region 234 lacks protrusions or openings on or through the body. The support wall 708 can extend from the flat region at the bottom side 702. The flat region 234 allows a logo, advertising, or other graphical elements to be printed or otherwise placed on the urinal screen.

[0052] FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of a urinal screen 900 having a kite-shaped body 902 and that has longitudinal and crosswise fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments. The kite-shaped body 902 is an alternative to that of FIG. 2, and is optimized for certain urinals over that of the specific shape of the body shown in FIG. 2. The kite shaped body 902, like that of FIG. 2, includes a border to which diagonal lines of material 916 join. The lines of material 916 include lines in both diagonal directions and define openings 918 between the lines of material 916 and have protrusions of alternating heights on them. The lines of material 916 can be oriented such that the openings each generally have a rhombus shape that can be non-square. The body 902 has a rear apex 904 and a front apex 906 that define a longitudinal axis 908. The body further has a first side apex 910 and a second side apex 912 that define a crosswise axis 914 the is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 908. The kite shape of the body is created by the body being symmetric about the longitudinal axis 908 and asymmetric about the crosswise axis 914 such that the rear apex 904 is closer to the crosswise axis 914 than the front apex 906 is to the crosswise axis 914.

[0053] In the present exemplary embodiment, the body 902 includes two longitudinal fold lines 920, 922 and 924, 926 on each side of the longitudinal axis 908. As in the prior embodiments, the fold lines are created by omitting material between adjacent openings 918 along the fold lines to join the openings into extended openings in the longitudinal direction (to create longitudinal fold lines). In some embodiments every other link of material 916 is omitted between openings forming successive extended openings along the longitudinal fold lines 920, 922, 924, 926. In some embodiments there can be longitudinal fold lines 922, 924 that about one quarter of the distance between the longitudinal axis 908 and the respective side apexes 910, 912. These can be referred to as the inner longitudinal fold lines 922, 924. Outer longitudinal fold lines 920, 926 can be about two thirds of the distance from the longitudinal axis 908 to the respective apexes 910, 912. A crosswise fold line is similarly formed along the crosswise axis 914 by omitting some of the links of material on the crosswise axis 914 to join adjacent openings 916 into extended openings. Furthermore, a generally circular arrangement of extended openings is formed centered on the longitudinal axis 908 between the front apex 906 and the crosswise axis 914 by crosswise extended openings 930, longitudinal extended openings 932, and diagonal extended openings 928, 934. The pattern here can also be described as being octagonal, but it is generally regular polygon approximating a circle. These extended openings 928, 930, 932, 934 each join three adjacent openings in succession along a line. The diagonal extended openings 928, 934 can also be joined to a fourth opening from their central opening on the diagonal line. The generally circular pattern of extended opening 928, 930, 932, 934 allow relief in the center of the body 902 for features, either fixed or added, that may be found in the bottom of a urinal, such as a drain domed drain cover. In general, it has been found that the urinal screen 900 provides advantages in certain urinal designs over that of urinal screen 200, and vice versa. Further, the bottom side of the urinal screen 900 can be substantially similar to that shown in FIGS. 7-9, with forward standoffs 712, rearward standoffs 714, 716 of increasing height toward the rear apex 904, diverter walls 704, 706 and the suction cup support 710.

[0054] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a suction cup support tab 710 having an integral suction cup 1002, in accordance with some embodiments. In the suction cup support can extend from the body sheet 102 at the bottom of the body sheet 102 by support wall 708. The tab 710 supports the suction cup 1002, and the support wall 708 offsets the suction cup 1002 and tab from the body 102 by a desired amount, based on a shape of the urinal basin in which the urinal screen 100 is intended to be placed. The suction cup 1002 is shown as an integral element, meaning is molded along with the rest of the urinal screen 100. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 11-12, a separate suction cup 1202 can have a retaining head 1204 that fits through the opening 802 in the tab 710. The retaining head 1204 is larger than the opening 802 and creates a mechanical interference once it is passed completely through the hole 802 so as to retain the suction cup 1202, as shown in FIG. 13. The suction cup 1002, 1202 allows the urinal screen 100 to be anchored in place, which will prevent the urinal screen 100 from moving around.

[0055] FIG. 14A shows a top plan view of a urinal screen 1400 having multiple height protrusions / bristles used to form visually distinct patterns as indicia, in accordance with some embodiments. The screen 1400 includes a body 1402 that is substantially flat when laid on a flat surface, but is made of a supple material that will generally conform to the shape of the surface on which it is placed. The body 1402 comprises a regular web 1404 of interconnected links around openings 1406. The pattern of links and opening 1406 can be regular and repeating across the body 1402. On the top side of the body 1402, is a plurality of protrusions that extend from the web 1404 at the intersections and between the intersections of the web 1404. The protrusions can include protrusions of different heights. For example, there can be tall protrusions1412 positioned at points between the intersections of the body web 1404, and there can be short protrusions 1414 located at the intersections of the web. There can also be fold lines 1416, 1417, 1418 formed in the body 1402 by removing portions of the web, or interconnecting the opening 1406 with other contiguous openings. The body can include a rim 1408 which is a thickened portion, which can have relief breaks 1410 to allow for shrinkage of the material of the body 1402 over time as fragrance material mixed into the material (e.g. EVA) of the body 1402 used to create the body 1402 is emitted over time. The body 1402 can have first portion 1420 and a second portion 1422, which are generally divided by one of the fold lines (e.g. 1416). The first portion 1420 is configured to rest against, or to be mounted to, the generally vertical back wall of a urinal. The second portion 1422 is configured to rest on the bottom of the urinal basin, in a generally horizontal position. That is, the portion 1422 of the body 1402 is generally horizontal when the urinal screen 1400 is properly placed in a urinal, although, being made of a supple material, the second portion 1422 will conform to the particular contours of the urinal basin on which it is laid. The front end 1430 of the body 1402 will be positioned at front of the urinal basin, which is closest to the user of the urinal. The urinal screen can also include one or more openings 1426 in the first portion 1420 that can be used to attach a mounting means, such as, for example, suction cups. In some embodiments, the first portion 1420 can simply rest against the back wall of the urinal and not need any additional support (e.g. suction cups).

[0056] The urinal screen 1400 further includes a “target” indicia 1424 that is centered between the sides, and positioned at about one third of the way from where the first and second portions 1420, 1422 meet, and the top end of the first portion, where region 1428 is located. This is an optimal “aim” point to minimize splash, and the target indicia 1424 is designed to be visually distinguished from the surround region of the urinal screen without compromising the anti-splash performance of the urinal screen. Instead of the regular (repeating) pattern of protrusions 1412, 1414 and openings 1406 used on the majority of the body 1402, the indicia region 1424 uses a different pattern. For example, the protrusions in the indicia region 1424 are a different length, and differently spaced than protrusions 1412, 1414, and they are arranged in a different pattern than across the rest of the body (excepting any other indicia regions that may be present). Further, the size and pattern of openings, will be necessarily different in the indicia region.

[0057] FIG. 14B shows a detail of the “target” indicia region 1424 formed by differently sized and spaced protrusions / bristles in the urinal screen 1400 of FIG. 14A. The indicia region 1424 includes, in this example, a central opening 1434 that is surrounded by several concentric circular regions of segmented openings 1436 where the opening segments 1436 are separated by bridges 1440 to support web regions supporting protrusions 1432 that are arranged in concentric circles. The segmented openings 1436 are an example of indicia openings in an indicia region 1424. In this example, the protrusions 1432 of the target indica region 1424 are shorter than the protrusions 1412, 1414 of the surrounding body and which are used across the majority of the urinal screen. Further, the protrusions 1432 are closer together than the protrusions 1412, 1414 of the surrounding body. The protrusions 1432 are example of indicia protrusions in an indicia region. Between the concentric segmented openings 1436 are concentric circular regions of interconnecting links of webbing of the body, and there are the shorter indicia protrusions 1432 positioned on these concentric circular regions of indica interconnecting links. Where the indicia region 1424 meets the main body region, there can be hybrid-shaped openings 1438 that would have the same shape as the regular openings 1406, but they are bounded by the indicia region 1424. In some embodiments the indicia region 1424 can be about one to two inches in diameter, which is large enough to be visually distinct from the surrounding body region of the urinal screen and to attract attention and provide an aim point for users of the urinal. The indicia region 1424 as shown here is but one example of a wide variety of such indicia that can be formed in a urinal screen. In this case the indica isn't intended to communicate information, but the use of differently sized and spaced protrusions and openings compared to those of the rest of the body can form logos or lettering or other patterns that communicate information. In general, the indica region 1424 includes at least one of: a plurality of indicia protrusions, a plurality of indicia interconnecting links, or a plurality of indica openings that are varied, in a visually distinct manner, from their counterparts in the main body. They can be varied in height of the indicia protrusions relative to the main protrusions 1412, 1414, and / or in spacing, and / or in arrangement / location. Likewise, and alternatively or in combination with the indicia protrusions, the indica interconnecting links and / or the indicia openings can be varied in pattern / arrangement in a visually distinct manner relative to those of the main body around the indicia region. FIGS. 15 and 16 show a side elevation view and a top perspective view, respectively, of the urinal screen of FIG. 14A.

[0058] FIG. 17 is a front side view of a urinal screen 1700 having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments. The urinal screen 1700 can be made of a polymeric material such as polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and includes a main body 1702. The main body 1702 defines a structure that includes openings 1706 and protrusions or bristles 1704 that extend outward from the main body 1702. In general, the bristles 1704 can be provided in a regular pattern on the front side of the main body 1702. In some embodiments there can also be bristles on the rear side of the main body. In some embodiments, the bristles 1704 can alternate in height where there are taller bristles interspersed with shorter bristles. This variation of bristle height—the distance each bristle extends outward from the main body 1702—has been found useful in breaking up fluid streams and preventing splash. The openings 1706 allow fluids to pass through the main body into the urinal, if not into contact with the urinal surface, to the urinal drain. In some urinal screens there can be a flat area 1708 that can lack both the openings 1706 and bristles 1704. This flat area 1708 is where indicia is typically provided, either by printing 1718 on the flat area 1708, or by forming graphic designs or lettering through the flat area 1708 (e.g. “cut out”). However, this flat area 1708, lacking openings 1706 and bristles 1704 relative to the main body 1702, represents an area that could produce splash back of a fluid stream. In some embodiments, however, there can be some openings 1712 though the flat area 1708, and even bristles 1716, but the bristles should be configured to not interfere, visually, with any indicia provided in the flat area 1708. In some embodiments the openings 1714 in the flat area can be in the form of indicia, e.g. the openings form lettering or other graphics.

[0059] To avoid the problems associated with the flat area 1708, and still provide some ability to show indicia, the indicia can be formed using shorter, and more densely-spaced bristles 1710 in the pattern of the indicia. In the section of the indicia formed by bristles 1710, there are no openings through the main body 1702. The width of these areas can be managed to cover, for example, no more than one row of openings 106 through the main body 1702 in some embodiments. The shorter, more densely-spaced bristles 1710 are visually distinct from the surrounding standard bristles 1704, and they can follow the pattern of lettering, for example, to form a desired indicia, such as a logo or other indicia.

[0060] FIG. 18 is a side cut section view 1800 of a urinal screen having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments. The main body 1702 includes a pattern of openings 1706 and bristles 1704 positioned on the main body 1702 around the openings 1706. The main bristles 1704 can occupy a main region 1802 in which the pattern of openings 1706 and bristles 1704 repeats across the main region 1802. Bristles or other features to support the main body 1702 in a spaced relationship with the surface of the urinal basin and walls can also extend from the bottom or read side of the main body 1702, as well (not shown here). In bristle region 1802 the bristles 1704 have a regular spacing around the openings, and they can alternate in height.

[0061] To create the desired indicia, there is a second “indicia” region 1804 where there are no openings through the main body portion 1806 of this indicia region 1804, and the bristles 1710 are shorter than the bristles 1704 in the surrounding region 1802, and more densely spaced. In some embodiments, the bristles 1710 in the indicia region 1804 can be at least half the height, or less, of the bristles 1704 of the main region 1802. Further, the spacing between bristles 1710 of the indicia region 1804 can be half, or less, than the spacing between bristles in the main region 1802. The bristles 1710 in the indicia region still provide some measure of anti-splash functionality. To further facilitate anti-splash functionality, the width of the indicia region 1804, at least in one direction, can be limited to the spacing of two openings 1706. This will provide openings 1706 on either side of an indicia region 1804, which can thereby still provide lines and patterns for lettering and other graphic designs of indicia. For example, in the indicia shown in FIG. 17, there is a letter “E” and a letter “M”, along with additional graphic elements, formed by bristles 1710. The width of these bristle sections, in at least one direction, is not wider than the distance between two openings 1706. This ensure sufficient drainage to the sides of the indicia regions 1804 to prevent fluid buildup that could otherwise be a source for splash out of the screen 1700. In some embodiments, the spacing of the bristles 1710 in the indicia region 1804 can be such that fluid is retained by capillary action among the bristles 1710 until enough is collected / present to cause flow out of the bristles 1710 and through the openings 1706 outside of the indicia region 1804.

[0062] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a detail section of a urinal screen having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments. The urinal screen again shows the main body 1702 that includes a regular pattern of openings 1706, which can be circular, square / rectangular, or shaped like any other polygon. Along the sides of the openings, and at the vertices of the openings 1706 there can be bristles in a main region 1804. The bristles can include tall bristles 1704a and short bristles 1704b. The tall bristles 1704a can be placed at the vertices of the openings 1706, if the openings 1706 are polygons. The short bristles 1704b can be placed along the sides of the openings 1706, again, if the openings 1706 are polygons. The pattern of tall 1704a and short 1704b bristles can be a regular pattern that repeats across the main body 1702, outside of the indicia region 1804. In the indicia region 1804, there are no openings through the main body, and the bristles 1710 are shorter than the short bristles 1704b, and they are more densely positioned relative to each other than the tall 1704a and short bristles 1704b. The differences in height is enough that a casual observer would immediately notice the height difference, and likewise with the spacing among the bristles 1710 in the indicia region relative to the spacing between bristles 1704 in the main region 1802. The indicia region 1804 can be arranged to form letters and other easily visually identifiable graphical elements. In some embodiments the bristles 1710 can also be thinner, having a smaller diameter, than the bristles 1704 of the main region 1802. The width 1902 of the indicia region 1804 can be less than the distance 1904 across two adjacent openings 1706 in one direction, to ensure there is adequate drainage on either side of an indicia region 1804. The term “across” used here means from the end or side of a first opening that is further from an adjacent, second opening, to the end or side of the second opening that is furthest from the first opening.

[0063] A urinal screen having both anti-splash features and indicia regions is disclosed that avoid the prior art problems associated with providing indicia on flat portions provided on the screen that presents a region that can cause splash since it lacks both bristles and openings. The disclosed inventions provides indicia regions that includes a region or regions where the protrusion and opening height, spacing, or pattern are different than that the regular pattern of openings, webbing, and protrusions across the main body of the urinal screen, around the indicia region or regions. The protrusions can be shorter or taller than those of the main body, or they can be more densely spaced, or they can be arranged in a different pattern that the pattern of the main body. Combinations of these variations can be used as well to create visually distinct indicia regions.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0041]While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0042]FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a urinal screen 100 having fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments. The urinal screen 100 of the particular example includes a kite-shaped body 102 that has a rear apex 104 and a front apex 106 that define a first or longitudinal axis 108. The body 102 further includes a right-side apex 110 and a left side apex 112 between which a second or crosswise axis 114 is defined that is at a right angle to the longitudinal axis 108. Being kite-shaped, the crosswise axis 114 is closer to the rear apex 10...

CROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 63 / 751,527, filed Jan. 30, 2025, and further as a continuation in part to U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29 / 920,845, filed Dec. 13, 2023, and is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 076,173, filed Dec. 6, 2022, which was a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 573,359, filed Jan. 11, 2022 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,519,164 on Dec. 6, 2022, the entireties of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to anti-splash urinal screens, and, more particularly, relates to a urinal screen having anti-splash bristles or protrusions, wherein some indicia is formed among the anti-splash bristles by varying the height and density of the bristles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Urinal screens are commonly used to reduce, if not prevent “splash back” where droplets from a stream of urine are ejected out of the urinal, onto the floor and potentially on the user's clothing. It is clearly of interest to prevent splash to reduce janitorial efforts as well as to avoid soiled clothing. To prevent splash from a urine stream, a urinal screen can include two important features. First, there is a surface feature across the urinal screen that tends to capture fluid of a stream. This is often implemented as bristles or protrusions that extend from a front or top side of the screen, where the opposite side (back or bottom side) is intended to be against the surface of the urinal. The bristles break up a fluid stream that is incident on the bristles, and provide a block to droplets that might otherwise be ejected away from the screen. The positioning of bristles across the screen is typically a regular pattern, and the bristles can be of a uniform height or length from the main body of the screen. The second feature that can greatly reduce splash is sufficiently drainage through the screen. That is, openings through the screen body that allow fluid to pass through the screen. Thus, a fluid stream incident on a screen is broken up by the bristles, and the fluid is directed through openings through the main body of the screen to the urinal drain.

[0004] In the manufacture of urinal screens, it is desirable to provide information in graphic form-indicia of some sort. For example, the manufacturer's name or logo, or a distributor's name and / or logo. The conventional way of providing such indicia on a urinal screen is to provide a small area of the body that lacks both the openings and the bristles, and print or mold the desired indicia on this region. Without the bristles and openings, the indicia can be easily perceived, visually. However, since this region lacks the bristles and openings provided on the rest of the urinal screen, it can present a splash risk. Typically, to minimize the effect of a flat region, this region is positioned at a side, away from the center of the screen, to minimize the chance of a urine stream being incident on the flat indicia region. However, the risk is not completely eliminated as the flat region is still present.

[0005] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] In accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a urinal screen having a main body. The main body includes a main region and an indicia region. The main region has a plurality of openings through the main body, and a plurality of bristles extending from the main body outward. The bristles of this region have a first height and a first spacing between the bristles. The indicia region of the main body has a plurality of bristles that have a second height that is substantially different than the first height. The bristles of the indicia region are spaced closer together than the bristles of the main region such that the indicia region is visually distinct from the main region.

[0007] In accordance with a further feature, the bristles of the main region include bristles of the third height that alternate with bristles of the first height, and wherein the second height is also substantially different than the third height.

[0008] In accordance with a further feature, the indicia region, in at least one direction is not wider than a spacing across adjacent openings in the main region.

[0009] In accordance with a further feature, the second height is shorter than the first height.

[0010] In accordance with a further feature, the indica region further include openings that have a different and visually distinctive shape from the plurality of openings through the main region.

[0011] In accordance with a further feature, the indicia region comprises a plurality of concentric circular regions.

[0012] In accordance with a further feature, the main body incudes a first portion that is configured to rest against a back wall of a urinal, and a second portion that is configured to rest against a bottom of the urinal, when the urinal screen in positioned in the urinal.

[0013] In accordance with a further feature, the main body comprises at one extended linear opening.

[0014] In accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a urinal screen that has a body, which includes a main portion and one or more indicia regions. The main portion is comprised of a webbing having of a plurality of main interconnecting links of material around a plurality of main openings, and a plurality of main protrusions that extend from the main interconnecting links. The plurality of main interconnecting links, plurality of main openings, and plurality of main protrusions are arranged in a regular pattern including a regular height of the plurality of main protrusions, a regular spacing between the main protrusions of the plurality of main protrusions, a regular pattern of location of main protrusions of the plurality of main protrusion on the main interconnecting links of the plurality of main interconnecting links, a regular shape and arrangement of the main interconnecting links of the plurality of main interconnecting links, and a regular shape and arrangement of the main openings of the plurality of main openings. The indicia region is located on the main body, within or adjacent to the main portion, and has a plurality of indicia protrusions, a plurality of indicia interconnecting links, or a plurality of indica openings. To make the indica region visually distinct, the pattern of at least one of the plurality of indicia protrusions, the plurality of indica interconnecting links, or the plurality of indicia openings are varied relative to the plurality of main protrusion, plurality of main interconnecting links, or plurality of main openings in a visually distinct manner. By “visually distinct” it is meant that the difference can be readily discerned visually by simple visual observation, and that, for example, instruments would not be needed to determine the differences in height of the protrusions, or spacing or pattern of the protrusions, links or openings. A casual observer would immediately recognize the visual difference between the indicia region and the main portion of the body.

[0015] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a urinal screen having indica formed by varying height of anti-splash bristles, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

[0016] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0017] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and / or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing / coming into physical existence, making available, and / or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.

[0018] “In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a kite-shaped urinal screen have fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of a urinal screen having a kite-shaped body and that has longitudinal and crosswise fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a detail of the web of the body of a urinal screen having intersecting lines of material that define openings through the body of the urinal screen, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a side cutaway view of FIG. 3 taken along line A-A;

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a detail view of a portion of the crosswise fold line between the right and left side apexes, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 6 shows a detail view of a portion of a longitudinal fold line, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a urinal screen, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of the bottom side of a urinal screen having fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of a urinal screen having a kite-shaped body and that has longitudinal and crosswise fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0030] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a suction cup support having an integral suction cup, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0031] FIG. 11 shows a tab that is part of a suction cup support, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, that is configured to receive a removable suction cup, in accordance with some embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 12 shows a side view of a removable suction cup; and

[0033] FIG. 13 shows the removable suction cup mounted in the tab of the suction cup support, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 14A shows a top plan view of a urinal screen having multiple height protrusions / bristles used to form visually distinct patterns as indicia, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 14B shows a detail of the “target” pattern formed by differently sized and spaced protrusions / bristles in the urinal screen of FIG. 14A.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the urinal screen of FIG. 14A.

[0037] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the urinal screen of FIG. 14A.

[0038] FIG. 17 is a front side view of a urinal screen having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 18 is a side cut section view of a urinal screen having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a detail section of a urinal screen having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a urinal screen 100 having fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments. The urinal screen 100 of the particular example includes a kite-shaped body 102 that has a rear apex 104 and a front apex 106 that define a first or longitudinal axis 108. The body 102 further includes a right-side apex 110 and a left side apex 112 between which a second or crosswise axis 114 is defined that is at a right angle to the longitudinal axis 108. Being kite-shaped, the crosswise axis 114 is closer to the rear apex 104 than it is to the front apex 106. Further, the body 102 is symmetric about the longitudinal axis 108, and asymmetric about the crosswise axis 114. A pair of longitudinal fold lines 116, 118 are shown on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 108, offset by equal distances from the longitudinal axis 108. A crosswise fold line can be defined along the crosswise axis 114. The fold lines 114, 116, 118 are lines along which the urinal screen 100 is configured to bend in order to allow the urinal screen 100 to conform to various urinal basin shapes.

[0043] In general, the body 102 is sheet-like, having a top side on one major surface, and the bottom side opposite the top side forming another major surface, wherein the body 102 has a perimeter that is bounded along the sides of the kite-shape. The body has a front, rear, and opposite sides. The front can be at the front apex, the rear at the rear apex, and so on. When placed into a urinal basin, the rear apex 104 is placed at the rear of the basin and the front apex is placed at the front of the basin, which will be closest to the user. That is, the front of the body 102 is intended to be located at the front of the basin, and the rear of the body 102 is intended to be at the rear of the basin of the urinal, or farthest from the user of the urinal. Although shown here with a crosswise fold line along the crosswise axis 114, the crosswise fold line can be parallel to, but offset from the crosswise axis in some embodiments, on the rear or front side of the crosswise axis (i.e. closer to the rear apex 104 or the front apex 106). Further, there can be more than one crosswise fold line. In some embodiments it is contemplated that there may be a single longitudinal fold line along the longitudinal axis 108.

[0044] The urinal screen 100 represents an abstraction to clearly show the major features of the urinal screen being disclosed in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In particular, the urinal screen 100 of the inventive disclosure includes a kite-shaped body 102, with at least one crosswise fold line and at least one longitudinal fold line. The kite shape is used for urinal screens that fit in urinals with kite-shaped basins. Other shapes may be more appropriate for urinal that have basins of other shapes. In addition to the fold line features, the urinal screen can include anti-splash protrusions that extend from the top side and are disposed around openings through the body 102 that allow fluid from a fluid stream incident on the urinal screen to pass through the body and reduce splashing of the fluid. The bottom side of the urinal screen (opposite that in view here) can include features intended to raise the body of the urinal screen off the surface of the urinal basin to allow fluid to flow under the urinal screen into the urinal drain. These and other features will be shown in the subsequent illustrations.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a urinal screen 200 having a kite-shaped body sheet or simply body 202 and that has longitudinal and crosswise fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments. The urinal screen 200 incorporates the major features described in relation to urinal screen 100 of FIG. 1, and includes other features and refinements not shown in FIG. 1. The body 202 includes a perimeter that has a boundary 204 that bounds a web made up of lines of material 206. The boundary 204 is a thin region of material around the perimeter that that the web of lines are connected to. Around the border 204 there can be breaks 232 that compensate for shrinkage over time as fragrance oil is emitted from the material. The lines of material 206 include at least one set of lines of material 206 arranged in a first direction, and other lines arranged in a second direction within the sheet-like body 202. Both sets of lines are arranged at a regular spacing which results in the line intersecting at nodes and defining openings 208 through the body 202.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a detail view 300 of the web of the body, including lines of material 206 formed along or parallel to intersecting lines 306, 308 at regular spacing across the body 202. Located on the lines of material 206 are protrusions 302, 304. The protrusions 302 can be located at the intersections of lines (nodes) and protrusions 304 can be located on the lines (links) between the intersections of the lines. As shown here, lines 306, 308 are not at right angles to each other, and as a result, the openings 208 have a generally rhombus shape. FIG. 4 shows a side cutaway view 400 of detail of FIG. 3 taken along line A-A. In this view it can be seen that there are two sets of protrusions, a first set 302 having a first height, and second set 304 having a second height. The protrusions in general extend away from the top surface of the body, and can be integrally formed / molded of same material as the body. The taller protrusions 302 can be located at the nodes 402 where lines 206 intersect, and the shorter protrusions 304 can be located on the links, which are the portions of the lines 206 between the nodes 402. Varying the height of the protrusions as shown has been found to be more effective in reducing splash of a fluid stream incident on the urinal screen than if the protrusions are all the same height. The protrusions 302, 304 can be conical in shape, having a generally round body that tapers in diameter from the base, where they are joined with the lines 206, to a tip at the distal end of the protrusions.

[0047] Returning now to FIG. 2, the body 202 has a front apex 210 and a rear apex 212 which define a longitudinal axis 218 between the front apex 210 and rear apex 212. The front apex is the forward or front-most region and can be curved / radiused as shown, or more pointed as in FIG. 1. Likewise, the rear apex 212 is further to the rear of the body 202 and can have a larger radius of curvature than the front apex 210, or can also be more pointed. The body further has a first side apex 214 and a second side apex 216 that define a crosswise axis 220 that is at right angle to the longitudinal axis 218. The body 202 is symmetric about the longitudinal axis 218 and asymmetric about the crosswise axis 220 with the crosswise axis 220 being closer to the rear apex 212 than it is to the front apex 210.

[0048] A crosswise fold line can be formed along the crosswise axis 220 by breaking the lines of material 202 at points along the crosswise axis to form extended openings 222, where the nodes 402 of material are removed at one or more intersection points on the crosswise axis 220. In the example shown, the extended openings are formed by breaking the intersecting points at two consecutive locations along the crosswise axis. As used here, “breaking” and “broken” means that there is an absence of material along a line of material that results in adjacent ones of the openings being joined to form an extended opening, which can be created by the shape of a mold used to form the urinal screen, and does not necessarily mean that a person, for example, uses to tool to break the connections. In other words, the lines of material are broken at the crosswise axis 220 at certain locations to create the extended openings 222. However, not all of the node points on the crosswise axis 220 are broken, thus there are a plurality of extended openings 222 alternating with joined sections of the intersecting lines 206.

[0049] Likewise, there are longitudinal fold lines 228, 230 that are parallel to the longitudinal axis 218, and offset from the longitudinal axis 218. The longitudinal fold lines 228, 230 are formed by broken section of the intersecting lines 206 that create extended openings 226, which can intersect with the crosswise extended openings 222 along the crosswise axis 220. As with the crosswise fold lines, the extended openings 226 have non-broken portions between them along the longitudinal fold lines 228, 230. Thus, both the crosswise fold lines and longitudinal fold lines 228, 230 facilitate bending or folding of the body 202 along these lines due to the lack of material along the fold lines relative to other portions of the body 202. FIG. 5 shows a detail view of a portion of the crosswise fold line along the crosswise axis 222, between the right and left side apexes. As can be seen the extended openings 222 are formed by breaks in regions 502 that joins consecutive openings 208 together so that three openings are joined (open) together in each of the extended openings 222. Similarly, in FIG. 6 there is shown a detail view of a portion of a longitudinal fold line 230, in which extended openings 226 are formed by breaks 602 in the lines 206 to result in consecutive openings 208 being joined (open) together. Furthermore, to match the curvature of some urinal basins, the perimeter along the border can curve inward along the sections between the side apexes 214, 216 and the front apex, relative to a straight line between those apexes.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the urinal screen 200, in which the body 202 has a top side 700 and a bottom side 702. FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of the bottom side 702 of a urinal screen 200. The plurality of protrusions (e.g. 302, 304) extend from the top side 700. On the bottom side 702 there are one or more forward diverter walls 704 which are located between the crosswise axis 220 and the front apex 210 along the longitudinal axis. The forward diverter wall(s) 704 can have a uniform height relative to the bottom side 702 of the body 202. one or more rearward diverter walls 706 can be located along the longitudinal axis 218 between the crosswise axis 220 and the rear apex 212, and have a varying height that increases along the rear diverter wall 706 towards the rear. Further a suction cup support can be provided that includes a support wall 708 and a tab 710 that extends from the support wall 708. The support wall 708 extends from the bottom side, and the tab extends from a top of the support wall toward the rear, and comprises a relative flat portion. A hole 802 can be provided through which the anchor of a suction cup can be placed, allowing the use of a suction cup to hold the urinal screen 200 in place in a urinal basin. One or more forward standoffs 712 and rearward standoffs 714, 716 can be provided on the bottom side 702 between the crosswise axis 220 and the rear apex 212. The rearward standoffs 714 are shorter than rearward standoffs 716, and the difference in height of these standoffs 714, 716 follows the angle (relative to the surface of the bottom side 702) of the top of the rearward diverter wall 706 and the angle of the tab 710. The angle of the rearward elements (e.g. 706, 710, 714, 716) is intended to optimize the angle of the rearward portion of the urinal screen body 202 (e.g. from the crosswise axis 220 to the rear apex 212) relative to the forward portion (e.g. between the front apex 210 and the crosswise axis 220) when the urinal screen is placed in a urinal basin as these features will be in contact with the surface of the basin.

[0051] In some embodiments there can be a flat region 234 proximate to the rear apex 212 on which printing can be placed (i.e. branding). The flat region 234 lacks protrusions or openings on or through the body. The support wall 708 can extend from the flat region at the bottom side 702. The flat region 234 allows a logo, advertising, or other graphical elements to be printed or otherwise placed on the urinal screen.

[0052] FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of a urinal screen 900 having a kite-shaped body 902 and that has longitudinal and crosswise fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments. The kite-shaped body 902 is an alternative to that of FIG. 2, and is optimized for certain urinals over that of the specific shape of the body shown in FIG. 2. The kite shaped body 902, like that of FIG. 2, includes a border to which diagonal lines of material 916 join. The lines of material 916 include lines in both diagonal directions and define openings 918 between the lines of material 916 and have protrusions of alternating heights on them. The lines of material 916 can be oriented such that the openings each generally have a rhombus shape that can be non-square. The body 902 has a rear apex 904 and a front apex 906 that define a longitudinal axis 908. The body further has a first side apex 910 and a second side apex 912 that define a crosswise axis 914 the is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 908. The kite shape of the body is created by the body being symmetric about the longitudinal axis 908 and asymmetric about the crosswise axis 914 such that the rear apex 904 is closer to the crosswise axis 914 than the front apex 906 is to the crosswise axis 914.

[0053] In the present exemplary embodiment, the body 902 includes two longitudinal fold lines 920, 922 and 924, 926 on each side of the longitudinal axis 908. As in the prior embodiments, the fold lines are created by omitting material between adjacent openings 918 along the fold lines to join the openings into extended openings in the longitudinal direction (to create longitudinal fold lines). In some embodiments every other link of material 916 is omitted between openings forming successive extended openings along the longitudinal fold lines 920, 922, 924, 926. In some embodiments there can be longitudinal fold lines 922, 924 that about one quarter of the distance between the longitudinal axis 908 and the respective side apexes 910, 912. These can be referred to as the inner longitudinal fold lines 922, 924. Outer longitudinal fold lines 920, 926 can be about two thirds of the distance from the longitudinal axis 908 to the respective apexes 910, 912. A crosswise fold line is similarly formed along the crosswise axis 914 by omitting some of the links of material on the crosswise axis 914 to join adjacent openings 916 into extended openings. Furthermore, a generally circular arrangement of extended openings is formed centered on the longitudinal axis 908 between the front apex 906 and the crosswise axis 914 by crosswise extended openings 930, longitudinal extended openings 932, and diagonal extended openings 928, 934. The pattern here can also be described as being octagonal, but it is generally regular polygon approximating a circle. These extended openings 928, 930, 932, 934 each join three adjacent openings in succession along a line. The diagonal extended openings 928, 934 can also be joined to a fourth opening from their central opening on the diagonal line. The generally circular pattern of extended opening 928, 930, 932, 934 allow relief in the center of the body 902 for features, either fixed or added, that may be found in the bottom of a urinal, such as a drain domed drain cover. In general, it has been found that the urinal screen 900 provides advantages in certain urinal designs over that of urinal screen 200, and vice versa. Further, the bottom side of the urinal screen 900 can be substantially similar to that shown in FIGS. 7-9, with forward standoffs 712, rearward standoffs 714, 716 of increasing height toward the rear apex 904, diverter walls 704, 706 and the suction cup support 710.

[0054] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a suction cup support tab 710 having an integral suction cup 1002, in accordance with some embodiments. In the suction cup support can extend from the body sheet 102 at the bottom of the body sheet 102 by support wall 708. The tab 710 supports the suction cup 1002, and the support wall 708 offsets the suction cup 1002 and tab from the body 102 by a desired amount, based on a shape of the urinal basin in which the urinal screen 100 is intended to be placed. The suction cup 1002 is shown as an integral element, meaning is molded along with the rest of the urinal screen 100. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 11-12, a separate suction cup 1202 can have a retaining head 1204 that fits through the opening 802 in the tab 710. The retaining head 1204 is larger than the opening 802 and creates a mechanical interference once it is passed completely through the hole 802 so as to retain the suction cup 1202, as shown in FIG. 13. The suction cup 1002, 1202 allows the urinal screen 100 to be anchored in place, which will prevent the urinal screen 100 from moving around.

[0055] FIG. 14A shows a top plan view of a urinal screen 1400 having multiple height protrusions / bristles used to form visually distinct patterns as indicia, in accordance with some embodiments. The screen 1400 includes a body 1402 that is substantially flat when laid on a flat surface, but is made of a supple material that will generally conform to the shape of the surface on which it is placed. The body 1402 comprises a regular web 1404 of interconnected links around openings 1406. The pattern of links and opening 1406 can be regular and repeating across the body 1402. On the top side of the body 1402, is a plurality of protrusions that extend from the web 1404 at the intersections and between the intersections of the web 1404. The protrusions can include protrusions of different heights. For example, there can be tall protrusions1412 positioned at points between the intersections of the body web 1404, and there can be short protrusions 1414 located at the intersections of the web. There can also be fold lines 1416, 1417, 1418 formed in the body 1402 by removing portions of the web, or interconnecting the opening 1406 with other contiguous openings. The body can include a rim 1408 which is a thickened portion, which can have relief breaks 1410 to allow for shrinkage of the material of the body 1402 over time as fragrance material mixed into the material (e.g. EVA) of the body 1402 used to create the body 1402 is emitted over time. The body 1402 can have first portion 1420 and a second portion 1422, which are generally divided by one of the fold lines (e.g. 1416). The first portion 1420 is configured to rest against, or to be mounted to, the generally vertical back wall of a urinal. The second portion 1422 is configured to rest on the bottom of the urinal basin, in a generally horizontal position. That is, the portion 1422 of the body 1402 is generally horizontal when the urinal screen 1400 is properly placed in a urinal, although, being made of a supple material, the second portion 1422 will conform to the particular contours of the urinal basin on which it is laid. The front end 1430 of the body 1402 will be positioned at front of the urinal basin, which is closest to the user of the urinal. The urinal screen can also include one or more openings 1426 in the first portion 1420 that can be used to attach a mounting means, such as, for example, suction cups. In some embodiments, the first portion 1420 can simply rest against the back wall of the urinal and not need any additional support (e.g. suction cups).

[0056] The urinal screen 1400 further includes a “target” indicia 1424 that is centered between the sides, and positioned at about one third of the way from where the first and second portions 1420, 1422 meet, and the top end of the first portion, where region 1428 is located. This is an optimal “aim” point to minimize splash, and the target indicia 1424 is designed to be visually distinguished from the surround region of the urinal screen without compromising the anti-splash performance of the urinal screen. Instead of the regular (repeating) pattern of protrusions 1412, 1414 and openings 1406 used on the majority of the body 1402, the indicia region 1424 uses a different pattern. For example, the protrusions in the indicia region 1424 are a different length, and differently spaced than protrusions 1412, 1414, and they are arranged in a different pattern than across the rest of the body (excepting any other indicia regions that may be present). Further, the size and pattern of openings, will be necessarily different in the indicia region.

[0057] FIG. 14B shows a detail of the “target” indicia region 1424 formed by differently sized and spaced protrusions / bristles in the urinal screen 1400 of FIG. 14A. The indicia region 1424 includes, in this example, a central opening 1434 that is surrounded by several concentric circular regions of segmented openings 1436 where the opening segments 1436 are separated by bridges 1440 to support web regions supporting protrusions 1432 that are arranged in concentric circles. The segmented openings 1436 are an example of indicia openings in an indicia region 1424. In this example, the protrusions 1432 of the target indica region 1424 are shorter than the protrusions 1412, 1414 of the surrounding body and which are used across the majority of the urinal screen. Further, the protrusions 1432 are closer together than the protrusions 1412, 1414 of the surrounding body. The protrusions 1432 are example of indicia protrusions in an indicia region. Between the concentric segmented openings 1436 are concentric circular regions of interconnecting links of webbing of the body, and there are the shorter indicia protrusions 1432 positioned on these concentric circular regions of indica interconnecting links. Where the indicia region 1424 meets the main body region, there can be hybrid-shaped openings 1438 that would have the same shape as the regular openings 1406, but they are bounded by the indicia region 1424. In some embodiments the indicia region 1424 can be about one to two inches in diameter, which is large enough to be visually distinct from the surrounding body region of the urinal screen and to attract attention and provide an aim point for users of the urinal. The indicia region 1424 as shown here is but one example of a wide variety of such indicia that can be formed in a urinal screen. In this case the indica isn't intended to communicate information, but the use of differently sized and spaced protrusions and openings compared to those of the rest of the body can form logos or lettering or other patterns that communicate information. In general, the indica region 1424 includes at least one of: a plurality of indicia protrusions, a plurality of indicia interconnecting links, or a plurality of indica openings that are varied, in a visually distinct manner, from their counterparts in the main body. They can be varied in height of the indicia protrusions relative to the main protrusions 1412, 1414, and / or in spacing, and / or in arrangement / location. Likewise, and alternatively or in combination with the indicia protrusions, the indica interconnecting links and / or the indicia openings can be varied in pattern / arrangement in a visually distinct manner relative to those of the main body around the indicia region. FIGS. 15 and 16 show a side elevation view and a top perspective view, respectively, of the urinal screen of FIG. 14A.

[0058] FIG. 17 is a front side view of a urinal screen 1700 having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments. The urinal screen 1700 can be made of a polymeric material such as polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and includes a main body 1702. The main body 1702 defines a structure that includes openings 1706 and protrusions or bristles 1704 that extend outward from the main body 1702. In general, the bristles 1704 can be provided in a regular pattern on the front side of the main body 1702. In some embodiments there can also be bristles on the rear side of the main body. In some embodiments, the bristles 1704 can alternate in height where there are taller bristles interspersed with shorter bristles. This variation of bristle height—the distance each bristle extends outward from the main body 1702—has been found useful in breaking up fluid streams and preventing splash. The openings 1706 allow fluids to pass through the main body into the urinal, if not into contact with the urinal surface, to the urinal drain. In some urinal screens there can be a flat area 1708 that can lack both the openings 1706 and bristles 1704. This flat area 1708 is where indicia is typically provided, either by printing 1718 on the flat area 1708, or by forming graphic designs or lettering through the flat area 1708 (e.g. “cut out”). However, this flat area 1708, lacking openings 1706 and bristles 1704 relative to the main body 1702, represents an area that could produce splash back of a fluid stream. In some embodiments, however, there can be some openings 1712 though the flat area 1708, and even bristles 1716, but the bristles should be configured to not interfere, visually, with any indicia provided in the flat area 1708. In some embodiments the openings 1714 in the flat area can be in the form of indicia, e.g. the openings form lettering or other graphics.

[0059] To avoid the problems associated with the flat area 1708, and still provide some ability to show indicia, the indicia can be formed using shorter, and more densely-spaced bristles 1710 in the pattern of the indicia. In the section of the indicia formed by bristles 1710, there are no openings through the main body 1702. The width of these areas can be managed to cover, for example, no more than one row of openings 106 through the main body 1702 in some embodiments. The shorter, more densely-spaced bristles 1710 are visually distinct from the surrounding standard bristles 1704, and they can follow the pattern of lettering, for example, to form a desired indicia, such as a logo or other indicia.

[0060] FIG. 18 is a side cut section view 1800 of a urinal screen having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments. The main body 1702 includes a pattern of openings 1706 and bristles 1704 positioned on the main body 1702 around the openings 1706. The main bristles 1704 can occupy a main region 1802 in which the pattern of openings 1706 and bristles 1704 repeats across the main region 1802. Bristles or other features to support the main body 1702 in a spaced relationship with the surface of the urinal basin and walls can also extend from the bottom or read side of the main body 1702, as well (not shown here). In bristle region 1802 the bristles 1704 have a regular spacing around the openings, and they can alternate in height.

[0061] To create the desired indicia, there is a second “indicia” region 1804 where there are no openings through the main body portion 1806 of this indicia region 1804, and the bristles 1710 are shorter than the bristles 1704 in the surrounding region 1802, and more densely spaced. In some embodiments, the bristles 1710 in the indicia region 1804 can be at least half the height, or less, of the bristles 1704 of the main region 1802. Further, the spacing between bristles 1710 of the indicia region 1804 can be half, or less, than the spacing between bristles in the main region 1802. The bristles 1710 in the indicia region still provide some measure of anti-splash functionality. To further facilitate anti-splash functionality, the width of the indicia region 1804, at least in one direction, can be limited to the spacing of two openings 1706. This will provide openings 1706 on either side of an indicia region 1804, which can thereby still provide lines and patterns for lettering and other graphic designs of indicia. For example, in the indicia shown in FIG. 17, there is a letter “E” and a letter “M”, along with additional graphic elements, formed by bristles 1710. The width of these bristle sections, in at least one direction, is not wider than the distance between two openings 1706. This ensure sufficient drainage to the sides of the indicia regions 1804 to prevent fluid buildup that could otherwise be a source for splash out of the screen 1700. In some embodiments, the spacing of the bristles 1710 in the indicia region 1804 can be such that fluid is retained by capillary action among the bristles 1710 until enough is collected / present to cause flow out of the bristles 1710 and through the openings 1706 outside of the indicia region 1804.

[0062] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a detail section of a urinal screen having indicia formed by varying bristle height and density, in accordance with some embodiments. The urinal screen again shows the main body 1702 that includes a regular pattern of openings 1706, which can be circular, square / rectangular, or shaped like any other polygon. Along the sides of the openings, and at the vertices of the openings 1706 there can be bristles in a main region 1804. The bristles can include tall bristles 1704a and short bristles 1704b. The tall bristles 1704a can be placed at the vertices of the openings 1706, if the openings 1706 are polygons. The short bristles 1704b can be placed along the sides of the openings 1706, again, if the openings 1706 are polygons. The pattern of tall 1704a and short 1704b bristles can be a regular pattern that repeats across the main body 1702, outside of the indicia region 1804. In the indicia region 1804, there are no openings through the main body, and the bristles 1710 are shorter than the short bristles 1704b, and they are more densely positioned relative to each other than the tall 1704a and short bristles 1704b. The differences in height is enough that a casual observer would immediately notice the height difference, and likewise with the spacing among the bristles 1710 in the indicia region relative to the spacing between bristles 1704 in the main region 1802. The indicia region 1804 can be arranged to form letters and other easily visually identifiable graphical elements. In some embodiments the bristles 1710 can also be thinner, having a smaller diameter, than the bristles 1704 of the main region 1802. The width 1902 of the indicia region 1804 can be less than the distance 1904 across two adjacent openings 1706 in one direction, to ensure there is adequate drainage on either side of an indicia region 1804. The term “across” used here means from the end or side of a first opening that is further from an adjacent, second opening, to the end or side of the second opening that is furthest from the first opening.

[0063] A urinal screen having both anti-splash features and indicia regions is disclosed that avoid the prior art problems associated with providing indicia on flat portions provided on the screen that presents a region that can cause splash since it lacks both bristles and openings. The disclosed inventions provides indicia regions that includes a region or regions where the protrusion and opening height, spacing, or pattern are different than that the regular pattern of openings, webbing, and protrusions across the main body of the urinal screen, around the indicia region or regions. The protrusions can be shorter or taller than those of the main body, or they can be more densely spaced, or they can be arranged in a different pattern that the pattern of the main body. Combinations of these variations can be used as well to create visually distinct indicia regions.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0041]While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0042]FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a urinal screen 100 having fold lines, in accordance with some embodiments. The urinal screen 100 of the particular example includes a kite-shaped body 102 that has a rear apex 104 and a front apex 106 that define a first or longitudinal axis 108. The body 102 further includes a right-side apex 110 and a left side apex 112 between which a second or crosswise axis 114 is defined that is at a right angle to the longitudinal axis 108. Being kite-shaped, the crosswise axis 114 is closer to the rear apex 10...

Claims

1. A urinal screen, comprising:a main body;a main region of the main body having a plurality of openings through the main body, and a plurality of bristles extending from the main body outward, and having a first height and a first spacing between the bristles on the main body; andan indicia region of the main body having a plurality of bristles having a second height that is substantially different than the first height, and wherein the bristles of the indicia region are spaced closer together than the bristles of the main region such that the indicia region is visually distinct from the main region.

2. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the bristles of the main region include bristles of the third height that alternate with bristles of the first height, and wherein the second height is also substantially different than the third height.

3. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the indicia region, in at least one direction is not wider than a spacing across adjacent openings in the main region.

4. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the second height is shorter than the first height.

5. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the indica region further include openings that have a different and visually distinctive shape from the plurality of openings through the main region.

6. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the indicia region comprises a plurality of concentric circular regions.

7. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the main body incudes a first portion that is configured to rest against a back wall of a urinal, and a second portion that is configured to rest against a bottom of the urinal, when the urinal screen in positioned in the urinal.

8. The urinal screen of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises at one extended linear opening.

9. A urinal screen, comprising:a body;the body including a main portion comprised of a webbing having of a plurality of main interconnecting links of material around a plurality of main openings, and a plurality of main protrusions that extend from the main interconnecting links, wherein the plurality of main interconnecting links, plurality of main openings, and plurality of main protrusions are arranged in a regular pattern including a regular height of the plurality of main protrusions, a regular spacing between the main protrusions of the plurality of main protrusions, a regular patter of location of main protrusions of the plurality of main protrusion on the main interconnecting links of the plurality of main interconnecting links, a regular shape and arrangement of the main interconnecting links of the plurality of main interconnecting links, and a regular shape and arrangement of the main openings of the plurality of main openings; andthe body further including an indica region having at least one of:a plurality of indicia protrusions;a plurality of indicia interconnecting links; ora plurality of indica openings;wherein a pattern of at least one of the plurality of indicia protrusions, the plurality of indica interconnecting links, or the plurality of indicia openings are varied relative to the plurality of main protrusion, plurality of main interconnecting links, or plurality of main openings in a visually distinct manner.

Images