IES72138B2

IES72138B2 - A malodour counteracting device and method

Info

Publication number: IES72138B2
Authority: IE
Inventors: Patrick Joseph Kent; Valerie Merilyn Mclean
Original assignee: Now 2 000 Limited
Priority date: 1995-09-22
Filing date: 1996-09-23
Publication date: 1997-03-26
Also published as: WO1997011234A1; EP0851956A1; AU705730B2; AU7226496A; ATE212403T1; EP0851956B1; DE69618797D1; CA2232633A1

Abstract

A malodour counteracting device (1) comprises an outlet fitting (5) for securing in an outlet (2) from a male urinal (3). A carrier member (21) secured to the outlet fitting (5) carries a tubular guide (22) through which a spindle (23) is slidably carried. A tubular spacer (24) supports a support disc (18) which in turn carries a malodour counteracting disc (19) which is impregnated with a malodour counteracting compound for counteracting malodours emanating through the outlet (2) of the urinal (3). An upper shield (25) secured to the spindle (23) clamps the disc (19) onto the support (18). The upper shield (25) is raisable by sliding the spindle (23) through the tubular guide (22) for facilitating replacement of the disc (19) with a fresh disc. A lower shield (30) defines with a flange (8) of the outlet fitting (5) an annular gap (31) which retains cigarette butts and other debris in the urinal (3).

Description

A malodour counteracting device and method The present invention relates to a malodour counteracting device, and in particular, though not limited to a malodour counteracting device for counteracting malodours emanating from a male urinal, a hand basin, a sink, a bidet, a bath, shower tray, a trap, gully or the like. The invention also relates to a method for counteracting such malodours.

Malodours are a source of discomfort, particularly, in toilets, bathrooms, kitchens and other confined spaces. In particular, malodours originating from urine, decomposing debris, and the like, in a sewage or waste water drain system cause particular discomfort. In most waste water drain systems, and drain systems from male urinals and the like, a water trap is provided beneath a waste outlet from the urinal, sink or other pan. The water trap forms a water seal for preventing malodours exiting from the drain system. Such water traps may be formed by a S-bend or bottle trap.

However, while such water traps form a seal which prevents the back flow of malodours from the drain system, they do not prevent malodours emanating from the drain system upstream of the water trap, and where the water trap itself contains waste matter, for example, urine as in the case of a male urinal S7 21 38 particularly obnoxious odours may emanate through the waste outlet of the urinal from the liquid retained in the water trap, and from matter in the portion of the outlet upstream of the water trap. To minimise such malodours in male urinals, regular flushing of the urinals is required, generally at predetermined time intervals, which typically may be intervals of five minutes. This it will be appreciated is particularly wasteful of water, in particular, where the urinal may remain unused for long periods, for example, hours at a time.

Various devices for mounting in or adjacent the waste outlet of a sink, urinal or other pan for holding disinfectant or deodorising chemicals are known.

However, none of the prior art devices eliminate or minimise flushing of a urinal or the like. These known devices are only suitable for reducing or partly masking odours emanating from a drain from a urinal, sink or the like. They do not counteract malodours emanating from such drains. Examples of such known devices, are disclosed in U.S. Patent Specification Nos, 810,973, 699,982 and 1,916,357. The devices disclosed in these U.S. specifications are suitable for mounting adjacent a sink or urinal outlet, and comprise a support arrangement for supporting a disinfectant or deodorising chemical, which in general, is in a solid form. As discussed above, none are suitable for counteracting a malodour emanating through an outlet of a sink or urinal, and thus in the case of urinals regular and frequent flushing is still required. Additionally, these known devices, in general, are cumbersome to use, install, maintain and operate. For example, in all cases without effectively disassembling the devices it is impossible to recharge the devices with replacement disinfectant.

There is therefore a need for a malodour counteracting device which minimises the need for flushing, for example, a urinal, and also, which overcomes the problems of known devices relating to recharging the devices with replacement disinfectant. There is also a need for a method for counteracting malodours which emanate from a drain through an outlet from a urinal, sink or the like.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a malodour counteracting device and a method.

According to the invention there is provided a malodour counteracting device for counteracting malodours emanating from a drain through an outlet connected to the drain wherein the device comprises a support means for supporting a malodour counteracting means, a mounting means for mounting the support means with the malodour counteracting means adjacent a stream of odours emanating from the drain for facilitating the release of volatiles from the malodour counteracting means for counteracting malodours in the stream of odours for minimising flushing of the drain.

In one embodiment of the invention the device is for use in a male urinal, the male urinal defining the outlet for connection to the drain, and the mounting means is adapted for mounting the support means in or just above the outlet of the urinal.

Preferably, an upper shield is located above the support means for cooperating with the support means when the upper shield is in a rest position for preventing direct impingement of a downwardly directed liquid on the malodour counteracting means.

Advantageously, the upper shield when in the rest position cooperates with the support means for clamping the malodour counteracting means therebetween.

Ideally, the upper shield is dome-shapeci for minimising back splashing of liquid impinging on the upper shield.

In one embodiment of the invention one of the upper shield and the support means is moveable away from the other from the rest position of the upper shield for facilitating replacement of the malodour counteracting means. Preferably, a spindle extends downwardly from the upper shield, the spindle being slidably engagable with the mounting means for facilitating movement of the upper shield relative to the support means from the rest position to a raised position for facilitating replacement of the malodour counteracting means.

Advantageously, a guide means is cooperable with the spindle for constraining the spindle to slide coaxially with the mounting means, and preferably, the spindle extends through the support means, and is s1idable therethrough.

In one embodiment of the invention the support means comprises a disc member for supporting the malodour counteracting means, the disc member being co-axial with the spindle.

In another embodiment of the invention the mounting means is adapted for mounting adjacent the outlet with the spindle co-axial with the outlet.

Preferably, the mounting means comprises an outlet fitting for engaging in the outlet.

Advantageously, the mounting means comprises a carrier member extending transversely across the outlet fitting for carrying the spindle.

In another embodiment of the invention the outlet 5 fitting comprises a debris trap for collecting debris passing through the outlet, and preferably, a securing means located on the outlet fitting is provided for releasably securing the device in the outlet. Ideally, the securing means is located on the debris trap.

In another embodiment of the invention the outlet fitting is of a type suitable for receiving a waste drain pipe.

Preferably, a lower shield is located just above the outlet fitting and below the support means, and defines with the outlet fitting an annular outlet gap, the transverse width of the annular outlet gap being sufficiently small for preventing the passage of debris therethrough. Advantageously, the lower shield is dome-shaped, and is carried on the mounting means, the spindle co-axially engaging the lower shield.

In one embodiment of the invention the malodour counteracting means is located on the support means.

In another embodiment of the invention the malodour counteracting means comprises a carrier impregnated with a malodour counteracting compound. Preferably, the carrier disc is impregnated with a carrier compound which controls the release of the malodour counteracting compound, and advantageously, the carrier compound is volatile. Preferably, the malodour counteracting compound is volatile.

In one embodiment of the invention the carrier disc comprises a porous disc. Preferably, the carrier disc is of a semi-rigid material. Advantageously, the carrier disc is of fabric material.

In one embodiment of the invention the carrier disc is of woven fabric material.

Additionally, the invention provides a male urinal comprising the malodour counteracting device according to the invention.

Further, the invention provides a sink, bath or shower tray comprising the malodour counteracting device according to the invention.

The invention also provides a method for counteracting a malodour emanating from a drain through an outlet to the drain wherein the method comprises the step of mounting a malodour counteracting means adjacent a stream of odours emanating from the drain for facilitating the release of volatiles from the malodour counteracting means for counteracting malodours in the stream of odours .

In one embodiment of the invention the malodour counteracting means is mounted relatively closely to the outlet to the drain.

In another embodiment of the invention the method is for counteracting a malodour emanating from a drain to which a male urinal defining the outlet is connected by the outlet, the method comprising the step of placing the malodour counteracting means relatively closely to the outlet of the urinal.

Preferably, the malodour counteracting means is mounted just above the outlet.

Advantageously, the malodour counteracting means is shielded from direct impingement of downwardly directed liquid.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is derived from the fact that by using the malodour counteracting device in a urinal, the use of flushing liquid, for example, flushing water is minimised to the extent that in most cases flushing of the urinal may be eliminated entirely. This constitutes a significant saving, in that typically, each flush of a urinal consumes approximately 1.5 litres of water, and in general, such urinals are flushed at approximately five minute intervals. Thus, the saving over one week alone in water can amount to over 3,000 litres, approximately. Additionally, by virtue of the fact that the malodour counteracting compound in the malodour counteracting means counteracts the malodours emanating from a urinal, malodours are undetectable. Furthermore, by approximately selecting the malodour counteracting compound the odour of the compound may be barely discernable. Thus, a toilet in which the urinals are provided with malodour counteracting devices essentially have a neutral odour. A further advantage of the invention is achieved by providing an upper shield for shielding the malodour counteracting means. The upper shield prevents direct impingement of urine or other liquids onto the malodour counteracting means, and thereby, minimise loss of the malodour counteracting compounds from the malodour counter acting means by purging or flushing out as a result of direct impingement of urine or other liquids on the malodour counteracting means. Another advantage of the provision of the upper shield is achieved when the upper shield is dome shaped. By providing the upper shield of dome shaped construction, back splashing of urine and other liquids is minimised. A similar advantage is achieved by providing the lower shield of dome-shape.

A particularly important advantage of the invention is achieved by slidably mounting the upper shield relative to the support means. By virtue of the fact that the upper shield is slidably mounted, the upper shield may be readily easily raised relative to the support means for facilitating replacement of a malodour counteracting disc. This, provides a relative hygienic arrangement for replacing malodour counteracting disc. Additionally, by slidably mounting the upper shield relative to the support means, the upper shield when in the rest position, effectively clamps the malodour counteracting disc on the support means.

An advantage of providing the lower shield is that by defining the annular gap which extends around the lower shield between the lower shield and the outlet fitting, debris such as cigarette butts and the like are retained in the urinal or sink, and prevented from passing through the outlet therefrom.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof which are given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a malodour counteracting device according to the invention for fitting in an outlet from a urinal, Fig. 2 is a partly cut-away perspective view of the device of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a detail of the device of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a malodour 15 counteracting device according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 5, and Fig. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a 20 malodour counteracting device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 4 there is illustrated a malodour counteracting device according to the invention which is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The malodour counteracting device 1 is suitable for mounting in an outlet 2 from a male urinal, a portion 3 of which is illustrated in Fig. 3 for counteracting malodours emanating from a water trap (not shown) which is located beneath the portion 3 and connected to the outlet 2 by a drain pipe (also not shown). The device 1 comprises an outlet fitting 5 of stainless steel which comprises a tubular outlet pipe 7 and a radially extending flange 8 extending from the pipe 7. The flange 8 abuts a peripheral portion 9 of the urinal 3 which extends around the outlet 2. A nut 12 carried on threads 15 on the pipe 7 along with a sealing washer 14 secured the outlet fitting 5 in the outlet 2 in conventional fashion. The drain pipe (not shown) which connects the outlet fitting 5 to the water trap, which is also not shown is secured in conventional fashion to the threaded pipe 7.

A support means, namely, a support disc 18 of stainless steel for supporting a malodour counteracting means, namely, a malodour counteracting disc 19, which is described in detail below, is carried on the outlet fitting 5 by a mounting means, namely, a mounting structure 20. The malodour counteracting disc 19 is supported just above the outlet fitting 5 so that it is located in a stream of odours issuing from the outlet 2 for counteracting malodours in the stream. The mounting structure 20 comprises a transverse carrier member 21 of stainless steel which extends upwardly and across the outlet fitting 5, and is secured to the flange 8 at diametrically opposite locations by welding. A guide means, namely, a tubular guide 22 of stainless steel is welded to and extends downwardly from the carrier member 21 and slidably carries a spindle 23 also of stainless steel which extends through an opening 26 in the carrier member 21. The tubular guide 22 retains and guides the spindle 23 coaxially relative to the outlet fitting 5. A tubular support 24 of stainless steel is slidably carried on the spindle 23, and rests on the carrier member 21 for supporting the support disc 18 spaced apart above the carrier member 21. The support disc 18 is slidably carried on the spindle 23.

An upper dome-shaped shield 25 of heat conductive material, in this case stainless steel material is secured by welding to the top of the spindle 23 and is coaxial therewith, and in a lower rest position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 3, shields the malodour disc 19 from direct impingement of downwardly directed urine. The upper shield 25 is moveable upwardly from the rest position into a raised position illustrated in broken lines in Fig. 3, above the support disc 18 by sliding the spindle 23 upwardly through the tubular guide 22 and the tubular support 24 for facilitating replacement of the malodour counteracting disc 19 on the support disc 18. A stop means, in this embodiment of the invention a star washer 28 of stainless steel located on the lower end of the spindle 23 abuts the tubular guide 22 for limiting upward movement of the spindle 23. In its rest position the upper shield 25 rests on the malodour counteracting disc 19, and clamps the malodour counteracting disc 19 between itself and the support disc 18.

A lower dome-shaped shield 30 of stainless steel is carried on the carrier member 21 and is welded thereto for preventing debris, such as, for example, cigarette butts passing into the outlet fitting 5. The lower shield 30 defines with the flange 8 an annular gap 31 the transverse width w of which is sufficiently small for preventing the passage of such debris between the lower shield 30 and the flange 8. A bore 32 through the lower shield 30 slidably accommodating the spindle 23.

Turning now to the malodour counteracting disc 19. The disc 19 is of a fabric material and is semi-rigid. The disc 19 being of fabric is porous, and is impregnated with a malodour counteracting chemical compound and a carrier compound which releases the malodour counteracting compound at a controlled rate. Any suitable malodour counteracting compound may be used, however, typical malodour counteracting compounds which may be used are described in British Patent Specification No. 1,545,561. The malodour counteracting disc 19 is of circular shape, having a central hole 34 extending therethrough for accommodating the spindle 23. A radially extending slit 35 extends from the hole 34 for facilitating fitting of the malodour counteracting disc 19 onto the spindle 23 so that it rests on the support disc 18.

In use, with the malodour counteracting disc 19 located on the support disc 18, the spindle 23 is lowered so that the upper shield 25 rests on and shields the disc 19 from direct impingement of downwardly directed urine. As malodours rise upwardly through the outlet fitting 5, and past the disc 19, the reaction between the malodours and the malodour counteracting compound causes release of the malodour counteracting compound for counteracting the malodour. It has also been found that heat from the urine impinging on the upper shield 25 activates the carrier compound in the disc 19 for releasing the malodour counteracting compound.

At appropriate intervals when the malodour counteracting compounds have been exhausted, the malodour counteracting disc 19 is replaced with a fresh disc. Typically, it is envisaged that the malodour counteracting disc 19 should be replaced at one week intervals, although to some extent this will depend on the usage of the urinal.

Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, there is illustrated a malodour counteracting device according to another embodiment of the invention which is indicated by the reference numeral 40. The malodour counteracting device 40 is substantially similar to the malodour counteracting device 1, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the device 40 and the device 1 is in the outlet fitting 5. In this embodiment of the invention the device 40 is suitable for mounting in a urinal (not shown) of the type which comprises an elongated channel at one end of which or intermediate the ends of which an outlet 41 is provided therefrom. The outlet 41 is illustrated in Fig. 6 only. Such outlets from a urinal channel are of circular crosssection and will be well known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment of the invention the outlet fitting of the device 40 is indicated by the reference numeral 42 and forms a debris trap 43 for collecting cigarette butts, and other debris. The trap 43 is formed by a circular sidewall 44 of perforated sheet stainless steel. Perforations are formed by a plurality of elongated slots 45 which are defined between connecting members 46 which extend between an upper band 47 and a lower band 48. A perforated base 49 of stainless steel is welded to the lower band 48.

A radially extending flange 50 of stainless steel extends outwardly from, and is welded to the upper band 47, and engages a portion 51 of the urinal channel adjacent the outlet 41.

In this embodiment of the invention the carrier member extends horizontally directly between the respective diametrically opposite locations on the flange 50. The spindle 23 slidably engages the opening 26 in the carrier member 21 and an opening 52 in the base 49 of the trap 43 which act together as a guide means for locating and constraining the spindle 23 to slide vertically co-axiallv within the outlet fitting 42. A tubular spacer 53 is slidably carried on the spindle 23, and rests on the carrier member 21, and in turn supports the lower shield 30 above the flange 50 for forming the annular gap 31 between the lower shield 30 and the flange 50. The tubular support 24 is slidably carried on the spindle 23 and rests on the lower shield in similar fashion as described with reference to the device 1 of Figs. 1 to 4.

A securing means for releasably securing the trap 43 in the outlet 41 from the urinal channel comprises three of the connecting members 46, namely, three connecting members 46a, which are slightly bent outwardly at 55 and 56 for relatively tightly engaging and abutting the inner surface of the outlet 41. The connection members 46a are arranged at 120° intervals around the trap 43.

In use, the malodour counteracting device 40 is engaged in the outlet 41 from the urinal channel as already described, and by raising the upper shield 25 a malodour counteracting disc 19 may be engaged on the spindle 23 and supported by the support disc 18.

Cigarette butts, and other debris are removed from the debris trap 43 by removing the device 40 from the outlet 41. On removal, the device 40 is inverted and the spindle 23 slides into the position illustrated by broken lines in Fig. 6. Since the support disc 18, the tubular support 24, the lower shield 30 and the spacer are all slidable on the spindle 23 they slide along the spindle 23 towards the upper shield 25. In this position, the lower shield 30 is well spaced apart from the flange 50, and cigarette butts and other debris can be discharged from the debris trap 43. By reorienting the device 40 into the orientation illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, the upper and lower shields 25 and 30, respectively, the support disc 18, the tubular support 24 and the spacer 53 take up the positions illustrated in Fig. 5 and in full lines in Fig. 6, and the device 40 can be reinserted in the outlet 41.

Referring now to Fig. 7 there is illustrated a malodour counteracting device 60. The malodour counteracting device 60 is substantially similar to the device 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the device 1 and the device 60 is that the carrier member 21 is horizontal and is mounted within the pipe 7, and is at a lower level than that of the carrier member 21 of the device 1. Accordingly, the support disc 18 is at a level which corresponds substantially with the flange 8, and the upper shield 25 is located adjacent the flange 8. Otherwise, the device 60 is similar to the device 1.

While the malodour counteracting devices have been described as being of stainless steel material, the devices may be manufactured from any other suitable material, although, it is preferable that the upper shield should be of a heat conductive material for stimulating release of the volatiles of the malodour counteracting compound. It will also be appreciated that upper and lower shields of other shape and configuration may be provided, and indeed, in many cases it is envisaged that the lower shield may be dispensed with. In which case, the upper shield would be arranged to prevent debris passing from the urinal into the outlet. In general, this would be achieved by lowering the position of the upper shield so that the peripheral edge of the upper shield would define the annular gap with the flange of the outlet fitting. It is advantageous to provide an upper shield for preventing direct impingement of downwardly directed urine onto the malodour counteracting disc. This avoids any danger of the malodour counteracting compound being purged from the disc by directly impinging urine.

Needless to say any other suitable support means for supporting the malodour counteracting disc in position may be provided.

It is also envisaged that in certain cases, the malodour counteracting devices may be provided without an outlet fitting, and in which case, a suitable mounting means would be provided for mounting the device onto an existing outlet fitting from a urinal, sink, bath, shower tray or the like.

It will of course be appreciated that the malodour counteracting device may be used in any outlet besides an outlet from a urinal, for example, the malodour counteracting device may be used in an outlet from a bath, a shower tray, a bidet, a sink, a hand basin or the like.

While the malodour counteracting means has been described as comprising a malodour counteracting disc which comprises a malodour counteracting compound, any other suitable malodour counteracting means may be provided. For example, it is envisaged in certain cases that the malodour counteracting means may be provided by any other type of disc, by a gel, or indeed, it may be provided in liquid form. In the latter cases, the support means would be provided in the form of a reservoir, tank, receptacle or the like for holding the liquid or gel or the like. Needless to say, other malodour counteracting compounds may be used besides those described in British Patent Specification No. 1,545,561.

It is also envisaged that the malodour counteracting compound may include an aromatic bio-remedial compound or other such compounds.

Claims

1. A malodour counteracting device for counteracting malodours emanating from a drain through an outlet connected to the drain, the device comprising a support means for supporting a malodour counteracting means, a mounting means for mounting the support means with the malodour counteracting means adjacent a stream of odours emanating from the drain for facilitating the release of volatiles from the malodour counteracting means for counteracting malodours in the stream of odours for minimising flushing of the drain.

2. A malodour counteracting device as claimed in Claim 1 in which the device is for use in a male urinal, the male urinal defining the outlet for connection to the drain, and the mounting means is adapted for mounting the support means in or just above the outlet of the urinal.

3. A malodour counteracting device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which an upper shield is located above the support means for cooperating with the support means when the upper shield is in a rest position for preventing direct impingement of a downwardly directed liquid on the malodour counteracting means, one of the upper shield and the support means being moveable away from the other from the rest position of the upper shield for facilitating replacement of the malodour counteracting means, and a spindle extends downwardly from the upper shield, the spindle being slidably engagable with the mounting means for facilitating 5 movement of the upper shield relative to the support means from the rest position to a raised position for facilitating replacement of the malodour counteracting means .

4. A malodour counteracting device substantially as 10 described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

5. A method for counteracting a malodour emanating from a drain through an outlet to the drain, the method comprising the step of mounting a malodour 15 counteracting means adjacent a stream of odours emanating from the drain for facilitating the release of volatiles from the malodour counteracting means for counteracting malodours in the stream of odours.