WO2011067579A1

WO2011067579A1 - Urinal waste outlet cap

Info

Publication number: WO2011067579A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/050828
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew James Ruddock
Original assignee: Think Water Limited
Priority date: 2009-12-01
Filing date: 2010-05-20
Publication date: 2011-06-09
Also published as: GB0921054D0

Abstract

A cap (25) adapted to connect to a conventional waste strainer (16) fitted to the waste outlet (11) of a urinal (10). The cap (25) comprises a cover portion (26) defining a cavity (28) for receiving a cleaning compound (29) and a stem (31) extending downwardly from the underside (32) of the cap (25) so as to locate in an aperture (19) on the waste strainer (16). The cover portion (26) is adapted to overlie the waste strainer (16) and to permit fluid in the urinal to flow through the cavity (28) before entering the waste outlet (11). In one arrangement the cover portion (26) includes a peripheral region (27) extending there around and which defines a peripheral edge adapted to rest on an outer portion (14) of the waste strainer (16). Preferably that peripheral region (27) includes at least one opening (30) to permit fluid in the urinal to enter the cavity (28) and most preferably the at least one opening is defined by the peripheral edge. There may also be provided locking means (48) to inhibit removal of the cap from the waste strainer (16).

Description

Urinal Waste Outlet Cap

The present invention relates to urinal fittings and particularly to a urinal fitting that holds a cleaning compound.

Most male public toilets, and in some countries female public toilets, include at least one urinal. These typically comprise a bowl or a trough in which a person may urinate and a waste outlet connected to sewage works or a septic tank through which urine drains. Quite commonly, they also include an inlet connected to a clean water supply and a control valve operable to flush the urinal with clean water. Since the urinal plumbing is sized to carry fluid and not solid matter, many urinals are fitted with a waste strainer comprising a grille or apertured plate through which fluids and small articles may drain, but by which sufficiently large articles are blocked. In fact, most waste outlets are fitted with a waste outlet connector to which a conventional waste strainer is integrally moulded. Such a connector may include a tubular body that locates in the waste outlet, a peripheral flange provided on the upper edge of the body and which forms a seal around the waste outlet, and a frusto-conical or domed grille member mounted on the flange and provided with slots around its side and a hole on it end.

Given the unhygienic and in some cases pungent nature of urine, many urinals are also furnished with cleaning compounds, typically in the form of dissolving blocks which sit within the urinal and serve to disinfect and deodorise. These blocks are usually located in the base of the bowl or trough and within the vicinity of the waste outlet. Quite surprisingly, they are sometimes stolen or crushed by some unsavoury members of the public, which is particularly problematic when no toilet attendant is present, since the absence of or damage to a cleansing compound may go unnoticed for days.

Urinals usually occupy very little space since they need not be located in cubicles or between partitions and this enables a given size room or building to be fitted with more urinal bowls or larger urinal troughs than conventional toilet bowls. However, given the number of urinals or the size of the troughs it is preferable that any holder for securing or concealing the cleansing compound can be retrofitted to the urinal without having to remove or replace the waste outlet since this could be very costly, particularly for public toilets having as many 30 urinals or large troughs with many waste outlets.

It is a principle object of the present invention to provide a device that can conceal a cleansing compound so as not to attract the attention of vandals and thieves. It is a further object of this invention to resist unauthorised removal of the cleaning compound. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a device that may be easily installed, preferably by a toilet attendant.

According to the invention, there is provided a cap adapted to connect to a conventional waste strainer fitted to the waste outlet of a urinal, the cap comprises:

- a cover portion defining a cavity for locating a cleaning compound, said cover portion being adapted to overlie the waste strainer and to permit fluid in the urinal to flow through the cavity before entering the waste outlet; and

- a stem extending downwardly from the underside of the cap and adapted to locate in an aperture on the waste strainer.

The conventional waste strainer is discussed above; it is widely available in plastics or metal and overlies the waste outlet of the urinal. Indeed, the conventional waste strainer is commonly integrally moulded to a waste outlet connector which locates in the waste outlet.

Preferably the cover portion comprises an inverted cup and is most preferably at least partially domed so as to prevent liquid collecting thereon. Advantageously, the cover portion includes a peripheral region extending therearound which defines a peripheral edge adapted to rest on an outer portion of the waste strainer, the flange of the waste outlet connector or the base of the urinal. It is preferred that the cap is at least partially supported on this edge. Furthermore, one or more formation may be defined in the cap, most preferably at the peripheral edge so as to permit flow of liquid from the base of the urinal to the waste outlet. Further, several large openings or many smaller openings may be formed in the peripheral region so as not to restrict the flow of liquid through the cover portion and into the waste outlet. The openings may be defined by the shape of the edge and configured such that the peripheral region comprises a series of narrow legs. Indeed, openings may be formed all over the cover portion, such that it resembles a cage.

In a preferred arrangement the stem is substantially elongate and depends downwardly from a central point inside the cover portion so that the cap is properly balanced when fitted to the waste strainer. Alternatively, the stem may be offset from the centre of the cover portion for use with a waste strainer not having a central aperture. In one arrangement two or more stems may be provided for location in the same aperture or different apertures provided in the waste strainer. Furthermore, the stem may be generally cylindrical and sized to form a snug fit inside the circular aperture provided in most conventional waste strainers. The cross-section of the stem may be selected to correspond to the shape of the aperture, since not all conventional waste strainers may have circular apertures.

Instead or in addition to the supporting peripheral edge discussed above, the stem of one embodiment may include a downwardly facing surface arranged to rest against a suitable surface provided on the waste strainer. In this arrangement, the peripheral edge may be spaced above the waste strainer to allow flow around the edge such that the provision of openings is unnecessary. Most preferably the stem comprises upper and lower portions and the upper portion has a larger cross- section than that of the smaller portion so as to define a shoulder on which the downwardly facing surface is provided. In this arrangement the lower portion is inserted fully into the aperture until the shoulder defining the downwardly facing surface rests on the waste strainer. For simplicity, the stem may be cylindrical and a flat face may be machined or otherwise formed along a lower part of its length to define the lower section. Alternatively, the stem is generally cylindrical and the upper portion is diametrically larger than the lower portion.

Advantageously, the length of the upper portion may correspond to the thickness of the cleaning compound to be accommodated in the cavity and most preferably the cleaning compound is annular so as to locate around the upper portion. In this arrangement the cleaning compound is positioned substantially above the waste strainer when installed.

Alternatively, the stem may be fully inserted into the aperture and an interior surface on the cover portion engages the waste strainer rather than there being a downwardly facing surface on the stem. In this arrangement the cap is likely to be wider than the waste strainer such that the cleaning compound locates around the periphery of the waste strainer and not above the waste strainer.

In a preferred embodiment locking means are provided to inhibit removal of the cap from the waste strainer, particularly by thieves and vandals. For instance, the locking means may include at least one detent provided on the stem and arranged to co-operate with an engagement surface on the waste strainer when the stem is inserted fully into the aperture, and which cooperation prevents easy removal of the cap from the waste strainer. Furthermore, the portion of the waste strainer defining the aperture may also define the engagement surface with which the detent cooperates in use.

In one arrangement the or each detent may adopt an extended position whereat said detent and the stem have a combined width greater than the width of the aperture or a contracted position whereat said detent and the stem have a combined width less than the width of the aperture. Further, the detent may be arranged at rest to adopt the extended position and being operable temporarily to adopt the contracted position while passing though the aperture as the stem is inserted fully therein. For example the detent may be movable or deformable to allow the stem to be inserted into the aperture.

In a preferred arrangement, the or each detent comprises a resilient limb integrally moulded to the stem and which projects outwardly therefrom in its extended position and projects upwardly therefrom in its contracted position. Thus, as the stem is inserted into the aperture the or each limb is urged towards its contracted position as it passes through the aperture and returns to its extended position when it is free of the aperture. In its extended position the free end thereof bears against the engagement surface provided on the waste strainer.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking means may include a screw thread provided at least part way up the stem and adapted to engage a screw thread to be formed in the aperture. Screw threads of this nature are not provided on conventional waste strainers, but could be formed with relative ease on conventional waste strainers made from sufficiently soft material. In fact, a thread cutter such as a tap could be provided with the cap as part of a kit. This way, once the thread is formed in the aperture the cap could be screwed in place. The cap could even be adapted to be gripped by a suitable tool to allow it to be tightened onto the waste strainer. Alternatively, a tubular insert could be provided having an exterior surface sized to fit snugly in the aperture of the waste strainer and an interior surface provided with a threaded portion for cooperation with the threaded portion of the stem. The insert could be glued into the aperture and or sized to form an interference fit therewith. This may be advantageous over screwing the stem directly to the aperture because the insert could be longer than the aperture thus having more threads for offering greater contact.

Typically a cleaning compound is a solid block comprising disinfecting and deodorising ingredients and may be of any size, shape or colour to suit a range of different size and shape cavities. Typically, cleaning compounds of this nature are formed in moulds from a liquid composition and allowed to solidify before being removed from the moulds. Advantageously, the liquid composition could be poured directly into the cavity of the cap and allowed to solidify as part of a final stage manufacturing process. Once that cleaning compound has dissolved it may be replaced in the same cap by a new cleaning compound in the form of a solid block and this replacement may be effected by a toilet attendant. Alternatively, the entire cap may be replaced.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a urinal waste outlet assembly comprising a cap as described above and a waste outlet connector comprising:

- a cylindrical connecting portion locatable within the outlet of the urinal;

- a circumferential flange extending radially outwardly from an upper edge of the connecting portion; and

- a waste strainer disposed on and above the flange and defining an aperture in which the stem locates.

This waste outlet assembly provides the parts necessary for effectively plumbing the outlet of a urinal to a waste pipe, for inhibiting the entry of debris into the outlet and for concealing a cleaning compound to reduce the likelihood of it being stolen or vandalised. Preferably, the waste outlet connector is fitted to the urinal by inserting the cylindrical connecting portion into the outlet such that the flange locates on the portion of the urinal bowl immediately surrounding the outlet. Advantageously, an annular seal is disposed between the urinal and the flange so as to prevent liquid draining therebetween.

Preferably the waste strainer includes a ring defining the aperture and is spaced above the flange by a plurality of legs extending therebetween, said ring most preferably being concentric with the cylindrical connecting portion.

Further, the assembly may also include a cleaning compound which locates within the cavity and which may locate above and or around the waste strainer.

By way of example only, two embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known urinal bowl fitted with a conventional waste outlet connector having a waste strainer;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the waste outlet connector shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a cross-section of the waste outlet connector shown in Figure 2, taken along the line AA;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cap according to the invention which may be fitted to the waste strainer shown in Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the cap shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a cross-section through the cap shown in Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 7 is a cross-section of the cap and the waste strainer;

Figure 8 is a plan view of a cap according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a cross-section through the cap shown in Figure 8; and

Figure 10 is a cross-section through the cap of Figures 8 and 9 when fitted to the waste strainer of Figures 1 to 3.

Referring initially to Figure 1 there is shown a standard urinal bowl 10 mountable to a support such as a wall (not shown) at a level suitable to enable an adult male to urinate therein. At the lowest point inside the urinal bowl there is provided a waste outlet (not shown) fitted with a commonly available waste outlet connector generally indicated 1 1. That waste outlet connector 1 1 is better shown in Figures 2 and 3 and comprises a tubular body 12 having a thread formed on its exterior surface 13, a flange 14 extending radially outwardly from an upper edge 15 of the tubular body and a waste strainer 16 disposed above that upper edge. The waste strainer 16 comprises eight legs 17 upstanding from the upper edge 15 and a ring 18 that joins the tops of the legs 17 and defines a central aperture 19.

Figures 4 to 6 show a cap generally indicated 25 which is to be fitted to the waste strainer 16 of the outlet connector 1 1 and comprises a domed top 26 and a circumferential skirt 27 depending downwardly therefrom. The cap 25 defines a chamber 28 sized to receive a cleansing compound 29 of the variety commonly used in urinals. The lower face of the skirt 27 undulates so as to define a plurality of equally spaced openings 30 in the side of the skirt. A cylindrical stem 31 extends downwardly from a central point on the inner face 32 of the dome 26 and includes upper and lower sections 33,34. The upper section 33 is diametrically larger than the lower section 34 such that its end face defines an annular shoulder 35, which is correspondingly sized with the annular upper face of the waste strainer ring 18. The lower section 34 has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the aperture 19 of the waste strainer ring 18 so as to locate snugly therein and a length substantially longer than that of the waste strainer ring.

The cap 25 can be installed to any urinal fitted with a conventional outlet connector having a waste strainer simply by locating an annular cleansing compound 29 within the chamber 28 and around the upper section 33 of the stem 31 , presenting the cap 25 above the waste strainer 16 and then locating the lower section 34 of the stem 31 into the aperture 19. The height of the skirt 27 and the upper section 33 are selected such that when the shoulder 35 bears against the upper face of the ring 18, the lower edge of the skirt 27 bears against the flange 14, thus offering maximum stability. Urine or water in the bowl 10 may drain through the openings 30 of the cap 25 and between the legs 17 of the waste strainer 16 before flowing through the outlet and into the waste pipes.

Figures 8 to 10 show a second embodiment of the invention corresponding very closely to the first embodiment, so like features have been given like reference numbers. The cap 45 is made from a plastics material and moulded as one piece. The lower section 46 of the stem 47 includes a pair of resilient limbs 48 integrally moulded to the cap 45 and which extend upwardly and outwardly from the lower section 46. Each limb 48 has an end 49 which is spaced a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the ring 18 of the waste strainer 16, the reason for which will be discussed below. A pair of opposed recesses 50 are provided in the lower section 46, one next to each limb 48 so as to provide a space in which each limb may locate when urged inwardly. Each recess 50 may comprise a flat formed in the lower stem 46 and which is sufficiently deep to accommodate its respective limb.

To install the cap 45, the cleansing compound 29 is first located around the upper section 33 in the usual manner and the lower section 46 of the stem 47 is inserted into the aperture 19 of the ring 18. Eventually the limbs 48 make contact with the ring 18 and are urged inwardly so as to locate temporarily in their recesses 50 while they pass through the aperture 19. Once the stem 47 is fully inserted and the shoulder 35 rests on the upper face of the ring 18, the limbs 48 are free of the ring 18 and return to their usual position. Since the distance between the end 49 of each limb 48 and the shoulder 35 is equal to the thickness of the ring 18, the end of each limb bears against the underside of the ring, thus preventing removal of the cap 45 from the waste strainer 16. The cleansing compound 29 may be replaced by removing the cap which is achieved by applying sufficient force in an upward direction to severe the limbs from the stem. Once those limbs are severed the cap 47 may no longer be secured to the waste strainer 16 and a new cap with a fresh supply of cleansing compound is then attached.

Claims

1. A cap adapted to connect to a conventional waste strainer fitted to the waste outlet of a urinal, the cap comprises:

2. A cap as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the cover portion includes a peripheral region extending therearound and which defines a peripheral edge adapted to rest on an outer portion of the waste strainer.

3. A cap as claimed in claim 2, wherein the peripheral region includes at least one opening to permit fluid in the urinal to enter the cavity.

4. A cap as claimed in claim 3, wherein the or each opening is defined by the peripheral edge.

5. A cap as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the stem depends from the centre of the cover portion.

6. A cap as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the stem is sized to locate snugly in the aperture on the waste strainer.

7. A cap as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein the stem includes an abutment face adapted to rest on a portion of the waste strainer.

8. A cap as claimed in claim 7, wherein the stem comprises upper and lower portions and the upper portion has a larger cross-section than that of the lower portion so as to form a shoulder defining the abutment face.

9. A cap as claimed in claim 8, wherein the stem is generally cylindrical and the upper portion is diametrically larger than the lower portion.

10. A cap as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the length of the upper portion corresponds to the thickness of the cleaning compound.

11 . A cap as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein locking means are provided to inhibit removal of the cap from the waste strainer.

12. A cap as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the locking means include at least one detent provided on the stem and arranged to co-operate with an engagement surface provided on the waste strainer when the stem is inserted fully into the aperture and which cooperation prevents unauthorised removal of the cap from the waste strainer.

13. A cap as claimed in claim 12, wherein the or each detent is adapted to adopt an extended position whereat said detent and the stem have a combined width greater than the width of the aperture or a contracted position whereat said detent and the stem have a combined width less than the width of the aperture, the detent being arranged at rest to adopt the extended position and being operable temporarily to adopt the contracted position while passing though the aperture as the stem is inserted fully therein.

14. A cap as claimed in claim 13, wherein the or each detent comprises a resilient limb integrally moulded with the stem, and which limb projects outwardly therefrom in its extended position and projects upwardly therefrom in its contracted position, whereby insertion of the stem into the aperture causes the or each limb to press against the stem and adopt the contracted position and once it passes the aperture it returns to its extended position such that the free end thereof bears against the engagement surface provided on the waste strainer.

15. A cap as claimed in any preceding claim, and further comprising a cleaning compound located within the cavity.

16. A cap as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

17. A urinal waste outlet assembly comprising a cap as claimed in any preceding claim and a waste outlet connector comprising:

- a cylindrical connecting portion locatable within the outlet of the urinal; - a circumferential flange extending radially outwardly from an upper edge of the connecting portion; and

- a waste strainer mounted to the flange and defining an aperture in which the stem locates.

18. A urinal waste outlet assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the waste strainer includes a ring defining the aperture and is spaced above the flange by a plurality of legs extending therebetween.

19. A urinal waste outlet assembly as claimed in claim 17 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.