ODOR TRAP MECHANISMS AND SELF CLEANING URINAL SYSTEMS

Abstract

Disclosure provides mechanical odor trap mechanism that can be coupled anywhere in the plumbing of a urinal system below the operative base. A receptacle is provided to receive and discharge the fluid from the urinal via a floatation device that is configured to float in the presence of fluid and settle down into the discharge opening in the absence of fluid to sealingly close the opening and block the escape of odor. A self cleaning urinal system can be configured to implement such mechanical odor trap mechanism and further be configured with spraying mechanism disposed at an elevation to spray water and/or air jets to wash away splattered fluid residue. A feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan can be provided with a lid configured to sealingly close the opening for feces to enable washing without the user shifting positions and also to block odor.

Claims

1. A mechanical odor trap mechanism coupled to at least one urinal, said mechanism comprising: (i) a receptacle configured to be coupled to the at least one urinal at either the operative base of the at least one urinal, along the fluid connector associated thereof or disposed within the fluid connector, said receptacle being provided with a first opening to receive the fluid from the at least one urinal and a second opening to discharge the received fluid; and (ii) a floatation device disposed within said receptacle, said floatation device configured to float in the presence of the fluid, thereby allowing the fluid to discharge through and sealing engage said second opening in the absence of the fluid thereby blocking odor associated with the discharged fluid.

2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is press fitted, threaded, clamped or provided with at least one of mechanical sleeves, O-rings, annular ribs, lock nuts or hex nuts for scalingly coupling with the at least one urinal.

3. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is configured with a sieve to filter out any undesired material and permit only the fluid from the at least one urinal from entering therein.

4. The mechanism of claim 3, wherein said receptacle is configured with a T-shaped joint or at least a two-way joint proximal said sieve, said T-shaped joint having an arm extending laterally along said fluid connector at an end configured to receive the fluid and an arm perpendicular to the lateral arm provided with at least one opening configured to facilitate access to debris collected on said sieve for cleaning, said opening being openably sealable.

5. The mechanism of claim 3, further comprising at least one of (i) a lifting mechanism for maneuvering said floatation device for maintenance or replacement, said lifting mechanism coupled to said sieve or a side wall of said receptacle and (ii) a floatation limiting mechanism configured to restrain said floatation device in place by inhibiting toppling in the presence of a gush of fluid in said receptacle.

6. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said floatation device is selectively filled with predetermined quantity and type of gas for facilitating buoyancy.

7. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said floatation device is made of at least two subparts defining a volume of air there between for buoyancy.

8. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said floatation device is configured to have a unitary construction or have at least two subparts that can be sealingly coupled with pre-defined volume of gas there between for buoyancy.

9. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said floatation device is configured to have a non-spherical shape with at least an operative bottom surface of said floatation device conforming with the shape defined by said second opening with upwardly inclined side walls configured on either side of said opening.

10. The mechanism of claim 1 further comprising grip means integrally formed with said receptacle for facilitating use of tools for coupling said mechanism to at least one urinal.

11. A self cleaning urinal system having at least one mechanical odor trap mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system comprises a spraying mechanism configured to clean splattered fluid residue from the at least one urinal, said spraying mechanism comprising one or more combinations of fluid jets disposed in a pre-determined manner at an elevated level to facilitate cleaning of the facility housing the at least one urinal, said fluid jets being operable at pre-determined time intervals by either automated timer controller valves or manually operated valves.

12. A feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan having at least one first opening for receiving the urine, at least one second opening for receiving the feces and at least one third opening for receiving wash water, said toilet pan comprising a detachable lid configured to sealingly close each of said at least one second opening and prevent wash water from entering therein and facilitating washing without requiring user to move towards said third opening and permitting only one of said at least one second opening to be used.

13. The feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan of claim 12, wherein said at least one first opening and said at least one third opening are configured in a first end section and a second end section at opposing ends along a longitudinal axis of the toilet pan and said second opening is configured in a middle section there between such that said first end section, said second end section and said middle section together form said toilet pan having either unitary construction or one or more combination of discrete sections.

14. The feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan of claim 13 further comprising a barrier disposed between said first end section and said middle section, said barrier configured to prevent mixing of urine received in said first opening with wash water that is spread over said middle section and said second end section.

15. The feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan of claim 13, wherein said middle section is disposed substantially horizontal with respect to ground and said first end section and said second end section extend in opposing directions at an inclined angle from ends of said middle section on either side.

16. The feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan of claim 12 further comprising foot rests configured on either side of said second opening.

17. The feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan of claim 12, wherein said lid is configured with at least one handle.

18. The feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan of claim 12, wherein said lid is configured with at least one fourth opening configured to receive wash water and direct the wash water to flow towards said second end section.

19. The feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan of claim 12, wherein said lid is provided with at least one inclined surface configured to direct the wash water to flow towards said second end section.

20. The feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan of claim 12, wherein said lid is configured with either conical or dome shaped operating top surface.

21. The feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan of claim 12, wherein said lid is configured to be press fitted, threaded or provided with a mechanical lock to place said lid into position over said second opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0032] In the Figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. if only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0033] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic cross sectional representation of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D illustrate exemplary positioning of a mechanical odor trap mechanism in different types of fluid connectors in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism coupled to a fluid connector with clamps in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross sectional view of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism with a floatation device scalingly engaged with a discharge opening in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism coupled to a fluid connector by inserting the mechanism therein.

[0039] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary sieve that can be coupled to a mechanical odor trap mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism provided with a sieve in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 5C illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism provided with a sieve and coupled to a fluid connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 5D illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism provided with a T-joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 5E illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism provided with a sieve and a lifting mechanism to raise or lower a floatation device through the sieve.

[0044] FIG. 5F illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism provided with a sieve and a lifting mechanism to raise or lower a floatation device through a side wall of the receptacle.

[0045] FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary non-spherical shaped floatation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic representation of partial view of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism with a non-spherical shaped floatation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 6C illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary non-spherical shaped floatation device with a floatation limiting mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan with a lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 7C illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary feces, urine and wash water separating dual pit toilet pan in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary lid that can be used with a feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary lid that can be used with a feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0054] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the invention may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the invention will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0055] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to odor trap mechanisms and self cleaning urinal systems. In accordance with an aspect, a mechanical odor trap mechanism is disclosed that can be coupled to at least one urinal at any location in the plumbing system. For instance, the mechanism can be coupled to the operative base of the urinal or somewhere along the fluid connector of the urinal or even within the fluid connector.

[0056] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic representation of exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 and FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic cross sectional representation of exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism 100, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Mechanism 100 includes receptacle 10 that can be coupled to plumbing systems associated with urinal systems. FIG. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D illustrate exemplary positioning of mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 in different types of fluid connectors 24 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. Receptacle 10 can be provided with first opening 12 for receiving fluid from urinals and second opening 14 to discharge the received fluid. Floatation device 16 can be disposed within receptacle 10. Floatation device 16 can be configured to float in the presence of fluid in receptacle 10 and settle over second opening 14 and be confined therein by upwardly inclined side walls 18 provided in receptacle 10 to seal second opening 14 in the absence of the fluid. The sealed second opening ensures that once fluid is discharged from the urinal bowl and passes through mechanical odor trap mechanism 100, undesirable odor associated with the discharged fluid is prevented from escaping.

[0057] In accordance with an embodiment, receptacle 10 can be coupled to the urinal by various means such as press fitting, by providing threads on at least one surface of receptacle 10, by clamping, providing mechanical sleeves, O-rings, annular ribs, lock nuts or hex nuts so that receptacle 10 is sealingly coupled to the urinal. In an exemplary embodiment, threads 20 are provided along at least a portion of the outer surface of receptacle 10. FIG. 1B illustrates threads 20 provided along the outer surface of receptacle 10. in accordance with an embodiment, grip means 22 can be provided on the outer surface of receptacle 10 for proper handling by tools such as wrench to facilitate coupling of receptacle 10 with fluid connector 24.

[0058] In accordance with an embodiment, diameter of receptacle 10 can be either greater than, less than or equal to that of fluid connector 24. In accordance with an embodiment, the diameter of the first opening and the second opening can be such that fluid connectors of different diameters can be coupled to either side of the odor trap mechanism. In the event that the diameter of receptacle 10 is greater than that of fluid connector 24, receptacle 10 can be configured to be coupled to the fluid connector 24 at first opening 12 and second opening 14 by inserting ends of fluid connector 24 into first opening 12 and second opening 14 respectively and sealing securing the ends by either press fitting or threading or clamping or providing with at least one of mechanical sleeves, O-rings or annular ribs. In accordance with an embodiment, in the event that diameter of receptacle 10 is less than that of fluid connector 24, first opening 12 and second opening 14 of receptacle 10 can be inserted into ends of fluid connector 24 and further scaling securing the ends by any of the means described herein above. In accordance with another embodiment, receptacle 10 can be inserted completely into fluid connector 24. In accordance with yet another embodiment, in the event that diameter of receptacle 10 is equal to that of fluid connector 24, lock nuts or hex nuts can be provided to sealing couple receptacle 10 to fluid connector 24. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 coupled to a fluid connector with clamps 26 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross sectional view of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 with floatation device 16 sealingly engaged with second opening 14 and held therein by inclined side walls 18 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In accordance with an embodiment, grip means 22 can be integrally molded with receptacle 10. In accordance with an embodiment, mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 of the present disclosure is made of polymeric material such as plastic.

[0060] FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 coupled to fluid connector 24 by inserting mechanism 100 therein. The embodiment of FIG. 4B embodiment can be configured when diameter of receptacle 10 is lesser than that of fluid connector 24.

[0061] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic representation of exemplary sieve 28 that can be coupled to mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure and FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic representation of exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 provided with sieve 28 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5C illustrates a schematic representation of exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 provided with sieve 28 and coupled to fluid connector 24 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Sieve 28 can be configured to prevent debris such as cigarette butts, chewing gum and the like from falling into receptacle 10 that may hamper effective operation of mechanical odor trap mechanism 100. The floatation device 16 can be configured to be connected to the sieve by means (not shown) such as a string or a rod that will facilitate removal of floatation device 16 for maintenance or replacement.

[0062] FIG. 5D illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism provided with T-joint 50 proximate to sieve 28 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. T-joint 50 is provided with an arm extending laterally from mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 along the fluid connector at an end configured to receive the fluid and an arm perpendicular to the lateral arm is provided with an opening (not referenced) configured to provide access to sieve 28 or the top portion of mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 to facilitate cleaning of debris, if any. The opening can be covered using any means known in the art including but not limited to plugs, valves, screens and the like. In accordance with an embodiment, T-joint 50 can be provided with one or more openings. In accordance with another embodiment, the mechanical odor trap mechanism can be provided with at least a two way joint.

[0063] FIG. 5E illustrates a schematic representation of exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 provided with sieve 28 and a lifting mechanism to raise or lower floatation device 16 through sieve 28. In accordance with an embodiment, the lifting mechanism can be an automated or manual or mechanical contraption adapted to raise and lower floatation device 16 to open or seal second opening 14 for cleaning or maintenance. In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting mechanism includes a wire such as plastic wire, coupled to floatation device 16 through hook system at one end and to a securing plug at the other end, the securing plug being coupled to sieve 28.

[0064] FIG. 5F illustrates a schematic representation of exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 provided with sieve 28 and a lifting mechanism to raise or lower floatation device 16 through a side wall of receptacle 10. This embodiment ensures easy accessibility without interruption to the flow of fluids through sieve 28. In an embodiment the securing plug can be provided at an angle to the side wall to avert leaks, if any.

[0065] FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary non-spherical shaped floatation device 16 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure and FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic representation of partial view of exemplary mechanical odor trap mechanism 100 with non-spherical shaped floatation device 16 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In accordance with an embodiment, the non-spherical shape is such that at least the operative bottom surface of floatation device 16 conforms with the shape defined by second opening 14 and upwardly inclined side walls 18 configured on either side of second opening 14 to sealingly engage floatation device 16 with second opening 14 and block odor from the discharged fluid from escaping. In accordance with an embodiment, floatation device 16 can be selectively filled with predetermined quantity and type of gas such as air for facilitating buoyancy. In accordance with an embodiment, floatation device 16 can be made of at least two subparts, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, defining a volume of air there between for buoyancy. In accordance with an embodiment, floatation device 16 is configured to have a unitary construction or have at least two subparts that can be sealingly coupled with pre-defined volume of gas there between for buoyancy. In accordance with an embodiment, floatation device 16 can be directly coupled to the operative base of any urinal. FIG. 6C illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary non-spherical shaped floatation device with a floatation limiting mechanism 60 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Toppling of floatation device 16 can occur when a gush of fluid is introduced into mechanical odor trap mechanism 100. To avert such toppling, floatation limiting mechanism 60 can be provided in the form of a rod or a sieve placed in close proximity to floatation device 16 to inhibit toppling and facilitate proper sealing of second opening 14

[0066] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a self cleaning urinal system can be configured with a mechanical odor trap mechanism as described in the various embodiments herein above. Such system can be further configured with a spraying mechanism for cleaning splattered fluid residue from the urinal. The spraying mechanism can include one or more combinations of fluid jets disposed in a pre-determined manner at an elevated level to facilitate cleaning of the facility housing the urinal. The fluid jets can be operated at pre-determined time intervals by either automated timer controller valves or manually operated valves.

[0067] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate schematic representations of exemplary feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan 200A with lid 30 in place and without lid 30 respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure provided with at least one first opening 32 for receiving the urine, a second opening 34 for receiving the feces and at least one third opening 36 for receiving wash water. A user is required to move towards third opening 36 when washing. In accordance with an embodiment, toilet pan 200 is provided with a detachable lid 30 that can be configured to sealingly close second opening 34 to prevent wash water from entering therein and thereby washing without requiring user to move towards the third opening.

[0068] In accordance with an embodiment, first opening 32 and third opening 36 are configured in a first end section and a second end section at opposing ends along a longitudinal axis of toilet pan 200A and second opening 34 is configured in a middle section there between such that the first end section, the second end section and the middle section together form a toilet pan having either unitary construction or one or more combination of discrete sections.

[0069] In accordance with an embodiment, toilet pan 200A can further include barrier 40 disposed between the first end section and the middle section to prevent mixing of urine received in the first opening with wash water that may be spread over the middle section and the second end section.

[0070] In accordance with an embodiment, toilet pan 200A can be configured such that the middle section is disposed substantially horizontal with respect to ground and the first end section and the second end section extend in opposing directions at an inclined angle from ends of the middle section on either side.

[0071] In accordance with an embodiment, foot rests 44 can be configured on either side of second opening 34.

[0072] FIG. 7C illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary feces, urine and wash water separating dual pit toilet pan 200B in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The dual pit toilet pan 200B obviates the need for two toilet pans 200A when there are two feces pits provided. The dual pit toilet pan as illustrated can include at least one first opening 32 for receiving the urine, two second openings 34 for receiving the feces and at least one third opening 36 for receiving wash water. in accordance with an embodiment, dual pit toilet pan 200B can be provided with two detachable lids (not shown) that can be configured to sealingly close the two second openings 34 to prevent wash water from entering therein and thereby washing without requiring user to move towards the third opening. Particularly, one lid facilitates washing without requiring user to move towards the third opening 36, the second lid ensures that the second feces pit is sealingly shut so that the user is allowed to use only one pit at a time.

[0073] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate two perspective views of exemplary lid 30 that can be used with feces, urine and wash water separating toilet pan 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In accordance with an embodiment, lid 30 can be configured with at least one handle 42 that may be fixed or movable and configured to have an ergonomic shape. In accordance with an embodiment, lid 30 can be configured to be press fitted, threaded or provided with a mechanical lock to place lid 30 into position over second opening 34. Placing lid 30 sealingly over second opening 34 also prevents odor from escaping from second opening 34. In accordance with an embodiment, lid 30 can be configured with at least one fourth opening 38 that can be configured to receive wash water and direct the wash water to flow towards the second end section. In accordance with an embodiment, lid 30 can be provided with at least one inclined surface 46 configured to direct the wash water to flow towards the second end section. Lid 30 as illustrated in FIG. 8B is configured with either conical or dome shaped operating top surface 46 to enable wash water to flow off the surface and flow towards the second end section.

[0074] It should be understood that while the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in a manner wherein certain pats like grip means 22 is indicated particularly in all illustrated embodiments, it is possible to configure mechanical odor trap mechanism with one or more combination of other types of grip means and also without such grip means and such modification is well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that features illustrated with reference to any particular embodiment may be applicable to other embodiments of the present disclosure and may not be limited to the illustrated embodiment alone.

[0076] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF PRESENT INVENTION

[0077] The present disclosure provides odor trap mechanisms in water-less and water-lean urinal establishments.

[0078] The present disclosure provides automatic cleaning of urinal or toilet establishments.

[0079] The present disclosure provides a toilet pan for effectively separating feces, urine and wash water to facilitate extracting nutrients from human excreta.

[0080] The present disclosure provides odor trap mechanisms that can be implemented within any urinal system known in the art.