U.S. patent application number 11/375940 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-21 for cartridge apparatus for urinal.
Invention is credited to Terrance E. Janssen.
Application Number | 20060207005 11/375940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37008728 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060207005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Janssen; Terrance E. |
September 21, 2006 |
Cartridge apparatus for urinal
Abstract
A cartridge apparatus for use with a urinal (e.g., a waterless
urinal) is configured to be received at least partially within a
cartridge housing associated with the urinal bowl thereof. The
cartridge apparatus includes a cartridge top member having at least
one opening configured to allow urine in a urinal bowl to pass into
the cartridge apparatus and a fluidless cartridge trap connected to
the cartridge top member that is normally in a closed state to
prevent gases (e.g., sewer gases or other odors) from exiting from
a cartridge housing and that is in an open state to allow urine to
pass therethrough when urine is received in the cartridge apparatus
through the cartridge top member. A urinal apparatus with which the
cartridge may be used may include a cleaning apparatus for use in
disinfecting and/or deodorizing the urinal apparatus.
Inventors: |
Janssen; Terrance E.; (St.
Pete Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MUETING, RAASCH & GEBHARDT, P.A.
P.O. BOX 581415
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55458
US
|
Family ID: |
37008728 |
Appl. No.: |
11/375940 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60662189 |
Mar 16, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/310 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 13/00 20130101;
E03C 1/281 20130101; E03C 1/298 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/310 |
International
Class: |
E03D 13/00 20060101
E03D013/00 |
Claims
1. A urinal apparatus, comprising: a urinal bowl configured to
receive urine, the urinal bowl including at least one opening; a
cartridge housing associated with the at least one opening of the
urinal bowl and configured to allow urine received in the urinal
bowl to be directed to a drain; and a cartridge apparatus
configured to at least partially be positioned in the cartridge
housing, wherein the cartridge apparatus comprises: a cartridge top
member having at least one opening configured to allow urine in the
urinal bowl to pass into the cartridge apparatus, and a cartridge
trap in watertight connection with the cartridge top member,
wherein the cartridge trap comprises a valve device that is
normally in a closed state to prevent gases from exiting from the
cartridge housing through the valve device and that is in an open
state to allow urine to pass through the valve device when urine is
received in the cartridge apparatus through the cartridge top
member.
2. The urinal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve device
comprises a flexible material that is at least partially rolled at
one end thereof in the closed state and that is unrolled when in
the open state and urine is present.
3. The urinal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve device
comprises a flexible material, wherein the flexible material
includes two surfaces at least partially in direct contact with one
another forming a seal when in the closed state.
4. The cartridge apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cartridge
apparatus comprises a cylindrical body portion having a first end
and a second end, wherein the cartridge top member comprises a
urine receiving element located at the first end of the cylindrical
body portion, wherein the second end of the cylindrical body
portion is open to allow urine to pass into the cartridge housing,
and further wherein the cartridge trap is located within the
cylindrical body in watertight connection with the cartridge top
member such that urine is received in the cartridge trap through
the urine receiving element.
5. The cartridge apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cartridge top
member further comprises a cylindrical member having an opening
extending therethrough, wherein the cylindrical member extends from
the urine receiving element into the interior of the cylindrical
body portion, wherein the cartridge trap comprises a first open end
attached to the cylindrical member such that urine is received in
the cartridge trap through the urine receiving element, and further
wherein a second end of the cartridge trap is at least partially
rolled in the closed state and is unrolled when in the open state
and urine is present in the cartridge trap.
6. The cartridge apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cylindrical body
portion comprises a channel defined therein proximate the first end
thereof for receiving a sealing component, wherein the sealing
component provides for a sealed fit between the cylindrical body
portion and the cartridge housing of the waterless urinal.
7. The urinal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the urinal apparatus
further comprises cleaning apparatus for use in disinfecting and/or
deodorizing the urinal apparatus, wherein the cleaning apparatus
provides a disinfecting and/or deodorizing composition through a
plurality of openings defined in the urinal apparatus.
8. The urinal apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cleaning apparatus
comprises a holding device for holding the disinfecting and/or
deodorizing composition therein, wherein the holding device is
configured such that the disinfecting and/or deodorizing
composition is provided to a supply line associated with the urinal
bowl to provide the disinfecting and/or deodorizing composition to
the plurality of openings.
9. The urinal apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cleaning apparatus
is associated with a time release mechanism for controlling the
provision of the disinfecting and/or deodorizing composition to the
plurality of openings.
10. The urinal apparatus of claim 1, wherein the urinal apparatus
further comprises a curved trap extending from the cartridge
housing associated with the at least one opening of the urinal bowl
and configured to allow urine received in the urinal bowl to be
directed to a drain.
11. The urinal apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least the urinal
bowl is formed using an antimicrobial formulation.
12. A cartridge apparatus for use with a urinal, wherein the
cartridge apparatus is configured to be received at least partially
within a cartridge housing associated with a urinal bowl of the
urinal, wherein the cartridge apparatus comprises: a cartridge top
member having at least one opening configured to allow urine in a
urinal bowl to pass into the cartridge apparatus; and a cartridge
trap in watertight connection with the cartridge top member,
wherein the cartridge trap comprises a valve device that is
normally in a closed state to prevent gases from exiting from a
cartridge housing through the valve device when installed in a
urinal and that is in an open state to allow urine to pass through
the valve device when urine is received in the cartridge apparatus
through the cartridge top member when installed in the urinal.
13. The cartridge apparatus of claim 12, wherein the valve device
comprises a flexible material that is at least partially rolled at
one end thereof in the closed state and that is unrolled when in
the open state and urine is present.
14. The cartridge apparatus of claim 13, wherein the valve device
comprises a flexible material, wherein the flexible material
includes two surfaces at least partially in direct contact with one
another forming a seal when in the closed state.
15. The cartridge apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cartridge
apparatus comprises a cylindrical body portion having a first end
and a second end, wherein the cartridge top member comprises a
urine receiving element located at the first end of the cylindrical
body portion, wherein the second end of the cylindrical body
portion is open to allow urine to pass into the cartridge housing,
and further wherein the cartridge trap is located within the
cylindrical body in watertight connection with the cartridge top
member such that urine is received in the cartridge trap through
the urine receiving element when installed in the urinal.
16. The cartridge apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cartridge top
member further comprises a cylindrical member having an opening
extending therethrough, wherein the cylindrical member extends from
the urine receiving element into the interior of the cylindrical
body portion, wherein the cartridge trap comprises a first open end
attached to the cylindrical member such that urine is received in
the cartridge trap through the urine receiving element when
installed in the urinal, and further wherein a second end of the
cartridge trap is at least partially rolled in the closed state and
is unrolled when in the open state and urine is present in the
cartridge trap.
17. The cartridge apparatus of claim 15, wherein the cylindrical
body portion comprises a channel defined therein proximate the
first end thereof for receiving a sealing component, wherein the
sealing component provides for a sealed fit between the cylindrical
body portion and the cartridge housing of the urinal when
installed.
18. A cartridge apparatus for use with a urinal, wherein the
cartridge apparatus is configured to be received at least partially
within a cartridge housing associated with a urinal bowl of the
urinal, wherein the cartridge apparatus comprises a solution free
cartridge trap that is normally in a closed state to prevent gases
from exiting from a cartridge housing when installed in the urinal
and that is in an open state to allow urine to pass therethrough
when urine is received in the cartridge apparatus when installed in
the urinal.
19. The cartridge apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cartridge
further comprises a cartridge top member having at least one
opening configured to allow urine in a urinal bowl to pass into the
cartridge apparatus, and further wherein the solution free
cartridge trap is connected to the cartridge top member.
20. The cartridge apparatus of claim 19, wherein the cartridge
apparatus comprises a cylindrical body portion having a first end
and a second end, wherein the cartridge top member comprises an
urine receiving element located at the first end of the cylindrical
body portion, wherein the second end of the cylindrical body
portion is open to allow urine to pass into the cartridge housing,
and further wherein the cartridge trap is located within the
cylindrical body in watertight connection with the cartridge top
member such that urine is received in the cartridge trap through
the urine receiving element when installed in the urinal.
21. The cartridge apparatus of claim 18, wherein the solution free
cartridge trap comprises a valve device that is normally in a
closed state to prevent gases from exiting from a cartridge housing
through the valve device and that is in an open state to allow
urine to pass through the valve device when urine is received in
the cartridge apparatus when installed in the urinal.
22. The cartridge apparatus of claim 21, wherein the valve device
comprises a flexible material that is at least partially rolled at
one end thereof in the closed state and that is unrolled when in
the open state and urine is present.
23. The cartridge apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least a portion
of the cartridge apparatus is formed using an antimicrobial
formulation.
24. A fixture comprising at least one of a flush urinal, a
flushless urinal, a sink, a toilet, and a toilet seat, wherein the
fixture is formed of one or more ceramic forming raw materials and
an antimicrobial formulation combined therewith, wherein the
antimicrobial formulation comprises silver.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/662,189 entitled "FLUSHLESS URINAL APPARATUS,"
filed 16 Mar. 2005, wherein such document is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to urinals (e.g.,
flushless or waterless urinals).
[0003] There is a continued emphasis on water conservation. As
such, there is a desire to minimize the amount of water consumed in
flushing toilets and urinals. Minimization of such flushing
decreases the demands on water supplies, as well as on waste water
disposal systems.
[0004] Generally, most sanitation codes require urinals to provide
an odor seal to contain sewer gases and other odors which develop
in the drain system to which they are connected (e.g., one or more
drain pipes). Such odor seal functionality is generally performed
by well-known P-traps and/or S-traps, in which the seal is formed
by a residual portion of the water used in a flushing cycle. This
seal effectively locks in sewer odors from the drain pipe beyond
the trap. However, the upward facing liquid surface communicates
freely with the user environment. As such, the trap must be kept
free of residual urine by copious flushing to prevent unacceptable
odor levels from the liquid in the trap.
[0005] To minimize the amount of water used in flushing, both low
flush urinals and toilets, as well as waterless or flushless urinal
systems, have become cost effective as the cost of water/sewer
disposal increases and/or the demand on water supplies increases.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,197 to Gorges issued 25 Apr. 2000,
entitled "Horizontal-flow oil-sealant-preserving drain odor trap,"
describes a waterless urinal or flushless urinal that uses a
cartridge trap with a liquid seal. The liquid seal includes urine
to block sewer gases with an oil-seal to block the odor (e.g.,
urine odor) from escaping into the room. Yet further, for example,
other flushless urinal systems, such as the F-2000 Water-Free
urinal from Falcon Waterfree Technologies (Grand Rapids, Mich.),
employs a cartridge similar to that described by Gorges that uses a
sealant liquid to control the urine odor in the room. Still
further, for example, an EcoTrap.RTM. cartridge is used in a
Waterless No-Flush urinal, available from Waterless Co., which uses
a BlueSeal.RTM. liquid to control urine odor.
[0006] However, there are various disadvantages with cartridges
used for waterless urinals that utilize liquids or other solutions
as an odor trap. For example, such systems require maintenance
(e.g., replacement of the solution and/or cartridge). Such
maintenance is usually dependent on the longevity of the liquid
sealant utilized in the internal structure of the cartridges of
such waterless urinals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention, at least in one embodiment, provides
a cartridge apparatus installed in a urinal (e.g., a flushless or
waterless urinal) that includes a trap device (e.g., one way valve
device) that allows urine to flow to a drain when in a first open
state and prevents gases (e.g., including sewer gases and other
urine odors) from escaping to the location of the urinal when in a
second closed state.
[0008] In one embodiment, a urinal apparatus includes a urinal bowl
configured to receive urine. The urinal bowl includes at least one
opening. For example, the urinal bowl may be a wall mounted bowl, a
floor mounted bowl, a bowl that connects to a drain pipe in the
wall, a multi-user bowl or trough, a bowl that connects to a drain
pipe in the floor, a flushless bowl, a low flush bowl, etc. The
urinal apparatus further includes a cartridge housing associated
with the at least one opening of the urinal bowl and configured to
allow urine received in the urinal bowl to be directed to a drain
(e.g., provides a sealed connection between the opening of the
urinal bowl and a drain pipe for allowing urine to be drained away
or disposed of).
[0009] The urinal apparatus further includes a cartridge apparatus
configured to at least partially be positioned in the cartridge
housing (e.g., in a sealed relationship with the cartridge housing
such that urine in the bowl is directed to within the cartridge
apparatus). The cartridge apparatus includes a cartridge top member
having at least one opening configured to allow urine in the urinal
bowl to pass into the cartridge apparatus (e.g., because the
cartridge apparatus is in a sealed relationship to the cartridge
housing and the cartridge housing is in a sealed relationship with
the urinal bowl). The cartridge apparatus further includes a
cartridge trap in watertight connection with the cartridge top
member. The cartridge trap includes a valve device that is normally
in a closed state to prevent gases (e.g., including sewer gases and
other urine odors) from exiting from the cartridge housing through
the valve device and that is in an open state to allow urine to
pass through the valve device when urine is received in the
cartridge apparatus through the cartridge top member.
[0010] In one embodiment of a urinal apparatus according to the
present invention, the valve device includes a flexible material
(e.g., a flexible plastic) that is partially rolled at one end
thereof in the closed state and which is unrolled when in the open
state and urine is present. In another embodiment, the valve device
includes a flexible material that includes two surfaces at least
partially in direct contact with one another forming a seal when in
the closed state.
[0011] In another embodiment, the cartridge apparatus includes a
cylindrical body portion having a first end and a second end. The
cartridge top member includes a urine receiving element located at
the first end of the cylindrical body portion. The second end of
the cylindrical body portion is open to allow urine to pass into
the cartridge housing. Further, the cartridge trap is located
within the cylindrical body in watertight connection with the
cartridge top member such that urine is received in the cartridge
trap through the urine receiving element.
[0012] In still a further embodiment, the cartridge top member
includes a cylindrical member having an opening extending
therethrough. The cylindrical member extends from the urine
receiving element into the interior of the cylindrical body
portion. The cartridge trap includes a first open end attached to
the cylindrical member such that urine is received in the cartridge
trap through the urine receiving element and a second end. The
second end of the cartridge trap is partially rolled in the closed
state and is unrolled when in the open state and urine is present
in the cartridge trap.
[0013] Yet further, in another embodiment, the cylindrical body
portion of the cartridge apparatus includes a channel defined
therein proximate the first end thereof for receiving a sealing
component. The sealing component provides for a sealed fit between
the cylindrical body portion and the cartridge housing of the
urinal.
[0014] In another embodiment of a urinal apparatus according to the
present invention, the urinal apparatus may include a cleaning
apparatus for use in disinfecting and/or deodorizing the urinal
apparatus. The cleaning apparatus may provide a disinfecting and/or
deodorizing composition through a plurality of openings defined in
the urinal bowl.
[0015] In another embodiment of a urinal apparatus according to the
present invention, the cleaning apparatus may include a canister
device for holding the disinfecting and/or deodorizing composition
therein. The canister device may be configured such that the
disinfecting and/or deodorizing composition can be provided to a
supply line associated with the urinal bowl to provide the
disinfecting and/or deodorizing composition to the plurality of
openings.
[0016] In yet another embodiment of a urinal apparatus according to
the present invention, the cleaning apparatus may be associated
with a time release mechanism for controlling the provision of the
disinfecting and/or deodorizing composition to the plurality of
openings.
[0017] In still a further embodiment, the urinal apparatus further
includes a curved trap defined therein extending from the cartridge
housing associated with the at least one opening of the urinal bowl
and configured to allow urine received in the urinal bowl to be
directed to a drain.
[0018] A cartridge apparatus for use with a urinal (e.g.,
retrofitting a conventional flushless urinal) is also described.
The cartridge apparatus is configured to be received at least
partially within a cartridge housing (e.g., a retrofit cartridge
housing or a conventional housing) associated with a urinal bowl of
the urinal. The cartridge apparatus includes a cartridge top member
having at least one opening configured to allow urine in the urinal
bowl to pass into the cartridge apparatus. The cartridge apparatus
further includes a cartridge trap in watertight connection with the
cartridge top member. The cartridge trap includes a valve device
that is normally in a closed state to prevent gases (e.g.,
including sewer gases and other urine odors) from exiting from the
cartridge housing through the valve device and that is in an open
state to allow urine to pass through the valve device when urine is
received in the cartridge apparatus through the cartridge top
member when installed in the urinal (e.g., a flexible material that
is partially rolled at one end thereof in the closed state and
which is unrolled when in the open state and urine is present).
[0019] Another cartridge apparatus for use with a urinal is
described. The cartridge apparatus is configured to be received at
least partially within a cartridge housing associated with a urinal
bowl of the urinal. The cartridge apparatus includes a solution
free cartridge trap that is normally in a closed state to prevent
gases from exiting from a cartridge housing and that is in an open
state to allow urine to pass therethrough when urine is received in
the cartridge apparatus when installed in the urinal.
[0020] In one embodiment of the cartridge apparatus, the cartridge
apparatus may further include a cartridge top member having at
least one opening configured to allow urine in a urinal bowl to
pass into the cartridge apparatus. Further, the solution free
cartridge trap is connected to the cartridge top member.
[0021] In another embodiment, the solution free cartridge trap
includes a valve device that is normally in a closed state to
prevent gases from exiting from a cartridge housing through the
valve device and that is in an open state to allow urine to pass
through the valve device when urine is received in the cartridge
apparatus through the cartridge top member when installed in the
urinal (e.g., flexible material that is partially rolled at one end
thereof in the closed state and that is unrolled when in the open
state and urine is present).
[0022] A fixture is also described that includes at least one of a
flush urinal, a flushless urinal, a sink, a toilet, and a toilet
seat. The fixture is formed of one or more ceramic forming raw
materials and an antimicrobial formulation. In one embodiment the
antimicrobial formulation includes silver. In another embodiment,
the antimicrobial formulation includes antimicrobial nano-silver
powder. Further, the fixture may be coated or the antimicrobial
formulation may be mixed with ceramic forming materials (e.g.,
clay, silica, feldspar, etc.) prior to molding of the fixtures.
[0023] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present
invention. Advantages, together with a more complete understanding
of the invention, will become apparent and appreciated by referring
to the following detailed description and claims taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one exemplary urinal
apparatus including a cartridge apparatus according to the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 1B is a side view of the urinal apparatus shown in FIG.
1A.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
cartridge apparatus that may be used in the urinal apparatus shown
generally in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a top view of the cartridge apparatus shown in
FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the cartridge apparatus shown in
FIG. 2.
[0029] FIGS. 5A-5B are cross-sectional views of the cartridge
apparatus shown in FIG. 2, taken along line 5-5 as shown in FIG. 3,
which show a valve device in a closed state to prevent gases from
exiting from the cartridge housing through the valve device, and a
valve device in an open state to allow urine to pass through the
valve device when urine is present in the cartridge apparatus,
respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Generally, exemplary embodiments of a urinal apparatus 10
which may be used with one or more embodiments of a cartridge
apparatus 70 shall be described with reference to FIG. 1, as well
as FIG. 2. Thereafter, illustrative embodiments of one or more
cartridge apparatus shall thereafter be further described with
reference to FIGS. 2-5.
[0031] One skilled in the art will recognize from the description
herein that various illustrative embodiments described herein
include some features or elements included in other illustrative
embodiments and/or exclude other features or elements. However, a
urinal apparatus and/or a cartridge apparatus, according to the
present invention, may include any combination of features or
elements selected from one or more of the various embodiments
described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-5. For example, a urinal
apparatus may include a cleaning apparatus and a P-trap drain
connection, as described herein, whereas another embodiment of a
urinal apparatus may include only a cleaning apparatus. Yet
further, for example, the cartridge apparatus described herein may
be used in combination with a flushless urinal apparatus, including
a cartridge housing sized for such a cartridge apparatus, or the
cartridge apparatus may be used in retrofitting a waterless urinal
that includes a substantially different cartridge apparatus (e.g.,
a cartridge apparatus that uses a liquid seal (e.g., urine) and a
sealant or other solution to prevent gases (e.g., including sewer
gases and other urine odors) from exiting the cartridge housing
associated with the urinal). One skilled in the art will readily
recognize that any number of various embodiments of a urinal
apparatus and/or a cartridge apparatus may benefit from one or more
of the features described herein.
[0032] Generally, the description and figures herein provide
various concepts that can be used according to the present
invention. Many of the concepts shown can be used to provide, for
example, a flushless urinal apparatus, a cartridge for use with a
flushless urinal, a kit for retrofitting a flushless urinal,
etc.
[0033] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a
urinal apparatus may be designed to operate without using water to
flush. The urinal is generally more odor-free and sanitary than
urinals that are designed to use water in order to function. Such a
urinal may be used to replace urinals that flush with water so as
to accomplish the conservation of water resources while providing a
more sanitary restroom environment.
[0034] Restrooms equipped with one or more urinals according to one
or more embodiments of the present invention may be more hygienic
than conventional urinals for one or more of the following reasons.
For example, such urinals are touch-free, so there is no chance of
bacteria transfer from a flush valve handle as is possible with
manual flush systems. Since there is no water being used, there is
no breeding ground for bacteria. In several studies conducted by
various entities, bacteria counts in restrooms with urinals that
use no water are found to be significantly lower than those that
flush with water. Further, urinals that use no water create more
pleasant restrooms because they eliminate the ammonia odor caused
when urine reacts with water to create ammonia oxide. In other
words, no water means no reaction. Still further, a urinal,
according to one embodiment of the present invention, may include a
built-in mechanism to release a disinfecting cleaner on a time
basis. The timer can be set to release a disinfecting cleaner. For
example, a user (e.g., a facilities manager or owner) may set the
time of the apparatus depending on the frequency of use of the
urinal fixture. The time release settings can be set as frequently
as every few minutes, or as infrequently as once every several
hours or days. Still further, one or more urinals according to one
or more embodiments of the present invention (e.g., with a self
cleaning mechanism and related cartridge apparatus with a valve
device as described herein) may add permanent, effective anti-odor
properties and an effective shield against one or more strains of
bacteria, yeast, fungi, and molds.
[0035] Restrooms equipped with one or more urinals according to one
or more embodiments of the present invention may provide
significant economic benefit. For example, one or more urinals may
use no water and, as such, there is no flush valve to be installed,
replaced, and/or maintained. Additional savings may be generated by
not having to plumb and maintain a water supply line to the urinal
fixture. Further, costs associated with stuck or broken valves
resulting from normal wear and vandalism are also eliminated. In
addition, the need for pipe cleaning may be reduced, since lines
will remain free of calcification as there is no hard water running
through them. Yet further, energy costs associated with
transporting water to and from the urinals is reduced.
[0036] Yet further, in one or more embodiments, savings in
maintenance and cleaning costs may be achieved (e.g., such tasks
may be need less frequently) when the urinal fixture contains a
self-cleaning disinfectant device. Further, due to the nature
(e.g., long life or permanency) of the cartridge apparatus
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the
cartridge apparatus does not require periodic changing or sealant
liquid to be added, such as is common with other previously
described cartridges. Thus, significant savings are achieved
compared to other urinal fixtures that use no water. Still further,
one or more embodiments of the urinal are less expensive to
purchase and install than a flush urinal because they have no
flushing mechanism. The only requirement is a drainage outlet.
[0037] Yet further, one or more embodiments of the urinals
according to the present invention may save 100% of the water going
through the urinal and 100% of the water and sewer charges. Using
water to dispose of water is not economically sensible,
particularly since there is a more limited supply of readily
available fresh water.
[0038] Restrooms equipped with one or more urinals in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the present invention also may
provide significant environmental benefits. For example, as much as
5% of the world's total fresh water consumed is currently used to
carry away urine. With use of one or more embodiments of the
present invention, the water does not need to be transported to the
urinal or away from it to a water treatment facility. Therefore,
energy is saved. Yet further, by reducing the load on treatment
plants, the present invention can reduce the need for costly water
treatment capacity and reduce the incidents of overflowing at
treatment facilities.
[0039] Further, the use of a cartridge apparatus according to one
or more embodiments of the present invention also reduces the
landfill burden. For example, one or more embodiments of a
cartridge apparatus according to the present invention is designed
for long use without the need to replace it. This is quite
different than other cartridges for flushless urinals that require
a sealant liquid which do need periodic replacement (e.g., add to
the landfill burden).
[0040] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of one illustrative
embodiment of a urinal apparatus 10, according to the present
invention, using a cartridge apparatus 70. FIG. 1B shows a side
view of the urinal apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1A as mounted to a
wall 8 such that the urinal apparatus 10 can be connected to
plumbing 9 located behind the wall 8.
[0041] The urinal apparatus 10 comprises a urinal body 12. The
urinal body 12 includes a back wall region 23 and side wall regions
22, 24 which extend from a lower region 27 of the urinal apparatus
10 to an upper region 29 of the urinal apparatus 10. The urinal
body 12 further includes a urinal bowl 14 located at the lower
region 27 of the urinal apparatus 10 for receiving urine or one or
more other fluids therein. The urinal apparatus 10 further includes
a trap extension region 16 located below the urinal bowl 14.
[0042] The urinal bowl 14 includes at least one opening 15 defined
therein. A cartridge housing 60 is associated with the at least one
opening 15 of the urinal bowl 14 and configured to allow urine
received in the urinal bowl 14 to be directed to a drain. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1A, cartridge housing 60 is connected to
a drain connection line 61 for providing a pathway from the urinal
bowl 14 to a sewer drain (not shown) (e.g., via plumbing 9 behind
wall 8, such as shown in FIG. 1B). The drain connection line 61
could be a P-trap such that, for example, when used with a
cartridge apparatus according to the present invention, the
cartridge apparatus may provide an odor barrier and the P-trap with
urine therein acts to block the sewer gases. A sealant may also be
placed in the P-trap (e.g., a sealant that floats on the urine)
which would act as a further barrier to urine odor. However, the
valve device of the present invention also provides both a sewer
gas barrier and a urine odor barrier.
[0043] The cartridge housing 60 may be formed as an integral part
of a urinal apparatus 10 (e.g., an extension of urinal bowl 14) or
may be a separate cartridge housing attached in a sealing
relationship with a surface defining bowl opening 15.
[0044] The cartridge housing 60 may be formed of any suitable
material, including that used to form urinal body 12, and may take
one or more various shapes and/or configurations. In one particular
embodiment, at least the upper region of the cartridge housing 60
is sized to accommodate a sealing relationship with cartridge
apparatus 70 to prevent urine from flowing or seeping therebetween
when the cartridge apparatus 70 is installed within the cartridge
housing 60.
[0045] A cartridge apparatus 70 is configured to at least partially
be positioned in the cartridge housing 60 (e.g., such that a top
surface thereof is flush with the surface of the bowl receiving
urine therein). In one embodiment, the cartridge apparatus 70 is
mounted in a sealed relationship with the cartridge housing 60 and
in the opening 15 of the urinal bowl 14.
[0046] The cartridge apparatus 70 includes a solution-free
cartridge trap 72 that includes a valve device 76 that is normally
in a closed state to prevent gases (e.g., including sewer gases and
other urine odors) from exiting from the cartridge housing 60
through the valve device 76 and is in an open state to allow urine
to pass through the valve device 76 when urine is received in the
cartridge apparatus 70. As used herein, when gases are prevent from
exiting the cartridge housing, such gases may include sewer gases,
urine odor, or any other gas or odor.
[0047] In one embodiment, as generally shown in FIG. 1A, the
cartridge apparatus 70 further includes a cartridge top member 74
having at least one opening configured to allow urine in the urinal
bowl 14 to pass into the cartridge apparatus 70. The solution-free
cartridge trap 72 is generally in watertight connection with the
cartridge top member 74 such that urine passes through the
cartridge top member into the solution-free cartridge trap 72. When
urine is present in the cartridge trap 72, the valve device 76
enters an open state to allow the urine within the cartridge trap
72 to pass through the valve device 76 and into the cartridge
housing 60 for transport through drain connection line 61 to a
sewer (not shown).
[0048] The urinal body 12 of the urinal apparatus 10 may be made of
any suitable material. For example, the urinal body 12 may be
formed of Vitreous China, ceramic, porcelain, plastics, or metals
(e.g., stainless steel).
[0049] One will recognize that the urinal bowl 14, as well as the
entire configuration of the urinal apparatus 10, may take one of
various forms. For example, the urinal bowl 14 may be a part of a
wall-mounted urinal, a floor-mounted urinal, a bowl that is
connected to a drain pipe in a wall, a multi-user bowl or trough, a
bowl that connects to a drain pipe in a floor, etc. As such, as
used herein, a urinal apparatus 10 may be of any size or shape that
includes a urinal bowl associated with a cartridge housing for use
in receiving a cartridge apparatus 70.
[0050] For example, at least in one embodiment, a urinal bowl may
be a trough that includes a plurality of cartridge housings that
may be employed to receive a plurality of cartridge apparatus,
respectively. Further, for example, the trough-like structure,
including a plurality of cartridge housings, may be of any
configuration.
[0051] One will recognize that the present invention is
particularly suited for use in waterless or flushless urinals where
no water is used to flush urine through the system. However, a
cartridge apparatus, such as described herein, may be useful in
flush-type urinal apparatus where water is used or only used
periodically to remove urine from the urinal bowl. In other words,
one or more components of the present invention, as described
herein, may be useful not only with respect to waterless or
flushless-type urinals, but may also be used when water is coupled
to the urinal to perform one or more functions (e.g., cleaning the
urinal, use of a low amount of water to flush any remaining urine
in the bowl, etc.).
[0052] Various flushless urinals may employ the use of a cartridge
apparatus 70, as described herein. For example, one or more
currently available urinals may be retrofitted using a cartridge
apparatus 70 provided according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention that use a solution-free cartridge trap 72 (e.g.,
a trap that includes a valve device 76). For example, in one or
more embodiments, the cartridge apparatus 70 is provided as a part
that is sized to fit cartridge housings 60 that exist in currently
available flushless urinals.
[0053] For example, the cartridge of an F-2000 Water-Free urinal
from Falcon Waterfree Technologies, as described in the Background
of the Invention section herein, may be replaced by a
like-configured cartridge apparatus 70 that includes a
solution-free valve device, as generally described herein. Further,
for example, an EcoTrap.RTM. cartridge of a Waterless No-Flush
urinal available from Waterless Co., as described in the Background
of the Invention section herein, may be replaced by a
like-configured cartridge 70 that includes a solution-free valve
device, as described herein. One will recognize that various
flushless-type urinals may be modified to beneficially use the
cartridge apparatus 70 (e.g., that includes the solution-free
cartridge trap 72) described herein, which successfully resists
emission of sewer gas when in the closed state, yet, when in an
open state, permits liquid flow therethrough. Further, flushless or
waterless urinals, such as Zero Flush urinals available from
ZeroFlush (Ocala, Fla.), Zurn Waterless Urinals available from Zurn
Plumbing Products (Sandord, N.C.), or Uridan waterless urinals
available from GDK International Inc., may be modified, as
well.
[0054] The cartridge apparatus 70 may include any valve device 76
as part of the solution-free cartridge trap 72 that is capable of
at least a closed state and an open state. As described herein, in
the closed state, the valve device 76 prevents gases (e.g.,
including sewer gases and other urine odors) from passing through
the solution-free cartridge trap 72 (e.g., trap guard), and in the
open state, urine is allowed to pass through the valve device 76.
Such a valve device 76 (e.g., trap guard) may be formed of any
material that provides such functionality (e.g., opens when urine
is present, and closes (preferably seals) when urine is not
present).
[0055] For example, at least in one embodiment, the seal is
provided by the forced contact of two or more surfaces against one
another (e.g., two surfaces being forced to be in direct contact
with one another forming a seal). In another embodiment, the two or
more surfaces may be provided as a device that includes two
surfaces in direct contact and which is normally flat, but when
opened (e.g., surfaces no longer in contact) forms an opening
therethrough (e.g., forms a channel or tube). In another
embodiment, the surfaces forced into contact may be curled or
otherwise shaped to hold the surfaces in contact and in a sealed
relationship to prevent sewer gases or other odors from flowing
therethrough. One will recognize that various other mechanical type
sealing configurations may be used for the valve device.
[0056] In one or more embodiments, the valve device (e.g., trap
guard) and functionality provided thereby may be provided by a
valve member as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,795,987 to
Cornwall issued 28 Sep. 2004, entitled "Trap guard device;" a
one-way valve as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,554 to
Griffin issued 9 May 1989, entitled "One-way valve for leg urinals
or the like;" and/or a valve as shown and described in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,098,287 to Baumbach issued 4 Jul. 1978, entitled "Drain
control device," all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Further, such valve functionality may be provided by any other
suitable valve apparatus.
[0057] In one embodiment of the cartridge apparatus 70, one or more
components of the cartridge apparatus 70, including the cartridge
top member 74, may be made of a high quality rigid plastic. The
cartridge apparatus 70 may be sized and/or configured to lock into
a cartridge housing 60 associated with the opening 15 in the urinal
bowl 14 such that it can be removed as needed, or it can be sized
to fit without locking.
[0058] As further described herein, the cartridge top member 74 may
include a cylindrical member (e.g., pipe, tube, or other shaped
channel) affixed (e.g., permanently affixed) to the cartridge top
member 74 (see, for example, FIGS. 5A-5B). The cylindrical member
affixed to the cartridge top member may include a flexible material
attached thereto for accomplishing the functionality of valve
device 76. For example, the flexible material may be a flexible
plastic material attached to the cylindrical member (e.g., attached
about the outside of the cylindrical member or in the inside of the
cylindrical member), but in a watertight relationship to the
cartridge top member 74 such that urine passing through one or more
openings in the cartridge top member 74 is only allowed to flow
through the cylindrical member and through valve device 76 when in
its open state.
[0059] In one embodiment, the flexible plastic may be a tube that
is in a watertight relationship about the outside of the
cylindrical member that is connected to the cartridge top member
and stays open when liquid is flowing through it but closes when
the flow stops. For example, if the plastic flexible tube is closed
(e.g., rolled up), it successively resists any emission of sewer
gas.
[0060] Further, in another embodiment, the flexible tube may be
manufactured from a plastic material (e.g., a space age plastic
material) that is treated to change shape (e.g., rolled up into a
curved configuration or a partial roll, rolled into at least one
full circle of material, rolled into multiple loops, or rolled to
any other degree) when liquid is not passing therethrough to, for
example, provide a seal (e.g., preventing escaping sewer gas) but
is flexible enough to open and permit liquid flow from an
intermittent drip to high flow rates (e.g., when liquid, such as
urine, is present).
[0061] In another embodiment of the cartridge apparatus 70, the
cartridge is designed to be a permanent part of the urinal
apparatus 10 and is not necessarily changed out. This is unlike
other previously utilized cartridges which require periodic
changing such as for example, other cartridges that require a
liquid seal with a sealant (e.g., cartridges available from Falcon
Waterfree Technologies; Uridan non-water system cartridges
available from Uridan-USA, a division of GDK International, Inc.;
etc.). In other words, the cartridge apparatus 70 is a
solution-free cartridge that does not use a liquid seal (e.g.,
urine) with a liquid sealant or any other fluid for blocking sewer
gas odor and/or urine odor. Yet, sewer gas odor and urine odor is
prevented from entering the restroom where a urinal is located
using a valve device 76, as described herein.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one embodiment of the urinal
apparatus 10, a curved trap for receiving and directing urine to
plumbing 9 behind wall 8 is provided as the drain connection line
61. For example, the drain connection line 61 may be a P-trap line
defined in the urinal body (e.g., during the molding of the urinal)
or a curved pipe (e.g., a P-trap) within a cavity of the urinal
apparatus 10. The drain connection line 61 is coupled by way of
connection element 67 (e.g., spud), or any other connection
element, to plumbing 9.
[0063] With use of a P-trap, it is possible to set the lip 19 of
urinal bowl 14 at a particular height from the floor. In other
words, in one configuration, the P-trap connection line 61 is used
in combination with a solution-free cartridge trap 72 for
successfully achieving desired height of lip 19 from a floor (not
shown). Urine in the P-trap blocks sewer gases. Further, an
additional sealant may be used in the trap to provide additional
odor barrier (e.g., in addition to the barrier provided by the
valve of the cartridge trap 72).
[0064] Further, urinal apparatus 10 may include a cleaning
apparatus 30 for use in disinfecting and/or deodorizing the urinal
apparatus 10. For example, the cleaning apparatus 30 may provide a
disinfecting and/or deodorizing composition through a plurality of
openings 34 defined in the urinal apparatus 10.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cleaning apparatus 30
includes a cleaning control body 36 for enclosing a composition
holding device 38 and a time release mechanism 40 operably coupled
thereto by control line 42. The time release mechanism 40 controls
the timing of the release of disinfecting and/or deodorizing
compositions from the composition holding device 38. The
composition holding device 38 is coupled through connection element
33 (e.g., spud) to a supply line 32 located in the upper body
region 37 in the upper region 29 of the urinal body 12.
[0066] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, supply line 32
includes one or more supply pipes or tubes for directing flow of a
disinfecting and/or deodorizing composition to openings 34 located
in the upper body region 37 of the urinal body 12. The openings 34,
at least in one embodiment, are provided in a spaced relationship
relative to one another and are termination points of one or more
channels defined within the upper body region 37 of the urinal body
12. Such channels are then fluidly coupled to the other supply line
components which direct the flow of composition from composition
holding device 38 to the openings 34.
[0067] One will recognize that the cleaning apparatus 30 may be
totally or partially incorporated within the urinal body 12 or
cavities formed therein, or may include components that are
separately mounted to the urinal apparatus 10 and coupled to other
components integrally created in urinal body 12 (e.g., entirely or
partially) or provided in cavities thereof. In other words, various
configurations and locations of the components of the cleaning
apparatus 30 are possible (e.g., openings in the urinal can be
defined to accept the mounting of various components, such as a
canister or timer, or to provide channels or openings through which
a fluid or other compositions may pass).
[0068] In one embodiment, the urinal apparatus 10 can be
constructed so as to accommodate a canister (e.g., a replaceable
canister) that will contain a disinfectant/deodorizer composition
(e.g., a liquid). The canister containing the deodorizer and/or
disinfectant may be easily changeable, allowing a fresh canister to
be easily inserted when the deodorizer and/or disinfectant liquid
is depleted. The deodorizer and/or disinfectant liquid composition
may be misted onto the urinal bowl 14 through portholes built into
the urinal body 12. The mist may be released on a preset timed
basis depending on the frequency of use of the urinal apparatus 10.
Yet further, the supply line 32 from the canister may be an
internal part of the urinal apparatus 10 and shaped as a part of
the mold used to form the urinal body.
[0069] In one embodiment, the urinal apparatus 10 may be
manufactured to accommodate a powered timer device (e.g., time
release mechanism 40) to release disinfectant and/or deodorizer
composition at a preset time. For example, the powered timer device
can be permanently installed in the urinal apparatus 10 and only be
removed in the event of a part failure or failure of the
device.
[0070] In one embodiment, the cleaning control body 36 may be
mounted on the upper body region 37 of the urinal body 12 and be
formed of any suitable material. For example, it may be formed of
cold rolled steel and then powder-coated to match the construction
of the urinal body 12.
[0071] Although various cartridge apparatus 70 may be used with one
or more illustrative urinal apparatus embodiments, FIGS. 2-5 show
one illustrative cartridge apparatus 100 that may be used for
retrofitting one or more currently available flushless urinals
and/or that may be utilized with one or more other urinal
apparatus, such as that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0072] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the cartridge apparatus
100. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the cartridge apparatus 100, and
FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the cartridge apparatus 100. Yet
further, FIGS. 5A and 5B show the cartridge apparatus 100 as
mounted within a cartridge housing 60 associated with an opening 15
defined in a urinal bowl 14. FIG. 5A shows the cartridge apparatus
100 in a closed state, where gases are prevented from exiting the
cartridge housing 60. FIG. 5B shows the cartridge apparatus 100 in
an open state, where urine or any other fluid present is allowed to
pass through the cartridge apparatus 100 and into the cartridge
housing 60 and associated drain connection line 61.
[0073] The cartridge apparatus 100 includes a cylindrical body 102
extending between a first end region 104 and a second end region
106 along axis 108. The cartridge apparatus 100 further includes a
cartridge top member 110 located at the first end region 104. The
cartridge top member 110 includes a urine receiving element 112
extending from the cylindrical body 102 to the axis 108 of the
cartridge apparatus 100. The urine receiving element 112 has an
incline configuration so as to assist a fluid flow towards the axis
108 of the cartridge apparatus 100. In other words, at least a
substantial portion of the urine receiving element 112 extends
downward towards axis 108 from the cylindrical body 102 (e.g., lies
at an angle to axis 108).
[0074] At the center of the urine receiving element 112 is at least
one opening 114. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, these openings 114 are
separated by debris prevention elements 115 connected by a
centerpiece positioned at axis 108. One will recognize that any
configuration of openings may be provided proximate axis 108 of the
urine receiving element 112 to facilitate receiving urine into the
cartridge apparatus 100. Such openings should be small enough to
prevent debris from falling into the cartridge apparatus 100.
[0075] The cartridge top member 110 further includes a cylindrical
member 134 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) having an opening extending
therethrough and lying along axis 108. The cylindrical member 134
extends from a first end 136 adjacent and integral with urine
receiving element 112 to a second end 138 located in the interior
of the cylindrical body 102.
[0076] The cartridge apparatus 100 further includes a cartridge
trap 120 provided in watertight connection with the cylindrical
member 134 of the cartridge top member 110. As shown in FIGS. 5A
and 5B, the cartridge trap 120 includes a tube of flexible material
having a first open end 160. The first open end 160 of the tube is
stretched about the perimeter of tube element 178 (e.g., having
first and second open ends). The tube element 178 is mounted (e.g.,
slid upon or otherwise positioned or fit) in sealing relationship
with cylindrical member 134 (e.g., either partially covering the
cylindrical member 134 or entirely covering the outer surface 139
of cylindrical member 134). The flexible tube extends from the
first open end 160 to a second end 170 which forms the valve device
122.
[0077] One will recognize that any structure for providing a
watertight seal between the cartridge trap 120 and the cartridge
top member 110 may be used according to the present invention. For
example, the cartridge trap 120 may be affixed thereto with an
adhesive or cement, the cartridge trap 120 may be formed integral
with the top member 110, etc. Further, for example, the first open
end 160 of the tube may be stretched directly over the cylindrical
member 134.
[0078] The flexible material tube is in a watertight configuration
with the cylindrical member 134, and the second end 170 is in a
normally closed state when no fluid is present within the interior
volume 121 of the cartridge trap 120. In one embodiment, the
flexible tube is a plastic material treated to roll up when liquid
is not passing therethrough but is flexible enough to open and
permit liquid flow, from an intermittent drip to high flow rates,
when a fluid is present.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 5A, with no fluid present within the
interior 121 of the cartridge trap 120, the elastomeric valve
device 122 has a second end 170 that is rolled up. Further, as
shown in FIG. 5B, with fluid or urine present within the volume 121
enclosed by cartridge trap 120, the urine or fluid causes the
second end 170 of the elastomeric valve device 122 to unroll and
open, allowing the urine or fluid to flow into cartridge housing
60.
[0080] Further, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5A-5B, the cartridge
apparatus 100 includes a channel 130 defined at the first end
region 104 of the cylindrical body 102. The channel 130 is defined
to hold a sealing component 116 (e.g., an O-ring, or any other like
sealing component). As the cartridge apparatus 100 is inserted into
the cartridge housing 60, the sealing component 116 is forced to
the upper region of the channel 130 and forms a watertight seal
between the cylindrical body 102 and the inner surface 69 of the
cartridge housing 60 (e.g., inner surface 69 defining the volume in
which the cartridge apparatus 100 is inserted).
[0081] When inserted in the cartridge housing 60, the second end
region 106 of the cylindrical body 102 is spaced apart from the
cartridge housing 60 and does not rest thereon. Further, there is
an opening (e.g., gap 173) formed between the inner surface 69 of
the cartridge housing 60 and the outer surface 175 of the
cylindrical body 102. As such, in one embodiment, the sealing
component 116 provides for the entire sealing of the cartridge
apparatus 100 in relation to cartridge housing 60 and prevents
emission of sewer gas at the intersection of such components. A
slight insertion force when installing the cartridge apparatus 100
within the cartridge housing 60 may be necessary to form the
sealing relationship using the sealing component 116.
[0082] According to the present invention, one or more of the
components described herein (e.g., a cartridge apparatus, a urinal,
an elastomeric valve device, etc.) and/or one or more associated
products such as toilet seats, ceramic restroom fixtures (e.g.,
sinks, toilet bowls, wall or floor mounted stools, etc.) whether
provided as an apparatus, a kit, a system, etc., may incorporate
antimicrobial materials (e.g., combined with the raw materials that
are used to form, mold, coat, cover, etc.), such as, for example,
nano-silver powders that provide antimicrobial capabilities, or
other formulations including silver used to provide antimicrobial
functionality. For example, such antimicrobial nano-silver powders
may be incorporated into materials such as ceramic, plastisol
coating formulations (e.g., such as formulations available from
Sinclair and Rush, Inc.--Vynaflex Plastisol Compounds (Arnold,
Mo.)), formulations for use in dip coating and dip molding
processes, extruded plastics of all types, raw powder material used
for powder coated finishes, and elastomeric material (e.g.,
material used to form valve devices such as described herein). Such
antimicrobial capabilities may arise through enhancements that take
place at the molecular level.
[0083] Such antimicrobial formulations including silver may include
antimicrobial nano-silver powders. For example, silver containing
antimicrobial formulations, such as SmartSilver.TM.
anti-odor/antimicrobial additives available from NanoHorizons, Inc.
(State College, Pa.) may be used. However, any antimicrobial
formulation may be adequate for providing functionality in
conjunction with restroom fixtures such as described herein. For
example, formulations described in WO 2006/026026 A2, entitled
"Antimicrobial Silver Compositions" may be used.
[0084] The antimicrobial nano-silver powders, or other additives,
may be mixed into the raw materials (e.g., while they are in the
raw state) used to produce the finished products (e.g., urinals,
cartridge apparatus, sinks or other restroom fixtures including
toilet stools). For example, such antimicrobial nano-silver powders
may be mixed with ceramic forming materials (e.g., clay, silica,
feldspar, etc.) prior to molding of restroom fixtures such as
urinals, stools, toilet seats, sinks, etc. Such mixed materials may
then be heat treated to form the desired product.
[0085] Still further, the antimicrobial nano-silver powders, or
other additives, may be mixed into the raw materials (e.g., while
they are in the raw state) used to produce exterior applied
coatings to the finished products (e.g., urinals, cartridge
apparatus, sinks or other restroom fixtures including toilet
stools, seats, etc.). For example, such antimicrobial nano-silver
powders may be mixed with plastisol formulations and used to coat a
toilet stool (e.g., a metal toilet stool such as formed from cold
rolled steel, stainless steel, or any other metal material, may be
coated).
[0086] Such use of the antimicrobial nano-silver powders produces
an effective shield against numerous strains of bacteria, yeast,
fungi, and molds including related odors. The silver based
antimicrobial compound may provide the natural protection of
silver. Encapsulated silver ions are slowly released from the
antimicrobial compound to interact with microorganisms on the
surface of the finished products of the invention. This produces an
effective shield against numerous strains of bacteria, yeast,
fungi, and molds. The antimicrobial finish will generally remain
effective for the useful life of the products described herein
according to the present invention and does not cause any product
discoloration.
[0087] All patents and references cited herein are incorporated in
their entirety as if each were incorporated separately. This
invention has been described with reference to illustrative
embodiments and is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense.
As described previously, one skilled in the art will recognize that
various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as
additional embodiments to the invention and combinations of various
elements and/or steps herein, will be apparent to persons skilled
in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore
contemplated that the patent and claims will cover any such
modifications or embodiments that may fall within the scope of the
present invention, as defined by the accompanying claims.
* * * * *