Splash Guard For Urinal? Quick Answer

For you and me it’s called splashback, but for physicists Tadd Truscott and Randy Hurd of Brigham Young University’s Splash Lab it’s called urinal dynamics. I’m talking, of course, about the nasty habit of urine spilling out of a urinal or toilet onto the floor—or worse, the urinal itself. Truscott and Hurd have spent the last few months analyzing the male urine stream, and with a bit more applied Fluid dynamics – and a healthy dose of high-speed camera footage (embedded below) – they think they’ve finally figured out how to pee without creating splashback. They are so confident that they will present their findings to the American Physical Society.

Her urinary dynamics research yielded some interesting results — although they’re not entirely unexpected if you’re an enlightened man. Pee spatter is caused by two main factors: the height of the toilet/urinal and the “angle of attack”. By far the best way to reduce backsplash is to change the angle of your urine stream so that it hits the toilet/urinal wall at a gradual angle. the closer to 90 degrees, the worse the spatter. The other easy way to save your marriage is to just sit down: your urine will travel five times when you stand up, picking up a lot of speed and creating a lot more splatter. Sitting also usually implies a narrower angle of attack.

Other ways to reduce splashes include not peeing directly into the water and putting on a shock-absorbing layer of toilet paper before you start. As you can see in the (oddly enigmatic) video below, peeing in a body of water creates a cavity that then collapses in on itself, causing a massive splash. The physicists also note that different materials, baffles and other obstacles (urinal cake) can make a big difference. Porcelain, for example, is hydrophilic, which causes urine to form puddles that then squirt back when hit by more urine. Hybrophobic surfaces such as B. on your car’s windshield or smartphone screen, would greatly reduce spatter.

As you can probably imagine, the Splash Lab did not conduct “on-site” testing for a variety of reasons – sanitation, ethics, control of environmental factors, repeatability… Rather, the researchers built a special contraption (pictured right) that simulates male urination, including the Plateau-Rayleigh instability that causes your stream of urine to break up into droplets (which, by the way, also increases the squirt – the deck is definitely against us men stacked). Then they filled the apparatus with colored water, set up a high-speed camera and systematically synthetically urinated on various targets.

While this may all sound like fun and a waste of university funds, Splash Lab’s research into urinal dynamics is actually a serious endeavor. The fact is, splash guards are unsanitary. Splashback and the bacteria that breed in the urine puddles is one of the reasons public restrooms smell so bad. In hospitals, nursing homes and other large facilities, splashes can pose a serious health risk. The Splash Lab hopes its research will help develop better restroom designs and usage habits that minimize urine splashback, thereby improving health and reducing marital stress worldwide.

Now reading: Scientists develop urine-powered fuel cell that can charge a cellphone

Research: 66th Annual Meeting of the APS Department of Fluid Dynamics, E9.00003: Urinal Dynamics

The passage of our body waste is controlled by circular muscles called sphincters. The external sphincters are under our control. The sphincter around the urethra is smaller than that around the anus, so you can relax it when urinating without relaxing the entire pelvic floor. This means you can urinate without having to have a bowel movement at the same time.

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However, when you have a bowel movement, relaxing the stronger anal sphincter also reduces tension in the weaker urinary sphincter, allowing urine to pass at the same time. But that’s not always the case – it’s possible, but difficult, to do one without doing the other.

Asked by: Kate Selby, Dundee

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Urinal screens offer another effective means of odor control. Fragrances are released during use, so customers smell a pleasant scent rather than urine. In addition, many screens fight odors by releasing enzymes. Enzymes help dissolve organic compounds and urinary salts in P traps and pipes, which are often the main cause of toilet odor problems.

Urinal screens are disposable and can be discarded after the urinal block breaks down or disintegrates within the screen. As they shrink over their lifetime, they provide a visual clue as to when they need to be replaced. Typically, screens should be changed every 30 days to remain effective.

Women may not know this, but often urinals in men’s restrooms in bars and restaurants are filled with ice. Sixty or more years ago, even high-end hotels kept their urinals filled with ice all day long.

But why? Well, it has a lot to do with smells and goals.

To help us solve this puzzling question, we turn to Klaus Reichardt, Founder and Waterless Urinal CEO of Waterless Co, manufacturer of waterless urinals:

• The first urinal was patented by Andrew Rankin on March 27, 1886; “He described his invention as ‘the best thing on earth,'” says Reichardt.

• Recognizing that his urinals could give off “unpleasant odors,” Rankin also included a homemade recipe to make the first urinal blocks out of sugar, molasses, syrup, sodium chloride, water, and other ingredients.

• This recipe became cumbersome, so in the 1880’s a shrewd entrepreneur began marketing the first urine cakes made with naphthalene. “It certainly killed the odors, but it also destroyed red blood cells when inhaled in large quantities. It was slowly phased out in the early 20th century.”

• Which brings us to ice cream. When Prohibition began in 1920, speakeasies opened up across the country. The speakeasies bought tons of ice cream. To make room for new supplies, the old ice cream was thrown into urinals, mainly because throwing it down alleys or onto the street would likely attract police attention.

• To the bartender’s surprise, the ice eliminated urinal odors. As one expert explained, the ice froze odor-causing molecules in the urine and prevented them from being released. Eventually, the odor-filled molecules will melt with the ice and drip down the urinal and into the sewer.

• The heyday of ice in urinals was the 1960s; Bar owners found the ice offered the gentleman a little entertainment and improved his marksmanship; “Having something to aim at reduces spillage,” said Richard Thaler, a professor at the University of Chicago.

“Ice is already on the decline today in order to reduce water and energy consumption,” explains Reichardt. “Well, even funny, while it lasted, new technology, especially in non-water urinals, just eliminated the need.”

Urinal mats can help ensure a clean restroom. These precautions prevent urine from forming under the urinals – an unpleasant sight for any guest entering the restroom.

“When a customer walks in, they don’t see a stain under the urinal,” says Jeff Crevier, president and owner of Sanastar, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “He doesn’t smell old urine sitting and growing in the mortar. He will immediately notice a difference when he looks down.”

But urinal mats not only improve the appearance of a toilet, they also keep it smelling clean. In fact, it’s a common misconception that the odor in a toilet comes from the urinal. The source of the odor is actually dried urine lying on the floor.

If cleaning staff don’t allow sanitizers adequate exposure time, nightly mopping will not remove urine buildup or reduce the odors they can cause. At the same time, mats will not eliminate the current odor problems (cleaning staff still have to disinfect these floors). But starting with a clean slate, mats prevent future odors from becoming an issue.

Mats are designed to trap and remove odors, not mask them with scent. Although scented mats are available, sales figures show that end users prefer not to use a scent.

“[With urinal mats] you deodorize the lowest point in the room. When you’re deodorizing a toilet, you want the scent to start at the top and spread down,” says Alberto Martinez, director of sales and marketing, Tolco Corp., Toledo, Ohio. “It’s not really going to do anything in terms of odor suppression. You can’t put enough fragrance in [mats] to really make a difference. The only thing it will do is create a conflict with a real odor control program.”

If left untreated, urine deposits not only smell unpleasant, but can also cause lasting damage to floors. When urine is spilled under faucets, the uric acid and urinary salts contained in urine can damage floor finishes or penetrate grout, stone and wood floors and cause irreparable damage.

Mats protect floors when they are installed and replaced at appropriate intervals. This allows cleaning staff to reduce the number of times it takes to strip and recoat toilet floors, saving labor. Facility managers and building owners will also find that floors last longer.

“Urine is very acidic and can erode [floors],” says Deborah Barnes, executive assistant, Hygolet, Deerfield Beach, Florida. “Urine mats actually prevent that.”

Puddles on the floor are not only unsightly and unsanitary, but also unsafe. Users walking by can slip and fall on the wet floor, says Charlie Flurry, president of Absorbcore, North Olmsted, Ohio. Mats are ADA compliant and provide another layer of safety in the restroom.

Care of the urinal mat

There are many benefits to using urinal mats, but they are only effective if properly cared for. Urinal mats stop working once saturated. Mats are designed to last approximately 30 days but may need to be replaced sooner depending on toilet traffic. “Typically, the more public traffic the toilet is exposed to, the shorter the life of the mat,” says Flurry. “If it’s a facility where alcohol or food is involved, it shortens the lifespan [even further]. If it’s a private office building or a country club, that’s where the mats will be used the longest.” In busy restrooms, the mats will likely need to be changed every five to seven days, Barnes says. In order to create an appropriate replacement schedule, mats are available with a built-in replacement sensor; Otherwise, the cleaning staff should establish a replacement schedule and stick to it. When it’s time to swap out the mats, they’re just thrown away. But although mats are not recyclable, they can still be considered green. Some mats are biodegradable, meaning the entire mat—cushion, base, and frame—will decompose in a landfill in less than five years. Click here to learn more about the types and compositions of urinal mats.

The only product on the current market that can virtually eliminate urine splashes while still spreading a pleasant aroma to the surrounding bathroom area. By using our urinal screens in your urinal, you reduce the number of customer complaints about bathroom quality and lower the total cost of ownership.

West urinal screens are made from tough, stain-resistant vinyl plastic and will last much longer than traditional urinal screens. Our urinal screens are encapsulated with a deodorant that helps keep the urinal hygienic and eliminates unwanted odors. Economical, effective and attractive, the translucent tinted screen is designed to reduce backsplash with excellent scent and odor control. Also clears drain clogs caused by chewing gum, cigarettes and paper products thrown down the urinal.

An environmentally responsible choice, our urinal screens have a lower carbon footprint than the shorter life screens, offering your customers a dignified public bathroom experience for the first time. West’s urinal screens are based on patent-pending technology that:

Uses sealed bristles to clean up urine backsplash in a urinal.

Is enriched with a proprietary resin that uses timed-release deodorant technology.

Lasts twice as long as other screens on the market.

Gives off a fresh, clean scent.

Designed for busy public toilets found in hotels, convention centers, restaurants and hospitals.

Perfect for waterless urinals (the perfect companion to our waterless urinal retrofit valve).

West’s urinal screen replacement service eliminates clogged drains caused by chewing gum, cigarettes and paper products. West franchisees replace the urinal screens at their facility every 28 days with a new screen impregnated with a deodorant that helps keep bathrooms smelling fresh and clean.

Urinal strainers are available in: Cherry, Passat, Superfloral (Special), Myrlot and Citrus Mint.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60/930,202, filed May 15, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to air fresheners for masking or suppressing undesirable odors. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved air freshener article structure and method of manufacture.

There are many environments in which it is desirable to mask or suppress undesirable odors. For example, it is known that urinals in toilets can give off unpleasant odors. Additionally, in many other environments (typically relatively small, closed environments) it is desirable to provide fresh or pleasant odors. For example, it is known to provide fresh or pleasant smells within the relatively small enclosed environment of a vehicle.

A variety of air freshening articles are known in the art that mask or suppress undesirable odors and provide fresh or pleasant odors. For example, it is known to manufacture urinal screens for use in urinals in toilets which are formed from a plastics material having an outer surface coated with a scented material. While known air freshener articles such as this have been effective, it would be desirable to provide an improved air freshener article structure and method of manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved air freshener article structure and method of manufacture.

The deodorizing article includes a body formed of a scented plastic that includes a scent-loaded plastic. The fragrance material is included in an amount of at least about 5% by weight of the scented plastic.

A method of manufacturing a deodorizing urinal screen includes a fragrance loading step in which a plastic is loaded with a fragrance material to produce a scented plastic. In a molding stage after the scent loading stage, the scented plastic is shaped into the urinal screen, which includes a screen body sized to be placed over a urinal drain.

Various additional aspects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a plan view of an air freshener article according to this invention. COWARDLY. FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method of making the air freshener article illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, in FIG. 1 shows an air freshening article, generally designated 10, in accordance with this invention. The illustrated air freshener article 10 is largely conventional in the art and is merely intended to illustrate one environment in which this invention may be used. Thus, the scope of this invention should not be limited to use with the specific structure of the air freshener article 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 . On the contrary, as will become apparent below, this invention can be used in any desired environment for the purposes described below.

The illustrated air freshener article 10 is a urinal screen adapted for use in a conventional urinal (not shown) commonly found in public restrooms. Alternatively, the air freshener article could be incorporated into or onto a toilet or urinal automatic flushing product. In addition, this invention may be embodied in any of a wide variety of structures commonly used for air freshening applications. For example, this invention may be embodied in any of the following applications: cleaning blocks; toilet deodorant/cleansing blocks; drain strainer/cleaner/deodorizer for sinks; dry wick deodorants that hang loose or are carried in dispensers; dry solid room deodorizers in fan assisted cabinets; closet deodorizers; small space deodorizers; vehicle deodorizers; deodorizers for hot air hand dryers; and closet air fresheners. However, this list of applications for this invention is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

The ones shown in FIG. The body 11 shown in Figure 1 comprises a body 11 which in the illustrated embodiment is generally flat and circular. However, the body 11 can be of any desired size and shape. The illustrated body 11 has a plurality of apertures 12 formed therethrough. The body 11 can be formed to have any desired number of such apertures 12, or alternatively no apertures 12 at all if desired. The openings 12 can be of any size and shape desired and can be provided at any location or locations on the body 11 . The illustrated body 11 also has a plurality of notches 13 formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof. The body 11 can be formed to have any desired number of such notches 13, or alternatively no notches 13 at all if desired. The notches 13 can be of any desired size and shape and can be provided at any location or locations on the outer peripheral surface of the body 11 . Typically, the body 11 is shaped to extend over a drain portion of the urinal. Thereby, the urinal strainer 10 can prevent solid materials from entering the drain portion of the urinal undesirably.

The openings 12 and notches 13 allow the screen 10 to conform to the drain portion of the urinal to provide a snug fit. Additionally, the apertures 12 and notches 13 serve to allow fluids through the screen 10 to the downcomer section to prevent the screen 10 from floating over or around the downcomer section. Prior art designs without such notches and/or openings floated above the downcomer section, allowing solids to enter the downcomer section.

The design of the screen 10 helps keep the urinal, urinal occupant and toilet area clean. Protrusions 14 formed vertically with respect to the screen 10 help to break the force of the urine stream and reduce its strength, thereby retaining it in the urinal. Preferably, the projections 14 are arranged substantially above the screen 10, thereby increasing the surface area thereof. In contrast, flat surfaces reflect urine back, resulting in coated clothing and surroundings.

The body 11 of the urinal screen 10 is formed of a plastic material loaded with a fragrance. As used herein, the term “plastic” means any type of polymer, including synthetic or natural polymers. The polymers that may be suitable include both thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. Some examples of suitable polymers are synthetic resins. Some specific examples of thermoplastic resins that may be suitable for forming the body 11 of the urinal screen 10 include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethylpentene (MPX), ethylene-(meth )acrylate ester copolymers, acrylic type vinyl resins such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), styrene type vinyl resins such as polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers, acrylonitrile-styrene (AS) copolymers, other vinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate, Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester resins such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide resins such as nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 11 and nylon 12, polyoxyalkylene resins such as polyacetal (POM) and other thermoplastic resins such as polycarbonates (PC), modified polyphenylene ethers (modified PPE), polyvinyl acetates (PVAC), polysulfones (PSU), polyether sulfones (PES), polyphenylene sulfides (PPS). ), polyarylates (PAR), polyamideimides (PAT), polyetherimides (PEI), polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polyimides (PI), and copolymers of the above. Combinations of different plastics can also be used to manufacture the body 11 of the urinal partition 10 .

In some embodiments, the plastic material used to form the body 11 of the urinal screen 10 has a melting point of no greater than about 250°F, more preferably no greater than about 225°F, and most preferably no greater than about 200°F . The use of a low melting point polymer allows for lower mold temperatures during manufacture of the body 11 of the urinal screen 10. These lower mold temperatures can reduce the amount of fragrance loss that can occur during the molding process. For example, ethylene vinyl acetate has a melting point of about 176°F. Other examples of low melting point polymers include very low density polyethylene, ethylene plastomers, ethylene acrylic acid or ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers or terpolymers, ethylene homopolymers or ethylene copolymers, mixtures thereof, and others known in the art.

In some embodiments, the plastic material used to form the body 11 of the urinal screen 10 allows for the manufacture of an air freshener article that is compliant with VOC regulations, for example, the VOC regulations for a “toilet and urinal care product” category. . For example, the ability of the plastic material to hold and release a variety of different fragrances can allow for a VOC compliant urinal screen that releases VOC compliant aroma chemicals at levels equal to or better than other “air fresheners” and significantly better than others urinal screens.

The plastic material used to form the body 11 of the urinal screen 10 is loaded with a fragrance to create a so-called scented plastic. The loading can be any type of association of the fragrance with the plastic that allows the fragrance to be initially held with the plastic material used to form the body 11 of the urinal screen 10 and then slowly released into the ambient air along the way will use the screen. For example, the fragrance material can be absorbed into the plastic. Alternatively, it can be applied to the plastic.

The fragrance material can be of any type capable of masking unpleasant odors and/or emitting pleasant odors. The fragrance material is sufficiently volatile to evaporate over time and be released from the urinal screen 10 into the ambient air. In some embodiments, the fragrance material is a fragrance oil, also known as an aroma oil or aroma oil. Fragrance oils are synthetic aromatic compounds or natural essential oils that can be diluted with a carrier such as benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, tricyclodecanyl acetate, or any of a number of other carriers known in the art. Many different types of aroma compounds are known in the art and include compounds in various chemical groups such as acetates, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, esters, ethers, ketones, lactones, terpenes and thiols. Essential oils are hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aromatic compounds from plants, and many different types are known in the art.

In some embodiments, the fragrance material does not function by delivering a pleasant odor, but rather functions as an odor neutralizer, odor eliminator, and/or odor inhibitor. Some examples of odor inhibitors are low-odor compounds such as quaternary ammonium compounds, ricinoleate salts, cyclic organic compounds such as cyclodextrins, specialty odor neutralizers such as Ordernone TM (from Belle Aire), crown ether, etc. In some applications, this is preferred not to emit a fragrance to mask odors, but still create a malodour-free area. Alternatively, a material to neutralize, eliminate, or control odors could be included along with a material that emits a pleasant odor.

In contrast to current deodorant urinal screen products, which have a relatively low fragrance loading of typically 1-3% by weight of fragrance material of the scented plastic, the urinal screen 10 of the invention can be manufactured with a significantly higher fragrance loading. For example, the fragrance material can be included in an amount from about 1% to about 75% by weight of the scented plastic, in some embodiments from about 5% to about 75% by weight, and in some particular embodiments from about 10% to about 75% by weight. %

In some embodiments, the urinal screen 10 performs significantly better than current products in terms of fragrance release, particularly the total amount of fragrance released and also the percentage of fragrance released. For example, a current polyvinyl chloride deodorant screen typically begins with a fragrance content of about 2 g (2.5% by weight) and releases about 0.8 g of fragrance oil over a period of 25 to 30 days. An EVA urinal screen 10 of the present invention of similar dimensions to the current deodorizer screen can start with a fragrance content of 17 grams and release 14 grams of fragrance oil over a period of 25 to 30 days. In this example, the total amount of fragrance released from the urinal screen is 17.5 times (14g vs. 0.8g) the amount of fragrance released from the current screen, representing a significantly improved performance. The urinal screen releases more fragrance over the same period of time than a premium metered dose inhaler product. Also in this example, the urinal screen 10 releases 82% of its original fragrance content, which is double the current screen which releases 42%. In some embodiments, the urinal screen 10 releases at least about 60% by weight of its initial fragrance content, and more preferably at least about 70% by weight, over a 30 day period. In another aspect of the invention, the higher fragrance loading of the urinal screen 10 allows fragrance to be released into the environment for at least about 25 days, in contrast to a current product with a lower fragrance loading which stops deodorization in a much shorter period of time.

In some embodiments, one or more active ingredients are also contained within the body 11 of the urinal screen 10 with the plastic and the fragrance. An active is a material that enhances the functionality of the air freshener article, for example, by allowing the article to serve additional functions, or by enhancing or supplementing the article’s deodorizing function. Some examples of active ingredients are bacteria, enzymes, cleaning chemicals, chelating agents, and any combination thereof. Stabilized bacteria or enzymes can add a cleaning function to the urinal screen 10. For example, enzymes can consume uric acid, which is a source of odors from the urinal. Stabilized bacteria can improve the deodorizing and cleaning capabilities of the urinal strainer 10 by consuming various compounds from the urine.

The active ingredient can be incorporated into the plastic in any suitable manner. For example, an enzyme can be mixed into an inert material such as diatomaceous earth, which in turn is mixed into the heated plastic during manufacture of the urinal screens. Alternatively, the plastic can be water soluble which can absorb the active ingredient.

In one aspect, the lower molding temperature of the urinal screen 10 allows for the containment of active ingredients that cannot be trapped in screens formed at higher temperatures. For example, the lower molding temperature allows for the inclusion of active ingredients such as stabilized bacteria and enzymes that would be destroyed or inactivated at higher temperatures.

In addition to the plastic, fragrance, and active ingredient, the body 11 of the urinal screen 10 may optionally contain other materials suitable for use in plastic articles. For example, the body 11 of the urinal screen 10 may contain dyes, processing aids, fillers and/or reinforcements.

Some examples of additives that could be included are cleaning chemicals to reduce hard water build-up in toilets and urinals, additives to remove limescale and mineral deposits from drain lines, agents that create an active biofilm in drain lines to clean bad odors and reduce source etc.

In one embodiment, the body 11 of the urinal screen 10 further contains a dye, such as a dye that helps indicate when the screen should be replaced after a period of use. For example, a special dye that fades from light over 3-4 weeks could be used to indicate replacement.

The materials used to make the screen body can be selected to produce a urinal screen 10 with a desired appearance or other characteristics. For example, the use of EVA can allow the manufacture of a translucent urinal screen 10 so that if the underside of the screen is soiled it can be seen and can be cleaned to control odors. Transparent urinal screens can also be produced. In addition, a variety of different plastics and scented materials can be used to customize the urinal screen for specific applications. Depending on which fragrances are preferred and the fragrance performance (output) desired for the application, different fragrance materials and loadings can be used. The plastic can also consist of environmentally or biologically compatible materials.

In one embodiment, the air freshener article shrinks over a period of time as the article is used. This shrinkage can be an indicator of performance and also an indicator of when the item should be replaced. Current urinal screens do not shrink significantly with use because they do not release much fragrance. In contrast, in one embodiment, the air freshening article of the invention shrinks significantly in use as it releases a significant amount of fragrance material and optional active ingredient(s). The air freshener article can have any suitable amount of shrinkage, for example after about 30 days it can shrink to about 60% to 90% of its original size (dimensional) and in some embodiments to about 70% to 80%.

The air-freshening article of this invention can be formed by any suitable method, for example any of the methods known in the art for making plastic articles, such as molding, stamping, casting or extrusion. In a particular embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the air freshener article is manufactured in a multi-step process that allows for higher loadings of the fragrance material into the plastic. The incorporation of the fragrance material into the plastic is performed at a separate production stage prior to a molding stage in which the scented plastic is formed into the air freshener article. This is in contrast to currently known methods in which the fragrance is incorporated into the plastic during the molding process.

In the fragrance loading stage, a plastic is loaded with a fragrance material to produce a scented plastic. With this process, the incorporation of the fragrance into the plastic no longer takes place during the molding process. This change allows the product to contain a significantly higher level of fragrance.

In addition, the implementation of a pre-mold loading stage with fragrances can result in a significant reduction in mold temperature for manufacturing the air freshener article. This makes molding more efficient in terms of energy consumption and also results in reduced fragrance ‘burn off’, which is a common problem caused by high molding temperatures. Preloading fragrance into the plastic also creates an opportunity to use a variety of different plastics and different fragrances and loadings to customize the air freshener article for use in particular applications.

The fragrance loading step can be performed in any suitable manner. For example, the plastic can be provided in the form of beads or any other suitable form. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 2, the plastic can be added to any suitable mixing device, such as a mixing bowl. The plastic can then be heated until it softens. The fragrance material can then be added to the heated plastic in the container. Optionally, active substances or other suitable materials can also be added. The materials can all be heated and mixed until the fragrance material and any other materials are incorporated into the plastic. For example, the plastic can absorb substantially all of the fragrance material. COWARDLY. Fig. 2 shows the production of a scented plastic from the mixing device.

In some embodiments, the fragrance loading step includes alternating cycles of mixing and heating. Additionally, in some embodiments, the scented plastic produced in the scent loading stage is in a free-flowing form. This can be achieved, for example, by using a final mixing step without external heat.

In some embodiments, heating is limited during the fragrance loading phase so that a high loading of the fragrance material in the scented plastic is maintained. For example, the fragrance loading step can be conducted at a temperature of no greater than about 200°F, and more preferably no greater than about 175°F.

As shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 2, after the fragrance loading phase, in a separate molding phase, the scented plastic is formed into the air freshener article. Various molding processes and equipment for molding plastic articles are known in the art. The molding methods include, for example, injection molding, compression molding, transfer molding, extrusion molding and blow molding. In one embodiment, the air freshener article is formed by an injection molding process. As shown in FIG. In Figure 2, the scented plastic is heated until molten and then injected under high pressure into a mold that is the inverse of the shape of the air freshener article. The molded air freshener article is allowed to cool and harden and then removed from the mold.

In one embodiment, the use of a low-melting plastic allows the molding process to be performed at relatively low temperatures, which helps retain the charge of the fragrance material in the plastic. For example, the molding process can be carried out at a temperature no greater than about 250°F, and more preferably no greater than about 225°F.

The following example illustrates a method of making a deodorant urinal screen according to the invention. However, it is recognized that many other different methods or variations on the method described could also be used.

Step 1: 165 pounds of ethylene vinyl acetate resin (EVA) is placed in an open head drum. Step 2: The drum containing the EVA is heated to approximately 100°F. Step 3: 165 pounds of fragrance oil is then added to the heated EVA resin. Coloring can also be added if desired. Step 4: Additional active ingredients (e.g. stabilized bacteria) are added to the drum. Step 5: The contents of the keg are completely sealed. Step 6: The contents are mixed with various heating cycles at elevated temperature (100-150°F) for specific time frames. For example, a polymer manufacturing cycle can begin at room temperature and be mixed for 1 hour, then heat is applied to raise the temperature of the contents to 120°F and the contents are mixed for 1 hour. The heat is removed and the contents continue to mix for 1-2 hours (material temperature is about 105°F). The material is then reheated to approximately 125°F and mixed for an additional 1-2 hours. Final mixing is carried out for 90 minutes without external heat to ensure free-flowing material is produced. Typically, at the end of this process, the resin is free-flowing and all of the fragrance oil has been absorbed into the EVA. Step 7: The scented plastic is then fed into the injection molding machine. Urinal screens are molded from the free-flowing, scented plastic at temperatures around 180°F.

In accordance with the provisions of the Patent Statute, the principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it should be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

description

Urinal screen mats have a long-lasting scent of up to 30 days and come with a specially designed splash guard. Also, we offer a SPECIAL 10 PCS PACK, which is more economical compared to the 6 PCS pack. Convince yourself by comparing the price of the 6-piece set. Urinal Screen Mat under this listing are sold exclusively by Aura Lab. All other sellers sell cheap and duplicate products and we are not responsible for wrong or cheap items supplied by other sellers.

They may be a mystery to ladies, but they are very familiar to gentlemen. They are called “urinal cakes” and are commonly seen at the bottom of urinals. your purpose? Control bacteria and reduce odors. They are made from paradichlorobenzene, a chemical that deodorizes but comes with luggage. The solid cake sublimates, meaning it turns into a gas without going through the liquid state. It is a recognized animal carcinogen and is of concern as it can be found in the blood of most people. Of course, not all of this comes from urinals. Dichlorobenzene is used as an insecticide and moth repellent and is found in many air fresheners. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to remove it from urine cakes. So here is another question to consider. Pee on the urine cake or not? In theory, the warm urine evaporates more dichlorobenzene, putting the peer at greater risk. Supposedly the reason why we call these products “cakes” goes back to Benjamin Franklin. While experimenting with the Franklin oven, he baked some cookies, which he ended up placing next to the outhouse for his guests. Apparently, John Hancock accidentally knocked the plate into the urine pot, and whoops, the cakes picked up the smell. At least that’s how the story goes.

Prepare, aim and try to keep your khakis dry. Adjusting your angle and posture at the urinal can help prevent wet stains on your pants and floor, according to a new study from Brigham Young University.

In an attempt to avoid “splashback,” fluid dynamics researchers at BYU’s Splash Lab scientifically dissected your urine stream at the loo. (We’re totally serious.) No, they didn’t charge the boys with pints of beer. Instead, the researchers manipulated a machine that acted as a bladder, peeing at the healthy flow rate for a middle-aged man. As the machine sped on, high-speed cameras tracked the amount of spray caused from various distances and angles.

The Results: First, how close you stand is crucial to keeping your wild stream in check. After your pee has traveled this far in the air, this straight stream begins to break up into droplets. These beads of water cause more splash than a steady flow because they create “splash crowns” when they hit a surface that create small droplets that rain down on you, says study author Tadd Truscott, Ph.D.

Then your point of attack is crucial. Slant your urine stream down closer to the sides of the urinal and you reduce the “angle of impact”. (Check out this fascinating video to see it in action.) It’s like keeping the froth out of your beer: Pour it down the side of the glass instead of straight into it.

“These splashing events spread the urine all over the place,” says Truscott. “Although urine is relatively sterile, it can breed bacteria and is not healthy.” The study didn’t stop at the urinals you see at work. When you get up and pee in a toilet — with its long jet distance — Truscott says things “can get even more complicated” because of unsanitary toilet water splashing up.

His advice: Sit down when you’re home to make your floor clean and your wife happy — even if your buddies are making your life miserable.

Want to avoid embarrassing urine stains on your pants? Use the guide below to steer you in the right – read dryer – direction at the urinal.

Female urinals can be useful for women who are injured or bedridden at home or in the hospital and are looking for an alternative to bedpans. Female urinals are also a great option for patients with severe chronic pain and limited mobility due to illness or disease.[1] Some women choose a female urination device because they do not want to come into contact with public washrooms or because they are often outdoors and do not have easy access to a bathroom. Before using a female urinal, you should determine the type of urinal that will work best for your body and needs, and choose a urinal that is lightweight and easy to clean.

Most men will see a cake of urine on a daily basis. This is the small tablet placed in urinals and used as a deodorant in public restrooms.

Public toilets without a urinal cake use waterless urinals. Waterless systems rely on biological treatments to remain odorless.

It plays an important role in the urinal. However, if ingested, it can lead to devastating consequences.

Urine cakes help with toilet hygiene with some benefits and risks.

What are urine cakes?

Urine cakes resemble mothballs. You can find them at the bottom of public urinals.

The urine cakes reduce the smell of urine in urinals and fight bacteria.

The name urinal cake comes from the shape of the cakes. It also borrows from the role they play in making public toilets smell nice.

Before the 1880s, going to the toilet was a private affair. There were no public toilets.

As more and more people traveled to cities and commercial centers for business, toilet use became a public problem.

This led to an increasing demand for better plumbing and plumbing. Gradually, people started building and using public toilets.

This then led to a major odor problem.

As cities, markets, and urban centers became more popular, the use and demand for public toilets increased.

This led to the innovation of urine cakes as commercial products.

Urine cakes consist of paradichlorobenzene, which has a deodorizing and disinfecting effect.

The name “cake” comes from the round and colorful shape of the chemical block you will see in urinals.

Where and why do people use urinal cakes?

You will most likely see “urinal cakes” at the bottom of public urinals. They help disinfect the urinals and mask or reduce odors.

The chemical composition of most cakes can vary. But almost all urine cakes contain paradichlorobenzene, which acts as the main deodorant.

The para-dichlorobenzene in the cake helps it sublimate when in contact with urine. This means that it turns into a gas without going through the liquid state.

How do urinal cakes smell?

Most urine cakes have a neutral or pleasant odor. It all depends on their function.

Disinfectant cakes tend to have a more neutral odor.

Urine cakes, intended to deodorize the urinal, have a pleasant scent. This helps keep the urinal smelling fresh all the time.

Health concerns related to urine cake



Once the cakes come in contact with urine, they turn into a gas that you can breathe.

While there hasn’t been a comprehensive study of the gas’s effect on humans, it has shown some adverse effects on animals.

This unknown risk has led to a ban on para-dichlorobenzene in some countries around the world.

Many public toilets today prefer para-dichlorobenzene-free cakes as an alternative.

They are water soluble and are good for deodorizing urinals. They also improve the cleaning of the pipes to remove some of the odor-causing deposits.

Recent formulations and innovations have created biological bacterial spores. In combination with surfactant cleaners, they eliminate odors in the pipes. You’ll also get rid of any buildup that could be causing a blockage.

The only way to get around the odor and risks of using urine cakes is with waterless urinals. These are low-maintenance. They also rely on biological treatments to stay fresh and odorless. This is also a good alternative for the environment.

Can you eat a urinal cake?

Eating a urine cake can kill you.

If you’re crazy enough to bite into a urine cake, you’re risking your health. Ingesting the chemicals found in urine cakes can lead to the following symptoms:

dizziness

nausea

Diarrhea

Over time, these symptoms can worsen and lead to hospitalization.

Naphthalene, a compound commonly found in urine cakes, can also cause red blood cell death.

Without the right care, your body can become overwhelmed by all the chemicals. This can lead to organ failure and other complications.

Alternatives to using urine cake

The best alternative to urinal cakes so far are waterless urinals. Since you’re not relying on para-dichlorobenzene, you need to keep them clean.

You can keep Waterness urinals odor free by:

Invest in the right cleaning products

For daily cleaning, you should use biological agents.

With these treatments you introduce harmless “bugs” into the urinals. The bugs eat away at bacteria responsible for toilet odors.

These bacteria play a role in breaking down urea and uric acid found in urine. Once the two chemicals break down, they create the pungent odor found in toilets.

Over time, these treatments create a protective barrier on the surface of the urinal and pipes. This helps keep the urinal odor free between cleanings.

When using biological treatments, make sure you find a reputable provider. Alsco NZ offers some of the best organic alternatives on the market. They offer year-long contracts to ensure your team never runs out of treatments.

Keep urinals free of water

Water compromises the integrity and basic function of a waterless urinal.

It reacts with the sealant to form limescale deposits on the urinal and the pipes. This debris can prevent urine from flowing down the drain.

You can occasionally clean the pipes with water, but never in the waterless urinal cylinder.

In a public restroom, make sure you have warning signs. Each cylinder should have a sign warning people not to pour water into it.

An odorless washroom

One of the biggest cleaning challenges is keeping the toilets smelling fresh.

A clean and odorless toilet can affect employee morale. In a public-facing business, this can improve or hurt your reputation.

Be sure to let cleaning experts help you with the installation and maintenance of waterless urinals.

Once installed, stock up on the right accessories to keep your washrooms fresh.

Alsco will:

Help you identify the right accessories for your urinals.

Stock up on the chemicals you need.

Replenish your chemicals regularly.

With Alsco NZ, you can stop using urine cake and start an odor-free washroom today.

Photo: HelpStay.com