US20140007336A1

US20140007336A1 - Anti-splash urinal mat

Info

Publication number: US20140007336A1
Application number: US13/938,096
Authority: US
Inventors: John Andrew Mills; Christopher Hawker; Jessica Ann Moreland; Joel Beebe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-09
Filing date: 2013-07-09
Publication date: 2014-01-09

Abstract

An anti-splash urinal mat is disclosed, comprising a screen portion configured to prevent splatter of urine during use of a urinal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/669,580, filed on Jul. 9, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The typical men's restroom urinal comprises a vertically disposed, porcelain-surfaced receptacle having a collection region at the bottom with a drain disposed therein. The presence of the hard porcelain surface commonly encountered in the collection area of a urinal results in a splash of liquid droplets as a male individual directs a stream of urine into the urinal. This splashing effect tends to direct liquid droplets outside the urinal both onto the floor and onto the user's clothing. What is needed is a structure, e.g., a mat, for placement in a urinal to prevent splashing of urine out of the urinal during use.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first base portion; a second base portion; and a first screen portion.
In another embodiment, an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a base portion; and a screen portion comprising a convex screen.
In another embodiment, an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a base portion comprising a scent-impregnated polymer; and a screen portion comprising a convex screen.
In another embodiment, an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a conformable base portion comprising an integrated deodorant device; and a screen portion comprising a convex screen.
In another embodiment, an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a conformable base portion comprising an integrated deodorant device; and a screen portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example apparatuses, systems, and methods, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example arrangement of a prior art urinal mat.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 9A illustrates a plan view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 10A illustrates a plan view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 11A illustrates a plan view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

FIG. 11B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an example arrangement of anti-splash urinal mat 100. Mat 100 includes a base portion 105 and a screen portion 110. Screen portion 110 may include a corrugated pattern 115. In one embodiment, base portion 105 includes a series of perforations 120 configured to allow attachment of base portion 105 to a separate frame member (not shown).
Mat 100 may be configured to be placed into a urinal over the urinal drain. For example, mat 100 may be configured to be placed in the lower portion of a urinal. As such, mat 100 may be configured in any of a variety of sizes and shapes to fit specific urinals. In one embodiment, mat 100 is one of circular, semi-circular, triangular, rectangular, and elliptical. In another embodiment, mat 100 is substantially reuleaux triangular in shape, having a generally three-sided shape with rounded edges and corners.
In one embodiment, mat 100 is between about 3 in. and about 12 in. across its widest portion. In another embodiment, mat 100 is between about 5 in. and about 10 in. across. In another embodiment, mat 100 is between about 6 in. and about 9 in. across. In another embodiment, mat 100 is about 8 in. across its widest portion. In one embodiment, mat 100 is between about 1 in. and about 6 in. in height. In another embodiment, mat 100 is between about 2 in. and about 5 in. in height. In another embodiment, mat 100 is between about 3 in. and about 4 in. in height. In another embodiment, mat 100 is about 4 in. in height.
Base portion 105 may comprise the periphery of mat 100. Base portion 105 may comprise the general shape of mat 100. In one embodiment, base portion 105 comprises an elastomeric material. In another embodiment, base portion 105 comprises at least one of a polymer, metal, and composite material.
In one embodiment, base portion 105 is configured to directly contact the lower portion of a urinal adjacent to the drain. Base portion 105 may be conformable so as to substantially conform to the shape of the lower portion of a urinal. In one embodiment, base portion 105 may comprise a mechanism for temporary mounting to a urinal, including for example, suction cups or fasteners. In another embodiment, base portion 105 may comprise a weight to assist in keeping base portion 105 substantially contacted to the lower portion of a urinal.
In one embodiment, base portion 105 includes a structural element configured to support screen portion 110. In another embodiment, base portion 105 is configured to directly connect to screen portion 110. In another embodiment, base portion 105 is configured to removably connect to screen portion 110. Removal of base portion 105 from screen portion 110 may facilitate cleaning or replacement of one or both of base portion 105 and screen portion 110. Base portion 105 may comprise a width defined by its exterior edge (away from screen portion 110) and interior edge (toward screen portion 110). In one embodiment, base portion 105 comprises a width between about 0.5 in. and about 4 in. In another embodiment, base portion 105 comprises a width between about 1 in. and about 3 in. The width of base portion 105 may be varied depending upon the overall shape and/or size of mat 100. Additionally, in one embodiment, the width of base portion 105 can be varied depending upon the height, weight, and configuration of screen portion 110. That is, base portion 105 may be wider to support a heavier and/or taller screen portion 110, and may be narrower for use with a lighter and/or shorter screen portion 110.
In one embodiment, mat 100 further comprises a deodorant device (not shown). The deodorant device may comprise a deodorant “cake,” or block of deodorant material configured to contact liquid (e.g., liquid urine) within a urinal and neutralize odor associated with the liquid. In another embodiment, the deodorant device comprises an electronic device configured to release an odor neutralizer and/or air freshener periodically. In another embodiment, the deodorant device may comprise a vessel containing a liquid odor neutralizer and/or air freshener and may be configured to wick the liquid odor neutralizer and/or air freshener into a urinal near the urinal's liquid. In another embodiment, the deodorant device comprises any odor neutralizing and/or air freshening device capable of use with mat 100. In one embodiment, the deodorant device (not shown) may be integrated with base portion 105.
In one embodiment, the deodorant device (not shown) comprises a cake material shaped substantially similarly to base portion 105 and is configured to connect to base portion 105. In one embodiment, this shaped cake material deodorant device is integrally connected to base portion 105. In another embodiment, the deodorant device may comprise a material impregnated with an odor neutralizing and/or air freshening chemical. In this embodiment, the deodorant device material may be shaped substantially similar to base portion 105 and is configured to connect to base portion 105. In one embodiment, the deodorant device is configured to connect over the top of base portion 105. In another embodiment, the deodorant device is configured to connect to the underside of base portion 105, such that after installation of mat 100 in a urinal, the deodorant device is in substantially direct contact with the urinal. In another embodiment, the deodorant device is configured to extend substantially about the periphery of mat 100.
Mat 100 includes screen portion 110. Screen portion 110 may be centrally positioned within base portion 105. In one embodiment, screen portion 110 comprises a convex screen when viewed from the top of mat 100. When installed in a urinal, screen portion 110 and the convex screen may be oriented to substantially cover the urinal drain. The convex screen may be configured to add structural integrity to screen portion 110.
Screen portion 110 may make up the greater part of the height of mat 100. In one embodiment, screen portion 110 is between about 1 in. and about 6 in. in height. In another embodiment, screen portion 110 is between about 2 in. and about 5 in. in height. In another embodiment, screen portion 110 is between about 3 in. and about 4 in. in height. In another embodiment, screen portion 110 is about 3 in. in height.
Screen portion 110 may comprise a metal mesh material made up of fine metal wires. In one embodiment, screen portion 110 comprises a metal mesh material having openings between about 1/32 in. and about ¼ in. across. In another embodiment, the metal mesh material has openings between about 1/16 in. and about 3/16 in. across. In another embodiment, the metal mesh material has openings about ⅛ in. across. In one embodiment, screen portion 110 comprises a plurality of layers of metal mesh material.
In one embodiment, screen portion 110 may comprises any material making up a mesh, including for example one of a polymer and a composite material. In one embodiment, screen portion 110 comprises a nylon material. In another embodiment screen portion 110 comprises a stainless steel material. In one embodiment, screen portion 110 comprises a plurality of layers of mesh material.
In practice, screen portion 110 of mat 100 is oriented substantially over the drain in a urinal. In one embodiment, screen portion 110 is configured to prevent unwanted solid debris from entering a urinal drain, including for example, chewing gum, cigarette butts, and other trash.
In one embodiment, screen portion 110 is configured to accept a stream of urine and prevent splashing of the urine out of the urinal and onto the floor and/or user of the urinal. Screen portion 110 is configured such that when a stream of urine contacts screen portion 110, it is broken apart and decelerated by the mesh material, while substantially maintaining its direction through screen portion 110. As a result, once the urine passes through screen portion 110, it is without at least a portion of the energy it had immediately before contact with the screen, and is thus less likely to deflect off the urinal wall within the area confined in screen portion 110. In another embodiment, after the urine passes through screen portion 110, any deflection of the urine up and off the urinal within the area confined in screen portion 110 will be intercepted by screen portion 110 and thus be unable to splash out of the urinal and onto the floor and/or user.
In one embodiment, screen portion 110 comprises a mesh material, wherein the individual strands of the mesh comprise a round cross-section. That is, in the example of a wire mesh material, the wires have a round cross section. The round cross-section of the mesh material's wires act to dissipate the stream of urine while preventing its deflection. In this embodiment, a stream of urine striking the round wires of the mesh will be directed through the mesh without deflecting off the mesh and splashing. In another embodiment, screen portion 110 comprises a convex screen. In this embodiment, screen portion 110 may be configured to exhibit substantially no flat surfaces off of which a stream of urine may deflect, and thus prevents splashing of the urine.
Screen portion 110 may further include corrugated pattern 115. Corrugated pattern 115 may be embossed upon screen portion 110. In one embodiment, corrugated pattern 115 comprises a series of grooves formed in screen portion 110. In one embodiment, corrugated pattern 115 is configured to provide additional structural integrity to screen portion 110. In another embodiment, corrugated pattern 115 comprises a target at which a user of a urinal may direct his aim. In another embodiment, corrugated pattern 115 comprises lettering, wording, symbols, or logos.
In one embodiment, each groove of corrugated pattern 115 is between about ⅛ in. and about ½ in. in width. In another embodiment, each groove is between about 3/16 in. and about ⅜ in. wide. In another embodiment, each groove is about ¼ in. wide. In one embodiment, each groove of corrugated pattern 115 is between about ⅛ in. and about ½ in. in depth. In another embodiment, each groove is between about 3/16 in. and about ⅜ in. deep. In another embodiment, each groove is about ¼ in. deep. In one embodiment, various grooves of corrugated pattern 115 may have differing widths and depths.
In one embodiment, base portion 105 may include a series of perforations 120 configured to allow attachment of base portion 105 to a separate frame member (not shown). The frame member may be a structural element configured to maintain the structural integrity of mat 100. In one embodiment, the frame member is positioned beneath screen portion 110, while base portion 105 is positioned above screen portion 110. In this embodiment, screen portion 110 is fixed between the frame member and base portion 105 and may be connected to one or both of the frame member and base portion 105.
The frame member may include one or more posts configured to extend adjacent to or through screen portion 110 and into perforations 120. In one embodiment, the frame member is configured to accept fasteners which extend adjacent to or through screen portion 110 and into perforations 120. The frame member may comprise any of a variety of materials, including one or more of a polymer, a metal, and a composite material.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an example arrangement of anti-splash urinal mat 200. Mat 200 includes a base portion 205 and a screen portion 210. Screen portion 210 may include a corrugated pattern 215. In one embodiment, base portion 205 includes a series of perforations 220 configured to allow attachment of base portion 205 to a separate frame member (not shown).
FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of an example arrangement of anti-splash urinal mat 300. Mat 300 includes a base portion 305 and a screen portion 310. Screen portion 310 may include a corrugated pattern 315. In one embodiment, mat 300 includes a frame member 325.
FIG. 4 illustrates a common example of a prior art urinal mat 400. Urinal mat 400 includes a series of holes on its lower, planar portion. Urinal mat 400 additionally includes a prominent vertically-extending portion for receiving and holding a urinal cake. Urinal mat 400 is configured to perform two functions: (1) to prevent solid debris larger than the holes in urinal mat 400 from escaping into the urinal drain and thus potentially causing clogs; and (2) to contain an odor neutralizing and/or air freshening urinal cake. However, the design of urinal mat 400 presents various flat and abrupt surfaces, each of which causes a stream of urine contacting those surfaces to deflect and potentially splash out of the urinal onto the floor and/or urinal's user. The present invention, on the other hand, performs the additional function of presenting a prominent screen portion configured to receive a stream of urine without deflection and/or splashing.
FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat 500. Mat 500 includes a first base portion 505 and a screen portion 510. Screen portion 510 may include a corrugated pattern 515. Mat 500 may include at least one deodorant device 530. In one embodiment, first base portion 505 includes at least one removable tab 535. In one embodiment, first base portion 505 comprises at least one staked boss 540 to couple first base portion 505 to a second base portion (not shown).
Mat 500 may be configured for placement in a urinal or other toilet device. In one embodiment, mat 500 is appropriately shaped and sized to fit within any of a variety of urinal or toilet devices.
Screen portion 510 may be any of a variety of materials, including a metal, a polymer, an alloy, or a composite. In one embodiment, screen portion 510 is substantially domed in shape. In one embodiment, screen portion 510 extends above and at least partially retains at least one deodorant device 530.
In one embodiment, screen portion 510 is configured to accept a stream of urine and prevent splashing of the urine out of the urinal and onto the floor and/or user of the urinal. Screen portion 510 is configured such that when a stream of urine contacts screen portion 510, it is broken apart and decelerated by the mesh material, while substantially maintaining its direction through screen portion 510. In one embodiment, screen portion 510 is configured to accept a stream of urine and direct the urine into contact with at least one deodorant device 530.
Deodorant device 530 may include a cake or other material configured to be impregnated with a scent. In one embodiment, deodorant device 530 comprises a plurality of scented beads. The plurality of scented beads may be substantially independent from one another and configured to take the shape of whatever container retains the beads. In one embodiment, the plurality of scented beads may be at least partially attached to one another and molded into any desired shape. In one embodiment, deodorant device 530 is configured to at least one of reduce odor, mask odor, and disinfect. In one embodiment, deodorant device 530 occupies a volume of about 100 cubic centimeters (“cc”). In another embodiment, deodorant device 530 comprises about 100 cc of scented beads. In another embodiment, deodorant device 530 occupies any of a variety of volumes.
Base portion 505 may comprise at least one removable tab 535. At least one removable tab may be used for identification of the date of installation of mat 500. In one embodiment, base portion 505 comprises 12 removable tabs corresponding to the 12 months of the year, and 10 removable tabs corresponding to 10 sets of days through a month (e.g., day 1-3, 4-6, 7-9, and so on). At least one removable tab 535 may be removed corresponding to the appropriate month and day that mat 500 was installed. In such a manner, one can easily keep track of the length of time that mat 500 has been in service and replace it upon any established schedule. In one embodiment, a second base portion (not shown) comprises at least one removable tab.
In one embodiment, first base portion 505 comprises at least one staked boss 540 to couple first base portion 505 to a second base portion (not shown). At least one staked boss may comprise an elongated member extending substantially normally from at least one of first base portion 505 or a second base portion (not shown). In assembling mat 500, at least one staked boss 540 may extend through at least one perforation in first base portion 505 or a second base portion (not shown), after which point at least one staked boss 540 is staked using any of a variety of methods, and in one embodiment via heat deformation of at least one staked boss 540.
FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat 600. Mat 600 includes a first base portion 605 and a second base portion 606. Mat 600 also includes a first screen portion 610 and a second screen portion 611. Screen portion 610 may include a corrugated pattern 615. Mat 600 may include at least one deodorant device 630. In one embodiment, first base portion 605 includes at least one removable tab 635.
In one embodiment, first screen portion 610 and second screen portion 611 are configured to extend above and below at least one deodorant device 630, respectively. Second screen portion 611 may comprise a substantially concave portion at its center configured to accept at least one deodorant device 630. Second screen portion 611 may be configured to act as a second layer of protection against splattering of a stream of a liquid, such as urine.
In one embodiment, second base portion 606 comprises at least one staked boss 640 to couple second base portion 606 to first base portion 605. In one embodiment, at least one staked boss 640 extends through a corresponding at least one first base perforation 641, after which at least one staked boss 640 is staked to at least substantially prevent it from being drawn back through at least one first base perforation 641. In another embodiment, first base portion 605 comprises at least one staked boss configured to extend through at least one perforation in second base portion 606.
FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat 700. Mat 700 includes a first base portion 705 and a screen portion 710. Screen portion 710 may include a corrugated pattern 715. Mat 700 may include at least one deodorant device 730. In one embodiment, first base portion 705 includes at least one removable tab 735.
In one embodiment, first base portion 705 is connected to a second base portion (not shown) via a hinge 745. In one embodiment, first base portion 705 and a second base portion (not shown) are integrally connected via hinge 745. In another embodiment, hinge 745 is independent of at least one of first base portion 705 and a second base portion (not shown), and is attached to at least one of first base portion 705 and a second base portion (not shown) by any of a variety of attachment mechanisms, including an adhesive, an epoxy, screws, rivets, bolts, and the like.
In one embodiment, first base portion 705 is connected to a second base portion (not shown) at a side oriented away from hinge 745 by a latch 750. Latch 750 may comprise any of a variety of attachment mechanisms, including a hook, an interference fit, an adhesive, an epoxy, screws, rivets, bolts, and the like. In one embodiment, latch 750 is a hot staked attachment mechanism.
In one embodiment, latch 750 is configured to be permanent and not readily disabled without destruction of mat 700. In another embodiment, latch 750 is configured to be disabled to permit one to replace at least one deodorant device 730.
FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat 800. Mat 800 includes a first base portion 805 and a second base portion 806. Mat 800 also includes a first screen portion 810 and a second screen portion 811. First screen portion 810 may include a corrugated pattern 815. Mat 800 may include at least one deodorant device 830. In one embodiment, first base portion 805 includes at least one removable tab 835.
In one embodiment, first base portion 805 and second base portion 806 are molded out of a polymer material. A hinge 845 may be molded between first base portion 805 and second base portion 806. Hinge 845 may bend by virtue of its material makeup (e.g., a soft polymer), or may include a thinned portion to allow for sufficient bending without fracture. A latch 850 may be oriented directly opposite hinge 845 and configured to connect first base portion 805 and second base portion 806 in a closed position.
FIG. 9A illustrates a top plan view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat 900. Mat 900 may comprise a base portion 905 and a screen portion 910. Screen portion 910 may comprise at least one tab 955. Base portion 905 may comprise at least one slot 960 configured to accept at least one tab 955.
In one embodiment, base portion 905 may include an integrated deodorant device. In another embodiment, base portion 905 comprises a scent-impregnated polymer. In another embodiment, a deodorant device is disposed between base portion 905 and screen portion 910.
FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example arrangement of anti-splash urinal mat 900. Mat 900 may comprise a base portion 905 and a screen portion 910. Screen portion 910 may comprise at least one tab 955. Base portion 905 may comprise at least one slot 960 configured to accept at least one tab 955.
As illustrated in FIG. 9B, screen portion 910 may be oriented above base portion 905, and at least one tab 955 may extend below base portion 905 through at least one slot 960.
In one embodiment, base portion 905 and screen portion 910 are separated to create a cavity 961. Cavity 961 may be formed by virtue of the difference in radii of base portion 905 and screen portion 910. Cavity 961 may be configured to capture a stream of liquid, such as urine, and provide enough space to at least substantially prevent splatter to pass back up through screen portion 910.
FIG. 10A illustrates a top plan view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat 1000. Mat 1000 may comprise a base portion 1005 and a screen portion 1010. Base portion 1005 may comprise at least one lip 1065 configured to extend over at least a portion of screen portion 1010.
In one embodiment, base portion 1005 comprises a scent-impregnated polymer.
FIG. 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example arrangement of anti-splash urinal mat 1000. Mat 1000 may comprise a base portion 1005 and a screen portion 1010.
Base portion 1005 may comprise at least one lip 1065 configured to extend over and at least partially capture at least a portion of screen portion 1010. In one embodiment, lip 1065 comprises an integral part of base portion 1005. In another embodiment, lip 1065 comprises a separate independent member connected to base portion 1005.
Base portion 1005 and screen portion 1010 may be separated to create a cavity 1066.
FIG. 11A illustrates a top plan view of an example arrangement of an anti-splash urinal mat 1100. Mat 1100 may comprise a base portion 1105 and a screen portion 1110. Base portion 1105 may comprise at least one retention member 1170 configured to extend over at least a portion of screen portion 1110.
In one embodiment, base portion 1105 comprises a scent-impregnated polymer.
FIG. 11B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example arrangement of anti-splash urinal mat 1100. Mat 1100 may comprise a base portion 1105 and a screen portion 1110.
Base portion 1105 may comprise at least one retention member 1170 configured to extend over and at least partially capture at least a portion of screen portion 1110. In one embodiment, at least one retention member 1170 comprises a separate independent member connected to base portion 1105 through any of a variety of means, including an adhesive, an epoxy, staking, bolts, screws, rivets, and the like.
Base portion 1105 and screen portion 1110 may be separated to create a cavity 1171.
To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term “substantially” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to take into consideration the degree of precision available or prudent in manufacturing. To the extent that the term “selectively” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term “operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in a way to perform a designated function. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural. Finally, where the term “about” is used in conjunction with a number, it is intended to include ±10% of the number. In other words, “about 10” may mean from 9 to 11.
As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the present application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, or any apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details, examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An anti-splash urinal mat apparatus, comprising:

a first base portion;

a second base portion; and

a first screen portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second screen portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one deodorant device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of scented beads.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of first base portion and second base portion comprises at least one removable tab.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first base portion is connected to the second base portion by at least one staked boss.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first base portion is connected to the second base portion by a hinge.

8. An anti-splash urinal mat apparatus, comprising:

a base portion; and

a screen portion comprising a convex screen.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the screen portion further comprises a corrugated pattern.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the base portion further comprises an integrated deodorant device.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the integrated deodorant device extends about a periphery of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the base portion comprises an elastomer.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the base portion is substantially reuleaux triangular in shape.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the screen portion comprises a metal screen comprised of metal wires.

15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the screen portion comprises a plurality of layers of a mesh material.

16. An anti-splash urinal mat apparatus, comprising:

a base portion comprising a scent-impregnated polymer; and

a screen portion comprising a convex screen.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein:

the screen portion comprises at least one tab;

the base portion comprises at least one slot; and

the at least one slot accepts the at least one tab.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the base portion comprises at least one lip extending over at least a portion of the screen portion.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising at least one retention member extending over and at least partially capturing at least a portion of the screen portion.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a cavity disposed between the base portion and the screen portion.