| I Claim: 1. A urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet, the toilet having an aperture for receiving human waste, comprising: a. a supply of flushable funnels, each flushabie funnel having a top open end and a bottom open end, and a passage between the two ends; b. a dispenser, the dispenser having a stored position where the dispenser allows unimpeded use of the aperture, and an extended position where the dispenser locates one of the flushable funnels in a suspended position with the top anά of the flushable funnel above the aperture and the bottom end of the flushable funnel located relative to the aperture to direct body fluids -from the flushable funnel into the aperture: c. A flushable funnel moved from the supply of flushable funnels to the suspended position. 2. The urinal apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flushable funnels in the supply of flushable funnels are at a first orientation and the flushable funnel in the suspended position is at a second orientation that is different from the first orientation. The urinal apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flushablc funnels are made of biodegradable materials tough enough to withstand body fluids, slightly slippery, and have transitory water repel lency. The urinal apparatus of claim 1. wherein the dispenser further comprises a movable arm, said movable arm is supported by a sleeve for enabling said movable arm to move between the stored position and extended positions. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 4, wherein said sleeve is pivotal Iy supported with aid of a track device for enabling said movable arm to move up and down, and having a means of holding said sleeve up to facilitate reloading a plurality of said fiushable funnels to said supply of flushable funnels. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 4, wherein said movable arm includes a constant torque friction hinge for a user to adjust a height of the top end of the flushable funnel in the suspended position suitable to said user. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 4, wherein said movable arm is moved between the stored and extended positions by a rack and pinion device, said rack and pinion device is connected to a first motor, The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 4, further comprising an end stop on the movable arm and a movable jaw that moves on the movable arm relative to the end stop, the end stop and the jaw releasably clamping a portion of one of the funnels. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 8, further comprising a sensor for activation by a human user of the aperture, the sensor initiating the operation of a second motor that moves the jaw to a clamping position with the end stop before the first motor is initiated to extend the movable arm to the extended position. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 1, wherein the supply of flushable funnels comprises a nested arrangement; wherein each of said flushable funnels includes a tail portion at one of the top or bottom ends to be grasped by the jaw. The urinal apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensor activation is a first activation, the sensor having a second activation by a human user when the movable arm is in the extended position, wherein the sensor initiates the operation of the second motor to move the jaw out of the clamping position and allows the flushable funnel in the suspended position to drop into the aperture. The urinal apparatus of claim I wherein upon the second activation of the sensor and after the second motor moves the jaw out of the clamping position, the first motor moves the movable arm to the stored position. The urinal apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the supply of flushable funnels comprises a nested arrangement, each funnel is tapered from the top end to the bottom end. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 1 , wherein the dispenser comprises a movable arm; wherein said supply of flushable funnels includes a biasing device to urge said flushable funnels towards an end of the movable arm. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 1 wherein said supply of flushable funnels includes a hub to support a plurality of said flushable funnels. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 1 , wherein said supply of flushable funnels includes restraining arms writh a portion extending inwrards to support said hub and a biasing device to urge said flushable funnels toward an outward end of the movable arm. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet in claim 1 , further comprising a protrusion adjacent one of the top or bottom ends of the flushable funnel to cooperate with the restraining arms to dispense the flushable funnels from the nested arrangement one at a time. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 1 , wherein said flushable funnel includes a fin portion around at least a portion of the top end forming a handle. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes storage space to store extra supplies of said flushable funnels. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 1 , wherein said apparatus includes storage space to store toilet paper. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 1 , wherein said apparatus can be made in separate sections adapted to reduce its packing size. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 1 , wherein the toilet aperture receives human waste. The urinal apparatus to be used with a toilet as in claim 1, wherein said urinal apparatus having atleast one suction cup on an exterior of the urinal apparatus for mounting the urinal apparatus to an object. The urinal apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the toilet has a water tank, said urinal apparatus is attached to the water tank or attached close to the toilet. A method of assisting a standing human in urinating into a toilet designed for receiving human waste, comprising: a. providing a supply of flushable funnels; b. removing a flushabie funnel from the supply of flushabie funnels; c. suspending the flushabie funnel above the toilet to provide a path for body fluids into the toilet; The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of releasing the suspended flushabie funnel and allowing the flushabie funnel to fall into the toilet. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of flushing the toilet to flush away the body fluids and the dropped flushabie funnel. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of suspending the flushabie funnel further comprises the step of suspending the flushabie funnel by way of a tail. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of suspending the flushabie funnel above the toilet further comprises the step of deploying a movable arm; further comprising the step of returning the movable arm to a stored position, leaving the aperture to function unimpeded. A urinal device, comprising: A flushable sleeve having two ends, each end being open, and a passage between the two ends; a flap adjacent to one of the ends and forming a handle; the ilushabie sleeve made of a material that is biodegradable and can funnel body fluids from one end to the other end. The urinal device of claim 30 wherein the flushable sleeve is tapered between the two ends. The urinal device of claim 30 wherein the flushable sleeve is part of a nested stack of sleeves. |
COMMODE.
CROSS-REFRENCE TO RELATED APPLICAΗONS
This application claims the benefits of Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/209,059, filed 2009 March 3; 61/176,668, filed 2009 May 8; and
61/182,040, filed 2009 May 28 by the present inventor.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH: Not applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING: Not applicable.
BACKGROUND - Field
This application relates to a commode or toilet, and more particularly to a power operated urinal apparatus for a commode or toil el and urinal method, which prevent urine spill on edges of and floor around the commode or toilet. BACKGROUND - Prior Art
The usage of commodes, or toilets, and urinals are known methods to urinate in private or public settings. However, most residences and many commercial places do not offer the convenience of urinals. Therefore, besides defecation, commodes or toilets are also used as urinals. Typically, users of commodes or toilets prefer to stand to urinate for both comfort and to avoid germs on commode seats, in the process, however, urine spills on edges and floor around the commode or toilet no matter how careful the user may be. Even traditional urinals do not prevent urine spills and consequently odor emanates from them. Urine splashing on water of the commode bowl also leads to a distinctive sound that may be embarrassing. Urine spills may result in a non-hygienic condition and require additional cleaning around the commode. Furthermore, urine spills may cause staining of a rug, if a rug has been placed near the commode. Most commonly, the user raises both lids of the commode to an upright, position to urinate into the commode, and seldom put them back to their original position. This is also an inconvenience using a commode or toilet as a urinal.
Standard commodes or toilets, and urinals are two separate fixtures requiring separate spaces and plumbing work, which cost lots more than a single fixture. Several attempts have been made in the past to combine a urinal and a commode so that a single drain line can be used to provide an economical and space-saving solution. U.S. Patent No. 6,408,449 issued to Aguirre (2002) discloses a toilet assembly in combination with a urinal. However, this assembly can be very expensive, because it requires adding extra floor space and plumbing lines to accommodate an urinal to a toilet. Most existing toilets do not have the extra space required to add a urinal. In U.S. Patent No. 5,655,230 issued to Corbin (1997), and in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,412,408 and 3,500,480 issued to Michal (1968 and 1970 respectively), a urinal attachment for use in conjunction with a conventional toilet bowl is presented. Although this type of urinal attachment can be accommodated in an existing toilet space, it will make the existing space more crowded and aesthetically unpleasant. Also, it requires skilled persons to install the attachment. This leads to extra expenses, installation time, efforts, and more inconveniences. Other prior art devices may include U.S. Patent no. 3,822,419; 4,137.579; 4,180,875; and 4,750,219. Most of these devices require significant modifications and plumbing changes. Most of the prior art devices for urinary use of commodes, and even traditional urinals, have not solved the spilling and splashing of urine around them to any degree of satisfaction.
SUMMARY
A urinal apparatus is to be used with a toilet, the toilet having an aperture for receiving human waste. The urinal apparatus comprises a supply of flushable funnels, with each runnel having a top open end and a bottom open end. A dispenser has a stored position where the dispenser allows unimpeded use of the aperture, and an extended position where the dispenser locates one of the funnels in a suspended position with the top end of the funnel above the aperture and the bottom end of the funnel located relative to the aperture to direct body fluids from the runnel into the aperture. The dispenser moves a funnel from the supply of funnels to the suspended position.
The funnels in the supply of funnels are at a first orientation and the funnel in the suspended position is at a second orientation that is different from the first orientation.
The funnels are made of biodegradable materials tough enough to withstand body fluids, slightly slippery, and have transitory water repellency.
The dispenser further comprises a movable arm. The movable arm is supported by a sleeve for enabling the movable arm to move between the stored and extended positions.
Hie sleeve is pivotally supported with the aid of a track device for enabling the movable arm to move up and down. There is also means for holding the sleeve up to facilitate reloading a plurality of the funnels to the supply funnels. The movable arm includes a constant torque friction hinge for a user to adjust a height of the top of the funnel in the suspended position suitable to the user.
The movable arm is moved between the stored and extended positions by a rack and pinion device. The rack and pinion device is connected to a first motor.
An end stop is provided on the movable arm. A movable jaw moves on the movable arm relative to the end stop. The end stop and the jaw releasably clamp a portion of one of the funnels.
A sensor is activated by a human user of the aperture. The sensor initiates the operation of a second motor that moves the jaw to a clamping position with the end stop before the first motor is initiated to extend the movable arm to the extended position.
The supply of funnels comprises a nested arrangement. Each of the funnels includes a tail portion at one of the top or bottom ends to be grasped by the jaw.
The sensor activation is a first activation. The sensor has a second activation by a human user when the movable arm is in the extended position. By second activation the sensor initiates the operation of the second motor to move the jaw out of the clamping position and allows the runnel in the suspended position to drop into the aperture.
When the second activation of the sensors occurs and after the second motor moves the jaw out of the clamping position, the first motor moves the movable arm to the stored position. The supply of funnels comprises a nested arrangement, with each funnel tapered from the top end to the bottom end.
The dispenser comprises a movable arm. The supply of funnels includes a biasing device to urge the funnels towards an end of the movable arm.
The supply of funnels includes a hub to support a plurality of funnels.
The supply of funnels includes restraining arms with a portion extending inwards to support the hub and a biasing device to urge the funnels toward an outward end of the movable arm.
A protrusion is adjacent to one of the top or bottom ends of the funnel to cooperate with the restraining arms to dispense the funnels from the nested arrangement one at a time.
The funnel includes a fin portion around atleast a portion of the top end forming a handle.
The apparatus includes storage space to store extra supplies of the funnels.
The apparatus includes storage space to store toilet paper.
The apparatus can be made in separate sections adapted to reduce its packing size.
The toilet aperture receives human waste.
Atleast one suction cup on an exterior of the urinal apparatus mounts the urinal apparatus to an object. The toilet has a water tank. The urinal apparatus is attached to the water tank or attached close to the toilet.
A method of assisting a standing human in urinating into a toilet designed for receiving human waste comprises the steps of providing a supply of flushable funnels, removing a flushable funnel from the supply of funnels and suspending the flushable funnel above the toilet to provide a path for body fluids into the toilet.
The suspended flushable funnel is released and allowed to fall into the toilet.
The toilet with the body fluids and the dropped flushable funnel is flushed.
The flushable funnel is suspended by way of a tail.
The flushable funnel is suspended above the toilet by deploying a movable arm. The movable arm is returned to a stored position leaving the aperture to function unimpeded.
A urinal device comprises a flushable sleeve having two ends, with each end being open, and a passage between the two ends. A (lap is adjacent to one of the ends and forms a handle. The flushable sleeve is made of a material that is biodegradable and can funnel body fluids from one end to the other end.
The sleeve is tapered between the two ends.
The sleeve is part of a nested stack of sleeves. The object of this embodiment is to provide a simpler, economical, and hygienic urinal apparatus for a commode to prevent urine spill on edges of and floor around the commode, and to eliminate need of additional cleaning. The urinal apparatus, to be used with a commode or toilet, is designed to perform better than prior arts in same field including conventionally designed urinals, commodes and toilets used for urinating standing. The apparatus does not require any additional plumbing or floor space and can be installed by a common person within a short time.
ADVANTAGES
Power operated urinal apparatus for a commode alleviates deficiencies of prior arts in same field and provides further benefits including:
(a) Preventing urine spill around the commode, or toilet.
(b) Reducing splashing embarrassing sound of urine stream.
(c) Requiring no additional floor space.
(d) Requiring no additional plumbing works. (e)Easy to install by a lay person in a short time, (f) Looks aesthetically better than related prior arts. (g)Has a storage space to store extra flushable runnels. (h)Has storage space to store extra toilet paper rolls, (i) Very hygienic.
Ci) Very economical
(k)Very novel, unique and useful
Thus several advantages of one or more aspects are to provide a simpler, economical and hygienic power operated urinal apparatus for a commode. DRAWINGS - Brief Description of Drawings
In the drawings: Closely related figures have the same numbers but different alphabetic suffixes. Like reference numbers among different embodiments indicate like parts or components.
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a urinal apparatus for a commode showing a dispensed and suspended flushabie funnel ready for use.
Fig. 2 shows a top cross-sectional view of the urinal apparatus for a commode, indicated by section lines 2-2 in fig 3A.
Figs. 3 A and 3B show a side cross-sectional view of the urinal apparatus for a commode, indicated by section lines 1-1 in fig 2, with fig 3 A showing the urinal apparatus and fig 3B showing the commode.
Fig. 4 shows an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the urinal apparatus showing how to restock the fiushabie funnels in the dispensing section.
Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the operation from a first stored hub position, indicated by the dashed circle 5 in fig. 3A.
Fig. 6 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the movable arm indicated by section lines 3-3 in fig 5.
Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of the operation from a second dispensed and suspended position, indicated by the dashed circle 7 in fig. 3 A.
Fig. 8 shows details of a front joint between container and the dispensing section indicated by the dashed circle 8 in fig. 2. Fig. 9 shows details of a rear joint between container and the dispensing section indicated by the dashed circle 9 in fig. 2.
Fig. 10A shows a perspective view of the flushable funnel.
Fig. 10B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the ffushable funnel with fin portions added.
Fig. 1 1 shows a perspective view of a cardboard core.
Fig. 12 shows a packaged version of the urinal apparatus.
Fig. 13 shows an unpacked version of the urinal apparatus.
Fig. 14 shows assembly diagram of the urinal apparatus.
DRAWINGS - Reference Numerals
100 power operated urinal apparatus 200 commode
1 1 dispensing section 201 commode seat
12 reversible jaw 203 commode cover
13 movable arm 205 water tank
14 end plate 207 commode bowl
15 flushable funnel 209 wall
16 activation device or sensor 21 1 water supply
17 sleeve 213 drain or sewage line 1 8L container 18R container 20L attachment section 20R attachment section 21 drawer 22 storage section 23 hub position or hub 24 torque friction hinge 25 biasing device 26 restraining arms 27 tail portion 28 reversible motor 29 reversible motor 30 3 -way switch or switch 31 3-vvay switch or switch 32 core 33 groove 34 track 35 battery 36 electric plug 37 pivot. 38 stop 39 projection 40 tongue 41 channel 42 Hd 43 protrusion 44 flange 45 ball 46 socket 47 fin portion 48 notch 49 band 50 sear 51 rack 52 pinion DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
One preferred mode of carrying out. the invention of the power operated urinal apparatus for a commode is illustrated in fig 1 (perspective view), fig 2 (top view), figs 3A and 3B (side-cross sectional view), and fig 10A. The apparatus is attached on water tank of the commode by suction cups. The apparatus stores plurality of flushable runnels made of biodegradable materials tough enough to withstand body fluids, and degrades in sewage lines. The funnels are slightly slippery and have transitory water repellency. The apparatus dispenses and suspends a flushable funnel above the commode bowl when activated by a standing user. The user urinates through the funnel, which channels the urine down into the commode bowl preventing urine spill around the commode. When through urinating, and second activation by the user, the used funnel drops into the commode bowl. Immediately following, the apparatus reverts back to its storage stage allowing the commode to function unimpeded. The user flushes the commode to flush away the urine and the used flushable funnel. The apparatus is very economical and simple to install. The deficiencies associated with the above mentioned prior art devices and conventionally designed urinals are not present with this embodiment. This embodiment has more advantages in terms of cost, convenience, hygiene, and environment.
In operation, upon first activation by a user, the power operated urinal apparatus 100 (see fig 1), with help of a movable arm 13, dispenses a flushable funnel 15 from a stored hub position 23 (see fig 3A) and suspends over the commode bowl 207. The user urinates through the funnel 15. which channels the urine down into the commode bowl 207 preventing urine spilJ around the commode. The funnel 15 also helps in reducing embarrassing sound of the urine splash on water in the commode bowl 207.
Upon completion of urination and second activation by the user, the used funnel 15 drops into the bowl 207 and the movable arm 13 retracts inwards to the hub position 23 leaving the eommode 200 open for another user either for urination or for defecation. The dropped funnel 15, which is biodegradable, flushes away by flushing the commode and degrades in sewage line. The first and second activations by the user can be done without touch, such as by waving a hand near or above the sensor 16.
Fig 1 shows a perspective view of the urinal apparatus 100 showing the movable arm 13 in an extended position suspending the funnel 15 over the commode bowl 207 converting the commode 200 into a temporary urinal.
In phantom lines, fig 1 illustrates a commode 200, which includes commode seat 201 , commode cover 203, water tank 205, and commode bowl 207. The commode may be positioned against wall 209. The water tank is 205 in communication with a water supply 21 1. The commode 200 is in communication with a drain line 213 (not shown in fig 1 ). Fig 1 shows the urinal apparatus 100 includes a dispensing section J I , a storage section 22 open at one end with a drawer 21 to store plurality of funnels 15. The drawer 21 is purposely shown slightly pulled out to show it. Attachment sections 20L and 20R (only one attachment section 20L is visible, and attachment sections 20 R are not visible in fig 1 ) secures the apparatus 100 to the water tank 205. The storage section 22 can be placed to open drawer 21 from left side or from right side in one embodiment, while it can be opened from front side or have a lid on any one of these sides in another embodiment. The containers 18L and 18R can be used to store toilet paper rolls. The dispensing section 1 1, the storage section 22 including drawer 21 , containers 18L and 18R, are made from plastic material or other suitable materials.
Fig 1 additionally shows the movable arm 13 in an extended position with a reversible jaw 12 holding the suspended runnel 15 against an end plate 14. An activation device, or sensor, 16 mounted on a stop 38 is electrically connected to a reversible motor 28 (not shown in fig 1 ). The motor 28 is connected to a rack and pinion device (not shown in fig 1) for the reversible jaw 12. The activation device 16 is visible and thus can be activated when the movable arm 13 is in a stored position (as shown in fig 3A). The activation device, or sensor, 16 can also be mounted anywhere on the apparatus 100. Motion or manual activation of the sensor, or activation device, 16 activates the reversible motor 28 causing the reversible jaw \2 to move outward clamping an outermost funnel 15 against the end plate 14. Simultaneously, the jaw 12 pushes a 3-way switch 30 for a reversible motor
29 (not shown in fig 1 ) for the movable arm 13 mounted at the end plate 14, then stops. This causes the movable arm 13 to move forward dispensing and suspending the outermost funnel 15 above the commode bowl 207. Another 3~way switch 31 mounted at the stop 38 is for reverse movement of the movable arm 13. The detailed operation is shown in fig 3 A, fig 5, and fig 7.
Fig 1 further shows the movable arm 13 has a constant torque friction hinge 24, to facilitate user to adjust the height of the funnel 15 at a convenient height of the user. The hinge 24 allows the user to position the height of the funnel over the toilet to a suitable height; the hinge 24 holds the position. Several torque friction hinges are available in market, such as reell's patented hinge.
Fig 2 shows a top cross-sectional view of the urinal apparatus 100 showing the dispensing section 1 1, which includes a hub 23. The hub 23 is held by restraining arms 26. The restraining arms 26 are anchored on walls of the dispensing section 11. A biasing device 25 is used to urge the funnel 15 outwards. The biasing device 25 cooperates with the hub 23 and the restraining arms 26 to dispense one funnel 15 one at a time. The biasing device 25 can be a spring or other appropriate device. The restraining arms 26 can have a portion extend inwards to hold protrusions 43 (not shown on fig 2) of the funnel 15. The restraining arms are flexible enough to release a single funnel 15 one at a time. The container 18L and the container 18 R can store toilet paper rolls or other items. Details of joints at dashed circle 8 and 9 are shown in figs 8 and 9, respectively. In phantom lines, fig 2 shows the commode seat 201 Ln sealing position, the commode cover 203 in upright position, the water tank 205 below the apparatus 100, and the commode bowl 207 of the commode 200.
In dashed lines, fig 2 show attachment sections 2OL and 2OR made of flexible plastic suction cups built below the apparatus 100 sized to fit on and secure to top surface of the water tank 205. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 can be made attachable to a wall by way of suitable brackets or suction cups.
Fig 3 A to be viewed with fig 3.B, shows a cross sectional view of the urinal apparatus 100. In full lines the apparatus 100 shows that a plurality of funnels 15 are stored in nested position around the hub 23 and a funnel 15 has not been dispensed. Upon first activation by the user, the reversible jaw 12 moves forward and clamps a flushable funnel 15 against the end plate 14. Simultaneously, the reversible jaw 12 pushes the switch 30 causing the movable arm 13 to move forward dispensing and suspending the funnel 15 over commode 200 ready for use. The dispensed arm 13 and the suspened funnel 15 are shown in dashed lines. This is a temporary conversion of a commode to a urinal. Hie details of the operation at dashed circles5 and 7 are shown in figs 5 and 7, respectively.
In phantom lines, fig 3 A shows top part of the commode 200, which can be positioned adjacent to the wall 209, and can be used in conjunction with the urinal apparatus 100 in order to dispense and suspend a funnel 15 to guide urine into the commode 200. The water tank 205, on which the apparatus 100 is placed, is for flushing the commode 200. The commode cover 203 in upright position is shown in partial view in fig 3 A.
Fig 3A further shows the movable arm 13 has the constant torque friction hinge 24 for the user to adjust the height of the funnel 15 at a convenient height for the user.
Fig 3A further shows the apparatus 100, which can be made of plastic or other suitable materials. The apparatus 100 includes the dispensing section 1 L the containers 18L and 18R (not shown in fig 3A), and the storage section 22 which can be hollow and open at one end to provide for storage of plurality of funnels 15. The storage section 22 may include a drawer 21. The dispensing section 11 includes the hub 23 which can be a hollow truncated cone shape to store the plurality of runnels 15 to be dispensed one at a time. The dispensing section includes the biasing device 25 to urge the plurality of funnels 15 outwards. The restraining arms 26 cooperate with the hub 23 to support a plurality of funnels 15. The restraining arms 26 have a portion extend inwards to hold the funnels 15 and are flexible to release the funnel 15 one at a time. The dispensing section 1 j includes a sleeve 17, which can be a base plate or a cylinder to support the movable arm 13. A pivot 37 and tracks 34 attached on both sides of dispensing section 1 1 supports the sleeve 17. The sleeve 1 7 supports the movable arm I3and allows the arm 13 to move between the stored and extended positions. When the arm 13 is in the extended position, the torque friction hinge 24 can be manipulated.
Fig 3 A further shows the apparatus 100 includes attachment sections 2OL, and the attachment sections 2OR (not shown in fig 3Λ). which can be fastening device such as suction cups or other appropriate devices including shaping the apparatus 100 sized to fit over the top surface of the water tank 205 of the commode 200.
Fig 3A shows the reversible motor 28 is for forward and reverse movement of the reversible jaw 12. I'he reversible motor 29 is for forward and reverse movement of the movable arm 13. The battery 35 or electric plug 36 supplies the electric power to the apparatus 100. The battery 35 and electric plug 36 can be located anywhere in the apparatus 100. The activation device 16, which can be a motion activated sensor or manually activated by the user, and is mounted on stop 38 but can be mounted anywhere on the apparatus HK). The activation device 16 and the reversible motor 28 for the reversible jaw 12 are electrically connected to the battery 35 and the electric plug 36. The 3-way switch 30, the 3-way switch 31 and the reversible motor 29 for the movable arm 13 are electrically connected to the battery' 35 and the electric plug 36.
In phantom lines, fig 3B (to be view with fig 3A) shows the commode 200 to be used in conjunction with the urinal apparatus 100 (shown in fig 3A). The commode 200 includes the commode seat 201 , the commode cover 203, the water tank 205, and the commode bowl 207. The commode may be positioned against wall 209, and supplied water by water supply 211. The commode is in communication with the drain line 213.
Fig 4 shows an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the urinal apparatus 100. The sleeve 17 can be moved upward and revert back to its original position with aid of the pivot 37 and the tracks 34 mounted on both sides of the dispensing section 1 1. A ball 45 mounted on the sleeve 17 snaps into a socket 46 mounted on a Hd 42 to hold the sleeve 17 in upward position, as needed. This feature allows widening the front opening of the dispensing section 1 1 to restock a plurality funnels 15 on the hub 23. The wider opening allows the wider end of the runnels 15 needed to be inserted first.
Fig. 4 further shows a lid 42 that may be opened to install the battery 35, which can be regular or rechargeable. Several regular or rechargeable batteries are available in market. The batteries similar to batteries used in laptop computers can be used. Optionally, the electric plug 36 can be used to plug into an electrical wall outlet for direct electric power supply to the apparatus 100.
Fig 5 show r s a partial enlarged view of the apparatus at dashed circle 5 in fig 3 A. The funnels 15 are stacked in a nested configuration. The reversible motor 28 and the reversible jaw 12 are connected through a rack and pinion device. The reversible motor 28 is attached to the pinion of the rack and pinion device. The reversible jaw 12 is attached to the rack of the rack and pinion device. The reversible motor 29 and the movable arm 13 are connected through a rack and pinion device. The reversible motor 29 is attached to the pinion of the rack and pinion device. The movable arm 13 is attached to the rack of the rack and pinion device.
Tn fig 5, upon first activation of the sensor 16, the reversible motor 28 rotates in one direction, which causes the reversible jaw 12 to move outward. During this process, the reversible jaw 12 clamps a tail portion 27 of the outermost runnel 15 against the end plate 14, shown in dashed lines. Simultaneously, the reversible jaw 12 pushes a 3-way switch 30 located on the end plate 14. The 3-way switch 30 activates the reversible motor 29, which causes the movable arm 13 to move outwards dispensing and suspending the outermost funnel 15 from the hub 23 (shown in fig 1, Rg 1, and in dashed lines in fig 3A). Immediately after pushing the switch 30, the jaw motor 12 stops. The battery 35 or the electrical plug 36 supplies electric power to the apparatus 100. Reverse movement of the movable arm 13 is controlled by the 3-way switch 31. A plurality of funnels 15 is stored around the cardboard core 32 in a nested configuration.
Fig 6 shows a cross-sectional detail of the movable arm 13 at a larger scale indicated by section lines 3-3 in fig 5. When activated through sensor 16, the reversible jaw 12 slides, forward on first activation and reverse on second activation, on the movable arm 13. A pair of tongue 40 and a pair of groove 33keep the reversible jaw 12 aligned and stays on same plane, while moving. Different methods can be used for this purpose. The tongues 40 are located on both inner sides of the reversible jaw 12, and slide in the grooves 33, which are located on both outer sides of the movable ann 13. The rack 51 of the rack and pinion device is attached to the under surface of the top side of the reversible jaw 12 and the pinion 52 of the rack and pinion device is attached to the reversible motor 28, which is mounted at the underside of the movable arm 13 and attaches to the rack 51 through an opening in the movable arm 13. The tail portion 27, the 3-way switch 30 and the end plate 14 are shown as related references in the view.
Fig 7 shows a partial enlarged view for the details of the operation from the dispensed and suspended position of the funnel 15, in area indicated by the dashed circle 7 in fig 3 A (the funnel 15, which is shown in dashed lines in fig 3A, is shown in solid lines in fig 7). The activation device, or sensor, 16 is mounted on stop 38, which is located on the movable arm 13. The activation device, or sensor, 16 can be located anywhere on the apparatus 100 (not shown in fig 7).
Fig 7 additionally shows that when through with the urination, the user activates the sensor 16 of the reversible motor 28. This time the reversible motor 28 rotates in reverse direction causing the reversible jaw 12 to move in the reverse direction, shown in dashed lines. During this process, the reversible jaw 12 releases the tail portion 27 of the funnel 15 held against the end plate 14. The funnel 15 drops (shown in dashed lines) in the commode bowl 207 (not shown hi fig 7). Immediately following, the reversible jaw 12 pushes and activates the 3-way switch 31 of the reversible motor 29 (not shown in fig 7), which causes the movable arm 13 to retract into the dispensing section 1 1 (not shown in fig 7). The movable arm 13 stays there until activated by a next user. Immediately after pushing the switch 31 the jaw 12 stops. Flushing the commode drains away the dropped funnels 15 into the drain line, 213 (not shown in fig 7). The 3-way switch 30 is for forward movement of the movable arm 13.
Fig 8 shows a detail of a joint indicated by a dotted circle 8 in fig 2. The joint is between the front part of the container 18R and the front part of the dispensing section 1 1 with a channel 41. The joint can be nailed, screwed, glued or other suitable method of attachment can be used. The commode cover 203 is visible.
Fig 9 shows a detail of a joint indicated by a dotted circle 9 in fig 2. The joint is between the rear part of the container 18R and the rear part of the dispensing section 11 with a channel 41. The joint can be nailed, screwed, glued or some other suitable method of attachment can be used. The restraining arm 26 is anchored on rear wall of the dispensing section 1 ! .
Fig 10A show's a perspective view of one embodiment of the flushable funnel 15 of predetermined truncated cone shape, which is made of biodegradable materials. The materials can be compounds or papers, having wet strength and water repellency while retaining the property of being flushable. The funnel 15 retains its strength and shape temporarily when wetted. Such papers can be manufactured. For example, an invention in U.S. Patent No. 4,920,171 assigned to Monadnok papers Mills, Inc, (Bennington, NH), discloses a paper product suitable for applications requiring wet strength and water repellency while retaining the property of being flushable. The invention in U.S. Patent No. 4,920,171 is directed to a coating composition for application to a flushable cellulosic based waterleaf sheet to impart transitory water repellency to at least one surface of the sheet. The composition comprises between 20% by weight to about 70% by weight of relatively large particle size delaminated clay in combination with a polyethylene based polymer that has been produced by the drying of a colloidal polyethylene in water composition with the said clay. Furthermore, the runnel 15 is strong enough to withstand the force of a urine stream. The funnel 15 material can be made moderately slippery so that it can slide out easily from a stack of the funnels 15 stored around cardboard core 32 (not shown fig 10A). Each runnel .15 has two ends and a passage extending therethrough between the ends. The funnel 15 is tapered so as to have a small end and a larger end.
Fig I OA further shows the runnel 15 has a tail portion 27 attached on one side of small end. The runnel 15 has protrusion 43 ail around the larger end to allow for grip by the restraining arms 26 (not shown on fig 10A). The protrusion 43 cooperates with the restraining arms 26 to dispense the funnels
15 from the nested arrangement one at a time. The funnel 15 can be of different suitable shape and size including, but not limited to square, round, oval, rectangular, polygon. The funnel 15 can be made of suitable lengths to suit different sizes of commodes.
Fig 10B shows another embodiment of the funnel 15. In addition to the entire characteristic described in fig 10A including the tail portion 27and the protrusion 43, the funnel 15 have fin portions 47 on the remaining sides of the small end. The fin portions 47 on two sides can be used as handles and can be held by both hands while urinating and the portion 47 on the remaining side close to the user can act as a guard against dripping urine. This embodiment can be used without the apparatus 100 by holding the funnel 15 in hand and dropping in the commode 200 after use, and flush.
Fig 1 1 shows a perspective view of the core 32, which can be of cardboard or other suitable material and thickness. Its function is similar to the cardboard core of the toilet paper rolls. The core 32 has a flange 44 to facilitate pulling it out from the hub 23 (not shown in fig 1 1). The core 32 can be disposable or refiliable.
Fig 12 shows a compact packing version of the urinal apparatus to save space and cost. The drawer 21 is purposely shown slightly open to show the dispensing section 1 1 is placed inside the drawer 21. The side of the container 18L and the container 18R coming adjacent to the dispensing section 1 1, when assembled, is omitted. This leaves small slits on both ends of that side. These slits help in connecting the containers 18L and 18R to the dispensing section 1 1. This feature also helps in making the packing compact ..This feature also helps in making the packing compact. The containers 18L and 18R are wrapped around the storage section 22 as shown. The packing version occupies less space than the assembled one and may cost less, it is easy to assemble.
Fig 13 shows how to unpack different components of the urinal apparatus for a commode and make them ready to be assembled. First, separate the container 18L and the container 18R from both ends. Then slide out the drawer 21 from the storage section 22. Then take out the dispensing section 11 from the drawer 21.
Fig 14 shows an assembly diagram of the urinal apparatus for a commode. First, place and push slightly the storage section 22 on top surface of the water tank 205 (not shown in fig 14). The attachment sections 2OL and 2OR (not shown in fig 14) act like suction cups, sticks the apparatus on the water tank 205 (not shown in fig 14). The storage section 22 can be positioned to access the drawer 21 from left side or from right side. This compact version is just one example. The compact packing can be made in several different ways. Next, the dispensing section 11 slides on a notch 48 on the storage section 22. Bands 49 slide in sears 50 and locks in. Then, slide the containers 18L and 18R to fit in the groove formed by channel 41. The channels 41, the bands 49 and the sears 50 can be of different variations and styles. Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope
Thus the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the urinal apparatus for a commode provides a more reliable, clean, and economical device that can be used by a wide range of people. Said apparatus facilitates urinal function without installing a traditional urinal and extra plumbing. Said apparatus works better than a traditional urinal. Said apparatus is easy to install and is aesthetically pleasing than a urinal. As an added bonus, said apparatus stores extra sets of bio-degradabie funnels and toilet papers.
The elements described here can be duplicated or eliminated, changed in size and made in different shapes and colors. They can be connected or associated with adjacent elements in a different manner. They can be made integrally or separately, i.e. modular or in sections.
While my above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment, thereof. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalent.
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