DE102023000445A1 - Urinal system for a commercial vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention solves the general problem for people who are travelling in a vehicle, such as a car or commercial vehicle, and have the human need to urinate or urinate, which they cannot easily satisfy. For this purpose, a urinal system (160) is proposed for a commercial vehicle (100), which has a frame consisting of several supports (131, 132; 135) as a chassis (130), wherein the urinal system (160) has a funnel-shaped urinal element (163) designed to hold urine and a tubular element (161) connected to it, designed to store the urine, which can be mounted on at least one of the supports (131), e.g. mounted between two parallel longitudinal supports (131, 132) of the frame (130). The respective vehicle can be retrofitted with such a system without any special effort. Overall, the system is very simple and cost-effective to implement and provides a very practical, clean and environmentally friendly solution for urination.

Description

The invention relates to a urinal system for a commercial vehicle and a commercial vehicle equipped with the system.

It is a common problem for people who are travelling in a vehicle, such as a car or commercial vehicle, and have the human need to urinate or urinate, that they cannot easily satisfy this need. Conventional vehicles usually do not have any facilities for this, so the people concerned have to drive to a toilet facility and find one or even relieve themselves in the area, e.g. on the side of the road. Long-distance drivers sometimes have to stay in car parks or in industrial areas at weekends, where there are no adequate facilities.

The problem is particularly acute for people such as tradesmen who are on the move for work and cannot find toilet facilities either on the way or at the site. Mobile toilets are usually only set up on construction sites that last for a long time. However, in many situations there is no practical solution to meet human needs. This applies, for example, to tradesmen who work on short-term construction sites, to suppliers or parcel deliverers, or to emergency or rescue workers (e.g. emergency doctors, paramedics, fire brigade, police). Human needs can become a problem, especially when rescue workers are deployed, if there is no way to relieve themselves. This problem also exists for deliveries by all delivery services, such as local and long-distance transport, and for all road users.

The patent specification US 2016 029 858 A1 discloses a toilet system that is installed in a vehicle, with toilet-like bowls installed beneath the driver and passenger seats, which are connected via waste pipes and pumps to a disposal container installed in the trunk. This system is very complex in design and requires complicated installation in the vehicle. In addition, the system is used in the vehicle, which in turn contradicts demands for aesthetics and discretion.

The patent specification US 11 338 744 B2 reveals a toilet system for installation on the rear of the driver's cab of a commercial vehicle. This system is also complex and requires a lot of space.

Furthermore, only mobile urinals in the form of bottle-like containers are known and are often offered in stores under the term “emergency urinal”. The person must carry this with him or keep it within easy reach in the vehicle. EP 0 555 607 A1 An emergency urinal designed as a disposable product made from a plastic bag is revealed. However, the use of such disposable products should be avoided in order to protect the environment.

The object of the invention is to provide a urinal system for a commercial vehicle that is simply constructed and easy to install and retrofit for a commercial vehicle

The problem is solved by a urinal system with the features of patent claim 1.

Accordingly, a urinal system is provided for a commercial vehicle, the vehicle having a frame consisting of several supports as a chassis. The invention is characterized by a funnel-shaped urinal element designed to receive urine, and a tubular element connected to it designed to store the urine, which can be mounted on one of the supports or between two parallel supports of the chassis.

Furthermore, a commercial vehicle is proposed which is equipped with such a urinal system, i.e. a commercial vehicle with a frame consisting of a plurality of supports as a chassis, and a urinal system mounted thereon comprising a funnel-shaped urinal element designed to receive urine, and a tubular element connected thereto designed to store the urine, which is mounted on one of the supports of the vehicle frame or between two parallel supports.

The urinal system is simple in design and can be mounted on the chassis or frame of the vehicle in a space-saving manner without any special effort, especially if the tubular element designed to store the urine is installed in (already existing) gaps in the frame, e.g. if the tubular element (e.g. polypropylene pipe) is mounted between two parallel supports (e.g. longitudinal supports).

With the help of the invention, human needs can be met in any situation. For this purpose, the invention is mounted in or on the chassis or frame of the vehicle and can be used immediately as a urinal. The funnel-shaped urinal element absorbs the urine and passes it on to the tubular element for storing the urine. Polypropylene pipes are particularly suitable for this, such as those used in building installations as inlet or outlet pipes. (so-called building services or HT pipes) can be used. This means that a urinal system can be created inexpensively using such standard components. The collected urine is in the tubular element, which serves as a sort of storage container; to empty it, you only need to open the end with a closure nozzle; to do this, you drive to a suitable place (septic tank, sewer, ...). The system can be cleaned very easily and quickly; pipes in the funnel-shaped urinal element and the subsequent tubular element can be flushed with fresh water.

• Da der Fahrzeug-Rahmen in der Regel aus mehreren Längsträgern und Querträgern besteht, ist es vorteilhaft, wenn das rohrförmige Element kürzer als der längste Längsträger bzw. längste Querträger ist. Im ersten Fall (Längseinbau des Systems) verläuft das rohrförmige Element entlang einem der Längsträger bzw. ist zwischen zwei parallel verlaufenden Längsträgern eingebaut. Im zweiten Fall (Quereinbau) verläuft das rohrförmige Element entlang einem der Querträger bzw. ist zwischen zwei parallel verlaufenden Querträgern eingebaut. In beiden Fällen hat das rohrförmige Element, welches ja zur Aufbewahrung des Urins dient, die maximal mögliche Einbau-Länge und somit auch das max. mögliche Fassungsvermögen bzw. Volumen.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the subclaims:

• Since the vehicle frame usually consists of several longitudinal members and cross members, it is advantageous if the tubular element is shorter than the longest longitudinal member or longest cross member. In the first case (longitudinal installation of the system), the tubular element runs along one of the longitudinal members or is installed between two parallel longitudinal members. In the second case (transverse installation), the tubular element runs along one of the cross members or is installed between two parallel cross members. In both cases, the tubular element, which is used to store the urine, has the maximum possible installation length and therefore also the maximum possible capacity or volume.

The tubular element preferably consists of at least one pipe, in particular a plastic pipe (e.g. PP pipe), or sewage hose, with an inner diameter of 6-12 cm, the volume of the tubular element being at least 3 liters. For example, with an inner diameter of 6 cm and a pipe length of 2 m, the capacity would be 5.7 liters. As far as the material is concerned, the tubular element is preferably made of flame-retardant and heat-resistant material, e.g. polypropylene (PP), PE-RT (polyethylene-raised temperature) or even polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

Furthermore, particularly in the case of longitudinal installation, the tubular element can be connected to the funnel-shaped urinal element at a first end via an inlet pipe, the inlet pipe being aligned substantially transversely to the longitudinal alignment of the tubular element. The inlet pipe is preferably adjustable in length, whereby the funnel-shaped urinal element can be optimally positioned for use.

The tubular element can again be provided with a removable closure nozzle at a second end, which is removed for emptying purposes. Alternatively or additionally, a shut-off valve can be provided to which a drain hose can be connected or is firmly connected.

The tubular element is preferably provided with at least one baffle on the inside to effectively prevent the collected urine from wobbling or sloshing for driving safety. Alternatively or additionally, particularly for cold seasons, the urinal system can be equipped with a heater.

Preferably, the tubular element of the urinal system is mounted on the chassis or frame in such a way that, when the vehicle is in a normal horizontal position, the tubular element extends from a first end at an angle of 2-10 degrees to the horizontal to a second end. This ensures that the urine collected flows into the tubular element and remains in the lower part of the same, so that when the vehicle is in use and when the vehicle is driven on, as little urine as possible spills back into the funnel-shaped urinal element and escapes. Otherwise, a backflow flap or similar can also help here.

The funnel-shaped urinal element can also preferably be designed to be foldable, extendable and/or pivotable and can be located behind a flap, in particular the flap of a storage box, in the folded, pulled or pivoted state. This allows the receiving funnel in particular to be stored compactly and protected while the vehicle is moving.

To protect the user's view, a folding, extendable and/or pivotable visual protection device is preferably arranged on the commercial vehicle, in particular a viewing device which, when unfolded, protects the user from views from outside and, when folded, pulled or pivoted, is located in the space between the rear of the driver's cab and the loading area of the vehicle.

• 1 zeigt in einer Seitenansicht ein erfindungsgemäß ausgestattetes Fahrzeug;
• 2 zeigt in einer Draufsicht (im Schnittbild) den Einbau eines erfindungsgemäßen Urinal-Systems in das Fahrzeug nach 1;
• 3 zeigt in einem vergrößerten Ausschnitt (aus 2) den Aufbau des eingebauten Urinal-Systems;
• 4 zeigt in einer Schnittansicht, den inneren Aufbau des rohrförmigen Elements, in dem mehrere Schwallwände angeordnet sind;
• 5 zeigt in einer Seitenansicht das Fahrzeug, wenn es zusätzlich mit einer Sichtschutz-Vorrichtung ausgestattet ist; und
• 6 zeigt das Fahrzeug mit Sichtschutz-Vorrichtung in einer Seitenansicht; und
• 7 zeigt in einer Detailansicht (im Querschnitt) das trichterförmige Element mit einem daran befestigten, schwenkbaren Deckel.

The invention will now be described in detail by means of embodiments, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which show the following:

• 1 shows a side view of a vehicle equipped according to the invention;
• 2 shows in a top view (in section) the installation of a urinal system according to the invention in the vehicle according to 1 ;
• 3 shows in an enlarged section (from 2 ) the structure of the built-in urinal system;
• 4 shows, in a sectional view, the internal structure of the tubular element in which several baffles are arranged;
• 5 shows a side view of the vehicle if it is additionally equipped with a privacy screen; and
• 6 shows the vehicle with privacy screen in a side view; and
• 7 shows in a detailed view (in cross section) the funnel-shaped element with a pivoting lid attached to it.

As the schematic representations of the 1-3 show, in particular a commercial vehicle can be equipped with a urinal system according to the invention.

The vehicle 100 is, for example, a so-called flatbed truck, which is often used as a construction vehicle or tradesman's vehicle. The vehicle 100 has a driver's cabin 110 and a chassis 130, which is constructed as a frame with several supports, namely longitudinal beams 131, 132 and cross beams 135. A loading area 120 (also called a flatbed) is mounted on the chassis or frame 130. One or more storage compartments 150 can be located below the frame 130. There is usually an intermediate space 140 between the driver's cabin 110 and the flatbed 120. An extendable privacy screen (not described in detail here) can be mounted or suspended in this space, which can serve as a privacy screen for the user of the urinal system 160 and can thus ensure the user's privacy when urinating. Alternatively, a smaller, extendable privacy screen can also be accommodated in the storage box 150.

As the 2 and 3 show, a urinal system 160 is attached to the frame 130, which has a funnel-shaped urinal element 163 (hereinafter also referred to as "funnel") designed to receive urine and a tubular element 161 connected thereto designed to store the urine, wherein the tubular element 161 is mounted on at least one of the supports, here in a space-saving manner on the right-hand side of the vehicle between two parallel longitudinal supports, which are designed in the same way as the two longitudinal supports 131 and 132 located on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

The urinal system 160 begins at the funnel-shaped urinal element 163, which corresponds to a pipe end section with an opening funnel into which the user can urinate. This is followed by the connection of the tubular element 161 (hereinafter also referred to as the “storage pipe”) via an intermediate piece or inlet pipe 162, which can be extendable (see double arrow in 3 ) in order to position the funnel 163 outwards for use. The storage pipe 162 is installed in the direction of the length of the vehicle, between two parallel longitudinal members of the frame 130. The storage pipe 162 extends from its first (upper) end E1 (in the area of the inlet pipe 162) to its second (lower) end E2, where it is provided with a closure nozzle 165. The storage pipe 162 is mounted at an angle of inclination of, for example, 5 degrees, so that the collected urine collects at the lower end E2. The storage pipe 162 can hold several liters of urine and thus the system can be used for at least one working day without having to be emptied. If the vehicle is in a suitable location (septic tank, sewage connection, etc.), the urine can be emptied from the storage pipe 162 by opening or removing the nozzle 165. The system can then simply be flushed and cleaned using fresh water. Alternatively or additionally, a shut-off valve can be provided to which a drain hose can be connected.

As the 4 shows, the urinal system can be further improved by having the tubular element inside at least one baffle 166, which prevents the collected urine from rocking and sloshing, particularly when the vehicle is moving. The urinal system can also be provided with a heater, which prevents the system from freezing, particularly in cold seasons. For this purpose, electrically operated heating elements can be used; an auxiliary heater in/on the vehicle can also be used. In addition, a vent valve V can also be provided to ensure that no air bubbles get caught in the pipe 161, which could occur particularly when cleaning the pipe 161 with a large water flow.

The urinal system can also be further improved by using the funnel-shaped urinal element 163 (see also 3 ) is designed to be foldable, extendable and/or pivotable and, in the folded, pulled or pivoted state, is located behind a flap, in particular the flap of the storage box 150.

The urinal system 100 can be used for all vehicles that have a frame with longitudinal and cross members, especially for commercial vehicles (trucks and lorries). The vehicles can be retrofitted with such a system without any special effort. The system is also easy to dismantle in order to mount it on another vehicle. The assembly can be attached to the support(s) using clamps, buckles or sturdy cable ties, for example. The material of the pipes is preferably heat-resistant in order to rule out the possibility of heat radiated from the exhaust system leading to a fire hazard. The funnel 162 and, if necessary, part of the connecting pipe 163 can also be stored in a protected manner in one of the storage boxes 150. To use the urinal system, the funnel with the connecting pipe is simply pulled out of the storage box 150.

As the 5 and 6 As can be seen from the drawings, the commercial vehicle 100 can be further improved by additionally equipping it with a privacy screen, which is preferably a folding, extendable and/or pivotable privacy screen 170 which, when unfolded, protects the user from outside views and, when folded, pulled or pivoted, is located in the space 140 between the rear of the driver's cab 110 and the loading area 120. For example, the privacy screen 170 can consist of several elements 171, 172 which are folded together to stow the device or folded out for use in order to protect the user's area from outside views.

The 7 shows a detailed view (in cross section) of the funnel-shaped element or funnel 163 with a lid 164 attached to it and pivotable about the axis of rotation D. The lid 164 is attached here, for example, to the upper end of the funnel opening and can be operated like a flap to close the opening of the funnel 163, especially when the vehicle is to be moved. To use the urinal system, the user only has to pivot the lid 164 upwards. The lid could also be arranged at the lower end of the funnel edge (not shown); in this case it would be advantageous if the lid itself were designed like a drip tray.

At least one of the two, the lid or the funnel rim, has a bead that can prevent collected urine from flowing back out of the lid or the collecting tray or the funnel opening. The respective bead can also be used to securely close the funnel.

In the 7 In the example shown, the lid 164 and the funnel 163 each have a bead 165a and 165b respectively on their lower edge, which are designed to fit together and cooperate to form a snap closure.

Overall, the system is very simple and cost-effective to implement and provides a very practical, clean and environmentally friendly solution for urination.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2016029858 A1 [0004]
• US 11338744 B2 [0005]
• EP 0555607 A1 [0006]

Claims (15)

Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100), which has a frame consisting of several supports (131, 132; 135) as a chassis (130), characterized in that the urinal system (160) has a funnel-shaped urinal element (163) designed to receive urine and a tubular element (161) connected thereto, designed to store the urine, which can be mounted on at least one of the supports (131). Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the supports of the frame have longitudinal supports (131, 132) and transverse supports (135) and that the tubular element (161) is shorter than the longest longitudinal support (131) and can be mounted on the latter. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the supports of the frame have longitudinal supports (131, 132) and cross supports (135) and that the tubular element is shorter than the longest cross support (135) and can be mounted on the latter. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the tubular element (161) can be mounted between two parallel supports (131, 132). Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element consists of at least one pipe, in particular plastic pipe (161), or sewage hose, whose inner diameter is 6-12 cm, the volume of the tubular element (161) being at least 3 liters. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the tubular element (161) is made of flame-retardant material. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element (161) is connected at a first end to an inflow pipe (162) and/or to the funnel-shaped urinal element (163), wherein the inflow pipe (162) is aligned substantially transversely to the longitudinal orientation of the tubular element (161). Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element (161) is provided at a second end with a removable closure nozzle (165) and/or with a shut-off valve to which an emptying hose can be connected. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element (161) has at least one baffle (166) and/or a heater and/or a vent valve (V) in the interior. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the funnel-shaped urinal element (163) is designed to be foldable, extendable and/or pivotable and is located behind a flap, in particular the flap of a storage box (150) in the folded, pulled or pivoted state. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the funnel-shaped urinal element (163) is connected to a pivotable lid (165), wherein the edge region of the lid (164) and/or of the funnel-shaped element (163) is provided with a bead (165a; 165b), in particular with a bead (165b) which is designed to retain collected urine. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the bead (165a) of the lid (164) and the bead (165b) of the funnel-shaped urinal element (163) are designed to cooperate as a snap closure for fixing the lid for the purpose of closing the opening of the funnel-shaped element (163). Commercial vehicle (100) which has a frame (130) consisting of several supports (131, 132; 135) as a chassis, characterized in that the commercial vehicle (100) is equipped with a urinal system (160) according to one of the preceding claims. Commercial vehicle (100) to Claim 13 , characterized in that the tubular element (161) of the urinal system (160) is mounted on the chassis (130) of the commercial vehicle (100) such that, when the vehicle (100) is in a normal horizontal position, the tubular element (161) extends from a first end (E1) at an inclination angle of 2-10 degrees relative to the horizontal to a second end (E2). Commercial vehicle (100) to Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the utility Vehicle (100) is provided with a folding, extendable and/or pivotable visual protection device (170), in particular a viewing device (170) which, in the unfolded state, protects the user from views from outside and, in the folded, pulled or pivoted state, is located in the intermediate space (140) between the rear of the driver's cab (110) and the loading area (120).

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