GB2368519A

GB2368519A - Domestic urinal unit

Info

Publication number: GB2368519A
Application number: GB0026774A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stanley Patrick Doyle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-11-02
Filing date: 2000-11-02
Publication date: 2002-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-11-02
Also published as: GB0026774D0; GB2368519B

Abstract

A height adjustable domestic urinal unit housed in a console 1, has a cradle 6 that carries a small basin 8 and hidden storage jar/container 7 that are connected by a narrow neck. The cradle 6 slides though a channel in the inner faces of an inverted U frame 5, that is fixed to pivots 11. The handle 3 is pulled outwards until the frame 5 meets the front panels 2, where the basin 8 is lowered. The neck of the cradle 6 travels between the two front panels 2 until the desired height is reached and is maintained by a locking device 4. To return the basin to rest, the handle 3 is lifted as high as possible and pushed to the rear where the storage jar 7 connects to the outlet via a coupling unit 9 such as a two-way stop/go connector. The basin 8 may be disinfected by small quantities of disinfectant 10 sprayed into the basin by a syringe triggered by the movement of the frame 5.

Description

Domestic Urinal Unit This invention relates to a retractable urinal housed in a compact console, affording extensive height traverse with minimal water consumption and/or self-sanitizing facilities.

For very many years, the design of W. C. pans has been adversely influenced by the need to accommodate urine streams from many heights. Young boys and old men in particular, find it difficult to maintain steady streams, often missing their relatively large target to unpleasant effect. The volume of water used in the discharge of urine is now gravely out of proportion, and the introduction of domestic urinals could bring great benefit on all counts.

Accordingly, this invention provides a small retractable basin connected to a hidden storage jar, both carried by a cradle that slides smoothly through channels in the long inner faces of a strong'inverted U frame pivoting from a front position near the console base. In the closed position, the frame swings backwards pushing the rear end of the storage jar into the mouth of a small-bore outlet containing a proprietary two-way stop/go connector.

The pivoting frame might be constructed from a box-steel section containing a plastic insert grooved to accept nylon gliding bars, or from materials of equal strength. The device can be plumbed to receive mains water, but may be sanitized by a device such as a twoway syringe discharging disinfectant solution as the frame swings in either direction.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which : FIGURE 1 shows an exploded side view of the appliance in the highest extended position; FIGURE 2 gives an open-back view of the appliance in a lower position ; FIGURE 3 gives an open top view of the appliance at rest.

As shown in fig. 1, frame 5 is housed in console 1, pivots from point 11 allowing room for instep, and is smoothly channelled on long inner faces to accept snugly fitting sliding bars forming part of cradle 6. This carries storage jar 7 and basin 8 which are joined together via a narrow filtered neck fitting snugly into a reinforced section of cradle 6 that slides freely within lined faces of graduated front panels 2 with locking device 4 sliding below it.

The appliance is ready for use when handle 3 is pulled outwards until frame 5 meets front panel 2, releasing coupling unit 9 thus closing both liquid channels. The basin can then be lowered to the required position and retained by pre-selectable locking device 4. The unit is returned to rest when handle 3 is raised as far as it will go and pushed to the rear, thereby re-connecting coupling unit 9 allowing urine to flow freely into a suitable trap.

The proximity of Basin 8 to storage chamber 10 makes it possible for a quantity of disinfected solution to be injected when the basin moves in either direction.

Claims

Domestic Urinal Unit CLAIMS 1. A slim console that could stand alone or be part of a futuristic lavatory suite, accommodates a travelling cradle that rises and falls under manual control, carrying a small retractable basin together with a hidden container or storage jar that empties into a small-bore outlet when at rest.
2. A domestic urinal as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the cradle glides through channels in the long inner faces of a strong frame, which might be shaped like an'inverted U, that pivots from a frontal point close to floor level maintaining an upright position when in use, and inclining to the rear when at rest to push the back end of the storage jar into the mouth of a small-bore outlet containing a suitable stop/go connector.
3. A domestic urinal as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the deep narrow neck that connects basin to container passes through gapped front panels, which might be graduated, to rest upon a sliding/locking device that enables individual heights to be pre selected or easily established in use.
4. A domestic urinal as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein a container is provided for the storage of a disinfecting solution that might be sprayed into the pan in small quantities by a single or double acting syringe triggered by the moving frame.
5. A domestic urinal as claimed in any proceeding claim, which is made from metal, plastic materials or wood, or from a combination of these materials.
6. A domestic urinal substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.