Toilet-Attachable Urinal Device

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/634,970, which was filed on Apr. 17, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to the field of toilet attachments. More specifically, the present invention relates to a toilet-attachable urinal device comprised of a funnel connected to antimicrobial tubing that directs urine into the toilet bowl with splash-free drainage. The device also features a self-cleaning mechanism activated by a button, which sprays water through the funnel and tubing for effortless cleaning. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

Toilets used by males from a standing position often result in significant hygiene issues due to urine splashes on the toilet rim, the floor, and surrounding areas. This problem is exacerbated for young boys who may lack accuracy while learning to urinate independently. These splashes can lead to the accumulation of bacteria, unpleasant odors, and the need for frequent and time-consuming cleaning. The persistent issue affects residential, public, and commercial bathrooms, contributing to unsanitary conditions and inconveniences for users. Moreover, traditional cleaning methods and preventive measures, such as mats or absorbent pads, fail to adequately address the root cause of the issue. The absence of a reliable and efficient solution increases the maintenance burden and perpetuates hygiene challenges. A device specifically designed to prevent urine splashes and facilitate easy cleanup would be highly beneficial in addressing these longstanding concerns.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet-attachable urinal device that prevents urine splashes during use. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet-attachable urinal device that enables young boys and men to improve accuracy while urinating. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet-attachable urinal device that incorporates a self-cleaning mechanism to maintain hygiene and reduce cleaning efforts.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toilet-attachable urinal device. The device is designed to minimize urine splashes, enhance bathroom hygiene, and reduce bathroom cleaning efforts. The device comprises a funnel with a flared top opening for urination, tapering to a second end that connects to antimicrobial, flexible tubing. The tubing directs urine into the toilet bowl via a flared spout optimized for splash-free drainage. The funnel and tubing are constructed from durable, odor-resistant materials with antimicrobial coatings to prevent bacterial growth. The device is mounted using fasteners, including a primary fastener for secure attachment to the toilet and secondary fasteners to stabilize the tubing. A self-cleaning mechanism, activated by a button, sprays water through the funnel and tubing using a pump connected to the toilet's water supply, ensuring cleanliness.

In this manner, the toilet-attachable urinal device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a funnel and flexible tubing system that directs urine securely into the toilet bowl, eliminating the risk of urine splashes. The funnel's wide opening improves aiming accuracy, while its antimicrobial coating enhances hygiene. The device's self-cleaning mechanism further ensures that it remains clean and odor-free with minimal effort. The inclusion of secure attachment mechanisms ensures that the device remains stable during use and does not disrupt the toilet's functionality. By addressing the root cause of the problem and offering a durable, easy-to-clean solution, the device significantly reduces bathroom maintenance requirements and promotes a more sanitary bathroom environment.

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toilet-attachable urinal device. The toilet-attachable urinal device is designed to address urine splashes, promoting hygiene, reducing cleaning efforts, and maintaining a sanitary bathroom environment. The device directs urine into the toilet bowl, preventing splashes and minimizing mess.

The device comprises a funnel with a flared top opening tapering into a narrower second end that connects to flexible tubing. The funnel is made from durable, odor-resistant materials such as silicone or BPA-free plastic, with an optional antimicrobial coating to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce odors. The funnel may be shaped in various configurations to suit user preferences and toilet designs. The flexible tubing extends from the funnel's second end and serves as a conduit to direct urine into the toilet bowl. The tubing features a flared, angled spout to optimize drainage, prevent splashes, and reduce blockages.

The device includes multiple fastening mechanisms for secure attachment to the toilet. A first fastener anchors the device to the toilet tank or other mounting surfaces, while a second fastener connects the funnel to the first fastener for storage. The fasteners may be but are not limited to magnetic fasteners, suction cups, or hook-and-loop attachments. A secondary fastener may secure the tubing to the toilet rim or seat, ensuring proper alignment and stability during use.

A self-cleaning mechanism promotes hygiene by spraying water through the funnel and tubing after use. The mechanism is powered by a pump connected to a water source and activated by a button. The pump is battery-powered, with options for replaceable or rechargeable batteries, and may include a charging port.

A method of use involves securing the device to the toilet with the first and second fasteners, stabilizing the tubing with the secondary fastener, and holding the funnel during use. After urination, the self-cleaning mechanism is activated to maintain cleanliness.

Accordingly, the toilet-attachable urinal device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a funnel and flexible tubing system that directs urine securely into the toilet bowl, eliminating the risk of urine splashes. The funnel's wide opening improves aiming accuracy, while its antimicrobial coating enhances hygiene. The device's self-cleaning mechanism further ensures that it remains clean and odor-free with minimal effort. The inclusion of secure attachment mechanisms ensures that the device remains stable during use and does not disrupt the toilet's functionality. By addressing the root cause of the problem and offering a durable, easy-to-clean solution, the device significantly reduces bathroom maintenance requirements and promotes a more sanitary bathroom environment.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet-attachable urinal device that prevents urine splashes during use. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet-attachable urinal device that enables young boys and men to improve accuracy while urinating. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a toilet-attachable urinal device that incorporates a self-cleaning mechanism to maintain hygiene and reduce cleaning efforts.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a toilet-attachable urinal device. The toilet-attachable urinal device is designed to minimize urine splashes, promote hygiene, reduce cleaning efforts, and maintain a sanitary bathroom environment. The device effectively directs urine into the toilet bowl, preventing splashes and reducing mess. The device is not only an attachment to existing toilets, it can be added at the time of manufacturing of a toilet. The device can become a standard design to newly manufactured toilets.

The device includes a funnel with a flared top opening that tapers into a narrower second end, connecting to flexible tubing. The funnel is constructed from durable, odor-resistant materials such as silicone or BPA-free plastic and may feature an antimicrobial coating to inhibit bacterial growth and odors. The funnel can be designed in various shapes to accommodate user preferences and toilet configurations. Flexible tubing extends from the funnel's second end, directing urine into the toilet bowl. The tubing features a flared, angled spout to ensure smooth drainage, prevent splashes, and reduce blockages.

Secure attachment of the device is achieved using multiple fastening mechanisms. A first fastener anchors the device to the toilet tank or other mounting surfaces, while a second fastener connects the funnel to the first fastener for storage. Fasteners may include options such as magnetic fasteners, suction cups, or hook-and-loop attachments. A secondary fastener secures the tubing to the toilet rim or seat, ensuring proper alignment and stability during use.

Hygiene is further enhanced by a self-cleaning mechanism, which sprays water through the funnel and tubing after use. The mechanism operates via a pump connected to a water source and is activated by a button. The pump is battery-powered, with options for replaceable or rechargeable batteries, and may include a charging port.

The method of use involves attaching the device to the toilet using the first and second fasteners, stabilizing the tubing with the secondary fastener, and holding the funnel during use if necessary. After urination, the self-cleaning mechanism is activated to ensure cleanliness.

The toilet-attachable urinal device provides a practical solution by directing urine securely into the toilet bowl, eliminating splashes and enhancing hygiene. The funnel's wide opening improves aiming accuracy, while its antimicrobial coating further promotes cleanliness. The self-cleaning feature keeps the device clean and odor-free with minimal effort. Secure fastening mechanisms ensure stability during use without interfering with the toilet's functionality. This durable, easy-to-clean device reduces bathroom maintenance and fosters a more hygienic environment.

Referring initially to the drawings,illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a toilet-attachable urinal deviceof the present invention while being held by a user urinating into the funnel in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The toilet-attachable urinal deviceis a toilet-attachable accessory designed to address the problem of urine splashes, promoting improved hygiene, reduced cleaning efforts, and enhanced convenience in maintaining a sanitary bathroom environment. The deviceensures that urine is effectively directed into the toilet bowl during use, preventing splashes and minimizing mess.

The deviceis comprised of a funnelwith a flared top opening, designed to facilitate accurate urination into the openingby providing a wide surface area. The funneltapers into a narrower second end, which securely connects to a flexible tubing. The funnelis preferably constructed from silicone or BPA-free plastic that is odor-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. To further enhance hygiene, the funnelmay be comprised of an antimicrobial coating(as seen in), such as but not limited to silver ion coatings, copper-infused coatings, or zinc-based additives, which inhibit bacterial growth and reduce the accumulation of odors. The funnelmay also be designed in various shapes to suit user preferences and toilet configurations, including but not limited to conical, oval, or semi-circular designs.

The flexible tubingextends from the second endof the funneland serves as a conduit for directing urine into the toilet bowl, as seen in. The tubingis preferably made from antimicrobial and stain-resistant materials, such as polyethylene treated with antimicrobial coatingssuch as but not limited to silver nanoparticles, to inhibit bacterial growth and prevent odor buildup over time. The tubingis further comprised of a spout, which is preferably flared and angled (e.g., downward toward the bottom of the toilet bowl as seen in). This configuration optimizes smooth drainage into the toilet bowl while preventing splashes and reducing the likelihood of blockages caused by improper alignment.

The devicecan be securely mounted to a toiletthrough various fastening mechanisms. In one embodiment, the deviceis comprised of a first fastenerthat attaches to a part of the toilet, such as but not limited to the toilet tank, the toilet tank lid, or another suitable mounting surface. The first fastenerprovides an anchor for the device, ensuring that the funnelremains in place when not in use. The devicefurther includes a second fastenerthat is fixedly attached to the funneland removably attached (as seen in) to the first fastener, enabling a secure connection between the funneland the first fastenerwhen the funnelis being stored when not in use. These fasteners,are reciprocating fastener types and may include but are not limited to magnetic fasteners with rust-resistant neodymium magnets, suction cups, hook-and-loop fasteners, tongue-and-groove connections, or male-and-female fasteners.

To maintain the stability of the flexible tubingduring use, the devicemay be further comprised of a secondary fastener. The secondary fastenersecures the tubingto the toilet rimor toilet seat, preventing misalignment or movement caused by adjustments to the funnel. The secondary fastenermay include various configurations such as but not limited to adjustable clamps, hook-and-loop straps that wrap around the tubingand attach to the toilet rimor seat, adhesive fasteners, suction cup fasteners, etc. These fastening solutions ensure that the tubingremains securely positioned during use.

The devicealso includes a self-cleaning mechanism to promote hygiene and minimize maintenance. The self-cleaning feature is powered by a pump, which sprays water through the funneland tubingafter each use via a tubing, effectively removing urine residue and maintaining cleanliness. The cleaning cycle is activated by a button. The pumpis connected to a water source via tubing, which may draw water directly from the toilet's water supply and/or from within the toilet tank. The pumpis powered by a battery, which may be replaceable or rechargeable. For rechargeable configurations, the batteryincludes at least one charging port, such as a USB-C port or a micro-USB port.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of usingthe device, as seen in. First, the deviceis provided, comprised of the funnelwith a flared top openingand a second end, flexible tubing, spout, and attachment mechanisms, including a first fastener, a second fastener, and a secondary fastener[Step]. Next, the first fasteneris attached to a suitable part of the toilet, such as the toilet tank, toilet tank lid, or other mounting surface [Step]. Once the first fasteneris secured, the second fasteneris connected to the first fastener[Step]. After the funnelis secured, the secondary fasteneris used to attach the flexible tubingto the toilet rimor toilet seat, ensuring that the tubingremains stable and aligned with the toilet bowl [Step]. During use, the funnelcan remain attached to the fastenerand/or held in a user's hand while the user urinates into the funnel[Step]. Finally, after use, the buttonis pressed to activate the self-cleaning mechanism, which sprays water through the funneland tubing, effectively cleaning the device[Step].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “toilet-attachable urinal device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the toilet-attachable urinal deviceof the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the toilet-attachable urinal deviceof the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the toilet-attachable urinal deviceas shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the toilet-attachable urinal deviceare well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the toilet-attachable urinal deviceare important design parameters for user convenience, the toilet-attachable urinal devicemay be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.