Urinal system for a commercial vehicle

Abstract

Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) having a chassis with a frame (130) consisting of several supports (131, 132; 135), wherein the urinal system (160) has a funnel-shaped urinal element (163) designed to receive urine and a tubular element (161) connected thereto, which can be mounted on at least one (131) of the supports (131, 132, 135), characterized in that the tubular element (161) is designed to store the urine and serves as a storage container, consisting of a pipe or wastewater hose which is provided at one of its ends with a closure fitting (165) or shut-off valve.

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 traveling in vehicles such as cars or commercial vehicles who need to urinate or relieve themselves that they cannot easily do so. Conventional vehicles typically lack any facilities for this purpose, forcing those affected to find and use a toilet or even relieve themselves in the vicinity, for example, on the roadside. Long-haul truck drivers sometimes have to wait in parking lots or industrial areas on weekends where no adequate facilities are available. The problem is particularly acute for people like tradespeople who are on the road for work and find no toilet facilities either on their journey or at the work site. Portable toilets are generally only provided for longer construction projects. However, in many situations, there is no practical solution to meet this basic human need. This applies, for example, to tradespeople working on short-term construction sites, delivery drivers, and emergency services (e.g., paramedics, firefighters, police). Especially during emergency operations, the lack of available facilities can be a significant problem. This issue also exists for delivery services, both local and long-distance, and for all road users. US Patent 1,650,154 A discloses a urinal system for a vehicle, the chassis of which consists of a frame made up of several supports. The urinal system comprises a funnel-shaped urinal element (“basin 13”) designed to receive urine and an associated tubular element in the form of a conduit (“conduit 34”) that can be mounted on at least one of the supports (see Fig. 1). The tubular element is provided at one end (see “40” in Fig. 1) with a drain function that ensures a suction effect immediately empties the conduit. US patent 1,721,832 A discloses a urinal system for a vehicle, wherein the urinal system comprises a funnel-shaped urinal element (“suitable basin 17”) designed to receive urine and an associated hollow cylindrical body in the form of a drum (“drum 10”; see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) which is mounted below the vehicle floor and receives the urine and serves as a winding device for a supply hose (“hose 16”). Patent US 2016 / 0029858A1 discloses a toilet system installed in a vehicle, wherein toilet-like bowls are installed beneath the driver's and passenger's seats and connected via wastewater 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. Furthermore, the system is used inside the vehicle, which in turn conflicts with aesthetic and discretionary considerations. Patent specification US 11,338,744 B2 discloses a toilet system for mounting on the rear of the driver's cab of a commercial vehicle. This system is also complex in design and requires considerable space. Similar systems are disclosed in documents DE 198 15 880 C1 and DE 20 2018 105 293 U1. Furthermore, only mobile urinals in the form of bottle-like containers are known and are often offered commercially under the term "emergency urinal." The person must carry this with them or keep it readily accessible in their vehicle. EP 0 555 607 A1 discloses an emergency urinal designed as a disposable product made from a plastic bag. However, the use of such disposable products should be avoided to protect the environment. The object of the invention is to provide a urinal system for a commercial vehicle that is simply constructed, easy to install and retrofit for a commercial vehicle. The problem is solved by a urinal system with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, a urinal system is provided for a commercial vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a chassis with a frame consisting of several supports, and wherein the urinal system comprises a funnel-shaped urinal element designed to receive urine and an associated tubular element that can be mounted on at least one of the supports or between two parallel supports of the chassis. The invention is characterized in that the tubular element is designed to store the urine and serves as a storage container, consisting of a pipe or wastewater hose that is provided at one of its ends with a closure fitting or shut-off valve. Furthermore, a commercial vehicle is proposed that is equipped with such a urinal system, i.e. a commercial vehicle with a frame consisting of several supports as a chassis, and a urinal system mounted on it comprising a funnel-shaped urinal element designed to receive urine, and an associated tubular element 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 special effort, especially if the tubular element designed to store the urine is installed in (already existing) spaces in the frame, e.g. if the tubular element (e.g., a polypropylene tube) is mounted between two parallel supports (e.g., longitudinal beams). With the help of this 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 collects the urine and directs it to the tubular element for storage. Pipes made of polypropylene, such as those used in building installations as supply or drainage pipes (so-called building services or HT pipes), are particularly suitable for this purpose. Thus, a urinal system can be implemented cost-effectively using such standard components. The collected urine is contained in the tubular element, which essentially serves as a storage container; to empty it, one simply needs to open the end equipped with a sealing nozzle and then drive to a suitable location (septic tank, sewer, etc.).The system can be cleaned very easily and quickly by rinsing the funnel-shaped urinal element and the subsequent pipe-shaped element with fresh water. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims: Since the vehicle frame generally consists of several longitudinal and transverse members, it is advantageous if the tubular element is shorter than the longest longitudinal member or the longest transverse 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 transverse members or is installed between two parallel transverse members. In both cases, the tubular element, which serves to store the urine, has the maximum possible installation length and thus also the maximum possible capacity or volume. Preferably, the tubular element consists of at least one pipe, in particular a plastic pipe (e.g., PP pipe) or wastewater hose, with an inner diameter of 6–12 cm, and a volume of at least 3 liters. For example, with an inner diameter of 6 cm and a pipe length of 2 m, the resulting capacity would be 5.7 liters. Regarding the material, the tubular element is preferably made of a flame-retardant and heat-resistant material, such as 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 at one end to the funnel-shaped urinal element via an inlet pipe, the inlet pipe being oriented essentially transversely to the longitudinal orientation of the tubular element. Preferably, the inlet pipe is adjustable in length, allowing the funnel-shaped urinal element to be optimally positioned for use. The tubular element can again be fitted at one end with a removable sealing nozzle, which is removed for emptying. Alternatively or additionally, a shut-off valve can be provided to which a drain hose can be connected or is permanently attached. Preferably, the tubular element is provided internally with at least one baffle to effectively prevent the collected urine from swaying or splashing, thus ensuring driving safety. Alternatively or additionally, the urinal system can be equipped with a heater, particularly for colder seasons. Preferably, the tubular element of the urinal system is mounted to the chassis or frame in such a way that, when the vehicle is in a horizontal position, the tubular element extends from one end at an angle of 2-10 degrees to the horizontal towards the other end. This ensures that the collected urine flows into the tubular element and remains in its lower section, preventing urine from splashing back into the funnel-shaped urinal element and leaking out during use and subsequent driving. Alternatively, a backflow preventer or similar device can be used to address this issue. Preferably, the funnel-shaped urinal element can also be designed to be foldable, extendable, and / or pivotable, and in the folded, extended, or pivoted position, it can be located behind a flap, in particular the flap of a storage compartment. This ensures that the receiving funnel is stored compactly and protected, especially while the vehicle is in motion. To protect the user's privacy, a foldable, extendable and / or swiveling privacy screen device is preferably arranged on the commercial vehicle, in particular a privacy device which, when unfolded, protects the user from outside views and, when folded, pulled or swiveled, is located in the space between the rear of the driver's cab and the loading area of ​​the vehicle. The invention will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which show the following: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a vehicle equipped according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a top view (sectional view) of the installation of a urinal system according to the invention in the vehicle of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows an enlarged detail (from Fig. 2) of the structure of the installed urinal system; Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the internal structure of the tubular element in which several baffles are arranged; Fig. 5 shows a side view of the vehicle when it is additionally equipped with a privacy screen; Fig. 6 shows a side view of the vehicle with a privacy screen; and Fig. 7 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the funnel-shaped element with a pivotable lid attached to it. As shown in the schematic representations of Figs. 1-3, a commercial vehicle in particular can be equipped with a urinal system according to the invention. Vehicle 100, for example, is a so-called flatbed truck, often used as a construction vehicle or tradesman's vehicle. Vehicle 100 has a driver's cab 110 and a chassis, which is constructed as a frame 130 with several supports, namely longitudinal beams 131, 132 and transverse beams 135. A loading platform 120 (also called a flatbed) is mounted on the chassis or frame 130. One or more storage boxes 150 may be located below the frame 130. There is usually a space 140 between the driver's cab 110 and the flatbed 120. An extendable privacy screen, not described in detail here, may be mounted or suspended in this space. This screen can serve as a privacy screen for the user of the urinal system 160, thus ensuring the user's privacy while urinating. Alternatively, a smaller, extendable privacy screen may also be stored in the storage box 150. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a urinal system 160 is attached to the frame 130, comprising a funnel-shaped urinal element 163 (hereinafter also referred to as "funnel") designed to receive urine and a tubular element 161 connected thereto for storing the urine, wherein the tubular element 161 is mounted on at least one of the supports, here space-savingly on the right 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 side of the vehicle. The urinal system 160 begins at the funnel-shaped urinal element 163, which corresponds, for example, 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 may be extendable (see double arrow in Fig. 3) to position the funnel 163 outwards for use. The storage pipe 161 is installed longitudinally in the vehicle between two parallel longitudinal members of the frame 130. The storage pipe 161 extends from its first (upper) end E1 (in the area of ​​the inlet pipe 162) to its second (lower) end E2, where it is fitted with a closure fitting 165. The storage tube 161 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 tube 161 can hold several liters of urine, allowing the system to be used for at least one workday without needing to be emptied. When the vehicle is parked in a suitable location (septic tank, sewer connection, etc.), the urine can be emptied from the storage tube 161 by opening or removing the fitting 165. The system can then be easily flushed and cleaned with fresh water. Alternatively or additionally, a shut-off valve can be provided to which a drain hose can be connected. As shown in Fig. 4, the urinal system can be further improved by incorporating at least one baffle 168 into the tubular element. This baffle prevents the collected urine from sloshing and splashing, particularly when the vehicle is in motion. The urinal system can also be equipped with a heater to prevent freezing, especially during cold weather. For this purpose, electrically operated heating elements can be used, or a parking heater already present in / on the vehicle can be utilized. Furthermore, a vent valve V can be provided to ensure that no air bubbles become trapped in the tube 161, which could occur, in particular, during cleaning of the tube 161 with a high water flow. The urinal system can also be further improved by making the funnel-shaped urinal element 163 (see also Fig. 3) foldable, extendable and / or pivotable, and by having it be located behind a flap, in particular the flap of the storage box 150, when folded, pulled out or pivoted. The urinal system 100 is suitable for all vehicles with a frame featuring longitudinal and transverse beams, particularly commercial vehicles (trucks). Vehicles can be retrofitted with this system without significant effort. The system is also easy to remove for installation on another vehicle. It can be attached to the beam(s) using clamps, buckles, or sturdy cable ties. The pipe material is preferably heat-resistant to prevent heat radiated from the exhaust system from causing a fire hazard. The funnel 163 and, if necessary, part of the inlet pipe 162 can be stored safely in one of the storage compartments 150. To use the urinal system, the funnel and connecting pipe are simply pulled out of the storage compartment 150. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the commercial vehicle 100 can be further improved by additionally equipping it with a privacy screen, preferably a foldable, extendable, and / or pivotable privacy screen 170, which, when unfolded, protects the user from external views and, when folded, extended, or pivoted, is located in the space 140 between the rear of the driver's cab 110 and the loading platform 120. For example, the privacy screen 170 can consist of several elements 171, 172, which are folded together for storage and unfolded for use to protect the user's area from external views. Figure 7 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the funnel-shaped element, or funnel 163, with a lid 164 attached to it and pivotable around the axis D. Here, the lid 164 is, for example, attached to the upper end of the funnel opening and can be operated like a flap to close the opening of the funnel 163, particularly when the vehicle is to be moved. To use the urinal system, the user simply needs to pivot the lid 164 upwards. Alternatively, the lid could be arranged at the lower end of the funnel rim (not shown); in this case, it would be advantageous if the lid itself were designed like a collection tray. At least one of the two components, the lid or the funnel rim, has a raised edge that prevents collected urine from flowing back out of the lid, the collection tray, or the funnel opening. This raised edge can also serve to securely close the funnel. In the example shown in Fig. 7, 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 together form a snap closure. Overall, the system is very easy and inexpensive to implement and provides a very practical, clean and environmentally friendly solution for urination.

Claims

Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) having a chassis with a frame (130) consisting of several supports (131, 132; 135), wherein the urinal system (160) has a funnel-shaped urinal element (163) designed to receive urine and a tubular element (161) connected thereto, which can be mounted on at least one (131) of the supports (131, 132, 135), characterized in that the tubular element (161) is designed to store the urine and serves as a storage container, consisting of a pipe or wastewater hose which is provided at one of its ends with a closure fitting (165) or shut-off valve. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the supports (131, 132; 135) of the frame (130) have longitudinal members (131, 132) and cross members (135) and that the tubular element (161) is shorter than the longest longitudinal member (131) and can be mounted on it. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the supports (131, 132; 135) of the frame (130) 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 it. 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 (131, 132) of the supports (131, 132, 135), wherein the two supports (131, 132) are arranged parallel. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element (161) consists of a plastic pipe or wastewater hose, the inner diameter of which is 6-12 cm, wherein the volume of the tubular element (161) is 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-resistant 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 inlet pipe (162) and / or to the funnel-shaped urinal element (163), wherein the inlet pipe (162) is oriented 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 a drain hose can be connected to the shut-off valve. Urinal system (160) for a commercial vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular element (161) has inside at least one baffle wall (168) and / or a heater and / or a vent valve (V). 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 a folded, retracted 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 (164), wherein the edge region of the lid (164) and / or the funnel-shaped element (163) is provided with a bead (165a; 165b), in particular with a bead (165b) 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 act together as a snap closure for fixing the lid (164) for closing the opening of the funnel-shaped element (163). Commercial vehicle (100) comprising a chassis with a frame (130) consisting of several supports (131, 132; 135), characterized in that the commercial vehicle (100) is equipped with a urinal system (160) according to one of the preceding claims. Commercial vehicle (100) according 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 horizontal normal position, the tubular element (161) extends from a first end (E1) at an angle of inclination of 2-10 degrees relative to the horizontal to a second end (E2). Commercial vehicle (100) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a foldable, extendable and / or pivotable privacy screen device (170) is arranged on the commercial vehicle (100), in particular a privacy screen device (170) which, in an unfolded state, protects the user from outside views and, in a folded, retracted or pivoted state, is located in the space (140) between the rear of the driver's cab (110) and the loading platform (120).

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