Urinal for women

Abstract

The invention relates to a urinal (1) comprising a bowl (3) having an elongated shape along a horizontal axis (X-X´), the inner walls (2) and the edge (4) of said bowl (3) defining an opening (5) which faces upwards, and said opening (5) being closed by a concave water-repellent mesh (13), characterised in that the edge (4) has a concave shape on both sides of the bowl (3). The invention also relates to a cubicle comprising a urinal (1).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a urinal, in particular a urinal for women and intended to be used in a standing or semi-squatting position. It also relates to a fixed or removable cabin equipped with such a urinal. The urinals according to the invention make it possible to reduce the time spent by women in the toilet to urinate, and consequently to reduce waiting times in the women's toilet. State of the prior art

[0002] The difference in morphology between men and women means that, for urinating, men are offered urinals that can be used in a standing position, while women only have access to seat-type toilets, which can be used in a sitting position, or Turkish toilets, which can be used in a squatting position. Men's public restrooms are, most of the time, equipped with closed toilet stalls and urinals. Women's public restrooms are equipped only with closed stalls. Document US 2014 / 013502 describes a stall comprising a toilet, a urinal, and a sink. Similarly, at events that bring together a large population, it is common to install portable toilets that have the same equipment differences for men and women as fixed toilets.As a result, in busy places, public restrooms often do not adequately meet women's needs. Queues in front of these facilities are well known to female users. It is also well known that men's public restrooms do not have this problem of overcrowding. Various studies carried out in Europe and the United States show that the average time spent in the restroom (also called "service time") for women is 2 minutes, while the average time spent in the restroom for men is only 1 minute 30 seconds and the average time spent by men at a urinal is 35 seconds. As a result, women's queues are on average more than 6 minutes, compared to only 11 seconds for men. In busy places and events (festivals, performance halls, gas stations, etc.)) the waiting time in the toilets for women can reach 30 to 45 minutes while it will remain around 2 minutes for men.

[0003] This situation is doubly penalizing for women: first, it is painful to wait when you feel the need to urinate. In the case of using the toilets on the fringes of events, for example cultural, sporting, or professional, the time spent waiting in front of the toilet entrance is time taken from the event, which represents frustration for the participants. Finally, this situation reinforces the inequalities between men and women in public spaces.

[0004] The amount of time women spend in these facilities is the result of several factors. In particular, when toilets are equipped with seat-type bowls, users question the hygiene of the seat, spending time inspecting and possibly cleaning it. When the establishment is equipped with them, they place a disposable protective film over it, or alternatively, they opt for a semi-squatting position, which is unsuitable for this equipment, but which avoids direct contact with the bowl.

[0005] Turkish toilets present other difficulties: depending on the user's morphology, urine can be projected outside the collection area. As a result, these toilets are often dirty, and users are reluctant to use them, or do so with precautions that increase the downtime of these devices. Furthermore, these toilets require a drainage structure under the receptacle, which is unsuitable for portable toilets, and such equipment takes up a large area.

[0006] Over time, solutions have been proposed, however, to date, none are truly satisfactory.

[0007] For example, document JP3196797U describes bowl-type female urinals, narrow and elongated in shape, intended for semi-squatting use. These urinals have the disadvantage of having a wide rim, which may tempt the user to sit on them. The shape of this equipment does not explicitly indicate in which direction it should be used: facing the wall or with its back to the wall. Furthermore, the upper edges of the bowl are in a plane. Depending on the user's morphology and the direction of the jet, this configuration presents the risk of allowing urine to splash out of the bowl.

[0008] Document US2017138035A1 describes a mixed urinal which has similar characteristics.

[0009] Female urinal bowls having an elongated shape and raised front and rear portions have also been described in the prior art.

[0010] Application GB 2 357 033 describes a female urinal comprising a bowl of elongated shape along a horizontal axis, the internal walls and the rim of the bowl defining an upwardly facing opening. The bowl comprises a front portion and a rear portion defined by the lowest point of the bowl. The edges of the bowl have a concave shape. The front portion of the bowl comprises an upwardly raised end.

[0011] US D791,935 describes the ornamental design of a female urinal having an elongated shape along a horizontal axis and a front portion raised upwards.

[0012] The upwardly raised ends described in these documents form a barrier to the urine stream and prevent it from splashing outside the confines of the bowl. However, bowls of this type already known have characteristics that do not facilitate effective use because the user wonders which position to adopt (towards the wall or with his back to the wall). The characteristics of these bowls make them impractical for women who wear trousers (very bulky, restricting complete or almost complete undressing).

[0013] Document KR 101359284 describes a female urinal comprising a bowl elongated along a horizontal axis in which a central circular section is formed. The bowl slopes downward from a front end to a rear end. The rim of the bowl is flat and the lowest point of the rim is at the rear end of the bowl. The bowl comprises a convex-shaped grid placed directly on the bottom of the bowl.

[0014] US application 2014 / 075663 describes a urinal screen configured to be placed in an upright position in a male urinal.

[0015] It is therefore known from various documents to place a grid in the bottom of a urinal in order to prevent objects from being introduced into the pipes (such as toilet paper, cigarette butts or other). It is also known from document DE20213033U to place a grid on feet in a urinal to break the flow of urine and reduce splashing.

[0016] However, none of the above documents resolves the problems that have been outlined above. Summary of the invention

[0017] The present invention aims to reduce queues for women's toilets by installing female urinals, designed and dedicated for women in temporary event venues and public spaces.

[0018] The urinal according to the invention is designed and dedicated for women, in order to allow the user to urinate quickly and easily, while respecting hygiene and preserving her privacy.

[0019] The invention relates to a urinal 1 comprising a bowl 3 of elongated shape along a horizontal axis (X-X'), the internal walls 2 and the edge 4 of the bowl 3 defining an opening 5, facing upwards, said bowl 3 comprising a rear part 6, of length d 1 along the axis (X-X'), and a front part 9, of length d 2 along (X-X'), the rear part 6 comprising a first end 7, of width l 1 , along a horizontal axis (Z-Z'), perpendicular to the axis (X-X'), the front part 9 comprising a second end 11, opposite the first end 7 along the axis (X-X'), of width l2 along the axis (Z-Z'), the opening 5 being closed by a water-repellent mesh 13 of concave shape, characterized in that the edge 4 is of concave shape on both sides of the bowl 3 and k is the difference in height between the lowest points (M, N) of the edge 4 and the second end 11, d 1 + d 2 is greater than or equal to 30 cm, d 2 is between 20 and 70 cm, l 1 is between 20 and 40 cm, l 2 is less than or equal to 10 cm, k is between 5 and 15 cm.

[0020] Advantageously, the urinal (1) according to the invention comprises a bowl (3) of elongated shape along a horizontal axis (X-X'), the internal walls (2) and the edge (4) of the bowl (3) defining an opening (5), facing upwards, said bowl (3) comprising a rear part (6), of length d 1 along the axis (X-X'), and a front part (9), of length d 2 along (X-X'), the points (M, N) representing the lowest point of the edge (4) define the limit between the front part (9) and the rear part (6) of the bowl (3), the rear part (6) comprising a first end (7), of width l 1 , along a horizontal axis (Z-Z'), perpendicular to the axis (X-X'), the front part (9) comprising a second end (11), opposite the first end (7) along the axis (X-X'), of width l2 along the axis (Z-Z'), the opening (5) being closed by a water-repellent mesh (13) of concave shape, characterized in that the edge (4) is of concave shape, open upwards, on both sides of the bowl (3) and k is the difference in height between the points (M, N) and the second end (11), d 1 + d 2 is greater than or equal to 30 cm, d 2 is between 20 and 70 cm, l 1 is between 20 and 40 cm, l 2 is less than or equal to 10 cm, k is between 5 and 15 cm.

[0021] Advantageously, the bowl 3 is symmetrical with respect to the horizontal axis (X-X').

[0022] Advantageously k is between 5 and 10 cm.

[0023] Advantageously d 2 is between 30 and 40 cm.

[0024] Advantageously the sum d 1 + d 2 is 50 to 70 cm.

[0025] Advantageously, the width l 1 is between 25 and 35 cm.

[0026] Advantageously, the widthl 2 is between 4 and 7 cm.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the mesh 13 is made of water-repellent material or has a coating of water-repellent material comprising at least one fluoropolymer or a silicone.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the water-repellent mesh 13 has a mesh with a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the mesh of the grid 13 has orifices with a surface area greater than or equal to 1 cm 2 <.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the mesh of the grid 13 has orifices with a surface area less than or equal to 4 cm 2<, advantageously less than or equal to 2 cm 2<.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the water-repellent mesh 13 is fixed to the internal wall 2 by means of clipping elements 8a, 10a on the internal wall 2 and complementary clipping elements 8b, 10b on the mesh 13.

[0032] According to a further preferred embodiment, the internal wall 2 comprises at least one clipping element 8a at the first end 7 and a clipping element 10a at the second end 11, the water-repellent mesh 13 comprises at least two clipping elements 8b, 10b complementary to and opposite the clipping elements 8a, 10a.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the height h characterizes the difference in height between the edge 4 and the bottom 8 of the internal wall 2 of the bowl 3, and h is greater than or equal to 10 cm, preferably greater than or equal to 15 cm.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom 8 of the internal wall 2 of the bowl 3 defines with the horizontal an angle (α) greater than or equal to 0.5°, advantageously between 1 and 10°, even more advantageously from 2 to 7°.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the urinal 1 comprises an opening 15 in the rear end 7 of the bowl 3, this opening 15 being connected to a pipe 16.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment, the opening 15 is located at the level of the bottom 8 of the bowl 3.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the bowl 3 has a thickness e at the edges 4 and e is less than or equal to 10 mm, advantageously from 0.5 to 4 mm.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the mesh 13 defines a radius of curvature r in the vertical plane passing through the points M and N, and r is from 40 to 120 cm, advantageously from 60 to 120 cm.

[0039] The invention also relates to a cabin 20, 20b comprising a urinal 1, two side walls 22, 24, a bottom wall 19 and a floor 28.

[0040] Advantageously, the cabin 20, 20 b comprises a urinal 1, two side walls 22, 24, a bottom wall 19, a floor 28 and a closure 21, 27 on the side opposite the urinal 1.

[0041] Even more advantageously, the urinal 1 is fixed to the wall 19 by its first end 7.

[0042] Even more advantageously, the urinal 1 is connected to a pipe 23 located outside the cabin 20, 20b.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the cabin 20, 20b is mobile.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the cabin 20, 20b the lowest point (M, N) of the edge 4 defines with the floor 28 a height H and H is greater than or equal to 50 cm, advantageously 20 to 25 cm. Detailed description

[0045] The expression "consists essentially of" followed by one or more characteristics means that, in addition to the components or steps explicitly listed, components or steps which do not significantly modify the properties and characteristics of the invention may be included in the process or material of the invention.

[0046] The expression "between X and Y" includes the limits, unless explicitly stated otherwise. This expression therefore means that the interval in question includes the values ​​X, Y and all values ​​from X to Y.

[0047] The invention consists in particular of a urinal comprising an elongated ergonomic bowl in the shape of a spout comprising an upwardly facing opening, the edge of the bowl being raised in the front part of the bowl, and equipped with a grid placed on the bowl. The grid is of curved shape, concave face facing upwards. The edges of the bowl are inscribed on each side of it in a concave shape open upwards. The difference in height between the front end and the lowest point of the edges of the bowl defines a height k which is chosen within a determined interval. It has in fact been found that the urinals of the prior art whose edges are inscribed in a plane do not prevent projections.Furthermore, during its work, the applicant noted that urinals with too great a difference in height between the front end and the lowest point of the edges of the bowl are impractical, difficult to straddle, require complete undressing and thus cause a loss of time for users. All of the geometric characteristics of the bowl, including the grid, encourage the user to adopt the semi-squat position (also known as a "semi-squat") when urinating, with their back to the wall. This method of use contributes both to better hygiene and saves time. The ease of understanding how to use this device means that users adopt the correct posture very quickly and service time is reduced compared to previous devices.The grid placed on the bowl makes it immediately clear that the device is intended to collect urine exclusively. The user also quickly understands that the urinal is contactless and that cleaning prior to use is therefore not necessary. The shape of the bowl prevents the user from having to completely undress, which contributes to the speed of use. It also prevents urine from splashing and / or overflowing.

[0048] The simplicity and efficiency of this equipment considerably reduces the service time of these urinals compared to prior art equipment.

[0049] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the urinals of the invention occupy a reduced surface area compared to certain equipment of the prior art, which makes it possible to install a large number of them in a reduced space.

[0050] The urinals of the invention can be mobile or fixed, they can therefore be installed in permanent equipment such as airport, stadium, or performance hall toilets, but also in mobile toilet cabins for one-off events, such as festivals, congresses or any other event where many people are gathered. They can be associated in a cabin with other various equipment known in the field of application such as a tap, trash can, etc.

[0051] The various embodiments, variations, preferences and advantages described above for each of the objects of the invention apply to all of the objects of the invention and may be taken separately or in combination.

[0052] The invention is illustrated by the examples illustrated in the following figures, in a non-limiting manner. Figures :

[0053] Figure 1 : There figure 1is a perspective representation of a urinal bowl 3 of a urinal 1 according to the invention Figure 2 : There figure 2 is a top view of the urinal bowl 3 of the urinal 1 according to the invention Figure 3 : There figure 3 is a side view of the urinal bowl 3 of the urinal 1 according to the invention Figure 4 : There figure 4 is a sectional view, along a vertical plane passing through the axis X-X', of the urinal bowl 3 of the urinal 1 according to the invention Figure 5 : There Figure 5 is a sectional view, along a vertical plane passing through the axis Z-Z', of the urinal bowl 3 of the urinal 1 according to the invention Figure 6 : There figure 6 is a side view of a urinal 1 according to the invention and illustrates the preferred positioning of a user Figure 7 : There figure 7 represents a perspective view of a toilet cubicle 20 equipped with a urinal 1 according to the invention Figure 8 : There figure 8is a top view of another model of toilet cabin 20b equipped with a urinal 1 according to the invention Figure 9 : THE Figures 9A, 9B and 9C are side views of the bowl 3 according to the invention having edges 4 of different shapes

[0054] In the different figures, the same reference designates the same object or the same part of an object.

[0055] On the figures 1 to 4 And 9 , the urinal 1 consists of a bowl 3 of elongated shape along the horizontal axis X-X', symmetrical with respect to the axis X-X'. The bowl 3 comprises a rear part 6 terminated by an end 7, and a front part 9, terminated by a front end 11. The bowl 3 can be made of any material usually used for the manufacture of toilet equipment, and in particular ceramic, metal, resin or polymeric material. Preferably, the bowl 3 is made of resin or polyethylene.

[0056] The horizontal axis ZZ' (visible on the figures 1, 2 And 5 ) is perpendicular to the XX' axis and passes through the lowest points of edge 4. The horizontal axis ZZ' intersects edges 4 of the bowl at points M and N.

[0057] On the figures 1, 2 , 7, 8 And 9A, 9B, 9C , the end 7 is flat which allows this end of the bowl 3 to rest on a wall or a partition (shown in the figures 7 and 8 ) and is fixed thereto. Alternatively, the end 7 could have a different shape, for example a rounded shape.

[0058] In its lower part, the bowl 3 has an elongation 17 which makes it possible to hide the evacuation system (15, 16).

[0059] The bowl is symmetrical about the horizontal axis X-X'. It has an opening 5 facing upwards.

[0060] The edges 4, also symmetrical with respect to the horizontal axis X-X', have on each side of the axis XX' a concave shape, opening upwards. The points M and N of the edge 4, symmetrical with respect to the axis X-X', represent the lowest point of the edge 4 and define the limit between the front part 9 and the rear part 6 of the bowl. The front part 9 is raised upwards to its apex 11 which forms the front end of the bowl 3. On the figures 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 And 9C the rear part 6, is raised upwards to the rear end 7 of the bowl 3. On the figures 1 , 3 , 4 , 6 , the edge 4 is inscribed on each side of the bowl 3 in an arc of a circle.

[0061] Edge 4 can have various shapes. Some are illustrated on the Figures 9A, 9B and 9C .

[0062] On the Figures 9A and 9B, the front part 9 is curved and the rear part 6, starting from points M and N of the edge 4, is substantially flat. On the Figure 9A the rear parts 6 and front 9 are of comparable lengths d 1 , d 2 , and d 1 + d 2 = 40 cm. On the Figure 9B , the rear part 6 is of length d 1 less than 2 cm while d 2 is equal to 68 cm.

[0063] On the Figure 9C , the front part 9 is substantially rectilinear and inclined relative to the horizontal axis X-X', of length d 2 equal to approximately 50 cm, the rear part 6 is of length d 1 equal to approximately 10 cm and ends with an end 7 higher than the front end 11.

[0064] On the figures 3, 4 , 9A, 9B and 9C , we observe the height k between the lowest point of the edge 4 (M, N) and the front end 11 of the bowl 3.

[0065] Advantageously k is between 5 and 15 cm, even more preferably between 5 and 10 cm.

[0066] This configuration, combined with the concave shape of the grid 13, makes it easier for the user to quickly understand the position to adopt for urinating.

[0067] On the figures 2 , 3 , 4 And 9A, 9B, 9C , we can observe the length d 1 of the rear part 6, and the length d 2 of the front part 9.

[0068] Advantageously d 2 is between 20 and 70 cm, even more preferably between 30 and 40 cm.

[0069] Advantageously the sum d 1 + d 2 is greater than or equal to 30 cm, even more preferably 50 to 70 cm.

[0070] The opening 5 is closed by a mesh 13 made of water-repellent material or having a coating of water-repellent material. The water-repellent material may in particular be a fluoropolymer, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE also known under the brand name TEFLON ®< ), or a silicone-based coating.

[0071] For example, the mesh 13 may be made of metal coated with PTFE or silicone.

[0072] The grid 13 is concave in shape, with the opening facing upwards, the curvature of the grid 13 evolving along the length of the bowl 3: the most curved part is located in the vertical plane passing through the points M and N where the edges 4 are the lowest, while the grid 13 is almost flat at the ends 7 and 11. On the Figure 5 the radius of curvature r is observed in the part of the grid 13, at the points M and N, where the curve is most pronounced. Advantageously, r is between 40 cm and 120 cm, preferably between 60 cm and 120 cm.

[0073] The grid 13 follows the contours of the edges 4 of the bowl 3. The grid 13 is placed as close as possible to the edge 4 of the bowl 3 which is rimless to avoid any possible deposit of dirt. As illustrated in the figures 2 And 4, the grid 13 is fixed to the bowl 3 by clipping using male 8b, 10b and female 8a, 10a clipping elements placed on the edges 14 of the grid 13 and at the level of the interior walls 2 of the bowl 3. On the figures 2 And 4the male clipping elements are lugs 8b, 10b, carried by the grid 13 and placed at the front and rear ends of the grid 13, at the level of the axis of symmetry XX' and the female clipping elements are depressions located in the interior walls 2 of the bowl 3. It would be possible to provide a different organization, and in particular a different distribution, of the clipping elements, that is to say: a distribution of the clipping elements at other points of the edges 14 of the grid 13; a larger number of clipping elements; clipping elements of different shape; a different distribution between male and female elements. These adaptations fall within the general knowledge of those skilled in the art. Clipping is a method of attachment which allows easy assembly / disassembly of the grid 13 for maintenance of the bowl and has sufficient strength to withstand the conditions of use of the urinal.The size and shape of the mesh of the grid 13 are chosen so as not to retain liquid at the time of urination. For example, it can be provided that the orifices of the grid have a surface area greater than or equal to 100mm 2< .

[0074] It is possible to provide for the mesh to have a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm. A person skilled in the art is capable of adapting the size and shape of the meshes of the grid 13, taking into account both the technical constraints set out above and aesthetic criteria.

[0075] The presence of the mesh prevents the user from sitting on the bowl, it makes it clear to the user that the urinal is intended to receive liquids, in particular urine, to the exclusion of any other matter. Furthermore, the hydrophobic nature of the surface of the mesh breaks the jet projected by urination, facilitates flow, and prevents liquid projections by rebounding on the internal walls 2 of the bowl.

[0076] On the figures 4 , 5 and 6 the bottom 8 of the bowl 3 is shown. On the figure 4 , the bottom 8 of the bowl 3 is represented at the level of the vertical plane passing through the axis X-X'. Advantageously, the bottom 8 of the bowl 3 is inclined downwards from the front part 9 towards the rear part 6 of the bowl 3 and ends at the end 7 by opening onto an opening 15 which is extended by a pipe 16 outside the bowl 3. The angle α formed by the bottom 8 of the bowl 3 with the horizontal characterizes the inclination of the bottom 8 of the bowl 3 which promotes the flow of urine towards the evacuation system 15, 16.

[0077] Advantageously α is greater than or equal to 0.5°, even more preferably between 1 and 10°, even more advantageously from 2 to 7°.

[0078] On the figures 4 And 6is represented the height h which characterizes the difference in height between the edge 4 of the bowl 3 in relation to the bottom 8 of the bowl 3. This height h is not identical in all parts of the bowl 3, but it is desirable that it everywhere has a value greater than a minimum value chosen to avoid the inconveniences of projections by rebound on the interior walls 2 and too great visual proximity of the user with the bottom 8 of the bowl 3.

[0079] Advantageously in any part of the bowl 3, h is greater than or equal to 15 cm.

[0080] On the figures 3, 4 And 6 the height H' between the lowest part of the edge 4 (at the level of points M and N) and the lower part 12 of the bowl 3 is represented. When the bowl 3 is raised relative to the ground 28 as illustrated in the figures 6 And 7, we define the height H between the lowest part of the edge 4 (at the level of points M and N) and the ground 28. In this configuration H' is less than H. When the bowl 3 is placed on the ground H' = H.

[0081] The choice of height H allows the positioning of the bowl 3 relative to the ground in such a way that the user can comfortably place themselves in a semi-squatting position. Advantageously H is less than or equal to 50 cm, even more preferably H is 20 to 35 cm.

[0082] On the figures 4 , 5 and 6 we observe an opening 15 in the bottom of the rear part 7 of the bowl 3, this opening 15 being intended to collect urine and any other liquid which would be poured into the bowl 3.

[0083] In the configuration shown in the figures 4 And 6, the evacuation system of the bowl 3, placed under the elongation 17, consists of an opening 15 connected to a pipe 16. The pipe 16 is connected to an evacuation (not shown) through an opening in the wall. The opening 15 can be equipped with a grid, but this is not essential since the grid 13 already prevents the entry of solid bodies into the pipe 16.

[0084] Alternatively, the elongation 17 could be replaced by a foot allowing the bowl 3 to be placed on the ground. According to this variant, in a known manner, the pipe 16 could be connected to a drain through an opening in the ground.

[0085] The width l of bowl 3 along the designated ZZ' axis l 1 in its rear part 6, visible on the figures 2 And 5 , is substantially constant as one moves along the X-X' axis. The width lof the bowl 3 gradually decreases in the front part 9 until the front end 11 where it is designated l 2 .

[0086] Alternatively, one could provide (variant not shown) that the width l varies from the rear end 7 to the front end 11, along the X-X' axis, for example the bowl 3 could have an ovoid shape.

[0087] Advantageously, in the rear part 6, the width l 1 of the bowl is between 20 and 40 cm, advantageously between 25 and 35 cm. Advantageously, at the front end 11, the width l 2 of the bowl is less than or equal to 10 cm, advantageously between 4 and 7 cm. This width range allows the user to straddle the bowl 3 and to place herself in a semi-squatting position above the bowl 3 without discomfort.

[0088] On the figures 2 And 5, we observe the thickness e of the bowl 3 at the edges 4. This thickness e is chosen to encourage users not to sit on the bowl. In these figures, the edges 4 are of substantially constant thickness e all around the bowl 3. Alternatively, we could provide that the thickness e varies depending on the location on the bowl 3.

[0089] Preferably the thickness e is less than or equal to 10 mm, advantageously from 0.5 to 4 mm.

[0090] As illustrated in the Figure 5 , the thickness e of the walls of the bowl 3 may vary depending on the area concerned. For example, the thickness e' of the walls of the bowl 3 in the lower part 8 of the bowl may be greater compared to the thickness measured at the edges 4 (designated e).

[0091] On the figure 6a urinal 1 according to the invention and a user who straddles the opening 5 of the bowl 3 is shown. The urinal 1 is fixed to the wall or partition 19 by its flat rear end 7 and has an evacuation system, placed inside the elongation 17, consisting of an opening 15 in the bottom of the rear end 7, the opening 15 being connected to a pipe 16. The user is in a semi-squatting position without the rear part of her thighs or buttocks being in contact with the edges 4 of the urinal 1. The front end 11, slightly raised relative to the central part, makes it possible to retain the urine jet in the bowl 3, whatever the morphology of the user and the direction of the urine jet. The water-repellent grid 13 breaks the urine stream and prevents splashing, despite the shallow depth h of the bowl 3. The shape of the grid 13 and the shape of the edges 4 help the user to position herself correctly quickly.The height H between the lower part of the edge 4 and the ground is adapted to allow use with underwear or trousers 18 lowered at the legs but avoiding complete undressing.

[0092] In addition to the elements represented on the figures 1 to 6 , the urinal can be equipped with a tap or a flush (not shown), above the rear part 6, allowing the bowl to be rinsed.

[0093] On the figure 7A cabin 20 is shown comprising three fixed walls 19, 22, 24, a floor 28, and a door 21 on the side opposite the urinal 1. The urinal 1 is fixed to the wall 19, it is surmounted by a tap 25 and connected to a pipe 23 located outside the cabin 20. The bin 26 allows solid waste (toilet paper for example) to be collected. The entire cabin 20 is removable and several cabins can be placed side by side, the side walls 22, 24 can be shared by two neighboring cabins.

[0094] On the figure 8a cabin 20b is shown comprising a floor 28, three fixed walls: a wall 19 on which the urinal 1 is fixed, two side walls 22, 24 extended by return panels 22b and 24b and a fixed wall 27 on the side opposite the urinal 1, offset relative to the returns 22b and 24b so as to allow passage in the space located between the wall 27 and the return panels 22b and 24b, while protecting the privacy of the interior space of the cabin from outside views. The urinal 1 is fixed on the wall 19 and connected to a pipe 23 located outside the cabin 20. The bin 26 allows solid waste (toilet paper for example) to be collected.

[0095] Other cabin configurations are possible, as the Urinal 1 is space-saving and adaptable to various spaces.

[0096] Thanks to its particular configuration, the average time spent at the urinal according to the invention by women is significantly reduced. The use of the device includes a dressing / undressing step reduced to the strict minimum. The urinals according to the invention therefore make it possible to reduce the service time for women by more than 3 times, compared to conventional toilets, which makes it possible to reduce or even completely eliminate queues. They also allow a significant reduction in service time compared to urinals for women known from the prior art.

[0097] Furthermore, the fact that the urinal according to the invention is dedicated to urine eliminates the need for flushing, as urine flows naturally and odorlessly because there is no contact with water. The urinals according to the invention therefore contribute to preserving the environment by drastically reducing water consumption (toilet consumption: 6 liters / flush).

[0098] The urinal 1 has a reduced total length (d 1 + d 2 ) compared to other prior art female urinals, while being very satisfactory in terms of hygiene and comfort. For these reasons, the urinal 1 is better suited than prior art female urinals to structures in which space requirements are sought to be reduced, particularly mobile structures.

[0099] The invention also relates to a toilet cubicle, in particular a mobile cubicle comprising a floor, three fixed walls, a fourth fixed or mobile wall allowing the complete or partial closure of the interior space of the cubicle, said cubicle being equipped with a urinal 1 as described above. The urinal 1 is placed on a foot on the floor of the cubicle or fixed to one of the side walls. Tests and results

[0100] The events at which the urinals were deployed demonstrated the speed and level of hygiene associated with urinal use. In terms of time savings :

[0101] Cabins containing urinals according to the invention were installed at 11 festivals welcoming an average of approximately 50,000 people, of which approximately 50% were women, or approximately 25,000 potential users per festival. We counted approximately 70 visits per cabin in a time of less than 60 minutes, which corresponds to an average service time of 51 seconds. This figure should be compared with an average duration of 2 minutes 30 seconds in conventional toilets.

[0102] The use of urinals according to the invention allows a reduction in queues of 66% compared to the toilet cabins of the prior art: the queues for women are on average more than 20 minutes for the use of conventional toilets, compared to only 8 minutes for the use of the urinal according to the invention.

[0103] These results show that the urinal according to the invention allows easy and rapid use and consequently a considerable reduction in service time. In terms of cleanliness : Test 1 : (according to the invention)

[0104] Urinals according to the invention, provided with a concave-shaped grid, facing upwards, closing the opening of the bowl, make it possible to break the urine stream and to prevent splashing and overflowing of urine outside the limits of the bowl. In addition, the configuration of the urinals according to the invention leads to an immediate understanding on the part of the users of the fact that they are designed to receive urine exclusively. In a festival receiving 180,000 people, including 40,000 women, a visit by cleaning staff every 2 hours made it possible to keep the urinals in a satisfactory state of cleanliness. Test 2 : (comparative)

[0105] Prior art urinals with a flat-shaped grid placed over the opening of the bowl were used at another festival. Such urinals do not allow fragmentation of the urine stream, which is then projected out of the bowl and in the direction of the user. The rim of the bowl and the surrounding area are soiled, as are the user's clothing. In such facilities, cleaning staff are required to pass through several times per hour. Test 3 : (comparative)

[0106] At another festival hosting 130,000 people, urinals without grates proved difficult to use: users threw paper, feces, waste, towels, and tampons into them. The urinals are dirty, smell bad, and quickly become unusable. Cleaning staff are required to visit these facilities several times an hour, and the average user response is unsatisfactory.

Claims

1. A urinal (1) comprising a bowl (3) of elongated shape along a horizontal axis (X-X'), the inner walls (2) and the edge (4) of the bowl (3) defining an opening (5), turned upwards, said bowl (3) comprising a rear part (6), of length d1 along the axis (X-X'), and a front part (9), of length d2 along (X-X'), the points (M, N) representing the lowest point of the edge (4) define the limit between the front part (9) and the rear part (6) of the bowl (3), the rear part (6) comprising a first end (7), of width l1, along a horizontal axis (Z-Z'), perpendicular to the axis (X-X'), the front part (9) comprising a second end (11), opposite the first end (7) along the axis (X-X'), of width l2 along the axis (Z-Z'), the opening (5) being closed by a concave water-repellent screen (13), the edge (4) being concave, open upwards, on both sides of the bowl (3), and k is the height difference between the points (M, N) and the second end (11), d1 + d2 is greater than or equal to 30 cm, d2 is between 20 and 70 cm, l1 is between 20 and 40 cm, l2 is less than or equal to 10 cm, k is between 5 and 15 cm.

2. The urinal (1) according to claim 1, wherein k is between 5 and 10 cm.

3. The urinal (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein d2 is between 30 and 40 cm.

4. The urinal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen (13) is made of water-repellent material or material carrying a coating of water-repellent material comprising at least one fluoropolymer or silicone.

5. The urinal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water-repellent screen (13) has a mesh with a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm and orifices with a surface greater than or equal to 1 cm2.

6. The urinal (1) according to claim 5, wherein the mesh of the screen (13) has orifices with a surface less than or equal to 4 cm2.

7. The urinal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water-repellent screen (13) is attached to the inner wall (2) by means of clipping elements (8a, 10a) on the inner wall (2) and complementary clipping elements (8b, 10b) on the screen (13).

8. The urinal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height h characterizes the difference in height between the edge (4) and the bottom (8) of the inner wall (2) of the bowl (3), and h is greater than or equal to 10 cm.

9. The urinal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (8) of the inner wall (2) of the bowl (3) defines, with the horizontal, an angle (α) greater than or equal to 0.5°.

10. The urinal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises an opening (15) in the rear end (7) of the bowl (3), this opening (15) being connected to a pipe (16).

11. The urinal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bowl (3) has a thickness e at the edges (4) and e is less than or equal to 10 mm, advantageously from 0.5 to 4 mm.

12. The urinal (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen (13) defines a radius of curvature r in the vertical plane passing through the points M and N, and r is from 40 to 120 cm, advantageously from 60 to 120 cm.

13. A cabin (20, 20b) comprising a urinal (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, two side walls (22, 24), a bottom wall (19) and a floor (28).

14. The cabin (20, 20b) according to claim 13, which is mobile.

15. The cabin (20, 20b) according to any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein the lowest point (M, N) of the edge (4) of the bowl (3) defines, with the floor (28), a height H and H is greater than or equal to 50 cm, advantageously from 20 to 25 cm.

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