Abstract:
Flushable urinary device for directing urine into a commode from a standing user comprises an inverted flushable funnel. The inverted funnel ensures picking up the funnel singularly from a nested stack of the funnels. A standing user directs urine into the funnel by keeping upper end of the funnel at urethra and lower end of the funnel relative to the commode to direct urine from the user to the commode. At least one bendable tail portion extends outwardly from the upper end of the funnel and forms a handle for the user to hold the funnel when directing urine into the commode. The funnel is made of flushable bio-degradable material configured to retain a strength and shape temporarily when wetted. It is biodegradable in sewer system. The funnel prevents urine-splatter outside the commode and provides a toilet flushable hygienic means for directing urine into a commode from a standing user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/544,913 filed 2009 Aug. 20, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/209,059, filed 2009 Mar. 3; 61/176,668, filed 2009 May 8; and 61/182,040, filed 2009 May 28. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not applicable 
     SEQUENCE LISTING 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     This application relates to splatter-preventing flushable urinary device and method for directing urine into a commode from a standing user of the commode. 
     2. Prior Art 
     The usage of urinals is a known method to urinate in most public restrooms. However, most residences and many commercial places do not offer the convenience of urinals. Therefore, commodes or toilets designed to receive human waste from a sitting position are also used for urination from a standing position. Typically, users stand to urinate for comfort and to avoid germs on commode seats. In the process, however, urine splatters on rim of the commode and floor around the commode or toilet, no matter how careful the users may be. Even traditional urinals do not prevent urine splatters and consequently odor emanates from them. Urine splashing on water of the commode bowl also leads to a sound that may be embarrassing. Urine splatters result in a non-hygienic condition and requires additional cleaning around the commode. Furthermore, urine splatters can stain a rug, if a rug has been placed near the commode. Some users, risking the spread of germs, raise both lids of the commode to an upright position to urinate into the commode. They seldom put them back, which is inconvenience to the next user. From this point ahead in this document, “commodes or toilets” will be referred to as “commodes.” 
     Standard commodes and urinals are two separate fixtures requiring separate spaces, drains, and plumbing lines, which cost a lot more than a single fixture. Several attempts have been made in past to combine a urinal and a commode to provide an economical and space-saving solution. U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,449 issued to Aguirre (2002) disclosed a toilet assembly in combination with a urinal. However, this assembly can be very expensive, because it requires extra floor space and plumbing lines. Most existing toilets do not have the extra space required to add a urinal. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,230 issued to Corbin (1997), and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,412,408 and 3,500,480 issued to Michal (1968 and 1970 respectively), urinal attachments for toilet bowls are presented. Although these types of urinal attachments can be added to existing toilets, they will make the toilet space more crowded, stinky and unpleasant. These urinal attachments require skilled personnel to install the attachments resulting in extra expenses, time, efforts, and inconveniences. Other prior art devices include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,822,419; 4,137,579; 4,180,875; and 4,750,219. Most of these prior art devices require significant bathroom modification and plumbing work, which may be unappealing to users. 
     SUMMARY 
     A device for directing urine into a toilet aperture from a standing user comprises an inverted, tapered funnel. The funnel comprises a plurality of walls, a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a first opening formed by upper ends of the walls. The second end comprises a second opening formed by lower ends the walls. The first opening is smaller than the second opening, and a passage extends between the first end and the second end. Urine is directed from a standing user into the first opening, flows through the passage and exits the funnel through the second opening and into the toilet aperture. The funnel further comprises at least one bendable tail portion that extends outwardly from the upper end of one of the walls adjacent the first opening. The bendable tail portion forms a handle to be grasped by a user. The funnel is made of a flushable, biodegradable material configured to retain its strength and shape temporarily when wetted. The material is bio-degradable in sewer system. The funnel has transitory surface water repellency to at least one surface without impairing the ability of the funnel to be disposed of by flushing. The funnel is part of a nested stack of funnels. The funnels can comprise a lip that forms a lip extending outwardly and around the second opening. The lip is configured to enable dispensing the funnel singularly from a nested stack of the funnels. The funnel further comprises a second bendable tail portion extending outwardly adjacent the first opening at a wall opposite to the wall on at least one tail portion is located. The second bendable tail portion forms a second handle to be grasped by a user. The bendable tail portion is made of flushable, bio-degradable material configured to retain its strength and shape temporarily when wetted. 
     A method for directing urine into a toilet aperture from a standing user of the toilet aperture comprises providing a supply of inverted, tapered funnels. Each funnel comprises a plurality of walls, a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a first opening formed by upper ends of the walls. The second end comprises a second opening formed by lower ends of the walls. The first opening is smaller than the second opening, and a passage extends between the first end and the second end. Urine is directed from a standing user into the first opening, flows through the passage and exits the funnel through the second opening and into the toilet aperture. Each funnel further comprises at least one bendable tail portion that extends outwardly from the upper end of one of the walls adjacent the first opening. The bendable tail portion forms a handle to be grasped by a user. The funnel is made of a flushable, bio-degradable material configured to retain its strength and shape temporarily when wetted. The method further comprises removing a funnel from the supply of funnels. Suspend the funnel above the toilet aperture to provide a path for urine from a standing user to the toilet aperture. Direct urine into the suspended funnel to funnel the urine into the toilet aperture. Release the suspended funnel and allow the funnel to drop into the toilet aperture. Flush the toilet aperture to flush away the dropped funnel. The funnel is suspended by a tail portion. The funnel can be suspended by deploying a movable arm. The movable arm can be returned to a stored position after finishing directing urine into the suspended funnel to funnel the urine into the toilet aperture. 
     A flushable urinal device for directing urine into a commode from a standing user of the commode comprises a funneling-element means. The funneling-element means comprises two ends, each end is open, and a passage extends between the two ends. The funneling-element means can funnel urine from one end to the other end. A biodegradable means admixed with the funneling-element means for biodegrading the funneling-element means in sewage system. The funneling-element means directs urine into a commode from a standing user and prevents urine-splatter outside the commode. The funneling-element means provides a hygienic commode-flushable means for funneling urine into a commode from a standing user of the commode. 
     ADVANTAGES 
     The splatter-preventing flushable urinary device for directing urine into a commode from a standing user alleviates deficiencies of prior arts in the same field and provides further benefits including: 
     (a) Prevents urine-splatters around the commode and keeps bathroom clean. 
     (b) Makes bathroom cleaning easier, quicker and cheaper. 
     (c) Conserves water, toxic cleaning chemicals and cleaning labor 
     (d) Requires no additional floor space. 
     (e) Requires no additional plumbing work. 
     (f) Installs easily by a layperson in a short time and without any tool. 
     (g) Has a storage space for extra flushable funnels and toilet paper rolls. 
     (h) Is hygienic, economical, novel, unique, useful, convenient and pleasing. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Brief Description of Drawings 
       In the drawings, like reference numbers among different embodiments indicate like parts or components. Closely related figures have the same numbers but different alphabetic suffixes. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a suspended flushable funnel ready for use to direct urine from a standing user into a commode. 
         FIG. 2  is a top cross-sectional view of a funnel dispensing apparatus, indicated by the section lines  2 - 2  in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a side cross-sectional view of the funnel dispensing apparatus, indicated by the section lines  1 - 1  in  FIG. 2 , with  FIG. 3A  showing the apparatus and  FIG. 3B  showing a commode. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the funnel dispensing apparatus showing accessibility to the dispenser for restocking the funnels. 
         FIG. 5  shows a partial enlarged view of the operation from the stored-hub position, indicated by the dashed circle  5  in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of the movable arm, indicated by section lines  3 - 3  in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a partial enlarged view of the operation from the dispensed and suspended funnel position, indicated by the dashed circle  7  in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 8  shows details of the front joint between the container and the dispenser, indicated by the dashed circle  8  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  shows details of the rear joint between the container and the dispenser, indicated by the dashed circle  9  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of a flushable funnel. 
         FIG. 10B  shows a perspective view of the flushable funnel with additional tail portions. 
         FIG. 10C  shows a perspective view of the flushable funnels placed around a cardboard core in a nested stack. 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the cardboard core. 
     
    
    
     DRAWINGS 
     Reference Numerals 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 100  
                 urinal apparatus 
                 200  
                 commode 
               
               
                 11 
                 power-driven dispenser 
                 201  
                 commode seat 
               
               
                 12 
                 jaw 
                 203  
                 commode cover 
               
               
                 13 
                 movable arm 
                 205  
                 water tank 
               
               
                 14 
                 end plate 
                 207  
                 commode bowl 
               
               
                 15 
                 flushable funnel 
                 209  
                 wall 
               
               
                 16 
                 activation device or sensor 
                 211  
                 water supply 
               
               
                 17 
                 sleeve 
                 213  
                 drain or sewage line 
               
               
                     18L 
                 container 
                     18R 
                 container 
               
               
                     20L 
                 fastening device 
                     20R 
                 fastening device 
               
               
                 21 
                 drawer 
                 22 
                 storage section 
               
               
                 23 
                 hub 
                 24 
                 height adjusting device 
               
               
                 25 
                 biasing device 
                 26 
                 restraining arms 
               
               
                 27 
                 tail portion 
                 28 
                 reversible motor 
               
               
                 29 
                 reversible motor 
                 30 
                 switch 
               
               
                 31 
                 switch 
                 32 
                 core 
               
               
                 33 
                 groove 
                 34 
                 track 
               
               
                 35 
                 battery 
                 36 
                 electric plug 
               
               
                 37 
                 pivot 
                 38 
                 stop 
               
               
                 39 
                 projection 
                 40 
                 tongue 
               
               
                 41 
                 channel 
                 42 
                 lid 
               
               
                 43 
                 lip 
                 44 
                 flange 
               
               
                 45 
                 ball 
                 46 
                 socket 
               
               
                 47 
                 additional tail portion 
                 48 
                 notch 
               
               
                 49 
                 band 
                 50 
                 sear 
               
               
                 51 
                 rack 
                 52 
                 pinion 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the sensor activated apparatus  100  placed on the water tank  205  of the commode  200 . The movable arm  13  is extended out (upon first activation by a user) by the power-driven dispenser  11  suspending a funnel  15  over the commode bowl  207 . This posture is now ready for use to urinate from a standing position and to prevent urine splatters outside the commode. This is also a temporary conversion of the commode  200  into a splatter-preventing urinal. The jaw  12  is holding a suspended funnel  15  against the end plate  14 . The dispenser  11  is placed on the storage section  22 . The drawer  21  is shown slightly open to show that it can store extra funnels  15 . Containers  18 L and  18 R are shown open to show that they can store toilet paper rolls. The sensor  16  is placed on the stop  38  but it can be placed anywhere on the apparatus. First activation of the sensor  16  moves the jaw  12  forward clamping the funnel  15  and activates the switch  30 . This activation extends the arm  13  forward to suspend the funnel  15  above the commode bowl  207 . Second activation of the sensor  16  moves the jaw backward releasing the funnel  15  into the commode bowl  207  and activating the switch  31 . This activation returns the arm  13  into the apparatus and keeps the commode unimpeded. The full operation is discussed previously, and in  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 7 . 
     In phantom lines,  FIG. 1  illustrates the commode  200 , which includes commode seat  201 , commode cover  203 , water tank  205 , and commode bowl  207 . The commode may be positioned against a wall  209  and is connected to a water supply  211  and a drain line  213  (see  FIG. 3B ). 
       FIG. 1  further shows the sensor activated apparatus  100  includes the fastening devices  20 L and  20 R ( 20 R not shown in  FIG. 1 ), which attach the apparatus  100  to the water tank  205 . Additionally, the storage section  22  can be placed so that the drawer  21  can open from the left side or from right side; it can also be opened from the front or can be designed with a lid on any side. The dispenser  11 , the storage section  22  including the drawer  21 , the containers  18 L and  18 R, can be made from rigid or semi-rigid plastic or other suitable materials. 
       FIG. 1  further shows the movable arm  13  has the height adjusting device  24  such as a constant torque friction hinge. The device  24  allows the user to position the height of the top end of the funnel  15  over the toilet to a suitable height. The device  24  holds the position until second activation of the sensor  16 . The second activation moves the arm  13  back into the dispenser  11 . Several constant torque friction hinges are available in the market, such as Reell&#39;s patented hinge. 
       FIG. 2  is a top cross-sectional view of the sensor activated apparatus  100  showing the dispenser  11  including the hub  23 . The containers  18 L and  18  R can store toilet paper rolls or other items. The restraining arms  26  are anchored to the dispenser  11 . A plurality of the funnels  15  in nested stack is placed on the hub  23 . The biasing device  25  pushes the hub  23  outwards. The movable arm  13  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ), with cooperation of the restraining arms  26 , dispenses a funnels  15  one at a time. The restraining arms  26  can have a portion extended inwards to hold the protrusions  43  (not shown on  FIG. 2 ) of the funnels  15 . The arms  26  are flexible enough to release the funnels  15  one at a time. Details at dashed circle  8  and  9  are shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , respectively. 
     In phantom lines,  FIG. 2  shows the commode seat  201  in seating position, the commode cover  203  in upright position, the water tank  205  below the apparatus  100 , and the commode bowl  207  of the commode  200 . 
     In dashed lines,  FIG. 2  show fastening devices  20 L and  20 R, which can be made of flexible plastic suction cups or other appropriate fastening device. The fastening devices  20 L and  20 R are built below the apparatus  100  and are sized to fit on and secure to the water tank  205 . The apparatus  100  can be made attachable to the water tank or an object including a wall by way of suitable fastening device. 
       FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  show a side cross-sectional view of the sensor activated apparatus  100  for a commode  200 . In solid lines,  FIG. 3A  shows the apparatus  100  storing a plurality of funnels  15  in nested stack around the hub  23  and a funnel  15  has not been dispensed. The movable arm  13  is in the stored position (shown in solid lines). Upon first activation by a user, the sensor  16  initiates the operation of the motor  28  that moves the jaw  12  forward and clamps the tail portion  27  of the outer most funnel  15  with the end plate  14 . Simultaneously, the jaw  12  activates the switch  30 , which initiates the operation of the motor  29  to extend the movable arm  13  to the extended position (shown in dashed lines). While extending out, the arm  13  pulls out the clamped funnel  15  from a nested stack on the hub  23 . Once the funnel  15  is pulled out completely from the stack (when the larger end of the funnel is pulled out of the stack), the funnel  15  swings from the near horizontal orientation (shown in solid lines in  FIG. 3A ) to a near vertical orientation (shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 3A ) due to gravity. The lower end of the funnel  15  positions itself over the bowl  207  so that the urine flows into the bowl  207 . The user urinates though the funnel  15 . During pull of the funnel  15 , the biasing device  25  pushes the hub  23  forward. This positions the next outer most funnel  15  and its tail portion  27  close to the end plate  14 , ready to be clamped and dispensed for next user. 
     When the movable arm is in the extended position (shown in dashed lines), the user activates the sensor  16  after finishing urination. This second activation initiates the operation of the motor  28  that moves the jaw  12  out of the clamping position. This allows the suspended funnel  15  to drop into the commode bowl  207 . Immediately following, the jaw  12  activates the switch  31  initiating the operation of the motor  29 , which then moves the arm  13  to the stored position. This stored position keeps the commode to function unimpeded. On the next first and second activation, the respective operation repeats. A sleeve  17 , which can be a plate, a cylinder or other suitable device, supports the movable arm  13 . A pivot  37  and tracks  34  attached on both sides of the dispenser  11  support the sleeve  17 . The apparatus  100  is attached by fastening devices  20 L, and  20 R (not shown in  FIG. 3A ). The storage section  22  may include a drawer  21  to store extra funnels  15 . The movable arm  13  has the height adjusting device  24  for the users to adjust the height of top of the funnel  15  at a suitable height. The motor  28  and  29  can be operated by the battery  35  or the electric plug  36 . The details of the operation at dashed circles  5  and  7  are shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , respectively. 
     In phantom lines,  FIG. 3A  shows the top part of the commode  200 , which can be positioned adjacent to a wall  209 . The apparatus  100  can be placed on the water tank  205  (showed in partial view). The water tank is for flushing the commode  200 . The commode cover  203 , in upright position, appears in partial view. 
     In phantom lines,  FIG. 3B  shows the commode  200 , which can be used in conjunction with the sensor activated apparatus  100  (shown in  FIG. 3A ) to convert the commode into a temporary splatter-preventing urinal. The commode  200  includes the commode seat  201 , the commode cover  203 , the water tank  205 , and the commode bowl  207 . The commode may be positioned against the wall  209 . Water supply  211  supplies water to the water tank  205 . The commode is connected to the drain  213 . 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the sensor activated apparatus  100 . The sleeve  17  can be moved upward and then reverted back to its original position with aid of the pivot  37  and the tracks  34 . A ball  45  mounted on the sleeve  17  snap locks into a socket  46  mounted on a lid  42  to hold the sleeve  17  in upward position, as needed. This feature allows a wider front opening of the dispenser  11  to restock a plurality funnels  15  on the hub  23 , as needed. Different methods can be used for this purpose. The hub  23  stores a plurality of funnels  15  in nested stack. 
     A user activation of the sensor  16  activates the apparatus  100 , and in a way converts the commode  200  into a temporary splatter-preventing urinal by suspending a flushable funnel  15  above the commode bowl  207 . 
       FIG. 4  further shows the lid  42  that may be opened to install the battery  35 , which can be regular or rechargeable. Several regular or rechargeable batteries are available in the market. Optionally, the electric plug  36  can be used to plug into an electrical wall outlet for direct electric power supply to the apparatus  100 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a partial enlarged view of the apparatus at dashed circle  5  in  FIG. 3A . The funnels  15  are stacked in a nested stack around a core  32 . The core  32  facilitates insertion of a plurality of the funnels  15  on the hub  23 . The reversible motor  28  and the jaw  12  are connected through a rack and pinion device. The motor  28  is attached to the pinion. The jaw  12  is attached to the rack. The reversible motor  29  and the movable arm  13  are connected through a rack and pinion device. The motor  29  is attached to the pinion. The movable arm  13  is attached to the rack. 
       FIG. 5  further shows that the funnel  15  has not been dispensed. The movable arm  13  is in the stored position. Upon first activation by a user, the sensor  16  initiates the operation of the motor  28 . This operation moves the jaw  12  forward, and clamps the tail portion  27  of the outer most funnel  15  with the end plate  14 . Simultaneously, the jaw  12  activates the switch  30 , which initiates the operation of the motor  29 . This process moves the movable arm  13  to the extended position suspending a funnel  15  above the commode. After activating the switch  30  the jaw  12  stops. While extending out, the arm  13  pulls out the clamped outer most funnel  15  from a nested stack of funnels  15  loaded on the hub  23 . Near the end plate  14 , only one tail portion  27  (of the outer most funnel  15 ) remains exposed to be clamped. Because of the nested stack, the tail portion  27  of each funnel  15  in the stack is buried below the next funnel  15  stacked above it. Therefore, only one funnel  15  is pulled out at a time, when the user activates the sensor  16 . The remaining funnels of the stack remain in place on the hub  23 . The restraining arms  26  hold the protrusion  43  of the next funnel  15  in line and in turn hold all remaining funnels  15  to be dispensed (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). In this process, the biasing device  25  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) pushes the hub  23  forward, which positions the tail portion  27  of the next forward most funnel  15  close to the end plate  14 . On the next first activation, the process repeats. The jaw  12  can have a tapered thin leading edge to move under the raised tail portion  27  of the outer most funnel  15 . The battery  35  or the electric plug  36  supplies the power. 
       FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of the movable arm  13 , indicated by section lines  3 - 3  in  FIG. 5 . Upon activation, the jaw  12  slides on the movable arm  13 , forward on first activation, and reverse on second activation. A pair of tongues  40  and a pair of grooves  33  keep the reversible jaw  12  aligned and stay on the same plane even while moving. Different methods can be used for this purpose. The tongues  40  are located on both opposite inner sides of the jaw  12 . The tongues  40  of the jaw  12  slide in the grooves  33 , which are located on both outer sides of the arm  13 . The rack  51  of the rack and pinion device is attached to the under surface of the top side of the reversible jaw  12 . The pinion  52  is attached to the reversible motor  28 . The motor  28  is mounted at the underside of the arm  13  and attaches to the rack  51  through an opening in the arm  13 . The tail portion  27 , the switch  30 , and the end plate  14  are as previously discussed. 
       FIG. 7  shows a partial enlarged view of the operation from the dispensed and suspended position of the funnel  15 , indicated by the dashed circle  7  in  FIG. 3A  (the dashed lines of  FIG. 3A  are shown in solid lines in  FIG. 7 ). When the movable arm  13  is in the extended position, the user initiates a second activation of the sensor  16  after urinating. The sensor  16  initiates the operation of the motor  28  to move the jaw  12  out of the clamping position and allows the flushable funnel  15  in the suspended position to drop into the commode bowl  207 . Immediately following, the jaw  12  activates the switch  31 . The switch  31  initiates the operation of the motor  29 , which moves the arm  13  to the stored position. So, the commode  200  remains unimpeded (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). When the arm  13  returns fully in the dispenser  11 , the jaw  12  clears the tail portion  27  of the next outer most funnel  15  and allows the tail portion  27  to lift up (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). On next second activation, the process repeats. The activation device or sensor  16  is mounted on stop  38  but can be located anywhere on the apparatus  100  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). The end plate  14  accommodates the switch  30 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a detail of the front joint, indicated by the dashed circle  8  in  FIG. 2 . The joint is between the front left corner of the container  18 R and the front right side of the dispenser  11  secured by a channel  41 . The joint can be nailed, screwed, glued or attached by other suitable method. The commode cover  203  is visible in the  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a detail of the rear joint, indicated by the dashed circle  9  in  FIG. 2 . The joint is between the rear left corner of the container  18 R and the rear right side of the dispenser  11  secured by the channel  41 . The joint can be nailed, screwed, glued or attached by other suitable method. The restraining arm  26  is anchored to the dispenser  11 . 
       FIG. 10A  shows a perspective view of the flushable funnel  15 . The funnel  15  is to assist in directing urine into a commode from a standing user of the commode. For directing urine into the commode, the user keeps upper end of the funnel  15  at the user&#39;s urethra and lower end of the funnel  15  in middle of the commode. So, the funnel  15  directs the urine into the commode and helps preventing urine-splatter outside the commode. The funnel  15  has a predetermined truncated cone shape, and is made of biodegradable materials. The materials can be compounds or papers having wet strength and water repellency while retaining the property of being flushable. The funnel  15  retains its strength and shape temporarily when wetted. Such papers can be manufactured. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,171 assigned to Monadnok papers Mills, Inc. (Bennington, N.H.) discloses a paper product suitable for applications requiring wet strength and water repellency while retaining the property of being flushable. The information in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,171 can be used in its entirety for manufacturing the flushable funnels  15 . The U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,171 is directed to a coating composition for application to a flushable cellulosic based waterleaf sheet to impart transitory water repellency to at least one surface of the sheet. Being flushable, the funnel  15  paper have minimum wet strength resin, such as melamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, or a neutral cure wet strength material. Furthermore, the funnel  15  is strong enough to withstand the force of a urine stream. The funnel  15  material can be made moderately slippery so that it can slide out easily from a stack of the funnels  15  stored around core  32  (not shown  FIG. 10A ). Each funnel  15  has two ends and a passage extending between the two ends. The funnel  15  is tapered so as to have a smaller end and a larger end. 
       FIG. 10A  further shows that the funnel  15  has a bendable tail portion  27  attached on one side of the upper open end. The funnel  15  has a lip  43  all around the larger open end to allow for grip by the restraining arms  26  (not shown in  FIG. 10A ). The lip extends outwardly and around the lower open end. The lip is configured to enable dispensing the funnel  15  singularly from a nested stack of the funnels  15 . The lip  43  cooperates with the restraining arms  26  and the biasing device  25  (not shown in  FIG. 10A ) to dispense one funnel  15  one at a time from the nested stack of the funnels  15 . The funnel  15  can be of different suitable cross-section, shapes and sizes including, but not limited to square, round, oval, rectangular, or polygon. The funnel  15  can be made of suitable lengths to suit different sizes of commodes. 
       FIG. 10B  shows the funnel  15  with additional tail portions  47  at upper end of the funnel  15 . In addition to the entire characteristic described in  FIG. 10A  including the tail portion  27  and the lip  43 , the funnel  15  can have additional tail portion  47  on any or all of the remaining sides of the upper open end. The additional tail portions  47  on two sides can be used as handles or an additional tail portion  47  and the tail portion  27  can be held by both hands of a user during directing urine from a standing position. The additional tail portion  47  on the side close to the user can act as a guard against dripping urine. The funnel  15  can be used with or without the apparatus  100 . Without the apparatus  100  (not shown in  FIG. 10B ), the funnel  15  with the tail portion  27  and additional tail portions  47  (shown in  FIG. 10C ) can be held in hands by a user over a commode bowl. Then, it can be dropped into the commode bowl after the use, and it can be flushed away. 
       FIG. 10C  shows the flushable funnel  15  having an additional tail portion  47  at upper end of another wall of the funnel  15 . A plurality of the funnel  15  is arranged in a nested stack around the core  32 . In addition to the entire characteristic described in  FIG. 10A , including the tail portion  27  forming a handle, the funnel  15  has an additional tail portion  47  on the opposite side of tail portion  27  forming another handle. The two handles can be held by a user to suspend the funnel  15  above the commode bowl for urinating in the commode from a standing position. This method can be used without the use of the apparatus  100  (not shown in the  FIG. 10C ). After the use, the user drops the funnel  15  in the commode bowl. Then, the user flushes the commode to flush away used funnel  15 . The funnel  15  disintegrates in sewers system. The funnels  15  may be with or without the lip  43 . This nested stack of the funnel  15  may be stored on top of the water tank of the commode or near the toilet aperture. When needed, a user pulls out one funnel  15  from the stack. Since the lower end is larger than the upper end, the stack of funnels  15  stays stable at the stored position. 
       FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the core  32 , which can be made from cardboard or another suitable material and thickness. Its function is similar to the cardboard core of toilet paper rolls. The core  32  has a flange  44  for pulling it out from the hub  23  (not shown in  FIG. 11 ). The core  32  can be disposable or refillable. 
     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
     Thus, the splatter-preventing flushable urinary device for directing urine into a commode from a standing user provides a more reliable, clean, and economical hygienic device that can be used by a wide range of people. The device and the method for directing urine into a commode from a standing user facilitates urinal function without installing a traditional urinal and extra plumbing. 
     The elements described here can be duplicated or eliminated, changed in size and made in different shapes and colors. They can be connected or associated with adjacent elements in a different manner. They can be made integrally or separately, i.e. modular or in sections. 
     While my above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one embodiment thereof. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalent.