Abstract:
A device for aiding an individual in using a urinal includes a housing configured mate with end mount to a flush valve of a urinal, and a bilateral convex mirror mounted in a frame at the front of the housing. The nature of the bilateral curvature of the device prevents individuals standing in close proximity to the user from viewing the users&#39; private regions.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    There are individuals, mostly male, that have difficulty in directing a stream of urine to a target such as a toilet or urinal while urinating. There are a number of reasons for this problem including for instance obesity, a physical handicap, or simple over dressing in cold weather. An individual with this handicap may experience embarrassment and shame in the knowledge he is contributing to a messy and unsuitable public and private health problem. 
         [0002]    Even a partial solution to this problem would garner wide acceptance. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    A “Privasee” device includes a housing and a bilateral convex mirror that, when mounted on the flush valve of a urinal, provides visual assistance while using a urinal. The device is a rectangular mirror with vertical and horizontal convex curvatures. An optional sensor may be imbedded in the mirror frame as an automatic flush feature. The nature of the bilateral curvature of the device prevents individuals standing in close proximity to the user from viewing the user&#39;s private regions. A black finish surrounding the mirror enhances the privacy offered by the device. In an embodiment, the “Privasee” device can be chrome plated to match most plumbing fixtures in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a drawing showing the visual experience short and tall users have with the “Privasee” device. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2A  is a front view of the device. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2B  is cross-section AA of the device. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2C  is cross-section BB of the device. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the device. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a photo of the device mounted on a urinal flusher. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5A  is a front view of the device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6A  is a top exploded view of the device. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6B  is a side exploded view of the device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    “Privasee” is a device comprising a housing containing a bilateral convex mirror that offers a direct, clear and private view of the urination process while using a urinal or flusher toilet. The “Privasee” device is adaptable to all toilet and urinal flushers and offers the user the ability to perform the urination process with improved visual control resulting in a comfortable and much-improved sanitary environment. 
         [0015]    An example of Privasee device  10  mounted on flush valve  12  of a urinal is shown in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , both tall user Ut and short user Us have sight lines that focus on their private regions as indicated by arrows t and s while standing in front of the urinal. The physical height of the user is immaterial and device  10  offers short user Us and tall user Ut the same positive visual experience. 
         [0016]    The “Privasee” device  10  is designed to be adapted or added to any plumbing fixture flusher. Public safety is the primary function. “Privasee” device  10  allows an individual toilet or urinal user an extremely clear and private view of the process before, during, and after urination or general toilet use. The device and resulting benefits may prevent the spread of germs improving human health and sanitary conditions of hands, skin, and clothing. Public and private bathrooms in rest areas, theatres, retail stores, gas stations, banks, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, airports, airplanes, and most of all food processing facilities are targeted sites for installation. 
         [0017]    “Privasee” device  10  allows otherwise able bodied and, more importantly, unable bodied users such as, obese, arthritic, limb impaired, elderly, young, mentally challenged, and handicapped individuals to enjoy a safe and sanitary experience when using a urinal. 
         [0018]    A front view of an embodiment of Privasee device  10  is shown in  FIG. 2A . Device  10  comprises bilateral convex mirror  14  housed in a frame comprising top wall  16 , bottom wall  18 , left side wall  20  and right side wall  22 . Section AA of the device shown in  FIG. 2B , shows that the most forward extending point on the horizontal convex surface of the bilateral convex mirror is midway between left side wall  20  and right side wall  22 . Section BB of the device shown in  FIG. 2C , shows that the most forward extending point on the vertical convex surface of the bilateral convex mirror is midway between top wall  16  and bottom wall  18 . A perspective view of Privasee device  10  shown in  FIG. 3  shows the added feature of privacy shields  24 ,  26 ,  28  and  30  which are extensions of top wall  16 , bottom wall  18 , left side wall  20  and right side wall  22  that extend forward from bilateral convex mirror  14  to block the view of images in convex mirror  14  from observers positioned on each of side of user Ut or Us when positioned in front of a urinal. For further privacy, the inside surfaces of privacy shields  24 ,  26 ,  28  and  30  are coated with a non-reflective black finish. The vertical convex mirror and its specific design requirements can be placed on any standard height placement of a plumbing fixture. Use of device  10  with urinals or flushers for children and tall urinals or flushers for taller adults offers the same visual benefits. 
         [0019]    As an added feature, optional sensor  32  (e.g. a motion sensor for automatic flushing purposes) may be incorporated in Privasee device  10 . The width of the design allows the “Privasee” device  10  to be narrow enough to match existing structures of all flusher products currently in use and to still allow the user to observe a full width body image. Whether the individual user is 5-6 feet away or is close up during use, the image shown to the user is a maximum clear view of the urination process. An aspect of the horizontal convex mirror is that the image of the individual cannot be observed from any possible viewing angle by an unwanted observer. No images other than the individual user&#39;s image can be seen from any angle except that used by the individual user. 
         [0020]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the device can be easily sized to fit any urinal plumbing fixture. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, left side wall  20  and right side wall  22  may be configured to mate with and mount on flush valve  12  of a urinal as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B .  FIG. 5A  is a front view of Privasee device  40  mounted on flush valve  12  showing bilateral convex mirror  14 , top wall  16 , bottom wall  18 , left privacy shield  28  and right privacy shield  40 .  FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of Privasee device  40  comprising left privacy shield  28  on left side wall  20  (not shown) and right privacy shield  30  on right side wall  22 . The side walls are notched with notch  42  and scallop  44  in order to establish a close fit to flush valve  12  and flushing lever  48 .  FIGS. 6A and 6B  are top and side views respectively of exploded Privasee device  40  and flush valve  12 . Scallops  44  and  46  allow Privasee device  40  to closely fit on flush valve  12  providing a secure and attractive fixture. 
         [0022]    While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.