Perhaps you're one of those guys who dreams of having a "man cave" with its own private urinal. The things cost hundreds of dollars, however, plus they take up a lot of space in the bathroom. That's why Daniel Garvin created the Main Drain, a low-cost urinal that attaches to the side of an existing toilet.
The Main Drain consists of a urine-receiving head designed to reduce splashing, an articulated hose, and a clip where the liquid comes out, that hooks over the edge of the toilet bowl. The seat can be closed over that clip, so the Main Drain can remain attached when not in use.
Additionally, the articulated hose allows the height and angle of the head to be adjusted – this feature also allows sit-down toilet users to push the Main Drain back out of the way, so they don't have to sit with their face right beside it as they go about their business.
Cleaning the unit consists of spraying a bathroom cleanser of the user's choice into the head, then "letting gravity do the work" as it runs down the hose and out the clip.
... and all man cave jokes aside, it's actually intended to keep the bathroom more hygienic by minimizing overspray on the floor and toilet rim (and also sometimes on the urinator's feet).
Garvin has taken to Kickstarter to fund production of the Main Drain. A pledge of US$45 will get you one, when and if they're ready to go. There's more information – but no, not an actual real-use demo – in the following pitch video.
Sources: Main Drain, Kickstarter via CNET
I observe several problems: 1 - this accessory can be uncomfortable for those who are sitting on the toilet; 2 - is washable-hygienic? 3 - do not understand how the discharge tube into the cup; 4 - the funnel is small, or otherwise gives the impression that it can pour on the floor
In general it is a good attempt to modernize the toilet.
...ehhhh...what? No. God, no.
I dream of many things. Call me weird, but a private urinal has never featured in my dreams.
Second, it's not quite big enough to prevent overspray, etc.
Third, it doesn't really make the task of peeing any easier.
Fourth, cleaning the toilet and this gadget is more of a pain, and...
Fifth, a dedicated urinal for your "man cave" is much more convenient!
Or is the user supposed to put a cleaning solution down the tube every time they use it so there is no remnant smell?
The PA turnpike has adopted no-flush urinals in its restrooms. The smell is awful when you walk in the restroom despite the clean surroundings of everything else in the room. I don;t see a need for this smell to pervade my bathroom. Make a flushable type like this then it would be a good idea (also not much beyond the realm of engineering).
Let's just keep this to ourselves and not tell my husband.
Also - as mentioned above - sitting is much better position for urinating for men as well.