Whiz ATD a boon to all women

The answer is Lore Hope McGovern. Back in 1976 she helped found Vector Graphics with her husband of the time, Pat McGovern. When she left two years later, Lore went "from high tech to high touch" as she put it. And invented La Funnelle.

Now a British company has started to sell a rival to La Funnelle. Marketed as 'The contemporary solution to an age-old problem', the Whiz ATD (All Terrain Urine Director) made by JBOL is perfect for women who are caught short in any environment lacking in the usual facilities, such as a pop festival or other out door event. It is even available on NHS (British health service) prescription. The bright purple funnel shaped tube is smaller than expected and can be rolled up to fit discretely into your pocket.

The medical grade antibacterial thermoplastic-elastomer apparently means that you just need to give it a quick rinse and it is ready for re-use. The instructions advise that although urine is naturally antiseptic, the Whiz ATD (All Terrain Urine Director) should never be shared. Similarly, it should be replaced on a yearly basis, although this could be more marketing hype than hygiene necessity.

Testing the device in the privacy of my own bathroom, I found that the funnel fitted snugly and once I'd got used to the unusual aspect of trying to pee fully clothed, I found it comfortable and easy to direct. Being a novice at such things, I forgot to lift the toilet seat and discovered that you have to concentrate on your aim, or things can get messy.

Luckily, the instruction booklet comes with a host of useful tips for the beginner in upright micturation such as 'don't urinate into the wind'.

It worked best with trousers with a longer zip as there is a moment of ungainly fiddling to put the thing in place before it is ready. I haven't yet had the opportunity to try it out in public, but reports from those utilising the free samples at the pink female urinals at this year's Glastonbury festival were encouraging, and many women were seen leaving the area with a big grin on their faces, once they'd over come the stage-fright of peeing in public.

There's a picture here.

The Whiz was actually on sale at the recent V Festival 2004 run by Virgin but we didn't spot any ladies brave enough to try it out by standing next to the men and using the urinals. La Funnelle appears to be available only by mail order. Here's the address and US freefone number. Aplex Corp, Suite 217, 1720 South Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402. Or call 800-433-3553. µ