EP0034673B1

EP0034673B1 - Hygiene apparatus for toilets

Info

Publication number: EP0034673B1
Application number: EP80300520A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Butterfield
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1980-02-22
Filing date: 1980-02-22
Publication date: 1984-05-02
Also published as: ATE7318T1; DE3067668D1; EP0034673A1

Abstract

The apparatus is adapted to fit on the lower surface of conventional toilet seats, and comprises a base element (12), a support element (13), including handle (15), rotatably secured to the base element (12), an elongated fluid carrying arm (21) extending from the support (13), and a sprayhead (23). By rotating the handle (15), the sprayhead (23) moves through a relatively shallow arc from a retracted position adjacent the lower surface of the seat (19) at the rear thereof through an operative path beneath the opening (19a) in the seat (19). The axis of rotation of the support element (12) and the configuration of the fluid-carrying arm (21) are such that the focal point of the arc of the sprayhead (23) is several inches above the plane of the seat (19).

Description

This invention relates generally to the art of toilets or water closets, and more particularly concerns a hygiene apparatus which is adapted for attachment to a toilet seat or bowl.
The invention is to be used for personal hygiene, particularly for cleansing of the rectal and genital areas of the body. It can be used, for instance, immediately following use of the toilet, without further undressing.
Private hygiene bathroom fixtures, referred to as bidets, are well known and rather extensively used in certain parts of the world, although they are generally regarded as being primarily for feminine personal hygiene. Although the advantages of the bidet are becoming increasingly well recognized in the United States, it is highly impractical to install a bidet in existing bathroom facilities, particularly in private residences, because of the space required and the need for an additional drain.
Attachments for conventional toilets are known which attempt to provide the cleansing capability of a bidet. Such devices theoretically would overcome the problems of space and drain capability noted above. At least one such device is presently on the market. U.S. Patent 4,069,519 discloses a device which is designed to be attached by only two screws to the bottom of a toilet seat whereby horizontal movement of a control handle causes a spray nozzle arm of the device to move in a compound arc between positions of use below and at the centre of the toilet seat and non-use under the rear of the seat in a level position between the seat and the toilet bowl. There is a living hinge between a rotational body of the device and a spray nozzle arm and an eccentric flex link which imparts motion to the spray nozzle arm by a combined bending and push- pull action. Cleansing fluid is supplied through a handle mounted valve.
However, these devices, because they must operate in the physical context of a conventional toilet, have been found to have several practical disadvantages. A severe disadvantage is the poor cleansing effect of such devices due to poor or uneven coverage of the target area, i.e. the rectal and genital areas of the body. This disadvantage is due primarily to the design parameters imposed on such devices, i.e. that they fit within a conventional toilet and that they be out of the way and preferably out of sight when not in use.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide hygiene apparatus for toilets which is adapted for attachment to a conventional toilet, and which provides good cleansing of the entire target area.
Accordingly, the present invention is embodied in hygiene apparatus adapted for use with a conventional toilet, which includes a toilet bowl and a toilet seat. The apparatus includes a rotatable element which is positioned in the general area of the rim of the toilet bowl when the apparatus is installed for use. The rotatable element includes a handle and is movable between first and second positions. Means are provided for supplying a washing fluid, such as water, to the rotatable element. An elongate fluid carrying arm, a sprayhead and a base complete the apparatus. The arm has one end thereof connected to the rotatable element and is in fluid connection therewith. The sprayhead is attached to the other end of the arm. The base is secured to the underside of the toilet seat when the apparatus is installed for use, and the rotatable element is rotatably mounted on the base. The rotatable element is so aligned relative to the base that the rotatable element is rotatable about an axis which, when the apparatus is installed for use, is at an angle which is approximately in the range of 30°-55° relative to the horizontal plane of the toilet seat. This arrangement results in the. sprayhead following a path of movement between a first position, which is beneath the rear of the toilet seat, and a second position, which is substantially intermediate of the side-to-side dimension of the opening of the toilet seat and near the front end thereof when the apparatus is used. The sprayhead in operation moves in a relatively shallow arc beneath the opening of the toilet seat clearing both the fluid in the toilet bowl and the user seated on the toilet seat, the focus of the arc travelled by the sprayhead being a point which is located several centimetres (inches) above the plane of the toilet seat.
Hygiene apparatus in which this invention is embodied may be arranged so that it does not splash the cleansing fluid, e.g. water, either on the floor or on the clothes of the user, thereby avoiding another of the practical disadvantages of previously proposed devices for attachment to conventional toilets.
A further disadvantage with such previously proposed devices is their lack of effective warm- up capability. Most devices have used a pivoting sprayhead which may be moved so that the water can be directed down into the bowl until it is sufficiently warm to use. Such an arrangement, however, complicates the mechanical aspects of the device and adds to the expense. Hygiene apparatus in which this invention is embodied may be arranged so that it permits convenient discharge of fluid into the toilet bowl whilst it warms up to a desired temperature for use.
Hygiene apparatus in which this invention is embodied may be arranged to be moved to a retracted position where it is substantially out of sight when it is installed but not being used. Also it may be mechanically simple and easy to clean.
A more thorough understanding of the invention may be obtained by a study of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an environmental view of the apparatus of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the sprayhead portion of the apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a cross-secton view of the deflector portion of the apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a view of the base and the support element portions of the apparatus depending from the toilet seat, which is in section, as seen from the front looking towards the hinge of the toilet seat.
Figure 8 is a view from below of the portions of the apparatus shown in Figure 7.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring now to Figures 1-4, and 7-8, the present invention is shown in an environment of a conventional toilet. Briefly, the apparatus, which is shown generally at 11, includes a base 12, and a rotatable element 13, a part of which is shaped into an elongated bar- like handle 15. The element 13 is rotatable about an axis 17, which is at a prescribed angle relative to the plane of the toilet seat 19 to which the apparatus 11 is attached.
An elongated fluid-carrying arm 21 extends outward from the rotatable element 13, and terminates in a sprayhead 23. Water is supplied to the apparatus through a hot and cold water mixer 25 and a tube 27, which connects the mixer 25 with the rotatable element 13 through base 12. A portion of the rotatable element 13 is hollow, so that there is a direct fluid connection between the mixer 25 and the sprayhead 23.
The axis of rotation 17 is at such an angle relative to the plane of the toilet seat and the elongated arm 21 is so configured that the sprayhead 23 moves in a relatively shallow arc from a retracted position, in which it is nestled adjacent a deflector 29, which is secured to the underside of the toilet seat 19 towards the rear thereof, through an operative path which extends beneath the opening 19a in the toilet seat, to a point which is near the front end of the opening in the toilet seat, and substantially intermediate of the side-to-side dimension of the opening.
Along its operative path, the sprayhead 23 moves from a point at the rear of the seat to a point near the front. The sprayhead is approximately 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) below the plane of the lower surface of the toilet seat when it is in approximately the middle of the opening 19a. The focal point of the arc of the sprayhead is several inches above the toilet seat, so that thorough coverage of the target area over the plane of the opening 19a results as the sprayhead moves through its path of travel. Such an arrangement, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, solves many of the problems of the prior art noted above.
Referring now to Figures 1-4 and 7-8 in detail concerning the operation of the apparatus, a washing fluid, usually water, is supplied to the apparatus from available hot/cold water plumbing lines (not shown). This water is delivered to the mixer 25, in which the hot and cold water is mixed in a prescribed ratio, which is set by the user through a mixer handle 31. The mixer is supported on a platform-like plate which is connected to the toilet bowl through the toilet seat connections.
The output of the mixer 25 is channeled through the tube 27, which for appearance and protection purposes is covered by a metal flex hose (not shown), to the main part of the apparatus. The covered tube extends to the outer edge of the lower surface of the seat 19, where it enters an elongated channel 33 in the lower surface of the seat. The channel 33 is deep enough to accommodate the covered tube, and extends from a point immediately adjacent one of the pivot points 35 of the seat 19 to approximately the longitudinal midpoint 37 of the seat along one side thereof. A keeper 39 maintains the tube 27 and the flex hose in position where it enters the channel 33. A cover plate 41 covers the channel and the tube therein along the length of the channel 33.
The elongated channel 33 terminates in a cavity in which is positioned the base 12. The base 12 in the embodiment shown is about 5 centimetres (2 inches) square by approximately 1.25 centimetres (1/2 inch) deep. The base 12 extends downwardly from the lower surface of the seat approximately 0.6 centimetres (1/4 inch). Figures 7 and 8 show that three sides of the base 12 are defined by flat walls 45, while the top of the base 12 comprises a plate 47, the major part of which is parallel with the plane of the lower surface of the toilet seat, i.e. it is horizontal when the seat is down. The other part of the plate 47 is an angled portion 49, which comprises the remaining wall of the base 12. The angled portion 49, in the particular embodiment shown, extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plane of the lower surface of the toilet seat, and is substantially parallel with the longitudinal dimension of the seat. The angle of portion 49 determines the angle of the axis of rotation 17 of the rotatable element 13. The angle of rotation in the embodiment is approximately 45°; however, it can be approximately in the range of 30°-55° for proper operation of the device.
The rotatable element 13 extends outwardly from the angled portion 49 of the plate 47. One end of the rotatable element 13 extends slightly into the interior of the base 12, where it rotatably mates with the end of the tube 27. The rotatable element 13 has a hollow portion which extends to the connection with the tube 27, so that there is a fluid connection between the tube and the rotatable element 13.
The rotatable element 13 is somewhat irregular in configuration, having one portion which extends through an opening in the angled portion 49 of the base 12 to rotatably receive the end of the tube 27, as well as other portions, from which the handle 15 and the elongate arm 21 extend. The rotatable element 13 is rotatably secured or supported on the angled portion 49 such that it rotates about the axis of rotation 17, which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the angled portion 49, which in turn intersects the lower surface of the toilet seat at an angle of about 45°. Thus, the axis 17, in the embodiment shown, is at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the plane of the lower surface of the seat as well. This angle, however, as mentioned above, may be varied somewhat, although it should be approximately in the range of 30°-55°. The axis 17 also is generally in a lateral plane of the seat.
The handle 15 extends from a portion 54 of the rotatable element 13, and is an elongate flat element which in the embodiment shown is approximately 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) long, by 2 centimetres (3/4 inches) wide, by 1 centimetre (3/8 inch) thick. It is beveled and rounded at its exposed edges and corners to facilitate a comfortable fit with the hand of the user.
The elongate fluid carrying arm 21 is hollow, and is connected at one end 57 to a portion 55 of the rotatable element 13, which in turn is connected with the hollow region of the rotatable element 13 so that there is a fluid connection from the tube 27 through the rotatable element 13 to the elongate arm 21.
The elongate arm 21 has a particular configuration which assists in achieving the objects of the present invention. It comprises, in the embodiment shown, three sections, each of which is substantially straight, but when combined as shown and described, results in a complex shape. Although the arm 21 is secured to the rotatable element 13 at the portion 55, its theoretical pivot point is the point where it would intersect axis 17, if continued to the axis. axis.
The configuration and relative position of each portion of the arm 21 will be described when the arm is in its retracted position which is shown by dotted lines in Figure 4. A first portion 59 of the arm extends outwardly from the rotatable element 13 in approximately the same plane as the lower surface of the seat 19. It extends somewhat toward the rear of the seat, approximately 15-20° from the lateral axis and just about to the boundary edge 61 of the opening 19a. As the sprayhead 23 is moved through its operative path, the portion 59 moves through a very shallow arc, substantially parallel to the plane of the seat 19, in the space between the seat and the top of the bowl. The portion 59 is so configured generally and is connected to the rotatable element 13 at such an angle that its entire range of movement is between the seat and the bowl. The portion 59 is thus generally hidden from view beneath the seat 19.
A second portion 63 of the arm 21 extends from the first portion 59 and is approximately 9 centimetres (3-1/2 inches) long in the embodiment shown. It is angled downwardly at approximately 30° from the plane of the seat 19 and rearwardly at approximately 45° when the first portion 59 is parallel with the lateral axis of the seat. This portion of the arm 21, which extends approximately from the seat edge 61 into the opening 19a, is thus secured to the first portion 59 at such an angle to provide the desired arcuate path of the sprayhead 23. When the apparatus is in its fully retracted position, the second portion 63 is hidden underneath the seat but is relatively close to the edge 61 of the opening 19a. As the sprayhead moves through its operative path, the portion 63 moves below the opening 19a, with the far end of the portion 63, e.g. the end nearest sprayhead 23, describing a shallow arc beneath the opening 1 9a.
The third portion 65 of the arm 21 is relatively short, approximately 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) in the embodiment shown, and terminates at the sprayhead 23. The third portion 65 is oriented relative to the second portion 63 such that it extends in the same direction as the first portion 59, and such that the sprayhead 23 is nestled in the deflector 29 when the sprayhead is in its retracted position.
The sprayhead 23 in the embodiment shown (Figure 5) is rectangular, approximately 3.8 centimetres (1-1/2 inches) long, by 2 centimetres (3/4 inch) wide, by 1.25 centimetres (1/2 inch) deep. In one surface thereof is located a plurality of small holes 69 through which is forced the fluid from mixer 25 in the form of a spray.
The relationship of the arm 21 to the sprayhead 23 and the handle 15 are such that when the handle 15 is in a substantially horizontal position adjacent the outer edge of the seat 19, the sprayhead 23 is near the lower surface of the seat, just to one side of the very rear thereof, nestled in deflector 29. In this position, the sprayhead 23 is at a slight angle to the plane of the lower surface of the seat.
The deflector 29 is cup-like in configuration, approximately 5 centimetres (2 inches) in diameter and 1.25 centimetres (1/2 inch) high. It includes a base 70 (Figure 6) which is secured to the lower surface of the seat 19, and a relatively thin boundary wall 71 which is flat on its exterior surface, but curved on its interior surface, so that there are no angles or sharp corners in the interior of deflector 29.
The deflector 29 is positioned so that it is slightly offset from the rearmost central portion of the seat. When the sprayhead 23 is in its fully retracted position, it extends partly into the cavity defined by the deflector. When fluid enters the apparatus when sprayhead 23 is in its retracted position, the fluid is deflected down into the toilet bowl. This is particularly advantageous, as the cooler water present in the apparatus upon initiation of its operation is conveniently directed into the bowl without any splashing. In another embodiment, a heater may be provided in the mixer 25 to insure even water temperature for the apparatus.
After the water is at the desired temperature, the handle 15 is rotated by the user so that the sprayhead 23 is in the desired position relative to the user. Due to the physical arrangement of the various parts of the apparatus, the sprayhead 23 moves through an arc which extends from the rear of the opening 1 9a, where it is approximately 3.8 centimetres (1-1/2 inches) below the plane of the lower surface of the toilet seat, to a point near the front of the opening, where again it is about 3.8 centimetres (1-1/2 inches) below the plane of the seat. At the midpoint of its arc, the sprayhead is approximately 6.25 to 7.5 centimetres (2-1/2 to 3 inches) below the seat plane.
With such an arrangement, the sprayhead 23 does not come in contact with the user but still clears the water in the bowl. The fluid in the apparatus is under sufficient pressure to create a spray which is directed toward the focal point of the arc, which is usually some distance, i.e. 7.5 to 10 centimetres (3-4 inches), above the plane of the toilet seat. As the sprayhead 23 moves through its arc, the spray will be always directed to that focal point. The target area for the spray, however, will generally be on a plane which is between the focal point of the arc and the sprayhead 23. A relatively wide coverage area is thus possible for the target area over the path of the sprayhead 23.
Hence, a hygiene apparatus useful as an attachment for conventional toilets has been described. The apparatus is convenient and efficient, yet is unobtrusive when in its fully retracted position. The spray from the apparatus provides a relatively wide coverge of the target area, but does not result in splashing of the clothes of the user. It furthermore includes means to insure that the fluid provided for cleansing is at the desired temperature, and is arranged so that no part of the apparatus will come in contact with either the user or the water in the bowl.
Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed herein for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated in such embodiment without departing from the invention as defined by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. Hygiene apparatus (11) for use with a conventional toilet which includes a toilet bowl and a toilet seat (19), the hygiene apparatus (11) including a base (12) which is arranged to be fastened to the underside of the toilet seat; a rotatable element (13) which is mounted on said base (12) for rotation relative to said base (12), which includes a handle (15) and which is rotatable between first and second positions; the apparatus (11) further including means (27) for supplying a washing fluid such as water, to said rotatable element (13), an elongate fluid-carrying arm (21) having one end thereof connected to said rotatable element (13) and in fluid connection therewith, and a sprayhead (23) secured to the other end of said fluid-carrying arm (21); the apparatus (11) being characterised by said rotatable element (13) being rotatable about an axis (17) which is at an angle in the range of 30° to 55° relative to a plane which is the horizontal plane of the toilet seat (19) when the apparatus (11) is installed for use, and the fluid-carrying arm (21) being shaped such that, when the apparatus is used, said sprayhead (23) follows a path between a first position, which is beneath the rear of the toilet seat (19), and a second position which is substantially intermediate of the side-to-side dimension of the opening (19a) of the toilet seat (19) and near the front end thereof, said sprayhead (23) in operation moving in a relatively shallow arc beneath the opening (19a) of the toilet seat (19), the focus of the arc traveled by said sprayhead (23) being a point which is located several centimetres (inches) above the plate of the toilet seat (19).

2. Apparatus (11) according to Claim 1, wherein said arm (21) and said sprayhead (23) are so configured and said arm (21) is mounted at such an angle relative to said rotatable element (13) that, when the apparatus (11) is installed for use and said rotatable element (13) is in said first position, said arm (21) and said sprayhead (23) are directly below structure of the toilet seat (19) so that they are obscured from view from above by that seat structure.

3. Apparatus (11) according to Claim 2, including a deflector (29) which is cup-like in configuration and which includes a base portion (70) and a surrounding wall portion (71) which is curved into said base portion (70), said deflector (29) being arranged to be positioned on the lower surface of the toilet seat (19), near the rear thereof, when the apparatus (11) is installed for use, such that said sprayhead (23) nestles in said deflector (29) when said sprayhead (23) is in said first position, so that fluid from said sprayhead (23) in its first position is deflected by said deflector (29) into the toilet bowl.

4. Apparatus (11) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said arm (21) and said sprayhead (23) are orientated such that, when the apparatus (11) is installed for use and said sprayhead (23) is at its lowermost position, a first portion (59) of said arm (21), which extends from said rotatable element (13) to approximately the inner edge (61) of the toilet seat (19) is at a relatively small angle relative to the horizontal plane of the toilet seat (19), while a second portion (63) of said arm (21), which extends from said first portion (59) thereof into the toilet bowl and which comprises a substantial portion of the remainder of said arm (21), is at a substantial angle relative to the horizontal plane of the toilet seat (19).

5. Apparatus (11) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said sprayhead (23) is connected to said arm (21) at such an angle and said arm (21) has such a configuration that, when the apparatus (11) is installed for use, said sprayhead (23) and hence the spray from said sprayhead (23) follow a path which is approximately in the same vertical plane as the axis of symmetry through the front and rear of the toilet seat (19).