GB2133055A

GB2133055A - Bidet device

Info

Publication number: GB2133055A
Application number: GB08400635A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Albert Mcinally
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-01-12
Filing date: 1984-01-11
Publication date: 1984-07-18
Also published as: GB8400635D0

Abstract

A bidet device 1 comprises a bowl 2 having a drain aperture 4 in its base 3 with a plug 5 and a radially outwardly extending flange 8 at the upper edge 7. The flange 8 has an upper face 21 for supporting the posterior of a user, and a lower face 10 supportable on the rim 11 of a toilet bowl 9 having a predetermined size and shape, with the bidet bowl 2 depending downwardly into the toilet bowl 9. At least one water conduit is provided e.g. a flexible hose 17 with a connector 19, taps 16, a mixer unit 15 and inlet 14 to the bowl. When not in use the device may be stored e.g. by hanging on a wall. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Bidet device This invention relates to a bidet device and in particular to a bidet device which can be used in conjunction with existing bathroom facilities.

An increasing number of people in this country are coming to appreciate the benefits and advantages of a bidet in the home. In many existing houses though there is simply not enough space to accommodate a conventional bidet in the bathroom. Furthermore conventional bidet installations are relatively expensive.

It is an object of the present invention to avoid or minimize one or more of the above disadvantages.

The present invention provides a bidet device comprising a bowl having a drain aperture in its base sealable in use by a plug means, a radially outwardly extending flange means at or in proximity to the upper edge of the bowl said flange means having an upper face for supporting the posterior of a user, and a lower face formed and arranged so as to be supportable on the rim of a toilet bowl having a predetermined size and shape, with the bidet bowl depending downwardly into the toilet bowl, said bidet bowl being shaped and dimensioned so that it can be accommodated in a said toilet bowl when said flange is supported on the rim of said toilet bowl, and at least one water conduit means formed and arranged for conducting water to the interior of the bidet bowl from outside the bidet device.

With a bidet device of the present invention the problem of finding space to accommodate a bidet is overcome by using the existing space occupied by the toilet installation. The manner of support of the user also permits a relatively simple and economic form of construction.

Further preferred features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description given by way of example of two preferred embodiments illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig, 1 is a plan view of a bidet device of the invention; Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical section of the device of Fig. 1 in use on a fixed toilet installation; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the device of Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 is a front elevation a modified form of the device of Fig. 1.

The drawings show a bidet device 1 comprising a bidet bowl 2 having a base 3 with a waste aperture 4 releasably closed by a plug 5 and upstanding side walls 6 at whose upper rim 7 is provided a radially outwardly extending flange 8.

The bidet bowl 2 and flange 8 are shaped and dimensioned in relation to a toilet bowl 9 of predetermined size and shape so that in use a lower face 10 of the flange 8 is supported on the toilet bowl rim 11 with the bidet bowl 2 freely suspended inside the toilet bowl 9.

In the rear side wall 12 of the bidet bowl 2 are provided a conventional overflow aperture 13 and a water inlet 14 which is in communication with a mixer tap unit 1 5 which has hot and cold taps 16 each provided with a flexible supply hose 1 7 at whose remote end 18 is provided a connector 19 which may be permanently or releasably connected to a suitable water supply (not shown) e.g. via a compression fitting connector or a tap adaptor.

When not in use the bidet device 1 may be stored in any convenient out-of-the-way location e.g. hanging on a wall. When it is desired to be used the toilet seat (not shown) is lifted up and the bidet device seated on the toilet bowl rim 1 The plug 5 is placed in the waste aperture 4 and water 20 at the desired temperature introduced into the bidet bowl 2 using the mixer taps 1 6. The user then seats his posterior on the upper face 21 of the flange 8 and carries out the required ablutions.

Upon completion of these the plug is removed, the bidet bowl rinsed, and the bidet device returned to its storage location.

The bidet device may be constructed of any suitable hygienic material but since as will be appreciated it does not itself need to support any substantial weight, may be conveniently made of a relatively lightweight plastics material, conveniently by injection moulding. It will also be noted that the overall size of the bidet device is considerably smaller than for a conventional bidet enabling still further material and cost savings to be made. If desired the water inlet 14 and/or mixer unit 1 5 may be adapted for connection to or provided with a separated spray attachment for 'douche' applications. The mixer tap unit may be formed of metal or plastics material in conventional manner with for example natural or synthetic rubber or polythene or polypropylene piping for connection to a suitable water supply.

The bidet device of the invention is particularly suitable for use by the elderly or infirm and by handicapped peopie who are unable to use conventionally provided facilities and is especially advantageous where it is desired to provide such persons with a bidet type facility in their own home in a simple and economic manner without the need for structural work and the like. In such cases the device is advantageously provided with elbow-type operation valves or preferably a single dual-flow elbow-type operation mixing valve 26 as shown in Fig. 4. Desirably also as shown in this drawing the water inlet 14 is arranged so as to be above the level of the toilet bowl rim so as to preclude the possibility of any contaminated water backflow into the water supply.

1. A bidet device comprising a bowl having a drain aperture in its base sealable in use by a plug means, a radially outwardly extending flange means at or in proximity to the upper edge of the bowl said flange means having an upper face for supporting the posterior of a user, and a lower face formed and arranged so as to be supportable on the rim of a toilet bowl having a predetermined size and shape, with the bidet bowl depending

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Bidet device This invention relates to a bidet device and in particular to a bidet device which can be used in conjunction with existing bathroom facilities. An increasing number of people in this country are coming to appreciate the benefits and advantages of a bidet in the home. In many existing houses though there is simply not enough space to accommodate a conventional bidet in the bathroom. Furthermore conventional bidet installations are relatively expensive. It is an object of the present invention to avoid or minimize one or more of the above disadvantages. The present invention provides a bidet device comprising a bowl having a drain aperture in its base sealable in use by a plug means, a radially outwardly extending flange means at or in proximity to the upper edge of the bowl said flange means having an upper face for supporting the posterior of a user, and a lower face formed and arranged so as to be supportable on the rim of a toilet bowl having a predetermined size and shape, with the bidet bowl depending downwardly into the toilet bowl, said bidet bowl being shaped and dimensioned so that it can be accommodated in a said toilet bowl when said flange is supported on the rim of said toilet bowl, and at least one water conduit means formed and arranged for conducting water to the interior of the bidet bowl from outside the bidet device. With a bidet device of the present invention the problem of finding space to accommodate a bidet is overcome by using the existing space occupied by the toilet installation. The manner of support of the user also permits a relatively simple and economic form of construction. Further preferred features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description given by way of example of two preferred embodiments illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig, 1 is a plan view of a bidet device of the invention; Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical section of the device of Fig. 1 in use on a fixed toilet installation; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the device of Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 is a front elevation a modified form of the device of Fig. 1. The drawings show a bidet device 1 comprising a bidet bowl 2 having a base 3 with a waste aperture 4 releasably closed by a plug 5 and upstanding side walls 6 at whose upper rim 7 is provided a radially outwardly extending flange 8. The bidet bowl 2 and flange 8 are shaped and dimensioned in relation to a toilet bowl 9 of predetermined size and shape so that in use a lower face 10 of the flange 8 is supported on the toilet bowl rim 11 with the bidet bowl 2 freely suspended inside the toilet bowl 9. In the rear side wall 12 of the bidet bowl 2 are provided a conventional overflow aperture 13 and a water inlet 14 which is in communication with a mixer tap unit 1 5 which has hot and cold taps 16 each provided with a flexible supply hose 1 7 at whose remote end 18 is provided a connector 19 which may be permanently or releasably connected to a suitable water supply (not shown) e.g. via a compression fitting connector or a tap adaptor. When not in use the bidet device 1 may be stored in any convenient out-of-the-way location e.g. hanging on a wall. When it is desired to be used the toilet seat (not shown) is lifted up and the bidet device seated on the toilet bowl rim 1 The plug 5 is placed in the waste aperture 4 and water 20 at the desired temperature introduced into the bidet bowl 2 using the mixer taps 1 6. The user then seats his posterior on the upper face 21 of the flange 8 and carries out the required ablutions. Upon completion of these the plug is removed, the bidet bowl rinsed, and the bidet device returned to its storage location. The bidet device may be constructed of any suitable hygienic material but since as will be appreciated it does not itself need to support any substantial weight, may be conveniently made of a relatively lightweight plastics material, conveniently by injection moulding. It will also be noted that the overall size of the bidet device is considerably smaller than for a conventional bidet enabling still further material and cost savings to be made. If desired the water inlet 14 and/or mixer unit 1 5 may be adapted for connection to or provided with a separated spray attachment for 'douche' applications. The mixer tap unit may be formed of metal or plastics material in conventional manner with for example natural or synthetic rubber or polythene or polypropylene piping for connection to a suitable water supply. The bidet device of the invention is particularly suitable for use by the elderly or infirm and by handicapped peopie who are unable to use conventionally provided facilities and is especially advantageous where it is desired to provide such persons with a bidet type facility in their own home in a simple and economic manner without the need for structural work and the like. In such cases the device is advantageously provided with elbow-type operation valves or preferably a single dual-flow elbow-type operation mixing valve 26 as shown in Fig. 4. Desirably also as shown in this drawing the water inlet 14 is arranged so as to be above the level of the toilet bowl rim so as to preclude the possibility of any contaminated water backflow into the water supply. CLAIMS

1. A bidet device comprising a bowl having a drain aperture in its base sealable in use by a plug means, a radially outwardly extending flange means at or in proximity to the upper edge of the bowl said flange means having an upper face for supporting the posterior of a user, and a lower face formed and arranged so as to be supportable on the rim of a toilet bowl having a predetermined size and shape, with the bidet bowl depending downwardly into the toilet bowl, said bidet bowl being shaped and dimensioned so that it can be accommodated in a said toilet bowl when said flange is supported on the rim of said toilet bowl and at least one water conduit means formed and arranged for conducting water to the interior of the bidet bowl from outside the bidet device.

2. A bidet device according to claim 1 wherein is provided an overflow outlet below said flange means.

3. A bidet device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said water conduit means includes a water inlet formed and arranged for admitting water to the bidet bowl interior at a level substantially above the lower face of the flange means.

4. A bidet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein are provided first and second water conduit means for supplying hot and cold water, respectively to the bidet bowl.

5. A bidet device according to claim 4 wherein said first and second conduit means are connected to a common water inlet and each is provided with a respective valve means.

6. A bidet device according to claim 4 wherein said first and second conduit means are connected to the upstream side of a mixer valve means.

7. A bidet device according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein said valve means has a pivotable lever control means.

8. A bidet device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said conduit means includes flexible hose means having remote end means adapted for connection to remote water supply means.

9. A bidet device substantially as described hereinbefore with particular reference to Figs. 1 to 3 or Figs. 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.