NZ286084A - Bidet type attachment for toilet bowl, angled fluid outlet controlled by push button - Google Patents

Description

286084 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $260.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 286084 Dated: 27 February 1996 James & Walla Ref: 11858/14 QMP IMPROVEMENTS IN CLEANSING DEVICES I Hendrik Jan Pieter van der Giessen, a Dutch citizen of 70 Mardon Road, Hamilton, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 28 6 0 8 4 IMPROVEMENTS IN CLEANSING DEVICES TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to improvements in cleansing devices. BACKGROUND ART In particular, this invention relates to improvements in the use of cleansing devices used for sanitation.

This invention will be discussed in relation to cleansing devices used to wash away human waste from a body. However, it should be appreciated that the principles of the present invention, should not be limited, solely to 10 this function.

The invention will now be discussed in relation to bidets.

The cleansing function performed by the bidet can be particularly suited towards the elderly, those with haemorrhoids, and physically disabled people; to whom the alternative cleansing process, performed by those 15 without bidets, is either an uncomfortable or impossible task to undertake.

However, as bidets are generally very expensive, many of those who prefer or require the cleansing function performed by a bidet, cannot afford to purchase them for home use. In order to overcome this problem, 20 several inventions such as those disclosed in New Zealand Patent Specification Nos. 183890 and 187287 have attempted to overcome the high cost threshold with a toilet/bidet combination. 2 286084 However, such specialist combinations are still expensive. Further, to provide such a combination in an existing dwelling, the old toilet seat needs to be removed and replaced with the toilet/bidet combination. This is expensive and inconvenient to effect. There are further drawbacks 5 with the toilet/bidets disclosed in the above New Zealand Patent Specifications.

One drawback is that the fluid outlet for the bidets interferes with the normal operation of the toilet. This necessitates the employment of moving arms or levers to move the position of the fluid outlet to enable 10 operation of the bidet, as well as allowing for countermovement of the fluid outlet to allow for normal use of the toilet.

Thus the requirement for moving arms unnecessarily further complicates what should be an essentially user friendly combination toilet/bidet.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing a bidet type function characterised by the steps of: a) selecting a toilet to incorporate a bidet type function; and b) fitting a separate fluid outlet to the toilet capable of providing a bidet 25 type function; and 3 28 6 0 8 A c) providing a fluid source to the fluid outlet; and d) providing a control apparatus to control the supply of fluid to the fluid outlet independent of any fluid control system the toilet may have.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for use with the method substantially as described above wherein the kit includes: a) at least one conduit for attachment to a fluid source; and b) at least one control means for controlling the fluid flow; and c) a fluid outlet.

Throughout the specification the term Tbidet type function' refers to the use of fluid or other fluids to wash away waste or otherwise cleanse the regions of the body associated with excretion of waste products. Thus, the bidet type function in essence reduces the need for toilet paper.

It is envisaged that the toilets selected to incorporate a bidet type function will normally have a toilet bowl and their own fluid supply and be flushable in nature. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to flushable toilets or toilets with their own fluid supply.

For ease of reference the toilets referred to throughout the rest of the specification shall now be taken to mean flushable toilets with their own fluid supply unless otherwise stated.

The fitting of the fluid outlet shall be defined as meaning both the positioning and attachment of the fluid outlet to the toilet.

It is envisaged that there may be a number of ways of attaching the fluid outlet to the toilet. 4 28 6 0 In general, the attachment of the fluid outlet may be achieved by a variety of conventional methods and/or apparatus. For instance, the fluid outlet may be attached by screwing, riveting, plastic welding, or clamping. However, these means should not be seen as limiting.

The fluid outlet may be attached in a variety of positions.

In some embodiments the fluid outlet may be attached to the rim of a toilet bowl. It should also be appreciated that the fluid outlet may be attached in a variety of positions along the rim.

In preferred embodiments the fluid outlet is attached to either the top or 10 bottom surface of a toilet seat. Again it should be appreciated that the fluid outlet may be attached at any number of positions along the seat of the toilet.

In preferred versions of the preferred embodiment the fluid outlet is positioned on the bottom of the toilet seat and at the back of the toilet. This 15 enables people using the seat not to be discomforted by the presence of the fluid outlet when using the seat and also allows the fluid outlet to be positioned so as to not to interfere with normal use of the toilet.

The fluid outlet may come in a variety of different forms and be made of various materials. For instance, in some embodiments the fluid outlet 20 may be made of plastic and may simply be the terminal end of the tubing connected to the water supply.

However, in preferred embodiments the fluid outlet is a separate item designed so as to allow for easy attachment to the toilet. Once attached to the toilet the fluid outlet may then be connected to the fluid source. 2 8 6 0 8 4 It is envisaged that there may be variety of means of providing a fluid source to the fluid outlet.

In some embodiments the fluid source may be independent of the fluid supply to the toilet. It is envisaged that these embodiments will be 5 particularly suited to providing bidet type functions to toilets when travelling as the fluid source is independent of the toilet.

In preferred embodiments the fluid source is the same as that servicing the toilet.

It is also envisaged that in some future embodiments of the present 10 invention, additives to enhance the bidet type function, may be added to the fluid by some external means. For instance the additives may include soaps or the like.

In order to link the fluid source to the fluid outlet it is necessary to provide some form of connection between the two.

In preferred embodiments the fluid source may be connected to the fluid outlet by at least one conduit.

In preferred versions of the preferred embodiment at least one conduit may be flexible in nature - such as a conduit of plastic tubing. However, this factor should not be seen as limiting.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention a head valve may also be utilised when connecting the fluid outlet to the fluid supply of the toilet. This is to enable one to set the fluid pressure (which can vary from toilet to toilet) so that the fluid exiting the fluid outlot is at an appropriate pressure to allow for an efficient bidet type function. 6 286084 It is envisaged that there may be a variety of different control apparatus.

In some embodiments the control apparatus may be in the form of a lever which requires a slight force to activate a micro-switch controlling an on/off valve.

In preferred embodiments the control apparatus may simply be in the form of a push button which activates an on/off valve. Thus, one simply activates the switch in order to instigate or terminate the bidet type function as required.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an 10 apparatus for providing a bidet type function to a toilet substantially as described above wherein the apparatus includes a fluid outlet characterised in that the fluid outlet is positioned so that fluid exiting the outlet is angled so as to come in contact with an operator in a bidet type function, whilst at the same time allowing the outlet to be positioned so it 15 does not interfere with normal use of the toilet.

As mentioned above the fluid outlet may come in a variety of different forms.

In preferred embodiments the fluid outlet is designed so that it may be attached to the toilet so that the angle of the fluid exiting the fluid outlet is 20 directed towards the region of the operator's body associated with the excretion of waste products.

It should be appreciated there are a variety of designs for the fluid outlet which will achieve this desired result. The only requirement for the fluid outlet being that it directs water towards the body of the operator using 25 the toilet and requiring a bidet type function. In general, fluid exiting the 7 286084 outlet is directed towards the central region of the toilet bowl on an angle at least partially vertical to the horizontal. This is to help ensure the fluid contacts the region associated with excretion of waste on the body of the person using the toilet.

The present invention in some embodiments may have a number of advantages over the prior art.

One advantage is that the present invention discloses a relatively inexpensive way for providing a toilet with a bidet type function.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a relatively straightforward method for converting a standard toilet, to a dual toilet/bidet. The method simply involves linking the fluid outlet for the bidet to the water supply of the toilet and providing some means for controlling the fluid flow to the fluid outlet. Thus, the present invention overcomes the expense and inconvenience of having to replace the toilet with a specialist toilet/bidet combination.

A further advantage of the present invention is that once the toilet is equipped with a bidet type function this does not interfere with normal operation of the toilet by those who do not wish to take advantage of this function. brief description of drawings Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a general view illustrating the applicant's invention; 8 28 6 0 i Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the invention's fluid outlet, and Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the bidet type function in operation. best modes for carrying out the invention With respect to the drawings there is provided a toilet/bidet generally indicated by arrow 1.

The toilet/bidet 1 includes a toilet seat 2 and its own fluid supply indicated by arrow 3. Connected to the fluid supply 3 is a head valve 4 from which a conduit 5 connects to a control means 6. The control means 6 is 10 connect . to the fluid outlet 7 via a second conduit 8. The conduit 8 may be flexible in nature.

The function of the control means 6 is to control the supply of water to the fluid outlet 7 by operating an on/off valve (not shown). Hence, the bidet type function is able to be achieved by operation of the control means 6 so 15 that fluid may be directed via the fluid outlet 7 tc the operator's body (not shown) to remove excreta or otherwise cleanse the operator.

Once the operator's body has been cleansed, the control means 6 can then be used to block the supply of fluid to the fluid outlet 7 so that the bidet function ceases.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate in more detail how the fluid outlet 7 has been designed and is attached to the toilet 1 (for instance via screws not shown) so as to angle a directed stream of fluid 9 to the desired region of the operator's body (this may be seen more clearly in Figure 3). 9 28 6 0 8 4 All the drawings also illustrate, how the positioning of the fluid outlet and its design is such that it will not interfere with normal use of the toilet, (particularly when no bidet function is required by the user) yet still effects an efficient bidet type function.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 2860$^

1. A method for providing a bidet type function characterised by the steps of: a) selecting a toilet to incorporate a bidet type function; and b) fitting a separate fluid outlet to the toilet capable of providing a bidet type function in a position which does not interfere with normal use of the toilet; and c) providing a fluid source to the fluid outlet; and d) providing a control apparatus to control the supply of fluid to the fluid outlet independent of any fluid control system the toilet may have, wherein the control apparatus is in the form of a push button which activates an on/off valve.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein additives are added to the fluid to enhance the bidet type function.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fluid outlet is attached to the rim of a toilet bowl.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fluid outlet is attached to either the top or bottom surface of a toilet seat.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wheiein the fluid outlet is positioned on the bottom of the toilet seat and at the back of the toilet.

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding method claims wherein the fluid source is independent of the fluid supply to the toilet.

7. A method as claimed in any of the preceding method claims, with the exception of claim 6, wherein the fluid source is the same as that servicing the toilet. „ Intellectual Property II Office of NZ - I APR 1998 RECEIVED 286084 A method as claimed in any one of the preceding method claims wherein the fluid source is connected to the fluid outlet by a least one conduit.

A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a head valve is utilised in connecting the fluid outlet to the fluid supply of the toilet.

A kit of parts to be fitted to a toilet according to the method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the kit includes: (a) at least one conduit for attachment to a fluid source; and (b) a fluid outlet connectable to said conduit, said outlet capable of providing a bidet type function in a position which does not interfere with normal use of the toilet; and (c) a control apparatus to control the supply of fluid to the fluid outlet independent of any fluid control system the toilet may have; wherein the control apparatus is in the form of a push button which activates an on/off valve.

An apparatus for providing a bidet type function to a toilet, wherein the apparatus includes a toilet with a fluid outlet wherein the fluid outlet has a fluid source, characterised in that the fluid outlet is positioned in the toilet so that the fluid exiting the outlet is angled so as to come in contact with an operator in a bidet type function, whilst at the same time allowing the outlet to be positioned so it does not interfere with normal use of the toilet, the supply of fluid to the fluid outlet being controlled by a control apparatus in the form of a push button which activates an on/off valve.

Apparatus for providing a bidet type function as claimed in claim 11 wherein the fluid outlet is attached to the toilet so that the angle of the fluid exiting the fluid outlet is directed towards the region of the operator's body associated with excretion of waste product.

IZ INTELLECTUAL FR'JrcriTY OFFICE OF HZ c s ,cn :::3 RECEIVED 1 ■ex g (jV n

13. An apparatus for providing a bidet type function as claimed in either claiitrf 1" or 12 wherein the fluid exiting the outlet is directed towards the central region of the toilet bowl on an angle at least partially vertical to the horizontal.

14. A method for providing a bidet type function substantially as described herein with reference to any example and/or drawing thereof.

15. A kit for use with any method substantially as described herein with reference to any example and/or drawing thereof.

16. An apparatus for providing a bidet type function substantially as described herein with reference to any example and/or drawing thereof. HENDRIK JAN PIETER VAN DER GIESSEN By his Attorney: TAMES & WELLS end op claims Intellectual Property Office of NZ -1 APR 1998 RECEIVED