US20040148689A1

US20040148689A1 - Portable gravity-flow simple bidet attachment

Info

Publication number: US20040148689A1
Application number: US10/356,170
Authority: US
Inventors: Dale Patalinghug
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-01-31
Filing date: 2003-01-31
Publication date: 2004-08-05

Abstract

A portable bidet attachment, which is associated with existing toilet (36). Said device having water container (14) connected to one end of tube (20), said tube employing tube clamp (18), and the other end of said tube (20) is connected to removable nozzle (24) combined with suction cup (22) or toilet seat clip (23). In operation, user first shuts tube clamp, then fills water container (14) with water of desired temperature taken from a local faucet. Then, user places said device into proper positioning for use. The said device utilizes the natural force of gravity as its means for empowering the water stream. Said nozzle (24) with said device attaches only when user is ready for personal wash and is not present during normal use of the toilet. This invention cleans the posterior and genital area of the user. A few embodiments are enclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to personal hygiene, specifically to bidet attachments that incorporate the existing toilet for the purpose of personal washing.

BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Bidets are part of personal hygiene. They are permanent fixtures requiring additional bathroom space and professional plumbers to install them. The need for a space saving and inexpensive solution has brought about the invention of the bidet attachment. To save space and cost, these devices incorporate the existing toilet. Different types have been offered having different benefits and accordingly, disadvantages.

Problems with bidet attachments:

1. Many provide only cold water. Cold water bidets are not very pleasant and can be shocking to the user.

2. They are complicated to install requiring one to hire a plumber or a handyman.

3. Many have the problem of keeping their spray nozzles sanitary due to their permanent installation. Most nozzles are fastened somewhere underneath the level of the toilet seat; only some are retractable to a hidden position.

4. Most are unsightly. Since they are permanent fixtures in the bathrooms, they may not be viewed as aesthetically pleasing to wondering visiting guests.

5. Relatively expensive to purchase.

Listed below are a few other inventions and their disadvantages which have surfaced.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,205 to Leunissen (1993) discloses a bidet attachment, which connects to the water line of the toilet for water pressure. This invention provides only cold water. Cold water bidets are not very pleasant and can be a shocking experience, especially in winter climate. Also, cold water obviously does not clean as thoroughly as warm water. To install this device one may need to hire a plumber or at least a handyman. If self-installed, tools are required. The spray nozzle is permanently attached to the seat; therefore, during defecation, when the toilet seat is placed down, the spray nozzle may be in line with anal discharge. This could cause unsanitary conditions for spray nozzle. Also, quick removal of spray nozzle for convenient cleaning is not obvious. Last, when taking into account all embodiments and variations of the invention, and the cost of possibly hiring an installer, the product is relatively more expensive than other possible solutions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,711 to Parikh (1992) is permanently installed on to the toilet. This invention also has the problem of providing only cold water and a permanent placement of spray nozzle creates unsanitary condition as well. The spray nozzle is permanently attached to the toilet; therefore, during defecation, when the toilet seat is placed down, the spray nozzle may be in line with anal discharge. This could cause unsanitary conditions for the spray nozzle. Quick removal of the spray nozzle for convenient cleaning is not obvious. Also, when taking into account the variations of this invention and the expense of hiring installer, or the time and trouble to self-install, the product is relatively more expensive than other possible solutions. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,711 has a permanently fastened tube, which is unsightly and may not be aesthetically pleasing to wondering guest visitors.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,642,820 to Boring (1987) discloses a bidet attachment, which connects to the water line of the toilet for water pressure. This invention provides only cold water. Cold water bidets are not very pleasant and can be a shocking experience, especially in winter climate. Also, cold water obviously does not clean as thoroughly as warm water. To install this device one may need to hire a plumber or at least a handyman. If self-installed, tools are required. The spray nozzle is permanently attached to the seat; therefore, during defecation, when the toilet seat is placed down, the spray nozzle may be in line with anal discharge. In trying to account for this problem, this invention incorporates a swivel type connection with nozzle and base unit to be place in a non-use position when not used. This may account for a little increase of more sanitary conditions, but the nozzle is always in the area under the toilet seat exposing itself to random splatterings during normal toilet use. This could cause unsanitary conditions for the spray nozzle. Also, quick removal of the spray nozzle for convenient cleaning is not obvious. Last, when taking into account all the embodiments and variations of this invention, and the cost of possibly hiring an installer, the product is still relatively more expensive than other possible solutions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,067 to Cogdill (1992) utilizes a heating module connected to the side of the toilet tank to make warm water. To provide electricity to the module requires a nearby electrical wall plug. Many toilets do not have an electrical source nearby. If so, additional electrical work would be needed to provide an electrical wall plug that was conveniently located, or perhaps an unsightly electrical extension cord could be used. This problem could be easily simplified by considering the use of warm water already made from the home's main water heater and could be taken from the bathroom's existing local faucet. Also, the device is relatively expensive to manufacturer and even more expensive for the consumer to purchase. Since this device is a permanent structure, it needs a professional plumber or at least a handyman for the installation, or if self-installed, tools are required. Additionally, since this device is permanently installed, it may be unsightly to curious and wondering guest visitors.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,069 to Han and Chong is one of the more complicated types of bidet attachments. This device is one of the most expensive of the discussed inventions, costing hundreds of dollars, not including installation. This device is a permanent structure; it needs a professional plumber for the installation. This invention needs electricity to operate. Electricity is needed possible to heat the water and operate the other parts of the device. This invention shows two nozzles: one for the front of toilet seat and one for the back, requiring a separate seat to be manufactured along with the other parts. The main purpose could still be achieved with a more simple invention. Getting warm water dispersed to the posterior for the purpose of hygienic cleansing can be simplified.

Therefore, another practical solution is needed. My invention to be presented will be a simple, cost effective, and efficient device that incorporates the existing toilet. It can easily be installed or removed in seconds, and will also account for warm water.

OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, the objects and advantages of my invention are:

1. Accounts for warm water—water of desired temperature can be taken from a local faucet instead of having a separate heating apparatus.

2. Simple to install—does not require a plumber or a handyman.

3. Sanitary—not on toilet during normal use; therefore, the nozzle remains sanitary.

4. Portable—can be stored away out of sight from visiting guests or can be taken along when traveling.

5. Economical—less expensive to manufacture, less expensive for the buyer.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing descriptions and drawings.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, a bidet attachment comprises a water container, a tube employing a tube clamp for transmission and control of water, and a nozzle combined with a suction cup or seat clip.

DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a view, in accordance with my invention, showing the bidet attachment in coordination with the toilet. Water container resides on top of toilet tank in this view, but water container may be placed on any convenient location above the level of the attached nozzle, bathroom ledge, countertop, or hanging as in FIG. 5 [0024]
FIG. 2 is a view of just the device, identifying the individual components.[0025]

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0026] 10 Water Fill Hole
[0027] 12 Water Container Cap
[0028] 13 Mounting Hook
[0029] 14 Water Container
[0030] 16 Connector Seal
[0031] 18 Tube Clamp
[0032] 20 Tube
[0033] 22 Suction Cup
[0034] 23 Toilet Seat Clip
[0035] 24 Nozzle
[0036] 26 Aiming Tip
[0037] 30 Top of Toilet Tank
[0038] 32 Toilet Seat
[0039] 36 Complete Toilet

Description—FIG. 1 AND FIG. 2—Preferred Embodiment

The preferred embodiment of my invention is represented in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1, in accordance with the invention, shows the bidet attachment in use with [0040] toilet 36. Starting from the top, 10 shows water fill hole, where water of desired temperature is taken from a local faucet and is poured into water container 14. Water container 14 is placed above nozzle 24 level and the force of gravity causes the water stream to flow. FIG. 1 shows water container 14 on top of toilet tank 30, but water container 14 may be placed on any convenient bathroom ledge or countertop also. 12 shows removable lid for cleaning the water container's interior. 16 shows connector seal of tube 20 to water container 14, and 20 shows tube for the transfer of water from water container 14 to nozzle 24. Tube clamp 18 is placed along tube 20 for the control of the water flow. 22 is the suction cup combined with nozzle 24 and attaches to toilet seat 32, for securing nozzle 24 in the proper position. Aiming tip 26 is offered as an adjustment to the trajectory of the water stream.
FIG. 2 is a close up view of just the device identifying the individual components. As described above, [0041] 10 shows water fill hole where water from the faucet is poured into water container 14, 12 is container cap, 16 shows connector seal, 20 shows tube, 22 is suction cup combined with nozzle 24, 18 is tube clamp, finally 26 is aiming tip.

Alternative Embodiments—FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5

One other possibility in regards to the temporary attachment of [0042] nozzle 24 to toilet seat 32 is shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. It shows the use of toilet seat clip 23, where the toilet seat clip 23 is U-shaped and open on one end. It slides onto the edge of toilet seat 32. Toilet seat clip 23 holds nozzle 24 securely onto toilet seats of variable widths, as toilet seat clip 23 is made of flexible and gripping material, 20 shows tube for transmission of water, 26 shows aiming tip. FIG. 4 shows only arrangement of toilet seat clip 23, nozzle 24, and aiming tip 26.
FIG. 5 shows another water-container type which is bag-like [0043] 14, and also shows different placement of the water container. Although FIG. 5 uses bag-like water container 14 and a mounting hook 13, fundamentals are the same as explained below: water container 14 is placed above the level of the toilet seat and the gravitation force is responsible for water flow. 18 shows tube clamp and 20 shows tube.

Operation

Operating my invention is a simple process. First, user closes [0044] tube clamp 18 on tube 20. This will keep the water in water container 14. Then user goes to nearby faucet in the bathroom and selects water of desired temperature. User completely fills water container 14 through water fill hole 10. Then user places water container 14 on top of toilet tank 30 or any convenient ledge or countertop. If bag-like water container 14 is used, it is placed in a hanging position as in FIG. 5. After water container 14 has been placed, nozzle 24 combined with suction cup 22, or nozzle 24 combined with toilet seat clip 23 attaches temporarily to the toilet, for example, to toilet seat 32 as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, respectively. User adjusts aiming tip 26 to the desired trajectory in order to receive the water stream to the proper area of the user's posterior. Then, when user is ready, user releases tube clamp 18 and proceeds washing.

Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope

Accordingly, the reader will see that my invention can be used in combination with the existing toilet to provide a very practical, quick and easy solution to the problem of personal hygienic cleansing. Not requiring professional installation will greatly appeal to potential customers. The device uses warm water taken from a local faucet; thus, providing a warm water rinse to the posterior. A warm water rinse is a very important part in the washing, soothing, and healings of these areas. My device simplifies this task, whereas some bidet attachments do not account for warm water at all, providing only a cold water rinse. Since my invention is portable, it has the advantage of not being present on the toilet during normal use. This greatly increases the likelihood that the nozzle will remain sanitary. Portability of this invention allows the user to store it away out of sight so that it is not visible to guest visitors of the home. Also, portability allows the user to take the device along when traveling. Finally, its simple design allows for low manufacturing cost and ultimately low cost for the consumer. This invention will be one of the lowest cost options on the market. [0045]

Claims

I claim:

1. In a bidet attachment device of the type comprising a water container, a tube employing a tube clamp, and a nozzle combined with a suction cup or a toilet seat clip, said water container is connected to one end of said tube and said nozzle is connected to the other end of said tube.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said water container is of sufficient size allowing needed volume of water for wash period.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said water container is made of a rigid material.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said water container is a bag-like structure, said bag-like structure is made of a flexible material.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said tube employs said tube clamp to control the passage of water.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein one end of said tube is connected to said water container, and said nozzle is connected to the other end of said tube.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said suction cup combined with said nozzle, temporarily attaches to a toilet seat or a toilet bowl.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said toilet seat clip is a U-shaped structure open on one end and made of a gripping and flexible material, said toilet seat clip combined with said nozzle, temporarily attaches to a toilet seat.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein one end of said nozzle holds an aiming tip, said aiming tip is made of a flexible tube, and said aiming tip is adjustable.

Whereby, during personal hygiene wash, user first closes said tube clamp on said tube, then user fills said water container with water of desired temperature taken from a local faucet, then places said device in proper position on the toilet, said nozzle temporarily attaches to a toilet seat or a toilet bowl, said water container is placed on top of a toilet tank, a bathroom counter, a ledge or placed hanging, said water container is placed above the level of the attached said nozzle, and when user is ready for wash, user releases said tube clamp, since said water container is positioned above the level of the attached said nozzle, the force of gravity causes the water stream to flow, the water stream can be adjusted by said aiming tip to target the proper area of the user's posterior.