US20100258140A1

US20100258140A1 - Portable bidet system

Info

Publication number: US20100258140A1
Application number: US12/798,895
Authority: US
Inventors: Sharon H. Creed
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-13
Filing date: 2010-04-13
Publication date: 2010-10-14

Abstract

A bidet system is portable and allows a user to conveniently clean and freshen the external vaginal area. The portable bidet system of the present invention comprises a bottle configured to receive a predetermined amount of water. The bottle includes a temperature gauge which allows a user to assess a temperature of the water. The system also comprises a pre-measured amount of cleansing concentrate which form a cleansing liquid when mixed with the water. A cap is coupled to the bottle, which includes an opening to allow for release of the cleansing liquid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 61/212,547, filed Apr. 13, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a portable bidet system. More particularly, this invention relates to a portable bidet system for cleansing and freshening the external vaginal area.
Today, specialized products are available to cleanse and freshen nearly all parts of the human body. However, there are not many products are available for targeted cleansing and freshening of the external vaginal area. As such, non-specific use products designed for cleaning other parts of the body (e.g. body washes, shampoos, bar soaps) are used on the vaginal area.
It is important not to upset the body's natural chemistry when cleansing the vaginal area. The pH of the external vaginal area is optimally about 4.0 to 5.0. Most non-specific use products, like bar soap, have a pH of around 10.0. Therefore, when these products are used for cleansing the external vaginal area, the natural pH of the body is compromised. Disturbing the natural pH of this area may lead to the growth of bacteria or yeast, which results in bladder infections, interstitial cystitis, low grade infections and general discomfort. In addition, most non-specific use products contain irritants, which affect overall vaginal health.
Since the vaginal area is very sensitive, it is important to not expose the area to extreme heat or cold. Normal body temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to ensure maximum comfort, the temperature of a cleaning solution applied to the external vaginal area should be close to normal body temperature. However, currently available cleansers are usually room temperature when applied. Additionally, it is challenging to successfully assess the temperature of a cleaning solution that is heated prior to application.
Finally, while most personal care is done in the shower, it is sometimes desirable to clean and freshen the external vaginal area while away from the home. A bidet is a low bathroom fixture, which includes a water supply and is designed to cleanse the genital area. However, bidets are not commonly available in commercial restrooms. Therefore, without this option, privacy issues make it difficult to properly cleanse the vaginal area while on the go.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a bidet system that is portable and allows a user to conveniently clean and freshen the external vaginal area. The portable bidet system of the present invention comprises a bottle configured to receive a predetermined amount of water. The bottle includes a temperature gauge which allows a user to assess a temperature of the water. The system also comprises a pre-measured amount of cleansing concentrate which form a cleansing liquid when mixed with the water. A cap is coupled to the bottle, which includes an opening to allow for release of the cleansing liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable bidet system.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an embodiment of a temperature gauge comprised of thermochromic ink for the portable bidet system.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of a cap for the portable bidet system.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of cleansing an external vaginal area with the portable bidet system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of portable bidet system 10, which may be used to cleanse and freshen the external vaginal area. Shown are bottle 12, temperature gauge 14, cap 16 and cleansing concentrate 18. Bidet system 10 is designed to be portable in order to allow for use while away from the home.
Bottle 12 is configured to receive a liquid, such as water, and includes temperature gauge 14. In a preferred embodiment, bottle 12 has a capacity of at least about 8 ounces. Bottle 12 should be formed of a flexible, polymeric material to assist in the release of a contained liquid when forced is applied to the outer walls of bottle 12. Temperature gauge 14 is included on bottle 12 to allow a user to assess the temperature of a liquid contained by bottle 12. Temperature gauge may be applied to either bottle 12 directly or to an affixed label. Since the external vaginal area is very sensitive, it is necessary to carefully monitor the temperature of any vaginal cleaning solution before it is applied. Temperature gauge 14 is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C.
Cap 16 is coupled to bottle 12 and is designed to have both a closed configuration and an open configuration. When cap 16 is in the closed configuration, bottle 12 may be shaken in order to mix a contained liquid while preventing release of the liquid from bottle 12. When cap 16 is in the open configuration, liquid contained within bottle 12 may be released from bottle 12 through an opening in cap 16. Release may be accomplished by tipping bottle 12 so that the liquid pours out or by applying pressure to bottle 12 which results in the liquid being forced out of an opening in cap 18 in which results in a spray. Cap 16 is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.
Cleansing concentrate 18 is pre-measured and is provided in a packet or other container for a user's convenience. Cleansing concentrate 18 may be in liquid or powdered form and is intended to be mixed with a pre-determined amount of water to form a cleansing liquid. In a preferred embodiment, cleansing concentrate is pre-measured to be mixed with eight ounces of water. Line W indicates the level at which a user should add water to bottle 12 in order to fill bottle 12 with a pre-determined amount of water. As can be seen from the position of Line W, bottle 12 should be filled with water to approximately shoulder level of bottle 12. When the correct amount of water is obtained and the user determines that the water is the correct temperature (by using temperature gauge 14), cleansing concentrate 18 may be added to bottle 12.
Since cleaning solutions applied to the vaginal area should have a pH of about 4.0 to 5.0 in order to complement the natural pH of the area, resulting cleansing concentrate 18 preferably has a pH of about 4.0 to about 5.0. In addition, cleansing concentrate 18 is hypo-allergenic and, therefore, does not contain harsh detergents, caustic agents, or highly irritating ingredients. Cleansing concentrate 18 is a blend of vegetable and mineral-derived ingredients. Soothing active ingredients such as avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, chamomile recutita (matricaria) flower extract, rosa gallica flower extract (French rose), and aloe baradensis leaf extract (aloe vera) may be added to cleansing concentrate 18, which are gentle enough to be applied to the external vaginal area. In addition, conditioning agents for hair and skin, such as Panthanol, may also be included in cleansing concentrate 18.
Additionally, cleansing concentrate 18 may be infused with a fragrance, which does not have an alcohol base, but is water soluble. The fragrance is a pure essential oil or contains pure essential oils. The fragrance should compliment the naturally occurring odor of the vagina as a result of a woman's bodily functions, rather than mask the odor. The selected fragrance may include antibacterial, odor absorbent, calming, soothing and aphrodisiacal properties. In a preferred embodiment, cleansing concentrate 18 contains a fragrance having a basil/pink grapefruit aroma. Basil has a licorice scent and has analgesic properties and its chlorophyll component makes it a deodorizer. Also, basil is recommended for use in relieving menstrual cramps. Pink grapefruit has a sweet citrus aroma and has antiseptic and cleansing properties.
FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a preferred embodiment of temperature gauge 14 as comprised of thermochromic ink. Thermochromism is the ability of a substance to change color as a result of a change in temperature. Therefore, thermochromic ink is a temperature sensitive ink that changes in response to heat or cold. As shown, in FIGS. 2A-2C, temperature gauge 14 changes when hot water is added to a bottle on which it is printed. Temperature gauge 14 is comprised of an opaque image layered over an alternative image. Temperature gauge 14 has three unique appearances, which depend upon the temperature of the bottle.
FIG. 2A illustrates the appearance of temperature gauge 14 when the temperature of the bottle is lower than about 98 degrees Fahrenheit. In FIG. 2A, temperature gauge 14 appears as a bold triangle.
FIG. 2B illustrates the appearance of temperature gauge 14 when the temperature of the bottle is about 98 degrees Fahrenheit to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In FIG. 2A, temperature gauge 14 has faded to reveal an alternative worded image superimposed upon the triangle image.
FIG. 2C illustrates the appearance of temperature gauge 14 when the temperature of the bottle is higher than about 98 degrees Fahrenheit. In FIG. 2C, temperature gauge 14 appears as a faded triangle containing a faded alternative worded image superimposed on the triangle image.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a preferred embodiment of cap 16. As shown, cap 16 is a “disk-type” cap. Cap 16 includes cap body 20, disk top 22 and opening 24. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, cap 16 is in a closed configuration with disk top 22 positioned flush against cap body 20. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, cap 16 is in an open configuration. This is accomplished by applying pressure on a first side of disk top 22 so that disk top 22 tilts such that a second side of disk top 22, which contains opening 24, is raised. When disk top 22 is tilted, opening 24 is uncovered to allow for the release of a liquid contained in the bottle to which cap 16 is coupled.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating method 30 of cleansing an external vaginal area. Method 30 includes steps 32-48 and initially involves adding lukewarm water to a bottle (step 32). Lukewarm water is used because the external vaginal area is very sensitive and the water should be close to normal body temperature (between about 98 degrees Fahrenheit and about 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Instructions provided with the cleansing system will specify to what level water should be added to the bottle in order to fill the bottle with a pre-determined amount of water. Therefore, lukewarm water is added to the bottle until the meniscus reaches the specified level, such as to the shoulder area of the bottle. In a preferred embodiment, about 8 ounces of lukewarm water is added to the bottle. However, the invention is not so limited and more or less water may be added depending on the amount of cleansing concentrate provided with the system.
The temperature of the water is then assessed using a temperature gauge provided on the bottle (step 34). In a preferred embodiment, the temperature gauge is comprised of thermochromic ink which changes in intensity in response to heat. Prior to adding lukewarm water to the bottle, the temperature gauge has a bold appearance because the temperature of the bottle is lower than 98 degrees Fahrenheit. As lukewarm water is added, the temperature gauge should ideally fade to reveal an alternative image superimposed upon the initial image. This change in appearance indicates that the water in the bottle is about 98 degrees Fahrenheit to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is near normal body temperature and is, therefore, considered optimal for application to the external vaginal area. As such, in order to ensure comfort, the user must determine whether the temperature of the water is in the 98-100 degree Fahrenheit range (step 36).
If the temperature gauge indicates that the water is the appropriate temperature, the user may proceed to the next step in method 30. However, if the temperature gauge indicates that the water is either too cold or too hot, the user must adjust the water temperature by disposing of water and adding more lukewarm water until the desired temperature is attained. This is accomplished by repeating step 32 as many times as necessary. For example, if the temperature gauge still has a bold appearance after the bottle is filled with water, additional warmer water should be added. In contrast, if the temperature gauge appears as a faded image containing a faded alternative image superimposed on the initial image, additional cooler water should be added.
After ensuring that the necessary amount of water has been added and that it is the appropriate temperature, a pre-measured amount of cleansing concentrate is added to the bottle (step 38). For convenience, the cleansing concentrate is provided in a single serve packet or other container. The cleansing concentrate may be in either powered or liquid form and is pre-measured to be mixed with the pre-determined amount as indicated by the fill line on the bottle. After pouring the cleansing concentrate into the bottle, a cap is coupled to the bottle (step 40). The cap may be designed to have both a closed configuration, which prevents release of a liquid, and a closed configuration, which allows for release of a liquid. Prior to performing step 40, the cap should be positioned in the closed configuration. The user should then shake the bottle until the concentrate is dissolved in the water to form a cleansing liquid (step 42). In a preferred embodiment, the cleansing liquid has a pH of about 4.0 to about 5.0, which compliments the natural chemistry of the external vaginal area.
Once the water and cleansing concentrate has been thoroughly mixed, the cap should be positioned in the open configuration to allow the cleansing liquid to be released (step 44). The user may then apply the cleansing liquid to the external vaginal area (step 46). The cleansing liquid may either be applied by tipping the bottle such that the liquid pours out of the cap or by applying pressure to the bottle such that the liquid is forcibly released as a spray. The cleansing liquid is applied until the external vaginal area is sufficiently cleansed and freshened (step 48).
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A portable bidet system comprising:

a bottle configured to receive a predetermined amount of water;

a temperature gauge located on the bottle which allows a user to assess a temperature of the water;

a pre-measured amount of cleansing concentrate which forms a cleansing liquid when mixed with the water in the bottle; and

a cap coupled to the bottle and including an opening to allow for release of the cleansing liquid.

2. The portable bidet system of claim 1 wherein the temperature gauge is an image comprised of thermochromic ink.

3. The portable bidet system of claim 2 wherein the image changes in response to a change in the temperature of the water.

4. The portable bidet system of claim 3 wherein the image has a bold appearance when the temperature of the water is lower than about 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. The portable bidet system of claim 4 wherein the image fades from the bold appearance to reveal a lighter alternative image when the temperature of the water is about 98 degrees Fahrenheit to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. The portable bidet system of claim 5 wherein the image further fades from the lighter alternative image to a pale appearance when the temperature of the water is higher than about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. The portable bidet system of claim 1 wherein the bottle is configured to receive about 8 ounces of water.

8. The portable bidet system of claim 1 wherein the cleansing concentrate is infused with a fragrance.

9. The portable bidet system of claim 1 wherein the cleansing liquid has a pH of about 4.0 to about 5.0.

10. A method for cleansing an external vaginal area, the method comprising:

adding water to a bottle up to a specified level of the bottle so that the bottle contains a predetermined amount of water;

assessing a temperature of the water using a temperature gauge included on the bottle that indicates when the temperature of the water is lower than about 98 degrees Fahrenheit, between about 98 degrees Fahrenheit and about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and higher than about 100 degrees Fahrenheit;

adjusting the temperature of the water until the gauge indicates that the temperature is between about 98 Fahrenheit and about 100 degrees Fahrenheit;

adding a pre-measured amount of cleansing concentrate to the water;

coupling a cap to the bottle;

shaking the bottle until the cleansing concentrate is dissolved to form a cleansing liquid; and

applying the cleansing liquid to the external vaginal area through an opening in the cap.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the temperature gauge is an image comprised of thermochromic ink.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the image changes in response to a change in the temperature of the water.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the image has a bold appearance when the temperature of the water is lower than about 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the image fades from the bold appearance to reveal a lighter alternative image when the temperature of the water is about 98 degrees Fahrenheit to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the image further fades from the lighter alternative image to a pale appearance when the temperature of the water is higher than about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein water is added to the level of the bottle defined by a shoulder of the bottle.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein the cleansing concentrate is infused with a fragrance.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the fragrance is basil/pink grapefruit.

19. The method of claim 11 wherein an active ingredient in the cleansing concentrate is selected from a group consisting of as avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, chamomile recutita (matricaria) flower extract, rosa gallica flower extract (French rose), and aloe baradensis leaf extract (aloe vera) and combinations thereof.

20. The method of claim 11 wherein the cleansing liquid has a pH of about 4.0 to about 5.0.