US3629872A

US3629872A - Bed pan rinser

Info

Publication number: US3629872A
Application number: US52401A
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard G Parkison
Original assignee: American Standard Inc
Current assignee: Trane US Inc
Priority date: 1970-07-06
Filing date: 1970-07-06
Publication date: 1971-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 1988-12-28

Abstract

The present device comprises an apparatus for rinsing bedpans which may be connected to conventional plumbing. The apparatus includes a novel water diverter member operable to divert some of the water flowing in the plumbing to a spray arm upon movement of the spray arm from a first off position to a second on position in which the spray arm is positioned to rinse the bedpan.

Description

United States Patent 1111 3,629,872

[72] inventor Richard G. Parkison [56] References Cited Louisville, Ky. UNITED STATES PATENTS S i 2,956,285 10/1960 Jewell 4/7 18 u y 7 2,703,408 3/1955 Gra 4 7 I451 Dec-2811971 3,206,769 9/1965 Gidzer 4:7 173] Ass'gnee g j a ga 3,106,722 10/1963 Logan etal... 4/145 cw 2,682,059 6/1954 Grossmann... 4 225 Continuation-impart oi application Ser.No. 3,060,456 10/1962 Jacobs ($225 884,780,9ec- 24, 1969,!10W "bummed, 3,353,299 12/1967 Maude 4/225 which is a continuation of application Ser. 3,1 18,462 H1964 Pannum 4/224 X 3,482,269 12/1969 Tietema 4/225 abandoned. This application July 6, 1970, Ser. No. 52,401 Primary Exammer- Henry K. Artls AttorneysSheldon H. Parker, Tennes l. Erstad and Robert G. Crooks [541 BED PAN RINSER 19 Claims, 9 Drawing Figs.

ABSTRACT: The present dev1ce comprises an apparatus for [52] U.S.Cl 4/1, rinsing bedpans which may be connected to conventional 4/14/10 plumbing. The apparatus includes a novel water diverter [51] Ilii. Cl member operable to divert some of the water flowing in the [50] Field of Search 4/7,6, 150, plumbing m a Spray arm upon movement of the spray arm 19212241225126; 137/616 616-5; 8 6 from a first off position to a second on position in which the spray arm is positioned to rinse the bedpan.

PATENTEU [E028 l9?! SHEET 1 BF 6 u HZ INVENTOR. Richard G. Parkison yg mm ATTORNEY PATENTEB M1228 m SHEET 2 OF 6 PATENTH] H28 H71.

SHEET 0F 6 PATENTEBuaczam' 5 3 sum 5 OF 6 FIG.8

mum mam SHEET 8 [IF 6 BED PAN RINSER This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 884,780 filed Dec. 24, 1969, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 685,477 filed Nov. 24, 1967, both now abandoned.

The present invention relates to apparatus for rinsing bedpans and more particularly to an apparatus adapted for connection to conventional plumbing fixtures to divert upon demand at least a portion of the water flowing in the plumbing to the apparatus for rinsing the bedpan.

In accordance with the present invention the bedpan rinser has a novel diverter member which is mounted in conventional plumbing. The diverter member has a housing which is provided with one or more passages for the unobstructed flow of water in the plumbing and at least one normally closed passageway which when opened is adapted to divert at least a portion of the water flowing in the plumbing to an actuating means positioned above the bedpan.

The actuating means includes a spray assembly which is moveably mounted on the diverter housing and the spray assembly has operating means associated therewith to open the normally closed passageway to waterflow upon movement of a spray arm associated with the spray assembly from a vertical to a horizontal position. The operating means includes a control valve for regulating the diversion of water from the plumbing to the spray assembly. For best results, the control valve is operable to both open and close the spray assembly to water flow only during the last few degrees of spray arm travel to and from the horizontal position so that splashing of operating personnel and undue leakage of water from the spray assembly is averted.

In many applications, it is highly desirable to provide means for sanitizing the bedpan. In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, this is provided by a deoseptic assembly connected to the diverter member. The deoseptic assembly is adapted to provide a controlled release of a sanitizing agent into the bedpan when water flows in the spray assembly. The mixing of the sanitizing agent with the water in the spray assembly assures good coverage of the entire interior of the bedpan by the sanitizing solution.

Referring now to the drawings in which various preferred embodiments of the invention are shown and in which like numerals refer to like parts:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the apparatus of the instant invention shown connected to a flush-type toilet.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of FIG. 1 shown with the spray arm in its operating position.

FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of one embodiment of the novel diverter member of the instant invention taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view in section of the diverter valve of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the diverter member of the instant instant invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear sectional view of the diverter member of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of a deoseptic assembly shown connected to the diverter member of the instant inventron.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the deoseptic assembly of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8 and showing in detail the preferred mode of connecting the deoseptic assembly tothe spray arm of the diverter member.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the deosepticassembly showing the cap in detail.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is seen a conventional flushtype toilet 10 which has a conventional flush valve 12 and plumbing 14 connecting the flush valve to the bowl 16. Mounted in plumbing 14 is a novel diverter member 18 which has a spray arm 20 moveably mounted thereto by means of a rotatable shaft 22. The plumbing 14 is preferably mounted 0E- the spray arm in this manner desirably permits the bedpan to be placed on the bowl 16 during the rinse cycle rather than requiring the operator to support the bedpan in one hand and manipulate the spray arm with the other hand.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the diverter member 18 is provided with a housing 24 and inlet and

outlet openings

26 and 28 respectively which are connected to the plumbing l4. Directly interconnecting the inlet and outlet openings is a passage 30 which is adapted to permit the free flow of water through the plumbing 14 (FIG. 1) to the bowl 16 when the bedpan rinsing function of the diverter member 18 is not being utilized.

Housing 24 is provided with a valve housing 32 having a normally closed passage 34 therein. Passage 34 is adapted to communicate with passage 30 to divert water from the passage 30 to the spray arm 20 when fluid communication is established between the

passages

30 and 34. The spray arm 20 is provided with a bore 36 which is in fluid communication with passage 34 through intermediate bores 40, 42 in the cap member 43 which cap member is a continuation of the shaft 22. Bore 36 in the spray arm 20 also communicates with a spray head 44 which directs any water flowing in the bore 36 into the bedpan to be rinsed. The flow of water to the spray head 44 is regulated by a conventional metering screw 45 mounted in cap member 43. By simply moving the metering screw toward or away from bore 38, the flow of water to the spray arm 20 may be decreased or increased respectively.

To prevent loosening of the spray arm during use, shaft 22 is mounted to a screw cap 46 which is adapted to retain the shaft 22 in the diverter member housing. Mounted between the screw cap 46 and the housing 24 is a spring 48 which keeps cap member 43 tight against the diverter member housing 24 to prevent leakage of water from the intermediate bores 40 and 42. To prevent leakage of water from passage 34 into the cap member 46, packing 50 is mounted between the shaft 22 and the housing 24.

Rotatable shaft 22 has a leaf spring 56 fixedly mounted thereon by screw means 58. Leaf spring 56 is adapted to rotate with the shaft 22 to engage a control or poppet valve 59 which valve regulates the flow of water between the

passages

34 and 30. Poppet valve 59 is comprised of a valve body 60 mounted in diverter housing 24. Valve body 60 has a reduced diameter portion 62 which has a bore 64 therein which bore receives an operating plunger 66. Although valve body 60 is shown as having threads 68 for mounting the valve body to the diverter valve housing 24, any conventional means which will provide an essentially leakproof fitting may be used instead.

Mounted by conventional means in valve housing 32 is a valve seat 70. Valve seat 70 has a bore 72 therein coaxial with bore 64 for receiving and guiding the bottom portion of operating plunger 66. Mounted on operating seat 70 is a washer seal 74 adapted to plunger 66 to close passage 34 to prevent water from flowing into passage 34 from passage 30.

Fixedly mounted on operating plunger 66 and positioned between seat 70 and the reduced diameter portion 62 of valve body 60 is a flange 76 which helps retain the plunger in the bore 64. Flange 76 also provides a mounting for compression spring 78, the other end of which is anchored to the valve -body 60. Spring 78 is adapted to apply sealing pressure to the position corresponds to the OFF position and FIG. 3 shows the center with respect to bowl 16 as shown in permit centering of position of the internal parts of the diverter when the spray am 20 is in its OFF position. A flush cycle initiated at this point will supply water through the plumbing l4 and passage 30 to flush the toilet just as if the diverter was not in place in the plumbing.

Upon movement of the spray arm 20 towards between horizontal position shown in'FIG. 2, shaft 22 turns clockwise as viewed in FIG. 3. Leaf spring 56 is also rotated clockwise until it reaches a nearly verticalposition (as viewed in FIG. 3)

at which time it contacts plunger 66 of control valve 59. Further clockwise rotation of the spray arm causes the spring 56 to urge plunger 66 to the right as seen in FIG. 3 to unseat washer seal 74. When washer seal 74 unseats, some water is diverted from passage 30 to passage 34 and to the spray arm through

bores

40, 42, 38 and 36 and into the bedpan (FIG. 2). As the diverter member will divert water flowing in the plumbing only when the spray arm is near horizontal, it can be seen that no splashing will occur since the spray arm will be close to the bedpan when water starts to flow.

The toilet flush cycle may be initiated at any time either before or after the spray arm is moved from the vertical position and it is apparent from the foregoing that water diversion to the spray arm will not occur until the spray arm is moved close enough to the horizontal to operate plunger 66. In addition, valve 59 when open will only divert a portion of the water flowing to the bowl 16 through the plumbing 14. This desirable feature permits the bedpan to be rinsed into the toilet bowl while conjointly supplying water to the toilet bowl to flush it to help maintain a clean and sanitary bowl.

After rinsing is complete, the spray arm 20 is moved back to the vertical position to close poppet valve 59. Since closure of poppet valve 59 occurs within the first few degrees of movement of the spray arm to the vertical, water flowing to the spray arm will be quickly shut off to prevent splashing.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the spray arm 20 has a head or spout unit 44 mounted thereon by conventional means such as by the cooperating threads depicted at 79. Spout 44 is provided with an inlet 80 in communication with the interior bore 36 of the spray arm and with flow passage 82 in the spout. Flow passage 82 is in communication with a spray director 84. Spray director 84 has a plurality of holes 86 therein to provide a full, evenly distributed divergent cone pattern spray of water into the bedpan. The spray director 84 is secured to a handgrip 88 which also acts as a retainer for a resilient neck 90. The resilient neck 90 may be made of rubber, plastic or other resilient material and is mounted to spout 44 by a retainer ring 92 which is secured to the spout 44. A space 94 is left between handgrip 88 and retainer ring 92 so that operating personnel may swivel the spray director 84 to more fully rinse the entire interior of the bedpan. Although desirable, it is not necessary to provide for a swivel motion of the spray director 84 and the spray director may be secured directly to the spout 44.

FIGS. and 6 depict another embodiment of the diverter valve in which all operating parts are the same as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 except for the means for operating the poppet valve 59 and for a slight change in the construction of the plunger 66. In this embodiment, leaf spring 56 is replaced by an actuating lug 96 formed integrally with a cylindrical collar 98 secured by conventional means (not shown) to shaft 22 or as shown is integrally formed with the shaft 22. Spaced from actuating lug 96 and also integral with collar 98 is a lug 100 adapted to engage a stop 102 on valve housing 32 to limit the rotation of the spray arm and prevent damage to the poppet valve assembly. The stop and lugs also fix the extreme vertical and horizontal positions of the spray arm.

In this embodiment, the plunger 66 is provided with an increased diameter portion 103 larger than the bore 105 in the washer seal 74, thereby permitting the washer seal 74 to be tightly mounted on operating plunger 66 since the increased diameter portion 103 will'raise the seal 74 to-open the valve 59 to waterflow when the lug 96 contacts and raises the operating plunger 66.

The outlet 28 of valve housing 24 in this embodiment is made smaller than the inlet opening 26 to restrict the flow through the diverter member. By so restricting flow, aback pressure is created-in passage 30 which provides for greater flow of water to.the spray arm upon actuation of the poppet valve 59. Although not necessary to assure operation in any of the embodiments described herein, the faster and greater flow provided by the restricted outlet passage may be used to advantage in all of the embodiments described in thisspecification.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 there is shown a deoseptic assembly for feeding a sanitizing solution to the diverter member for mixing with the water used to rinse the bedpan. The deoseptic assembly comprises a conventional container or bottle 112 which contains the sanitizing solution (not shown). The container 112 is closed by a cap 114 which cap controls the flow of sanitizing agent to the diverter valve.

Extending into the container 112 is a tube 116 which is mounted on a neck 118. The neck 1 18 is the lower portion of an adapter 122 which adapter is connected by cooperating screw thread means 124 to an inwardly extending cylindrical flange 126 which flange is integral with cap 114. Neck 1 18 has a bore therein which bore opens into a larger bore 127 which is partially closed by a valve plate 128. Valve plate 128 is mounted and clamped in place in the cap 114 between adapter 122 and a shoulder 132 formed on flange 126.

Mounted on valve plate 128 is a check valve 134 which has a centering stem 136 extending through an opening 137 in valve plate 128. The check valve 134 permits the sanitizing agent to flow out of the bottle through openings 137A in the valve plate 128 when the pressure in the bore 138 located above the check valve decreases sufficiently. Check valve 134 also prevents water from flowing back into the container 112.

In fluid communication with bore 138 through a passage 140 is a bore 142. Mounted in bore 142 is a metering screw 144 adapted for movement in the bore 142 to control the amount of sanitizing agent permitted to flow out of the container 1 12. A hose 146, preferably of flexible rubber or other resilient material, is connected by conventional means to a hollow nipple 148, which nipple is in fluid communication with the bore 138. The other end of the hose 146 is connected to the diverter member 18 which in order to accommodate the hose is modified by removing the metering screw 45 which in this embodiment is replaced by an extended metering screw 153. As best shown in FIG. 8, the cap member 43 is modified to accept the nipple 152 which is in fluid communication with the cap member to provide the necessary flow path from the hose 146 to the diverter member 18.

The metering screw 153 has a reduced diameter portion 154, which, with the cap member 43 and the shaft 22 (not here shown), defines an annular chamber 155 into which the sanitizing solution flowing in the hose 146 is deposited. Positioned in the reduced diameter portion 154 is a bore 156 which extends from the reduced diameter portion 154 through metering screw extension 157 to fluidly connect the annular chamber 155 with the interior bore 36 of the spray arm 20. 0- rings 158 are mounted on either side of the reduced diameter portion 154 to prevent both leakage of the sanitizing solution out of the diverter member 18 along the metering screw 153 and flow of sanitizing solution to the interior of spray arm 20 other than through bore 156.

Metering screw extension 157 extends into the throat section 159 of a venturi 160 which venturi is mounted in bore 36 of spray arm 20. In the position of the extension 157 shown in FIG. 8, a space 161 is formed between the extension 157 and the venturi 160 to permit water admitted to arm 20 from bore 162 of the diverter member to flow into bore 36. The flow of water through space 161 creates a partial vacuum at the mouth of extension 157 which partial vacuum is enhanced by the expansion of the water to a lower pressure as the water exits from the venturi. This partial vacuum at the mouth of the extension sucks the sanitizing solution in annular chamber 155 through bore 156 into the venturi where it is admixed with the water flowing therein. It can be appreciated that the degree of vacuum created and the mass flow of water through the venturi controls the amount of sanitizing solution which will be admixed with a unit of water. To help control the partial vacuum created at the mouth of the extension, the metering screw 153 is' mounted in cap member 43 by cooperating screw thread means shown at 164 so that twisting the metering screw 153 will advance or retard the extension 157 to control the size of the space 161 which, depending on the direction of twist, will in the venturi.

When the spray arm is moved back to its vertical OFF position to shut off waterflow to the venturi 160, atmospheric pressure is quickly reestablished throughout the diverter member 18 and deoseptic assembly to prevent the further flow of sanitizing solution from the deoseptic assembly to the annular chamber 155. Any water remaining in the spray arm 20 may possibly translate through the extension 157 back to the deoseptic cap 114. Any such backflow will create a closing pressure on check valve 134 to seat the check valve on the valve plate 128 to prevent entry of water into the container 112, thereby preserving the undiluted nature of the sanitizing solution.

in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-9, the deoseptic assembly is mounted at an even height with respect to the spray arm so that there is no gravity flow of sanitizing agent to the spray arm. However, the deoseptic assembly can be mounted higher than the spray arm to provide for gravity flow if desired. If this is done, a spring (not shown) will be mounted in association with the check valve in conventional manner to counterbalance the gravity forces acting on the check valve to present both flow of sanitizing solution to the spray arm and water back to the container when the spray arm is moved to its vertical OFF position.

Although the venturi shown in the drawings is desirable for the additional pressure drop it generates, it can be dispensed with and a straight section used instead. If this is done, the metering function of the venturi 160 and extension 157 will be lost. Obviously, the venturi 160 may be used if desired in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 to provide faster and lower pressure flow in the spray arm if this is desired.

It is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the preferred embodiments of the invention which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. in a bedpan-rinsing apparatus comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet and outlet being connected to a pipe which is adapted to supply water to a plumbing fixture, first passage means in said housing connecting said inlet to said outlet to permit the normal flow of water through said housing to said plumbing fixture, second passage means in said housing adapted to provide fluid communication with said first passage means, valve means mounted between said first and second passage means for maintaining said second passage means normally closed to waterflow and for diverting at least a portion of the water flowing in said first passage means upon actuation thereof, actuating means moveably mounted on said housing, said actuating means being moveable from a first position in which said valve means maintains said second passage closed to waterflow and a second position in which said actuating means opens said valve means to permit water to flow into said second passage means, said actuating means including a third passage means in fluid communication with said second passage means for directing the water flowing in said second passage means into the bedpan the improvement wherein the valve means is a poppet valve closable by water inlet pressure.

2. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein said moveable actuating means comprises a spray arm, a shaft and valveactuating means, said spray arm being mounted on said shaft which shaft extends into said housing, said valve-actuating means also being mounted on said shaft and moveable therewith to actuate said valve means in response to movement of the spray arm.

3. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein said valve means comprises seat means mounted between said first and second passages, plunger means associated with said seat means adapted to be contacted by said actuating means to open said seat to permit waterflow through said first and second passages.

4. The apparatus as specified in claim 3 wherein said valveactuating means comprises a leaf spring mounted on said shaft and adapted to rotate therewith to lift said plunger to open said valve means.

5. The apparatus as specified in claim 2 further comprising stop means mounted on said housing to limit the motion of said spray assembly.

6. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein said actuating means is operable to open said valve means only when said actuating means is within a few degrees of its on position and to permit the valve means to close only when the actuating means is moved a few degrees away from the on position toward the off position.

7. The apparatus as specified in claim 2 wherein said actuating means is an integrally cast lug on said shaft means.

8. The apparatus as specified in claim 7 further comprising stop means within said housing adapted to engage said lug means to limit motion of the actuating means.

9. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein said outlet is smaller than said inlet to create a back pressure in said first passage means.

10. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 further comprising deoseptic assembly means for supplying a sanitizing agent to the actuating means for mixing with the water flowing in said actuating means to sanitize the bedpan.

11. The apparatus as specified in claim 10 wherein said deoseptic assembly comprises a container for holding said sanitizing agent, said container having a cap thereon for closing said container, said cap having connection means associated therewith for communication with said third passage means and said sanitizing agent for supplying the sanitizing agent to said third passage passage means.

12. The apparatus specified in claim 11 wherein said connection means includes a bore in said cap, first hose means for communicating said bore with said sanitizing agent and second hose means for communicating said bore with said third passage means.

13. The apparatus specified in claim 12 further including check valve means mounted in association with said bore to prevent backflow of water into said sanitizing agent.

14. The apparatus as specified in claim 10 wherein said actuating means includes a venturi for restricting the flow of water to said third passage, hollow extension means coaxially located in said venturi, said extension means being in fluid communication with said sanitizing agent and adapted to release the sanitizing agent into the third passage, a space between said extension means and said venturi through which water from the second passage flow to the third passage, said water creating a partial vacuum at the mouth of said extension to draw the sanitizing agent into the third passage.

15. The apparatus as specified in claim 14 wherein said extension means is moveable in said passage to vary the said space to control the flow of water in said third passage means.

16. The apparatus as specified in claim 12 wherein said bore further includes a metering screw for controlling the flow of sanitizing agent from said container to said third passage.

17. In an apparatus for rinsing bedpans which comprises in combination with a toilet bowl and plumbing for flushing the same, a diverter member interposed in and positioned between the plumbing and the toilet bowl, said diverter member having a housing with passageways leading therethrough which housing includes an inlet and an outlet to which said plumbing is connected; a spray arm pivotally mounted at one end within said housing and having a passageway extending therethrough in communication with said passageway in said housing, the opposing end of said spray arm having a spout secured thereto, said spray arm having a first normal position and a second operating position; actuating means in association with said end of said spray arm in said housing and adapted to pivot therewith; valve means interposed between the passageways of said spray am and said housing proximate said actuating means and adapted to cooperate with said actuating means such that when said spray arm is in said second position the valve means opens thereby establishing communication between the plumbing and said spray arm whereby a portion of the water is diverted to the spout when the toilet is flushed the improvement wherein the valve means is a poppet valveclosable by inlet water pressure.

18. An apparatus for rinsing bedpans which comprises in combination with a toilet bowl and plumbing for flushing the same, a diverter member interposed in and positioned between the plumbing and the toilet bowl, said diverter member having a housing with passageways leading therethrough including an inlet and an outlet to which said plumbing is connected; a spray arm having a passageway extending therethrough in communication with said passageway in said housing, the opposing end of said spray arm having a spout secured thereto, said spray arm being mounted on a shaft which shaft is moveably mounted in said housing, said spray arm having a first normal position and a second operating position; said housing having a valve housing extending transversely of said diverter valve for axially receiving said shaft; a lead spring pivotally mounted to said end of said shaft and axially disposed in said valve housing, a poppet valve secured to the wall of said housing and interposed between the passageways of said spray arm and said housing proximate said leaf spring, said poppet valve being adapted to cooperate with said leaf spring such that when said spray arm is in said second position the poppet valve opens thereby establishing communication between the plumbing and said spray arm whereby a portion of the water is diverted to the spout when the toilet is flushed.

19. An apparatus for rinsing bedpans which comprises in combination with a toilet bowl, and plumbing for flushing the same, a diverter member interposed in and positioned between the plumbing and the toilet bowl, said diverter member having a housing with passageways leading therethrough which housing includes an inlet and an outlet to which said plumbing is connected; a spray arm having a passageway extending therethrough in communication with said passageway in said housing, the opposing end of said spray arm having a spout secured thereto, said spray arm being mounted on a shaft which shaft is moveably mounted to said housing, said spray arm having a first normal position and a second operating position; said housing having a valve housing extending transversely of said diverter valve for axially receiving said shaft, a pair of spaced lugs integral with an end of said shaft and a stop integral with said valve housing for cooperating with each of said lugs for limiting the motion of the spray arm, a poppet valve secured to the wall of said valve housing and interposed between the passageways of said spray arm and said valve housing proximate one of said lugs, said poppet valve being adapted to cooperate with one of said lugs such that when said spray arm is in said second position the poppet valve opens thereby establishing communication between the plumbing and said spray arm whereby a portion of the water is diverted to the spout when the toilet is flushed.

* It i

Claims

2. The apparatus as specified in claim 1 wherein said moveable actuating means comprises a spray arm, a shaft and valve-actuating means, said spray arm being mounted on said shaft which shaft extends into said housing, said valve-actuating means also being mounted on said shaft and moveable therewith to actuate said valve means in response to movement of the spray arm.

4. The apparatus as specified in claim 3 wherein said valve-actuating means comprises a leaf spring mounted on said shaft and adapted to rotate therewith to lift said plunger to open said valve means.

17. In an apparatus for rinsing bedpans which comprises in combination with a toilet bowl and plumbing for flushing the same, a diverter member interposed in and positioned between the plumbing and the toilet bowl, said diverter member having a housing with passageways leading therethrough which housing includes an inlet and an outlet to which said plumbing is connected; a spray arm pivotally mounted at one end within said housing and having a passageway extending therethrough in communication with said passageway in said housing, the opposing end of said spray arm having a spout secured thereto, said spray arm having a first normal position and a second operating position; actuating means in association with said end of said spray arm in said housing and adapted to pivot therewith; valve means interposed between the passageways of said spray arm and said housing proximate said actuating means and adapted to cooperate with said actuating means such that when said spray arm is in said second position the valve means opens thereby establishing communication between the plumbing and said spray arm whereby a portion of the water is diverted to the spout when the toilet is flushed the improvement wherein the valve means is a poppet valve closable by inlet water pressure.