US3654636A

US3654636A - Portable bidet

Info

Publication number: US3654636A
Application number: US61256A
Authority: US
Inventors: Erno Restyanszki
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-08-05
Filing date: 1970-08-05
Publication date: 1972-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 1989-04-11

Abstract

The invention is directed to a bidet which may be readily detachably mounted on a conventional toilet bowl for the purpose of promoting the health and sanitation of a human individual.

Description

United States Patent Restyanszki [451 Apr. 11, 1972 54] PORTABLE BIDET 2,364,491 12/1944 Triadou 4/7 x 72 Inventor: Erno Restyanszki, 4595 Wilson Street, 3915326 1962 Aranas 3,288,140 11/1966 [22] Filed: Aug. 5, 1970 3,490,079 1/ 1970 [21] Appl. No.1 61,256 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 657 017 Canada ..4/6 [52] US. CL... ..4/7, 4/6 Int-Cl I l l l I l l "A41k3/22A4lk 11/08 1,191,602 2/1958 France ..4/6

8 F' Id fSe h ..4 ,7; 128 248 [5 1 le 0 arc ,6 Primary Examiner-Henry K. Arts [56] References Cit d Attorney-Charles Penfold UNlTED STATES PATENTS [57] ABSTRACT 3,072,918 1/1963 McCall et a1. ..4/6 Th invention is directed to a bidet which may be readily 17 6/1962 051G115 detachably mounted on a conventional toilet bowl for the pur- 1,252,75l l/ 1918 W ath rf rdm X pose of promoting the health and sanitation of a human in- 921,962 5/1909 D011 Jian ..4/7 di id L 2,036,985 4/1936 Salvoni ..4/7 2,104,210 l/ l 938 Salvoni ..4/7 12 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 11 1972 3, 654,636

sum 1 OF 2 LN'VILN'I we.

ERNO Res-rm NSZKI BY H @XMM ATTORNEY PATENTEDAPR 11 I972 3,654, 636

sum 2 OF 2 IN VliN'l (1R.

ERNO RESTYANSZK/ ATTORNEY PORTABLE BIDET The subject invention relates generally to a hygienic and therapeutic device and more particularly is directed to what may be generally referred to as a bidet or portable douche.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a device which may be utilized as a sitz bath for therapeutic purposes and/or for hygienic purposes.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a device which comprises a receptacle which may be readily mounted on a conventional toilet bowl structure and means, such as a spray nozzle, carried by the receptacle which may be utilized to spray or project a liquid into and about the genital or crotch area of a human individual for sanitizing the same.

A particular objective of the invention is to provide a receptacle which is formed to provide a primary or rear dished area for conformably receiving the buttocks of an individual and a pair of substantially corresponding frontal channel areas which are adapted to conformably receive the thighs of the individual.

A specific but important object of the invention is to provide a receptacle of the character above described in which the pair of frontal channel areas are preferably formed by means of a medial sloping internal rib which may serve to separate the thighs so that the spray may more efficiently serve its intended purpose or function.

Another object of the invention is to provide a receptacle which is also provided with a side inlet or port, a drain, and a valve for controlling the flow of a liquid into the receptacle via the spray device or inlet for eventual flow down the drain into the toilet bowl.

Also, an object is to provide a light-weight receptacle which may be constructed of any material suitable for the purpose, such as a durable plastic or stainless steel whereby to facilitate handling and ease of cleansing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device which is safe, durable, stable, readily installed and economically manufactured and assembled.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section taken through the device and a conventional toilet bowl for the purpose of illustrating certain details of the structure;

FIG. 2 is a transverse section taken substantially on line 2- 2 ofthe device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially on line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top or plan view of the device shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial vertical section taken through a portion of the device and a valve carried thereby;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal section taken through the valve shown in FIG. 5 for the purpose of illustrating certain structural details thereof;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the interior structure of the valve and the relationship of its movable element to an exit port of the valve;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view depicting structural details of the movable valve element shown in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are vertical sections taken substantially on lines 99 and 1010 of FIG. 6 showing the valve element in a position whereby liquid may be caused to flow from a source to a side inlet to the receptacle;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are vertical sections, similar to FIGS. 9 and 10, showing the valve element in a position whereby liquid may be caused to flow to the spray device in lieu of the side inlet;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged vertical section taken through a channel brim of the receptacle showing a conduit means disposed therein for substantial concealment;

FIG. 14 is a partial enlarged sectional view showing a coupling structure which may be utilized in providing a connection between the valve and a source of liquid; and

FIG. 15 is a partial vertical view taken through the receptacle showing a spray device and mode of mounting the same in a frontal area of the receptacle.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawing, numeral 1 generally designates a toilet bowl structure constituting a component of a conventional toilet assembly, the flush tank of which is not disclosed. The bowl is oblong or generally egg-shaped and is adapted to receive water therein from the flush tank. The bowl is provided with a continuous upper rim 2 having a top planar surface or rest 3.

The receptacle embodying the attributes of the invention is generally designated 4 and is adapted to be mounted for support on the bowl 1. The receptacle may be designed and constructed in various ways and may also be made of any material suitable for the purpose, such as a plastic or stainless steel. More specifically, it is preferably in the form of one-piece dished oval structure having a continuous channel shaped brim 5 which is adapted for support on the surface 3 of the bowl as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. It also includes a pair of substantially corresponding opposed converging curved sloping

side walls

6 and 7, a curved downwardly and forwardly extending rear wall 8 and a downwardly and rearwardly extending front wall structure 9 which is somewhat longer and less inclined than the rear wall. The

side walls

6 and 7, rear wall 8, and front wall structure 9 are disposed in a smooth merging relationship and define a bottom wall 10 provided with a drain 11 which may be closed or opened by a plug 11:.

The

side walls

6 and 7 and rear wall 8 are primarily formed to define a generally concave primary or rear area 12 which serves to receive or seat portions of the buttocks of an individual and forwardly extending portions of the

side walls

6 and 7 and the front wall structure 9 define a frontal concave formation having a width somewhat less than that of the rear area which is preferably divided by a medial raised rib 13 into a pair of substantially corresponding concave channel areas 14 for receiving the thighs of an individual. The rib forms an underlying groove 15 and an upper longitudinal downwardly and rearwardly extending or inclined convex surface 16. The upper extremity of the rib 13 is preferably provided with an opening in which a spray device generally designated 17 is detachably secured.

The fore extremity of the receptacle, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is preferably extended and curved so that when the receptacle is mounted on the toilet bowl, a frontal portion of the receptacle will project beyond and overlie the frontal portion of the rim 2 of the bowl.

The receptacle is also preferably provided with a valve generally designated 18 and a side inlet or tube 19 which is connected to or carried by the valve and conduit means 20 which is connected to the spray device 17 and to the valve 18. It should be noted that a portion of the conduit means is disposed in the groove 15 formed by the rib 13 and that the remainder thereof is substantially confined or concealed from view in the brim 5. The brim 5 is preferably in the form of an inverted channel having a continuous inner wall formed by upper portions of the side walls, rear wall and front wall structure, a top wall 21 and an outer depending flange or wall 22 so that the brim is open at the bottom whereby to facilitate accommodation of the valve 18 and the conduit means 20. As depicted in FIGS. 4 and 14, a coupling generally designated 23 and a conduit means 24 are also preferably housed in the brim, the conduit means serving to connect the valve and coupling, the latter being adapted for connection with a source 25 of liquid through a hose or conduit 26 extending from the coupling. The hose 25 is preferably provided with a resilient socket 27 which is adapted for detachable connection with the source 25.

The brim 5, as shown in FIG. 4, is preferably reinforced by a plurality of spaced relatively thin

transverse ribs

28, 29, 30 and 31 and a plurality of

thick webs

32, 33, 34 and 35 which serve to impart rigidity to the channel. As depicted in FIG. 13, the rib 30, for example, may be notched so that the conduit means 24, preferably in the form of a resiliently flexible plastic tube, may be pressed into the notch for automatically anchoring the conduit in place. It should be noted that the conduit 24 also extends through an aperture in the web 34 and that the conduit 20 similarly extends through an aperture provided in the web 33 whereby to assist in holding the conduits in position. The webs are of a size so that rabbeted portions thereof project below the brim to provide bumpers which serve to receive and rest upon the rim 3 of the bowl whereby to assist in stabilizing the position of the receptacle thereon as shown in FIG. 3.

The spray device 17 may be designed and constructed in various ways but as shown more in detail in FIG. 15, preferably comprises a nozzle having an outer tubular portion with an end wall provided with a plurality of divergent openings or ports 36, an intermediate flange 37 for engaging a flat on the rib 13, an inner threaded tubular portion 38 which extends through an aperture in the flat, and an angular tubular fitting 39 having an internally threaded portion 40 which is adapted to detachably receive the threaded portion 38 of the nozzle for clamping the nozzle in place. The fitting also includes a portion having an internal cylindrical seat 41 which is adapted to detachably receive an end of the conduit 20 located in the groove 15 in a conventional manner. The spray device is preferably carried by an upper extremity of the rib and is so angularly disposed or located that the jets or spray of liquid will be directed against the individual in the area desired.

The coupling generally designated 23 may be designed and constructed as desired, but is preferably constructed as shown in FIG. 14 and comprises a pair of conventional

tubular members

42 and 43. The member 42 includes a portion adapted to be detachably received in an inner end of the hose or conduit 26 as shown in FIG. 4, an intermediate flange 44 which bears against an outer surface of the depending wall 22 of the brim and an externally threaded portion 45 which extends through a hole provided therefor in the flange 22 for detachable connection with an internally threaded portion 46 of the member 43. The member 43 has a portion provided with a cylindrical seat 47 for detachably receiving the right end of the conduit 24. It should be noted that the member 43 and the threaded portion of member 42 are housed within the confines of the brim and that the conduits have ends secured in cylindrical seats provided in a body 48 of the valve.

The valve 18 may be designed and constructed in various ways but is preferably constructed as exemplified in FIGS. 5 through 12. Referring particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6, the valve includes the body 48 which has an internally threaded portion 49 for receiving an externally threaded portion of a nut 50 which extends through a hole in the flange 22 of the brim 5 for engagement with the threaded portion 49 for detachably securing the body in the brim and the nut to and against the flange 22. The body is provided with a cylindrical chamber 51, an entrance port or passage 52 connected to the conduit means 24 and a pair of aligned

exit ports

53 and 54 or passages which are respectively communicatively connected to the conduit means 20 and the tube 19. The body is also provided with a tubular internally threaded portion 55 disposed at right angles to and communicating with the port 54 and the tube 19 extends through a hole in the side wall 7 of the receptacle and has an inner externally threaded portion which is received in the threaded portion 55. This tube may assist in supporting the valve body and a resilient washer 56 is preferably carried by the tube and interposed between the body and receptacle whereby to assist in stabilizing the body. A valve element 57 is rotatable in the chamber 51 and a stem 58 of the valve extends through the nut and carries a knob 59 whereby the element may be manipulated to control the flow and quantity of liquid received through the entrance port 52 to either of the

exit ports

53 and 54, the latter of which respectively lead to the spray device 17 and the tube 19.

The organization described above is preferably such that when the valve element 57 is rotated to a predetermined position liquid under pressure from source 25 will flow through the hose 26, conduit means 24, entrance port 52 of the valve, chamber 51, exit port 54, and through the tube 19 into the receptacle whereby to assist in at least partially filling the same and/or for flushing and cleansing the receptacle. When the valve element is moved to a different position as evidenced in FIGS. 11 and 12, the flow of liquid from the source to the tube 19 is stopped or interrupted so that liquid from the source will flow through the hose 26, conduit means or conduit 24, valve 18 and the conduit means or conduit 20 to the spray device 17.

Referring more specifically to the structural characteristics of the valve element 57 the same preferably includes cylindrical portion 60 having a cylindrical surface 61 and a portion 62. The cylindrical portion 60 is preferably interrupted by a notch 63 defined by surfaces 63 and the portion 62 is defined by the surface 61 having a circumferential extent of 240land a pair of planar radial surfaces 64 and 65 disposed at an angle of 120L The portion 62 has an end surface constituting the inner end of the valve element and the cylindrical portion 60 is provided with an end face 66 which is parallel to the end face of the portion 62.

In view of the foregoing and referring particularly to FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, it should be manifest that the valve element 57 is in a position whereby liquid will flow from the source 25 through the hose 26, conduit 24, entrance port 52, chamber 51 and out through the exit port 54 and into the receptacle through the tube 19 in view of the relationship of the notch 63 in the cylindrical portion 60 and the structural characteristics of the portion 62 and their relationship to the valve chamber 51 and ports. During such flow of liquid from the source to and through the tube 19, it should be evident that the cylindrical portion 60 of the valve element serves to block or close the exit port 53 leading to the spray device.

When the valve element is rotated to the position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, as described above, the portion 62 of the element serves to block or close the exit port 54 leading to the tube 19 and cause the liquid to flow from the source through the entrance port 52 to the exit port 53 and to the spray device 17 through the conduit 26 due to the structural characteristics of the notch 63 and the oblique angular relationship between the

faces

64 and 65 of the portion 62 of the element. Otherwise expressed, the valve 18 may be readily manipulated to control the flow to and through the tube 19 or to the spray device 17.

In view of the foregoing description, it should be apparent that the receptacle or device, due to its portable character, may be carried to any location where desired and may be readily utilized by simply mounting it on a conventional toilet bowl so that the bumpers 32 conformably receive an inner portion of the rim 3 of the bowl as shown in FIG. 3 whereby to assist in locating and stabilizing the position of the receptacle. After the receptacle is mounted, the socket 27 may be connected or plugged into a source of liquid, the temperature of which has been previously determined. More specifically in this regard, after the socket is connected to the source, the valve 18 may, for example, be manipulated so that liquid will first flow through the tube 19 into the receptacle and if the temperature of the liquid from the source 25 is not correct, then the source may be regulated to obtain the temperature desired prior to utilizing the spray device. Also, when the plug 11: is in place to close the drain 11, the receptacle may, for example, be filled with relatively hot water so that an individual may take a sitz bath for therapeutic purposes.

Also, if so desired, the drain may be left open in which event, the valve 18 may be manipulated to cause liquid of the correct temperature to flow through the spray device 17 and against the genital or crotch area of an individual for sanitizing the same. It should be obvious that liquid may be caused to flow through either the tube 19 or the spray device 17 whereby to assist in cleansing the interior of the receptacle after it has been utilized for either of its intended purposes.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of the invention and, therefore, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact forms, constructions and arrangements, and combinations of parts herein shown and described.

Iclaim:

1. A device of the character described comprising a receptacle having a continuous channel brim adapted for support on the rim of a conventional toilet bowl, said receptacle having converging sloping front and back walls and opposing converging side walls which are joined and merged to define a rear area for accommodating the buttocks of a human individual and a frontal area having a medial rib dividing the same into a pair of means for supporting the thighs and a bottom wall provided with a drain, and said rib being provided with means whereby a liquid when connected to a source may be directed into and/or against the genital area of the body.

2. A bidet comprising a receptacle adapted for support upon a conventional toilet bowl structure, said receptacle being dished to provide a primary rear area for receiving the buttocks of a human individual and a pair of frontal areas for receiving the thighs, said receptacle also having a continuous inverted channel brim, and means carried by and projecting below said brim serving to locate and stabilize the position of said receptacle in relation to such a structure.

3. A bidet comprising a receptacle adapted for support upon a conventional toilet bowl structure, said receptacle being dished to provide a primary area for receiving the buttocks of a human individual and a pair of frontal areas for receiving the thighs, a spray nozzle disposed between said channel areas, a valve carried by said receptacle, and conduit means carried by and substantially concealed by said receptacle and connecting said spray nozzle and said valve, said valve being connectible with a source of liquid for controlling the flow of liquid through said nozzle.

4. The bidet defined in claim 3, in which said receptacle is provided with a drain and an outlet and said valve is connectible with said outlet so that the valve may control the flow of liquid to the nozzle or outlet for eventual flow to said drain.

5. The bidet defined in claim 3, in which said receptacle is provided with a channel brim area and the conduit means and said valve are disposed therein for substantially concealing the same.

6. The bidet defined in claim 3, in which said receptacle is of a one-piece construction having a channel brim which is reinforced by a plurality of spaced ribs and webs, the latter being formed to facilitate mounting and stabilizing the receptacle on the bowl structure.

7. A bidet of the kind described comprising a receptacle adapted for mounting upon the rim of a conventional toilet bowl, having frontal area, first means carried by said frontal area whereby a liquid may be ejected rearwardly and upwardly, a second means carried by said receptacle and located in spaced relation to said first means whereby a liquid may be caused to flow in a direction substantially transverse to that of said first means, and a valve for controlling the flow of liquid to either said first or second means.

8. The bidet defined in claim 7, in which said receptacle is provided with a continuous brim having bumpers which are formed to receive an inner portion of the rim of such a bowl for locating the receptacle in a predetermined stable position on the rim.

9. The bidet defined in claim 7, in which said receptacle is formed to provide a rear concave area which is adapted to receive the buttocks of a human individual and the frontal area is divided into a pair of channels for receiving the thighs, said first means comprises a spray device which is located between said channels whereby the spray will be directed rearwardly and upwardly, said valve is housed in said receptacle, and conduit means communicatively connects said spray device and said valve whereby the latter may control fluid from a source to said spray device.

10. The bidet defined in claim 7, in which said receptacle is provided with an inverted channel brim which is reinforced by a web provided with receiving means, and said conduit means is of a resiliently flexible character and press fitted into said receiving means for holding said conduit means in place.

11. Bidet structure comprising a receptacle adapted to be mounted on a conventional toilet bowl, said receptacle having a rear concave area for receiving the buttocks o a human individual and a pair of frontal inclined channels for receiving the thighs of the individual, a spray device carried by said receptacle and located between said channels whereby the spray will be directed into the crotch area of the individual, a manual operable valve connectible with a source of liquid carried by said receptacle, and conduit means carried by said receptacle for establishing communicative relationship between said spray device and said valve.

12. A device comprising a receptacle adapted to be mounted upon the rim of a conventional toilet bowl, said receptacle being provided with a drain having a removable plug therein, means whereby a liquid may be disposed into the receptacle so that the latter may be used as a sitz bath, said receptacle also being provided with means to direct a spray of liquid against the crotch area of a human individual after the plug is removed and the liquid dispensing means is rendered inoperative so that said device may be utilized as a bidet.

Claims

11. Bidet structure comprising a receptacle adapted to be mounted on a conventional toilet bowl, said receptacle having a rear concave area for receiving the buttocks of a human individual and a pair of frontal inclined channels for receiving the thighs of the individual, a spray device carried by said receptacle and located between said channels whereby the spray will be directed into the crotch area of the individual, a manual operable valve connectible with a source of liquid carried by said receptacle, and conduit means carried by said receptacle for establishing communicative relationship between said spray device and said valve.