WO2022083841A1

WO2022083841A1 - Mobile bidet

Info

Publication number: WO2022083841A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/025465
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elisa ANTOLINI
Original assignee: MATTII, Alessandro
Priority date: 2020-10-20
Filing date: 2020-10-20
Publication date: 2022-04-28

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is the Mobile Bidet system, which find its application in the technical field of the sanitary equipment for personal hygiene. The core of the invention is to make the operation of a bidet-like object independent from the external hydraulic system, requiring that all the components/devices/systems needed to guarantee the functionalities of a bidet-like object (heating, mixing, supply and collection of sanitary liquids) are integrated in the object itself. In this way a fixed installation is not needed, and the object can be easily located and used in every environment. Two kind of possible but not unique technical solutions are described, together with the drawings, to show the feasibility for indoor (MB-IN) and outdoor (MB-OUT) application.

Description

Title

Mobile Bidet

Technical Field

The invention of the Mobile Bidet can be applied to the technical field of the sanitary equipment for personal hygiene.

Background Art

The following background arts can be regarded as useful for the understanding, searching and examination of the invention:

- Bidet (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidet

- Water heating with tank (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water heating

- Water pu ps https://portable.guide/top-10-best-portable-water-pump/

- Taps and Mixer https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Tap https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk%3ATap %28valve%29#mixer taps

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

The subject of the invention is based on a bidet-like object that does not need to be connected to any external hydraulic system, neither for operation nor for installation, thus can be moved and located in any place suitable for its usage. From this concept comes the characteristic of mobility and the name 'Mobile Bidet'.

Solution to Problem

The independency from any external hydraulic system is achieved through an integrated system that allows the autonomous (i.e., stand-alone) production, dispensing and collection of sanitary mixed water. The main body structure hosts three storage tanks: one for the storage of cold water, one for the storage and production of hot water (storage tanks) and one for the collection of the water drained from the sitting tub (wastewater tank). The water is taken directly from the storage tanks, mixed and dispensed through a pump system integrated into the tap. The water flowing from the tap is collected in the tub and drained into the wastewater tank, through a dedicated hole in the tub.

The water is heated directly in the storage tank, by a heat source that uses the same power supply as the water pump (e.g. plug current, solar panel, batteries), used also to supply the water pump.

The storage tanks can be filled simultaneously via an inlet that is accessible from the external surface and connected to a simple internal piping mechanism for water distribution.

The wastewater tank is emptied through an external drain pump which can be inserted in the dedicated, external hole. The concept of the invention also provides a system for monitoring the filling levels of the respective tanks. For sanitary and maintenance reasons (e.g. deep cleaning of the tanks, replacement of components), the elements integrated into the structure are accessible, and easily unmounted, from the outside through a mechanism which allows to lift the part of the structure supporting the sitting tub. In this way all the component can easily be cleaned and/or replaced.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The invention responds to the need or wish to install a bidet that was not included into the design stage of the bathroom. This operation can currently be done only if plumbing work can be efforted and there is enough space in the bathroom. The Mobile Bidet represents a valid solution for both lack of space and hydraulic efforts: it provides the same functionalities of a bidet without the need of an external hydraulic system and can be located and moved everywhere in indoor and outdoor environments. Two macro categories, not to be intended as unique, are proposed here to demonstrate in a practical way the possible application field:

• Indoor Bidet Mobile, named for the purpose of this application MB-IN

• Outdoor Bidet Mobile, named for the purpose of this application MB-OUT

The MB-IN can be located in any position of an indoor environment and equipped with a suitable power source, without the need to spend any money or time for plumbing works.

It can be realized as semi-fixed design solution for a bathroom furniture, or as functional solution completely movable everywhere, thanks to its retractable wheels (there can be the possibility to have the retractable handle).

The MB-OUT is realized with materials suitable for outdoor installation and usage. It is easily moved everywhere. As a non-unique example here, it is designed as a decomposable and foldable approach to be easily assembled, disassembled, and stored.

Description of Drawings

The Figures presented are a possible but not unique technical-design illustration which aims to provide a better understanding of the technical aspects of the invention, while demonstrating a non-limiting example of feasibility:

Figures 1 and 2 show a conceptual design of the MB-IN. Figure 1 presents different views of the object and its external components. Figure 2 shows the internal components and (in transparency) how they are integrated.

Figure 3 and 4 show a conceptual design of the MB-OUT. Figure 3 shows a possible solution for the support chassis when it is either open or completely closed. Figure 4 shows the object when it is completely assembled (chassis plus coverage) plus the internal components integrated directly into the coverage. The external mountable devices, supporting the operation of the object, are also shown.

Description of Embodiments

In this section given a detailed description of a possible but not exclusive embodiment of two applications associated to the invention (indoor and outdoor), illustrated as non-limitative example by the attached drawings, described in the previous section. Although the object has been described with particular reference to the attached figures, the reference numbers in the description and in the claims are used to improve the intelligence of the invention, and do not constitute any limitation to the scope of the protection claimed.

Example 1 - Indoor Mobile Bidet

The object is made of the components sketched in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows the following elements:

• The external structure, composed of a compact block named base (a.l, green) and the edge for the sitting supporting the water collection and drain tub (a.2, magenta) with the related hole (a.10). The two elements (base and edge) are connected by a mechanism of movable joints (a.3) which provides the possibility to lift the edge from the base to have access to the integrated components inside the base;

• The mixer tap for the water dispensing (a.4);

• The hole with cap for the access to the tank-filling mechanism (a.5) and the three provisions for monitoring the level of the water tanks (a.6);

• Hole with cap for the insertion of the drain pump (a.7).

• Electrical cable (a.8) to power the mixer pump and the water-heating device.

• Retractable wheels for mobilization (a.9). Figure 2 of the drawings shows the elements located inside the base, devoted to the production, dispensing and collection of sanitary mixed water:

• Cold-water storage tank (b.l);

• Hot-water storage tank, including heating (b.2);

• Wastewater tank (b.3), with collection of wastewater via holes in the tank (b.6) and in the tub (a.10).

• Dedicated hole and cap for emptying the wastewater tank (b.4). This hole overlaps with the external element a.7;

• Tank-filling mechanism (b.5). A piping system allows simultaneous filling of the two tanks;

• Electric pump system integrated into the mixer device (b.7) for water dispensation. The water is taken from the pipes inserted in the tanks, through the action of the pump, then it is mixed and dispensed from the tap;

• Power supply system (b.8) for the pump and the water-heating device.

Example 2 - Outdoor Mobile Bidet

The object is composed by the elements sketched in Figure 3 and 4 as listed below.

Figure 3 shows the support structure, which is a foldable chassis with movable joints and interlocking fixing points. In the drawing is proposed a possible solution on how the chassis appears when open or completely closed, respectively. The structure contains dedicated holes for the insertion of external elements:

• Mixer-tap (c.l);

• Tank-filling mechanism (c.2);

• Solar Panel (c.3).

Figure 4 of the drawing represents a possible solution for the coverage, which is proposed as a single piece of semi-rigid equipment, complementary to the chassis, which integrates the components dedicated to the storage and the discharge of the sanitary water. The coverage is located above the chassis and fitting its internal elements under it. The coverage integrates the following com ponents:

• Dedicated hole to insert the mixer-tap (d.l), overlapping with the hole c.l of the chassis;

• Dedicated hole to insert the tank-filling mechanism (d.2), overlapping with the hole c.2 of the chassis;

• Dedicated hole to insert the solar panel (d.3), overlapping with the hole c.3 of the chassis;

• Tub holding and draining the sanitary water dispensed by the tap (d.4);

• Cold-water storage tank (d.5);

• Hot-water storage tank, including heating (d.6);

• Wastewater tank, connected with the tub via the dedicated hole (d.8);

• Dedicated hole and cap for emptying the wastewater tank (d.9);

• Provision for monitoring the water levels in the respective tanks (d.10);

• Pipe fittings for water-filling and dispensing mechanisms (d.ll);

• Power-supply connector (d.12).

The last part of Figure 4 represents the mountable components that support the functionalities of the object and are not integrated into the coverage:

• Mixer-tap with integrate pump (e.l) which can be inserted into the holes c.l and d.l. The pipes are connected with the related junctions d.ll located to the storage tanks d.5 and d.6.

• Device for filling the tanks (e.2) to be inserted into the holes c.2 and d.2. The pipes are connected with the related junctions d.ll located to the storage tanks d.5 and d.6. • Solar panel for powering the pump and the water-heating system (e.3), to be inserted into the holes c.3 and d.3. The system is connected with the power supply device of the pump and the heating mechanism of the hot-water tank. (d.12).

• External pump for emptying the wastewater tank (e.4), to be inserted in the related hole (d.9)

Industrial Applicability

The technical solutions proposed for the embodiments demonstrate that the invention can be realized for both indoor and outdoor application and achieve the intended purpose. Here below are listed some technical notes useful to better specify the industrial applicability of both the indoor and outdoor technical solutions proposed.

MB-IN

• The main external structure (base plus edge) can be realized in ceramic or any other existent or future material (also ecofriendly) suitable for the usage.

• The internal tanks can be realized with light materials suitable to the usage and based on already existent technologies:

° The tank for the storage and production of hot water, for example, can be comparable to the mini portable electric water heaters or any of the technology in use in the naval field.

° The cold-water storage tank is a well-known technology already in use in the naval field.

• The power supply for the pump and the heating systems can be designed with every technology (also ecofriendly) suitable for the usage (e.g. rechargeable batteries instead of plugged current)

• There is also the possibility to design an autoregulation system for the filling of the tanks and the monitoring of the level of the liquids.

MB-OUT

• The structural chassis can be realized in any rigid and light material suitable for the external usage and able to support the defined load (e.g. carbon fiber, re-enforced plastic, etc.; also ecofriendly).

• The coverage can be realized with any semi-rigid waterproof material (plastic, also ecofriendly). In particular, the water tank for the hot water must be internally covered with a layer of insulating material suitable for high temperatures (e.g. bituminous-based elastomers)

• In this technical solution is presented a solar panel power system, but the power supply can be realized through any other device and system suitable for the usage (e.g. rechargeable batteries, plugged current).

Both Applications

• The external pump for emptying the wastewater tank can be electric or manual.

• The invention gives the possibility to apply all the international existing regulation for the storage and usage of the water in the sanitary field.

The object of the invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variants, all of them falling within the inventive concept expressed in the attached claims. All the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different according to the requirements, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Reference Signs List

The following reference signs apply to Figure 1: a.l Compact base a.2 Sitting edge supporting the tub a.3 Movable joints a.4 Mixer-Tap a.5 Hole and cap for tank filling a.6 Monitoring points liquid levels in the tanks a.7 Hole and cap to empty the wastewater tank a.8 Power-supply cable and socket a.9 Retractable wheels a.10 Tub hole for the collection of liquid in the wastewater tank.

The following reference signs apply to Figure 2: b.l Cold-water storage tank b.2 Hot-water production and storage tank b.3 Wastewater storage tank b.4 Hole and related cap for the emptiness of the wastewater tank b.5 Storage tank filling mechanism b.6 Hole to collect wastewater from the tub b.7 Electric pump system integrated into the mixer device b.8 Power-supply system for the activation of the pump and the water heating device

The following reference signs apply to Figure 3: c.l Hole for mixer-tap c.2 Hole for tank-filling mechanism c.3 Hole for solar panel

The following reference signs apply to Figure 4: d.l hole to insert the mixer-tap d.2 hole to insert the tank-filling mechanism d.3 hole to insert the solar panel d.4 Tub for the collection and draining of the sanitary water dispensed by the tap d.5 Cold-water tank d.6 Hot water tank d.7 Wastewater tank d.8 Hole to collect wastewater from the tub. d.9 Hole and related cap for the emptiness of the wastewater tank d.10 Monitoring points liquid levels in the tanks d.ll Pipe fittings for filling and water-dispensation mechanisms d.12 Power-supply connection for water heating

Claims

Claim 1 Object called Mobile Bidet for indoor and outdoor usage, or any other application field, comprising:

A structural component, which can be a compact base or a support chassis, suitable for the use.

A water (or any other liquids suitable for the usage) collection tank, supported by an edge or any system to allow the sitting.

Any component, assembly, device and/or system necessary to guarantee the functionalities of the objects and the related maintenance activities.

A mechanism or system that allows the access to every component, assembly, device and/or system included or/and integrated into the structure, er

Claim 2 The Mobile Bidet, regardless of its application, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that its functionalities and installation are independent from the connection with any other hydraulic system external to the object.

Claim 3 The Mobile Bidet, as claimed in claim 1 and 2, characterized in that it guarantees the following functionalities independently from its application and realization:

- Storage of cold water or any another liquid suitable for the use;

- Storage and production of hot water or any another liquid suitable for the use;

- Supply of water or any another liquid suitable for the use;

- Mixing and supply of water, or any other liquid suitable for the use, taken from the storage systems;

- Collection and storage of waste liquid;

- Expulsion of waste liquid and emptying of the related storage device.

Claim 4 The Mobile Bidet as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that can be located and operated in any location (indoor and/or outdoor) suitable for the usage.

Claim 5 The Mobile Bidet, as claimed in any of the previous claims, characterized in that can be operated and maintained in a fixed position, or easily moved or stored in another location.

Claim 6 The Mobile Bidet, as claimed in any of the previous claims, characterized in that it includes and integrates all the components, devices, assembly, and systems usable and applicable to guarantee and realize the functionalities listed in claim 3 or any further related functionality added in the future.

Claim 7 Any prototype and/or product, as claimed in any of the previous claims, characterized in that they are realized based on the content of this documentations or that can be linked to the properties and characteristic of this invention, are considered intellectual property of the applicants, even if they show substantial modification with respect to the technical solution proposed here.

Claim 8 Every technical drawing, as claimed in claim 7, created for the realization of any prototypes or products, even if they come with sub-stational modification with respect the graphical representation presented, are considered matter of claim of the present invention.