ADJUSTABLE HINGE FASTENERS FOR USE WITH A BIDET APPARATUS
The disclosure provides adjustable hinge fasteners and methods thereof, for securing a bidet washing apparatus to a toilet.
This application claims the benefit of priority under 37 U.S.C. § 120 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/114,422, filed on Feb. 27, 2023, titled: “ADJUSTABLE HINGE FASTENERS FOR USE WITH A BIDET APPARATUS,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe disclosure generally relates to a bidet washing apparatus and more particularly to adjustable hinge fasteners for use with a bidet apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBidet apparatuses for washing and cleaning body parts (e.g., genital and/or anal regions) with water were originally developed in the form of a bidet that provided a single spray of water from a permanently attached fixture built into a toilet bowl. However, such bidets were expensive and a new generation of attachable bidets with a plurality of nozzles for multiple water sprays were developed. These bidets may be attached to the sitting area of a toilet bowl for washing the body parts of a person, as well as the bidet itself, using water sprayed from the bidet nozzles.
Various attachable bidet designs have provided some of the desired washing and cleaning effects; however, existing bidets fail to address all concerns related to the design and function of bidets. For example, some attachable bidet apparatuses may not be suitable for use with all toilet bowls due to the structural differences or variations present in the connecting portions of the apparatus and the securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In addition, contamination or pollution of the bidet apparatus during use, including the under surfaces of the bidet and the outer surfaces of the nozzles, is a common problem that causes aesthetic and hygienic issues. Cleaning these surfaces may be problematic due to the inconvenience and difficulty in effectively reaching all of the contaminated areas, especially with the way most bidet apparatuses are more or less permanently attached to the toilet bowl. These problems are particularly important in bidets used, for example, by infirm or sick people who have to be especially cautious about maintaining hygiene and preventing infections.
Thus, there remains a need for an improved attachable bidet apparatus that allows a user to easily attach and/or clean the apparatus and toilet for aesthetic and hygienic reasons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated mode of carrying out exemplary embodiments herein. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the exemplary embodiments herein, since the scope of the disclosure is best defined by the appended claims. Various inventive features are described below that may each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.
Broadly, embodiments of the disclosure herein generally provide a bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, which includes one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms and a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and an elastomeric hinge, wherein the elastomeric hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; or a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm secures the disk; and an elastomeric hinge, wherein the elastomeric hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus; a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the elastomeric hinge allows the bidet washing apparatus to be pivoted or rotated in a vertical direction with a center of rotation along the elastomeric hinge.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the elastomeric hinge comprises cis-polyisoprene (natural rubber), cis-polybutadiene (butadiene rubber), styrene-butadiene rubber, or ethylene-propylene monomer.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the disks are polygon-shaped disks.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the disks are each independently a geometric shaped disk selected from a circle, triangle, rectangle, rhombus, square, and a trapezoid.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slot on the disks is a U-shaped securing slot.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about-45 degrees to about +45 degrees.
In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, which includes one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms and a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and a living hinge, wherein the living hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; or a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm secures the disk; and a living hinge, wherein the living hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus; a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the living hinge includes a recessed area between the bracket holder and the bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the living hinge allows the bidet washing apparatus to be pivoted or rotated in a vertical direction with a center of rotation along the recessed area of the living hinge.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the living hinge comprises polypropylene or polyethylene.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the living hinge is a system of living hinges which connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the disks are polygon-shaped disks.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the disks are each independently a geometric shaped disk selected from a circle, triangle, rectangle, rhombus, square, and a trapezoid.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slot on the disks is a U-shaped securing slot.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees.
In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, which includes one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm forms a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and a snap-fit connector, wherein the snap-fit connector connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus; a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slot is a U-shaped securing slot.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the snap-fit connector allows the bidet washing apparatus to be reversibly attachable to the toilet bowl.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the snap-fit connector includes a base for securing the snap-fit connector to the bracket holder.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the base extends to form a bottom bar and a top bar having a push button, with a space there between the bottom bar and top bar for securing the snap-fit connector to the bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the bottom bar, top bar and push button can extend into an opening of the bidet washing apparatus by compressing the top bar and push button towards the bottom bar.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, further comprising a push button slot on the bidet washing apparatus for reversibly securing the push button and snap-fit connector to the apparatus.
In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, which includes one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm forms a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and a bent-bar connector, wherein the bent-bar connector connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus; a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slot is a U-shaped securing slot.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the bent-bar connector allows the bidet washing apparatus to be raised or lowered vertically.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the bent-bar connector includes a base for securing the bent-bar connector to the bracket holder.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the base extends to form a vertical bar, and wherein the vertical bar extends to form a top horizontal bar for securing the bent-bar connector to the bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the vertical bar and top horizontal bar can extend into an opening of bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, further comprising an opening in the top horizontal bar and a post or pole in the bidet washing apparatus for securing the bent-bar connector to the bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the bent-bar connector can ride up or down along the post or pole thereby raising or lowering the bidet washing apparatus.
The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosure and should not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the disclosure. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.
The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the embodiments described herein. Descriptions of specific devices, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples described herein and shown but is to be accorded the scope consistent with the claims.
As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the process disclosed herein is an example of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Any accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.
As described herein, a “bidet washing apparatus,” or a “bidet” is a toilet attachment for cleaning the body parts of the user.
As described herein, the term “water inlet” means any structure that may provide water to the bidet washing apparatus.
As described herein, the term “control unit” (aka “control panel”) refers to the housing that has “control switch(es)” thereon, for controlling the various functionalities of the bidet, including but not limited to controlling the flow of water through the nozzles; controlling and/or adjusting the angle of the nozzles; and controlling the opening and/or closing of the protective shield gate.
As described herein, the term “control valves” refers to the controller parts located inside the control panel housing, which controls the flow of water or other fluids from the water inlet(s) to one or more “water tubes,” by opening, closing or partially obstructing various passageways.
As described herein, the term “water tubes” refers to channels that connect the control valves to a “nozzle assembly.”
As described herein, the term “nozzle assembly” refers to a single nozzle or a collection of nozzles comprising at least one “washing nozzle.” As described herein, the term “nozzle assembly” may also have other types of nozzles such as a “self-cleaning nozzle,” which is used to clean the nozzle assembly itself, a “toilet cleaning nozzle,” which is used to clean the bidet and/or the toilet, and a “shield cleaning nozzle,” which is used for cleaning the “protective shield gate.”
As described herein, the term “nozzle” refers to a device designed to eject water or other fluids as a coherent controlled spray.
As described herein, the term “washing nozzle” refers to the nozzle that may be used to wash the body parts of a user.
As described herein, the term “protective shield gate” refers to a structure placed at least partially in front of the nozzle assembly (e.g., between the user and the nozzle assembly) to protect the nozzle assembly from pollutants. In some embodiments, the protective shield gate may have a “hinged” edge.
As described herein, the term “adjustable hinge fastener” is a generic term for any “rotationally adjustable hinge fastener,” that is used to fasten or secure a bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl, and which allows the apparatus to be independently moved in a horizontal direction and to pivot in a vertical direction.
As described herein, the term “hinged” refers to a joint that allows the turning or pivoting of the protective shield gate, by any conventional turning or pivoting mechanism.
As described herein, the term “living hinge” refers to a hinge of flexible plastic that creates a join between two objects without any knuckles or pins. Molded as a single piece, they never trust or squeak, and have several other advantages over other hinges, but are more susceptible to breakage.
As described herein, the term “fluidically coupled” or “fluidically connected” refers to a connection or a passageway that allows fluid to flow therethrough.
The various embodiments disclosed herein provide a new, clean and hygienic bidet washing apparatus with one or more adjustable hinge fasteners, which may be attachable to an existing toilet for cleaning the body parts of the user sitting on or near the toilet.
As shown in
In some embodiments, the bidet washing apparatus 100 may include a nozzle assembly 130, which can include at least one washing nozzle (not shown) for washing one or more body parts, e.g. anus and genitals, of a user sitting on or near the toilet bowl 105. In an embodiment, the bidet washing apparatus 100 may include a nozzle assembly 130 having two or more washing nozzles. However, in other embodiments a lesser or greater number of washing nozzles may be used. In some embodiments, each washing nozzle may independently spray a stream of water upwardly and inwardly towards the user. In other embodiments, the bidet washing apparatus 100 may include a nozzle assembly 130, which has a protective shield gate 150 substantially or partially in front of it. The position of the protective shield gate 150 allows it to act as a shield between the user's body and/or water in the toilet bowl 105 and the nozzle assembly 130 and nozzles, thus protecting the nozzle assembly and nozzles from contamination or pollution during use.
As shown in
In various embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus may be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, the adjustable hinge disk fastener includes a disk having a plurality of openings along its outer perimeter, and a securing slot for securing a bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl. Further, the adjustable hinge fastener includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, each arm having a pin or dowel for engaging one of the plurality of openings along the perimeter of the disk.
As shown in
In embodiments, the disks can each independently be of any convenient size or shape including but not limited to a flat, circular shaped disk, a polygon-shaped disk, or a geometric shaped disk selected from a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a rhombus, a square, and a trapezoid.
As shown in
In other embodiments, the adjustable hinge fastener can include a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm includes a plurality of openings along its inner perimeter, and a disk having a pair of pins or dowels each configured to engage one of the openings along the inner perimeter of the bracket holder arms (not shown).
The adjustable hinge fasteners can also enable a user to change the angle of the nozzle assembly (not shown) by raising or lowering the bidet washing apparatus during use. That is, the hinged operation is not only useful for being able to clean the toilet bowl or for easy installation, but it can also be used as an apparatus that makes the whole bidet (and the nozzle angle) adjustable.
In various other embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus can be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, the adjustable hinge disk fastener includes a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl; a half ring having a plurality of openings along its outer perimeter and an internal ridge, lip or slot for securing the disk; and a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm includes a pin or a dowel configured to engage one of the openings along the outer perimeter of the half ring.
As shown in
The bracket holders can be permanently or reversibly attached to the bidet washing apparatus using any means known in the art, including but not limited to being built in as part of the apparatus, glued on, screwed on and the like.
In embodiments, the pair of bracket holder arms 335 can include a pin or dowel 340 that can engage with or be inserted into one of the plurality of openings 320 along the perimeter of the half ring 315.
In other embodiments, the adjustable hinge fastener can include a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl; a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm includes a plurality of opening along an inner perimeter of the half ring and an internal ridge, lip or slot for securing the disk; and a half ring having a pair of pins or dowels each configured to engage one of the openings along the inner perimeter of the half ring (not shown).
In still other embodiments, the adjustable hinge fastener can include a disk having an internal ridge, lip or slot for securing the half ring, and a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl; a half ring having a plurality of openings along its outer perimeter; and a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm includes a pin or a dowel configured to engage one of the openings along the outer perimeter of the half ring (not shown).
As shown in these figures, each of the disks can be independently rotated in a horizontal direction by rotating the disk to a desired position, thus facilitating attachment of the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees including all degrees there between.
In various other embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus can be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, the adjustable hinge disk fastener includes a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration; a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder and/or bracket holder arm includes an internal ridge, lip or slot for securing the disk; and an elastomeric hinge that flexibly connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus.
An elastomer is a polymer having viscoelastic properties, i.e., both viscosity and elasticity. The term elastomer is often used interchangeably with rubber due to these properties. Elastomers are composed of polymer chains, which are held together by relatively weak intermolecular bonds that permit the polymers to stretch in response to macroscopic stresses. At ambient temperatures, such elastomers are relatively compliant and deformable. Their primary uses for elastomers are for seals, adhesives, and molded flexible parts. Common elastomers include but are not limited to cis-polyisoprene (natural rubber), cis-polybutadiene (butadiene rubber), styrene-butadiene rubber, and ethylene-propylene monomer.
In embodiments, an elastomeric hinge can be used in one or more adjustable hinge fasteners for securing a bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl while maintaining the ability of the fastener to pivot or rotate around the bracket holder and bracket holder arms in a vertical direction, thus facilitating cleaning of the apparatus when it is attached to a toilet bowl.
As shown in these figures, the elastomeric hinge 405 can be secured on one side between the upper plate 435 and the lower plate 440 of the bracket holder 420; and secured on the other side between the upper plate 445 and the lower plate 450 of the bidet washing apparatus 100.
In other embodiments, the elastomeric hinge can be secured between the bracket holder and bidet washing apparatus using any known means in the art including but not limited to being attached through adhesives, glues, bolts and nuts, screws and the like, or through one or more openings in the bracket holder or bidet washing apparatus wherein the elastomeric hinge can be threaded therethrough.
As shown in these figures, each of the disks can be independently rotated in a horizontal direction by rotating the disk to a desired position, thus facilitating attachment of the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees including all degrees there between.
In various other embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus can be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, the adjustable hinge disk fastener includes a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration; and a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder and/or bracket holder arm includes an internal ridge, lip or slot for securing the disk; and a living hinge that flexibly connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus.
Living hinges are often used to produce a container and its lid as a single molded part and if properly designed, they can open and close thousands of times without ever losing strength or flexibility. In a typical application, a living hinge can flex through an arc of 90 or 180 degrees, but arcs of 270 or even arcs that approach 360 degrees aren't entirely unheard of. Whatever the arc is, the hinge can be expected to perform over and over again without losing its strength. Well-designed living hinges can operate as neatly and smoothly as any metal hinge, and they can last the life of the product.
Several factors influence the performance of a living hinge. The first is the material itself. Brittle resins like polycarbonate simply aren't suitable for hinges. On the other hand, very flexible resins like TPE might make great hinges, but lack the stiffness to form the rest of the part.
The most popular resins for parts with living hinges are polypropylene and polyethylene, both of which balance stiffness in thicker areas with flexibility where the resin is thin. Other factors that influence the performance of a living hinge include the thickness of the hinge itself (thick enough to be strong, thin enough to be flexible) and the radius of the bend (a thinner hinge can bend through a tighter radius without being damaged).
As shown in these figures, the living hinge 505 can be secured on one side directly with the bracket holder 535 and secured on the other side directly with the bidet washing apparatus 100. In embodiments, the living hinge can be secured between the bracket holder and the bidet washing apparatus using any known means in the art including but not limited to being attached through adhesives, glues, bolts and nuts, screws and the like, or through one or more openings in the bracket holder or bidet washing apparatus wherein the elastomeric hinge can be threaded therethrough.
In addition to a living hinge, other suitable hinges include but are not limited to a continuous hinge. These types of hinges are also referred to as “piano hinges” because they are known for their long length for supporting the lid of the popular musical instrument, namely the piano. A piano hinge's design provides more stability than traditional hinges, due to its long length and central pin that runs along the length of a piano as well as when used on a desk, cabinet door, or storage box. The width of these types of hinges can range from about 1 to about 2 inches and can run along the entire length of the hinged object.
As shown in these figures, each of the disks can be independently rotated in a horizontal direction by rotating the disk to a desired position, thus facilitating attachment of the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees including all degrees there between.
In various other embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus can be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, each adjustable hinge fastener includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms with a securing slot there between for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration; and a snap-fit connector that quickly and easily connects and disconnects the bracket holder and bracket holder arms to the bidet washing apparatus.
In various other embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus can be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, each adjustable hinge fastener includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms with a securing slot there between for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration; and a bent-bar connector, which quickly and easily raises and lowers the bidet washing apparatus vertically for cleaning underneath the apparatus.
As shown in this figure, each adjustable hinge fastener includes a bracket holder 710 with two bracket holder arms 715 and a U-shaped securing slot 720 that can be used to connect the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration. As shown in these figures, the bracket holder 710 can be attached to the bidet washing apparatus 100 through the two bent-bar connectors 705.
As shown in this figure, the bent-bar connector 705 further includes vertical bar 745 and a top horizontal bar 750, which can extend into a chamber 755 on the back of the bidet washing apparatus 100. The top horizontal bar 750 can include an opening 760, which allows the bent-bar connector 705 to ride up and down along a post or pole 765 present in the chamber 755, thereby raising and lowering the bidet washing apparatus for cleaning.
While the inventive features have been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those in the art that the foregoing and other changes may be made therein without departing from the sprit and the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the disclosure, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the disclosure. The disclosure is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but may be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the disclosure is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described. They instead may be applied alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosure, whether or not such embodiments are described, and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
Claims
1. A bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, comprising:
- one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each include: a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms and a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and an elastomeric hinge, wherein the elastomeric hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; or a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm secures the disk; and an elastomeric hinge, wherein the elastomeric hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus;
- one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus;
- a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and
- a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
2. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric hinge allows the bidet washing apparatus to be pivoted or rotated in a vertical direction with a center of rotation along the elastomeric hinge.
3. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric hinge comprises cis-polyisoprene (natural rubber), cis-polybutadiene (butadiene rubber), styrene-butadiene rubber, or ethylene-propylene monomer.
4. A bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, comprising:
- one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each include: a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms and a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and a living hinge, wherein the living hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; or a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm secures the disk; and a living hinge, wherein the living hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus;
- one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus;
- a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and
- a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
5. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the living hinge includes a recessed area between the bracket holder and the bidet washing apparatus.
6. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the living hinge allows the bidet washing apparatus to be pivoted or rotated in a vertical direction with a center of rotation along the recessed area of the living hinge.
7. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the living hinge comprises polypropylene or polyethylene.
8. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the living hinge is a system of living hinges which connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus.
9. A bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, comprising:
- one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each includes: a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm forms a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and a snap-fit connector, wherein the snap-fit connector connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus;
- one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus;
- a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and
- a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
10. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the snap-fit connector allows the bidet washing apparatus to be reversibly attachable to the toilet bowl.
11. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the snap-fit connector includes a base for securing the snap-fit connector to the bracket holder.
12. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base extends to form a bottom bar and a top bar having a push button, with a space there between the bottom bar and top bar for securing the snap-fit connector to the bidet washing apparatus.
13. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bottom bar, top bar and push button can extend into an opening of the bidet washing apparatus by compressing the top bar and push button towards the bottom bar.
14. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a push button slot on the bidet washing apparatus for reversibly securing the push button and snap-fit connector to the apparatus.
15. A bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, comprising:
- one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each include: a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm forms a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and a bent-bar connector, wherein the bent-bar connector connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus;
- one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus;
- a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and
- a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
16. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bent-bar connector allows the bidet washing apparatus to be raised or lowered vertically.
17. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bent-bar connector includes a base for securing the bent-bar connector to the bracket holder.
18. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the base extends to form a vertical bar, and wherein the vertical bar extends to form a top horizontal bar for securing the bent-bar connector to the bidet washing apparatus.
19. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the vertical bar and top horizontal bar can extend into an opening of bidet washing apparatus.
20. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 19, further comprising an opening in the top horizontal bar and a post or pole in the bidet washing apparatus for securing the bent-bar connector to the bidet washing apparatus.
21. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the bent-bar connector can ride up or down along the post or pole thereby raising or lowering the bidet washing apparatus.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 31, 2023
Publication Date: Aug 29, 2024
Inventors: Anjum Gupta (San Diego, CA), Yash Jawanjal (San Diego, CA)
Application Number: 18/129,546