Restroom Or Bathroom Self-cleaning Systems Patents (Class 4/662)
  • Patent number: 11786081
    Abstract: An apparatus {200} is provided for being mounted above a shower area (235) to be cleaned. The apparatus (200) has a nozzle head (209) for spraying cleaning fluid to clean the shower area (235), and a flexible conduit (223) through which the nozzle head (209) is arranged to receive the cleaning fluid, the flexible conduit (223) being connected to the nozzle head (200), The apparatus (200) also has a winder mechanism (238) for winding or unwinding a coil of the flexible conduit (223) about an axis (215). At least part (221) of the winder mechanism (238) is rotatable in one direction about the axis (215) to unwind the coil, and is rotatable in the opposite direction about the axis (215) to wind the coil. The nozzle head (209) has a first part (225) fixed to the flexible conduit (223) and a second rotatable part (231) arranged to rotate relative to the first part (225).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Nodar Babuadze
  • Patent number: 11739513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toilet flushing initiating, monitoring and management system initiated by the unlocking of a locking member on a door mounted in a stall typically found in a bathroom such as a public bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: HYDRAZE, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Dylan Grody
  • Patent number: 11008745
    Abstract: An automated toilet cleaning system includes at least one cleaning assembly communicatively connected to a control device. The cleaning assembly includes a positioning assembly and at least one cleaning end, wherein the positioning assembly has at least one positioning arm structured to movably dispose the cleaning end relative to the toilet. A cleaning solution chamber is included for retaining an amount of cleaning solution, and for fluidically delivering the cleaning solution chamber being to a nozzle or dispenser. When the automated toilet cleaning system is activated, the control device operates to movably position the positioning assembly to orient the cleaning end toward the toilet, and to direct a flow of water from and a flow of cleaning solution to and out of the cleaning end directed toward the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Jocelyn Bruno
  • Patent number: 10709308
    Abstract: A system for refilling, emptying and/or recharging of an autonomous floor cleaner includes a docking station adapted to be coupled with a household plumbing infrastructure. The docking station can be provided on a household appliance, which may be a toilet, a dishwasher, or another appliance coupled with the plumbing infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Daniel Buehler, Jeffrey A. Scholten, Adam Brown
  • Patent number: 10499773
    Abstract: A bacteria removing water discharge device used for a water supply facility is provided. The device includes: a bacteria removing water generating part denaturing tap water to generate bacteria removing water; a bacteria removing water discharge part, the part including a water storage part storing the bacteria removing water temporally, a water discharge port discharging the bacteria removing water stored in the water storage part onto a water receiving part of the water supply facility; and a controller, the controller executing a bacteria removing mode discharging the bacteria removing water from the bacteria removing water discharge part to the water receiving part, and a residual water drain mode draining at least a portion of the bacteria removing water remained in the water storage part after executing the bacteria removing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kuroishi, Takamasa Suzuki, Yusuke Nogoshi, Kenta Suzuki, Muneyuki Urata, Koki Nagano, Yukiko Yano, Yusuke Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10450734
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sanitary washing device includes a main part and a sensor. The main part includes a nozzle and a flow channel switching unit. The flow channel switching unit includes a motor and switches a flow channel of water flowing toward the nozzle by an operation of the motor. The sensor is provided in an interior of the main part and includes a transmitter/receiver and a controller. The transmitter/receiver radiates a radio wave and receives the radio wave reflected by an user. The controller determines a state of the user based on the radio wave received by the transmitter/receiver and outputs a signal relating to a determination result. The main part controls an operation of the flow channel switching unit and the nozzle based on the signal. The nozzle is positioned between the sensor and the motor in a width direction of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Masami Tsujita, Shoichi Tsuiki, Yuta Tanogashira, Takeshi Yasugata
  • Patent number: 10385560
    Abstract: A device for spraying an enclosure is provided, in particular, a device to spray a toilet bowl. The device for automatically spraying an enclosure closable by a rotatable lid, wherein the device is attachable to the lid, comprises a spraying mechanism suitable for repeatedly spraying individual doses of a cleaning liquid into the interior volume of the enclosure; and an electronic control system which includes a tilt sensor; wherein the control system is configured to detect the orientation of the device, and wherein the electronic control system is programmed to perform steps that allow enhancing the safety and/or reliability of the operation of the device. A method for operating the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Xin Shen
  • Patent number: 10358808
    Abstract: A toilet device includes a private part cleaning device, a warm air dying device, and a shutter and, when drying a private part using the warm air drying device, the shutter is configured to rotate such that a rear surface is directed toward an upper side and open an outlet, and the warm air drying device is configured to blow out warm air from the outlet to the rear surface of the shutter directed to the upper side and to cause the warm air guided by the shutter to be blown out to the private part side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: LIXIL Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Komatsu, Hiroaki Watanabe, Yasuyuki Furutani, Ryosuke Nakamura, Tomoya Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9211569
    Abstract: An economical and effective process for the complete removal of soap scum and dirt from surfaces such as those in showers and bathtubs without any scrubbing has been defined in patent application Ser. No. 14/515,740, filed on Oct. 16, 2014, with an amended title of ‘Method for Cleaning Soap Scum from Hard Surfaces’. This patent application defines cleaning devices that make the said process easy, practical, and automated. The said devices employ the previous referenced process and ultimately eliminates the chore of cleaning the showers and bathtubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Harold Bowser
  • Patent number: 9049970
    Abstract: A toilet seat cover assembly that has a cover shaped to fit over a toilet seat, the cover including internal side walls and an arm assembly disposed within the cover, the arm assembly including at least one arm that radially spans from an axis of rotation, defines a path of rotation, has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end defining a discontinuity between the distal end and the internal side walls such that it is operable to move freely of the internal side walls, and defines a first plurality of cutouts fluidly coupled to a liquid source and sized to discharge liquid matter over the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Maximo Dorra
  • Patent number: 8691024
    Abstract: A complete sanitary system for any toilet site area which allows for the utilization of pressurized domestic running water transferred through a hose connected to a water valve diverting structure further connected to the main toilet domestic water feed line to that particular toilet's water closet. A floor structure with the aforementioned toilet mounted to its top surface side provides the structure to collect, retain and drain the spent waste water from the hose after the water has been used to cleanse the toilet site area. An alternative drainage location in the retention basin of the floor structure with coinciding plumbing piping method allows for a possible solid waste contamination scenario by an overflow toilet or otherwise to be effectively transferred directly into the main sewer pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas John Barniak, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130185866
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning and monitoring a portable toilet are provided. The system's components include a chemical detector, a concentration sensor, a cleaning device, a container, a rotatable spray nozzle, a locator, an automated door locking device, a processor, and memory. The memory causes the processor to execute a method which involves detecting and sensing urine and feces concentration levels, and cleaning the areas of highest concentration with chemical neutralizers dispersed by the spray nozzle. Data regarding the sanitary condition and GPS location of the toilet may be sent to servers for remote human monitoring. The door locking device may be triggered if the toilet is found to have harmful levels of chemicals associated with urine and fecal matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Poon Tai Cheung
  • Patent number: 8484772
    Abstract: Automatic lavatory-cleaning system, especially for public lavatories installed in a cubicle between two side walls, and with the floor converging to a drain, based on a structure that can be moved from a first, folded position into a second position in which it is deployed over the lavatory and between the side walls, comprising a supporting structure (4) concealed in a wall of the cubicle of the lavatory (1), the structure being movable, by means of a deformable parallelogram, defining a closed space for cleaning where the lavatory (1) is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Lostal Grasa
  • Publication number: 20120017368
    Abstract: Automatic lavatory-cleaning system, especially for public lavatories installed in a cubicle between two side walls, and with the floor converging to a drain, based on a structure that can be moved from a first, folded position into a second position in which it is deployed over the lavatory and between the side walls, comprising a supporting structure (4) concealed in a wall of the cubicle of the lavatory (1), the structure being movable, by means of a deformable parallelogram, defining a closed space for cleaning where the lavatory (1) is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Francisco Javier LOSTAL GRASA
  • Patent number: 7954182
    Abstract: Washroom designed for taking a shower which comprises a water intake and a drain for wastewater, and includes an accessory representing a removable bathtub wall. A mechanism is provided for locking and for pressing on the outer surface of the accessory when in a bathtub wall configuration to ensure that it is strong and watertight. The locking mechanism is an element which takes up a horizontal position on the floor in a shower configuration of the washroom, and a substantially vertical position in a bathtub configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Virgile Habegger
  • Publication number: 20090313752
    Abstract: A drying device in accordance with the invention is characterized by including: an air blowing portion for blowing pressurized air so as to dry a surface to be dried by a jet of pressurized air whose abutment area to the surface to be dried is narrower than the surface to be dried; and a moving unit for moving the air blowing portion while the jet is being blown such that the jet blown from the air blowing portion sequentially sweeps a substantially entire surface of the surface to be dried, wherein the moving unit includes a first moving device for moving the air blowing portion in a state in which a blowing direction of the jet is being maintained so as to form a predetermined angle with respect to a moving direction of the air blowing portion and a second moving device for moving the air blowing portion in a direction different from that of the moving direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keijirou Kunimoto, Hideki Ohno, Shigeru Shirai, Yoshiharu Shimada
  • Patent number: 7523512
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for cleaning a restroom includes a pump for pressurizing a fluid, and a spray device in fluid communication with the pump. The spray device has a nozzle for discharging a stream of the fluid. The system also includes a stand for supporting the spray device within an enclosure of the restroom while the spray device discharges the stream at an interior surface of the enclosure, and a cover for suspending the spray device in a holding tank of the restroom while the spray device discharges the stream at an interior surface of the holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Gamajet Cleaning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Delaney, Andrew K. Delaney, Bentley F. Gleeson, Minh Q. Le
  • Publication number: 20090007328
    Abstract: A self-cleaning public toilet comprising a safety and alarm system. The safety and alarm system includes a plurality of load cells that weigh the user who has entered a space; a photoelectric-sensor device, for detecting the presence or otherwise of a person in the space during washing and drying of the inside of the toilet; and at least one pressure switch located in a pneumatic system for supply of a pneumatic cylinder that actuates a rotating arm for cleaning a toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Paolo Feltri
  • Publication number: 20080155744
    Abstract: A toilet at least includes a container, a cover, and an inflator. The container includes a top opening and a bottom drain. The cover connects the container with a pivot for selectively shielding or exposing the top opening. When the cover shields the opening, the inflator supplies air into the container and makes the air pressure inside the container higher than the outside. And therefore, air flows and takes away wastes through the drain to the outside of the toilet due to the pressure differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Weber Wang
  • Patent number: 7269863
    Abstract: A toilet bowl automatically flushes and lowers within a cylinder to a cleaning position. The interior of the bowl is then contacted by a brush cleaning assembly, including a detergent spray and water rinse and then is raised back up to the ready-for-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: William J. Blevins
  • Patent number: 7243379
    Abstract: A self-cleaning advanced hot tub-bath tub, pool with dispensing functions for providing a hot tub with the functionality to automatically cleanse itself and to inject bath oils, perfumes, soaps, bubble baths, medications, and or other items to the hot tub as desired either automatically through memory circuits or manually. A consumer can release bath oils, perfumes, soaps, bubble baths, medications, and or other luxury items to the hot tub as are desired either manually for each individual item desired, or the consumer depresses the automatic setting and the hot tub prepares the bath as automatically set by the consumer from water temperature, to jet cycle time, pressure strength, and which nozzles will be on or off, including what items if any will be injected into the water including but not limited to bath oils, perfumes, soaps, bubble baths, medications, and or other items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Peter John Panopoulos
  • Patent number: 7062802
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rectangular, in particular square, multipurpose sanitary installation, comprising essentially two separate units, namely a dry toilet unit (A) including essentially a wash basin and a toilet and a rectangular washroom (B). the washroom is delimited by at least two adjacent walls of the installation and by a mobile element perpendicular to one side of the installation and moveable parallel to itself, such that the surface of the washroom (B) may vary and with it the surface of the dry toilet unit (A). A mobile element may be used as water-retaining wall or as bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Virgile Habegger
  • Patent number: 6944894
    Abstract: A toilet bowl automatically flushes and lowers within a cylinder to a cleaning position. The interior of the bowl is then contacted by a brush cleaning assembly, including a detergent spray and water rinse and then is raised back up to the ready-for-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: William J. Blevins
  • Patent number: 6819238
    Abstract: A restroom maintenance alert system and method for signaling when a restroom needs service includes a signaling device, an actuator located in a public restroom and configured to communicate with a signaling device to activate the signaling device, and instructions located on at least one of or on or near the actuator and directed to a restroom patron to actuate the actuator if the restroom needs service. The signaling device is located outside the public restroom. The method for signaling the restroom needs service includes providing the actuator in a restroom, instructing a restroom patron to activate the actuator if the restroom needs service, and activating a signaling device when the activator is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Edwards Systems Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Pecora, Angelo Arcaria
  • Patent number: 6789552
    Abstract: A spray gun is connected to a source of pressurized liquid. In one aspect, the worker positions the nozzle of the spray gun into the bowl, adjacent the lower, interior edge of the rim, and aims the liquid outlet of the spray gun toward the primary interior surface of the bowl adjacent the lip of the rim. The worker then rotates the spray gun in a radial manner about the bowl, with the liquid outlet of the spray gun oriented toward the primary interior surface of the bowl adjacent the lip of the rim, while spraying a liquid through the liquid outlet of the spray gun. The worker may rest the spray gun nozzle against the lower, interior edge of the rim during the rotating step, thereby using the lower, interior edge as a guide to facilitate directional control of the liquid being sprayed from the spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Kaivac, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Robinson, Robert G. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6745417
    Abstract: A toilet stool capable of using comfortably without cleaning is provided. The toilet stool comprises a main body 10, a seat 11, a cover 12, injection means 41 and 42, and a control means. The main body 10 can preserve stool temporarily therein. The seat 11 is formed on the main body 10. The cover 12 performs opening and closing operations by rotating about a horizontal axis with respect to the main body 10. The injection means 41 and 42 perform a cleaning operation by injecting pressure liquid for cleaning. The control means causes the injection means 41 and 42 to perform the cleaning operation on the condition that the cover is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Hideo Sumino
  • Patent number: 6742199
    Abstract: An automatic shower and bathtub cleaning device, with no connection to the water supply piping, that directs cleaning fluid through nozzles that are positioned or adjusted to allow coverage of the entire inside surface of the shower or bathtub enclosure. The device consists of a main body, cleaning fluid reservoir, electric pump, nozzles, and a control circuit that allows either local or remote initiation of the device's cleaning cycle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel P. Conway, Jude Nicholas Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6651270
    Abstract: A cleaning system comprises a shower enclosure with a water source. A hollow Y-shaped adaptor member with an input end is provided. The input end is coupled to the water source and a pair of output ends. The first output end is coupled to a shower head. Each output end has an operator controlled on/off valve. A chemical dispensing assembly is provided, having a chemical reservoir and a retention chamber. An operator controlled spring activated check valve is provided. Last provided is a set of hollow dispensing tubes. The tubes are adapted to be coupled to the enclosure. The set of tubes includes an input segment, adapted to couple the water and chemical output line of the dispensing member. The set of tubes includes a plurality of hollow linear segments, each having a plurality of pin hole apertures, a plurality of elbow segments, and an end stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Keith M. Porter
  • Patent number: 6645435
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a contact surface which is continuously sanitized with a sanitizing fluid. A reservoir contains the sanitizing fluid. A contact material has a porous contact surface in fluid communication with the reservoir. A moisture control and fluid distribution system determines the moisture level of the porous surface and, upon determining that the moisture level thereof has reached a predetermined level, causes a flow of the sanitizing fluid from the reservoir to the contact material. The contact material comprises a durable, porous outer layer configured for evenly distributing the sanitizing fluid to the contact surface and a backing layer bonded to the outer layer to provide a seal there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Wesley Dawson, Scott Hough Shanks
  • Publication number: 20030177572
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed cleansing of passengers aboard an aircraft. A hanging room and adjacent cleansing room. The cleansing room providing a cleansing process comprising a sequence of steps limited timewise for speedily processing passengers, sanitizing of the cleansing room through disinfection and drying comprising the final step prior to entry of a next passenger into the changing room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Jeanne Guerin, Charles R. Prochaska, Kevin Shimasaki
  • Publication number: 20030084506
    Abstract: A sanitary cleansing apparatus is provided for attachment to conventional toilets to facilitate posterior part cleansing with a cleaning fluid after use of the toilet. The “First Embodiment” utilizes a conventional toilet flush tank as its cleaning fluid source. A submergible housing, containing functional operating components and cleaning fluid, is inserted into the toilet flush tank. The submergible housing derives its cleaning fluid through a number of communicating fluid entry openings along its vertical axis while the functional operating components consist primarily of a cleaning fluid pump, a pressure release valve, and an electrical heater. A cleaning nozzle is mounted within the confines of a conventional toilet bowl. The cleaning nozzle creates a diffusing stream of cleaning fluid directed toward a projected cleaning area located within the confines of the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Wilhelm Andreas Haberkorn
  • Patent number: 6550080
    Abstract: A shower cleaning apparatus for effectively cleaning and rinsing down the bathtub or shower stall after the use thereof. The shower cleaning apparatus includes a plurality of tubular members having bores extending therethrough and including a first tubular member being adapted to be securely connected to a pipeline for a shower head; and also includes a plurality of connecting members for connecting the tubular members together with the connecting members having bores extending therethrough; and further includes one or more nozzles being securely connected to the tubular members and being adapted to be disposed above a bathtub or a shower stall for dispensing and spraying water therefrom; and also includes a regulating and controlling assembly for regulating and controlling flow of water to the one or more nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Gurbir Grewal
  • Patent number: 6549816
    Abstract: A plumbing control system includes a plurality of plumbing fixtures operated by an electronic control board having a microprocessor. The control board can form a node on a network that monitors and controls the functions of multiple boards throughout a facility from a central computer. Network software running on the central computer communicates with the control boards. The software includes a binding feature that requires reporting of a network operating variable at a first control board to the central computer or a second control board. The network software also has site and device setup forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Jerome M. Gauthier, Nhon T. Vuong, Mark J. Sippel
  • Patent number: 6514622
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary ware which has a self-cleaning function for releasing carboxyl-containing greasy stains or soils, such as fatty acids, fatty esters, metallic soaps (scum of soaps), proteins, amino acids, bacteria, and fungi, and deposited stains or soils, such as water scale and urinary calculi. This sanitary ware comprises at least a sanitary ware body and a glaze layer as an outermost layer of the sanitary ware, a monovalent metal component and/or a metal component having a measure of the electronegativity based on Pouling's rule of not more than 1 being provided so as to be releasable evenly and continuously, over the whole surface of the glaze layer as the outermost layer, in such an amount large enough to impart a self-cleaning function for releasing stains or soils to the surface of the glaze layer as the outermost layer, the metal component being suppliable from the glaze layer as the outermost layer and/or the sanitary ware body to the whole surface of the outermost layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Hayakawa, Koichi Hayashi, Masami Ando, Masaaki Ito, Tomoyasu Ichiki, Hirotaka Ishibashi, Mitsuyoshi Machida
  • Patent number: 6463600
    Abstract: An automatic shower and bathtub cleaning device, with no connection to the water supply piping, that directs cleaning fluid through nozzles that are positioned or adjusted to allow coverage of the entire inside surface of the shower or bathtub enclosure. The device consists of a main body, cleaning fluid reservoir, electric pump, nozzles, and a control circuit that allows either local or remote initiation of the device's cleaning cycle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel P. Conway, Jude Nicholas Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6349430
    Abstract: An automatic public toilet for outdoor use has a public part confined by a roof, four walls and a floor, and comprises a lavatory unit including a toilet seat and bowl, the lavatory unit being supported on a wall of the toilet, wherein the floor is movable into and out of the public part of the toilet and the cleaning device for the floor is placed outside the public part. The floor is rotatable around a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Danfo Sanitetssystem AB
    Inventor: Göran Forslund
  • Patent number: 6253497
    Abstract: A swingable handrail apparatus for assisting a person onto and off a toilet, in particular. The swingable handrail apparatus includes a mounting bracket being adapted to mount to a wall structure and having a base member, a pair of boss members being spaced apart and each having a groove therein, a pair of clamping members each having a groove therein and being fastenable to a respective boss member; and also includes a handrail support member being rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket; and further includes a handrail member having a first end securely attached to the handrail support member and having a second end; and also includes a handrail support bracket having a base member, a first and second boss members being spaced apart and forming a handrail receiving space, a lever member pivotally attached to the base member and having a handrail retaining member which is biasedly received in a notch in the handrail member with the lever member being essentially spring-loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Roger L. Gekler, Paula S. Gekler
  • Patent number: 6012678
    Abstract: A galley vacuum waste disposal system is provided to facilitate the transport of galley waste. The system includes a basin for depositing waste. The basin is connected to a drain line coupled to a flush valve, leading to an existing sewage waste storage tank of an existing sewage waste system on an airplane. A manually operated flush switch signals a flush control unit to activate the flush valve, allowing the galley waste to be transported from the basin through the drain line and into the existing waste tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William D. Hale, Umesh L. Nisargand, William E. Dutcher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5963991
    Abstract: An automatic and self-cleaning hygienic-sanitary system for public use, having a hygienic bowl, cleaning device for cleaning to a sanitary condition the hygienic bowl, and a protecting device for protecting the cleaning device of the hygienic bowl against tampering. A floor cleaning and sanitating device for cleaning the floor supporting the hygienic bowl is moreover provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventors: Roberto Agosti, Domenico Mantegazza, Gioachino Albano
  • Patent number: 5862545
    Abstract: A pressurized-flow self-cleaning whirlpool tub system includes a plurality of water/air jets arranged to introduce air-entrained water jets into a tub basin and a suction outlet from which water in the tub basin is withdrawn. A water distribution circuit is connected to each of the water/air jets for delivering water to each water/air jet. A recirculation pump receives water from the tub basin, pressurizes the water, and delivers the pressurized water to the water distribution system. A cleaning-agent dispenser is provided to receive a cleaning agent in liquid or solid form and mix the cleaning agent with water from the pressurized water supply. In a cleaning mode of operation, a suction valve is closed and the cleaning agent is introduced into the water carrying conduits to effect pressurized cleaning of the water contacting surfaces of the water pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventors: Cleo D. Mathis, Robert A. Miller
  • Patent number: 5857228
    Abstract: A toilet block for public purposes comprises a toilet area and a washroom having a common floor and being accessible through a door. The toilet area comprises a toilet unit and the washroom has a wash basin and associated devices. A technical room, separated from the toilet area and washroom, contains equipment for supply, waste disposal and cleaning. The equipment includes apparatus, provided on an upper side of the floor of the toilet area and washroom, for wetting a surface of the floor with cleaning and/or disinfectant fluid and for evaporating the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Berliner Stadtreinigungsbetriebe
    Inventors: Gerhard Waltenberger, Horst Wache
  • Patent number: 5855027
    Abstract: A new automatic bathroom door and toilet flushing system for automatically raising the door and flushing the toilet when a user is finished. The system includes a housing secured to a ceiling between a pair of walls. The housing has an opening in a lower end thereof. A door is rotatably disposed within the housing. The door is disposed on a central shaft. The central shaft is coupled with an electric motor. The electric motor selectively raises and lowers the door with respect to an opening between the pair of walls. An electric sensor is in communication with the electric motor and an electrical system of an existing toilet. The electric sensor is disposed within one of the pair of walls adjacent to the handle of the manual pulley system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph A. Macedo
  • Patent number: 5588161
    Abstract: A wet/dry foot bath having a tub with foldable sides a motor with vibrating coils for reciprocating movement of the tub floor, a rope heating with reflecting plates for radiating heat throughout the floor of the tub, the floor having foot massage bumps and a central arch massager, and a remote control device for operating the foot bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: George Barradas
  • Patent number: 5454123
    Abstract: A toilet is automatically washed and dried after each use by a carriage mounted on a rear wall for translatory movement between a concealed, vandal-resistant position and an extended cleaning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Strategic Technologies International Inc.
    Inventor: Anchelito Barabino
  • Patent number: 5452485
    Abstract: A gliding tub and shower cleaning device for automatically cleaning a bath tub and a shower stall. The device consists of a control center, a tub glider and a shower glider. The tub and shower gliders have brushes attached and are connected to drive systems which move the gliders around the inside of the shower stall and the bathtub on tracks. The tracks contain a continuous fluid path for transporting fluid from the control center to the gliders. The tub and shower gliders spray a cleaning solution mixture and the brushes contact and remove dirt and grime from the walls and bottom of the shower and bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Leslie Ross
  • Patent number: 5437065
    Abstract: A booth for toilets and others is characterized by curving outward a whole or a part of a door or a perimetric wall, so that an interior space is widened, thereby to lessen an oppressive or tight feelings. Further, the widened space can be effectively utilized and an exterior appearance thereof is improved. A partition and a front plate panel are connected by means of an aluminum frame having a projecting core extending in a vertical direction into an interior wall face of an inserting opening. The front plate panel is line-contacted to the projecting core, so that a slight rotation may be effectuated, and the panel may be installed to a differently shaped wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Sakawa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuki Sakawa
  • Patent number: 5398352
    Abstract: A WC module which is ready to be installed into place and to be connected to the water and sewer connections is described. The module has been formed so that its inner wall and WC bowl are of the same piece. Above the WC bowl are situated seat boards which are fixed to the inner wall by a hinge so that the seat boards can be turned into an upright position when they are not in use. The module is formed of two elements in the rear part of which are situated the technical devices relating to the functioning of the WC module, such as the WC bowl, the water tank, etc., and the front part of which incorporates a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Oy Shippax Ltd.
    Inventor: Tapio Kordelin
  • Patent number: 5279008
    Abstract: A sanitary cell includes a sanitary chamber, a first technical equipment chamber, for accommodating toilet bowl cleaning appliances, and a wall, which separates the two chambers and which supports, on its opposite sides, two toilet bowls which are located in the sanitary and first technical equipment chambers, respectively. The toilet bowl, which is located in the sanitary chamber, has an opening which points upwardly. The toilet bowl, which is located in the first technical equipment chamber, has an opening which points downwardly. A second technical equipment chamber is located beneath the floor of the sanitary chamber. A separating wall pivots about a horizontal axis to enable the pivoting of the toilet bowls from the first technical equipment chamber, through the second technical equipment chamber, and into the sanitary chamber, so that the toilet bowls can be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Gebr. Otto KG
    Inventor: Konrad Ritter
  • Patent number: 5090069
    Abstract: A self-cleaning sanitation module comprises a toilet pan movable between a use position and a cleaning position in which it is behind a separating wall. A back is provided movable between two positions, a use position and a cleaning position in which the back in disposed vertically above the pan. The displacement of the pan and the back between their use position and their cleaning position is performed in such a way that there is always a very small gap between the back and the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Decaux
  • Patent number: 5065462
    Abstract: A handicap-accessible restroom including shower, sink and commode portions. The shower portion contains a shower head connected to a hose which is of sufficient length to extend to all areas within the restroom, for simplified cleaning. The restroom floor is tapered downward toward drain holes to further simpify cleaning and expedite drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Raymond Romano