Patent Application
20200359857
This invention relates to a toilet system which employs the use of automatic, adjustable pedestals which are contained in the base of the toilet and are activated by pressing a button. Inherent to this design is the fact that the pedestals are contained directly in the base of the toilet itself. The pedestals adjust to the desired height of the user to achieve the most efficient alignment of the spine to defecate in the most comfortable manner to cleanse the bowels completely.
This invention contains buttons on each armrest—on one side you have the buttons which control the adjustable, elevating pedestals—on the other side you have the buttons which control the “spa” features of the unit—namely, (1) seat warmer (2) bidet jet spray (3) sound system (4) hydroflush (5) automatic air freshener.
The modern-day toilet most commonly used in the western world consists of multiple features to facilitate the user to make defecation more comfortable and convenient. There are multiple inventions that are already patented which are available in the marketplace that serve the same functions as the “spa” features contained with this invention.
Heretofore, there has not been any toilet system which has been provided for either home or commercial use which has come equipped with automatic, adjustable, pedestals that are located on either side of the base of the toilet and are inherent in the basic design of this new category of toilets—the pedestal toilet.
Speaking of the current state of modern toilets there are many “intelligent” toilets in the marketplace which offer the “spa” features including automatic flushing systems and fragrance systems, etc., however the unique aspect of this design is the automatic, adjusting, pedestals which are part of the base of the unit. Currently no other toilet system comes equipped with pedestals built into the base of the unit.
There have been a large number of automatic toilet flushing systems for use in various commercial and industrial establishments. As an example, automatic toilet flushing systems which cause the automatic flushing operation of a toilet after a user leaves the immediate proximity of a toilet is frequently found in hotels, airports, train stations and like use public facilities.
The commercially available automatic toilet flushing systems generally operate on the principle of using a beam of radiation which can be interrupted to initiate a circuit operation and when the interruption, such as the person using the toilet system, removes himself from the interrupting position, a control circuit causes a flushing operation.
A battery operated automatic toilet flushing system has also been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,118, dated Dec. 8, 1992, entitled “Solenoid-Operated Battery-Powered Flush Valve”. In this particular system, the valve itself is actually powered by a battery and also uses infrared sensors connected to the battery along with a solenoid operable valve mechanism. So, once again, the “spa” features contained with this invention are readily available in the marketplace and have been patented. The distinguishing and unique feature of this invention is that it is a toilet system which comes equipped with automatic, adjustable pedestals for the user to create the perfect height for comfort and alignment of the spine. Heretofore no other toilet system has been designed with pedestals which extend and retract at the touch of a button. Inherent in this design is the unique feature of pedestals which come with the toilet and are recessed in their chamber until the button is pushed for use in defecation.
Various types of toilet assemblies having an odor mitigation system are known in the art. An efficient way for odor removal from a water closet is by drawing odorous air from the toilet bowl through the flush rim. Ventilation systems utilizing this air passage have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,703,010, 4,165,544, 4,583,250, 4,989,276, 5,321,856, and 5,617,590. The system described in the '010 patent includes a suction means in air communication with the airspace between the water within the water tank and the lid of the tank. The suction device is capable of withdrawing the odorous air that moves from the toilet rim through an overflow pipe into the airspace, and subsequently disposing it away from the water closet through an exhaust pipe. Withdrawing the air from the airspace in a tightly closed water tank may create suction pressure especially when the toilet is flushed. Thus, the '010 system requires a regulating valve to reduce suction in the water tank.
Similarly, the flush toilet exhaust systems disclosed in the '856 and '950 patents are also designed to withdraw the odorous air from the airspace above the water level inside the water tank. These systems include a sealing means {'856 patent} or a flexible strip {'590 patent} that can be installed at the upper edge of the water tank. The sealing means of the {'856 patent} is a hollow strip being in air communication with a hose connector and a blower. The sealing means defines holes facing the interior of the water tank for receiving the odorous air from the airspace. After the odorous air enters the sealing means, it is pulled into the hose connector for remote exhaust. The flexible strip of the {'590 patent} seals the lid of the tank to create an airtight space from which the odorous air is withdrawn. Both systems require a vent device to reduce the problem of undesirable suction when the toilet is flushed.
Unlike the patents described earlier, the {'544 patent} describes a system that is designed to withdraw the odorous air from the upper end of the overflow pipe. This system includes a hollow, open bottom, with a vertical sleeve that is positioned over the upper end of the overflow pipe. The lower end of the sleeve terminates below the water level in the water tank so that a water seal is achieved to provide closed communication between the overflow passageway and the sleeve. The system also includes a means for creating low air pressure connected to the sleeve so that odorous air is drawn from the sleeve for remote exhaust. The inefficiency in withdrawing the odorous air from the sleeve into the exhaust pipe can be a drawback with this system, because only low air pressure can be applied so that the water within the sleeve is not also withdrawn. Yet another system disclosed in the {'276 patent} shows a toilet system that includes vent channels formed along the base and the back inside of the water tank. The system also includes a vent adapter mounted inside of the passage that directs the flow of ventilating air along the vent channels to an exhaust fan to the outside atmosphere. One drawback of this system is the requirement of a specially designed toilet bowl and water tank.
Similar to the vented toilet systems, several patents have disclosed different types of toilet systems that include automatic flushing mechanisms. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,813,670, and 5,369,816 disclose toilet systems having a weight activated flushing mechanism. This type of mechanism includes an electric motor that is activated by the weight of the user sitting on then leaving the seat. When the motor is activated, the tripping mechanism trips the flush valve open to allow the water to flush. A major drawback for the weight activating flushing mechanism is that it does not operate when the user does not sit down on the seat. Therefore, when people do not normally sit down on the seat for a urinal purpose, when they use the toilet it will need to be flushed manually.
A different flushing mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,384. This mechanism comprises a motion-sensing device positioned in the water tank and aligned with a window in the toilet cover when the cover is in a raised position. The motion-sensing device is operatively connected to a motor that drives an L-shaped lever that is connected to a flapper valve. The flushing system operates when the motion-sensing device is activated when the person uses the toilet and then moves away from the toilet. The motion-sensing device charges electric current to the motor which drives the lever upward such that the flapper is lifted to open the valve for the water to flush.
Experts and skilled artisans knowledgeable in this art can easily see that there are numerous patents which have been granted for the additional “spa” features which have been included with this invention for the comfort and cleanliness and enjoyment of the user, such as the bidet jet spray, seat warmer, sound system, etc.
The applicant must emphasize once again that the “spa” features are additional and ancillary to the main function of this invention which is to equip a toilet with pedestals to allow the user to achieve the most efficient alignment for maximum cleansing of the bowels in the most efficient and comfortable manner based upon the human anatomy.
This invention has been designed to aid the elderly or the temporarily or permanently disabled population. This invention would be perfect in the home or in any of the necessary medical facilities—hospitals, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing care facilities, nursing homes and palliative care settings. This invention should make it easier for the infirm and the sick to defecate and urinate to aid in their speedy recovery.
Our product is designed with side armrests to aid the user in seating. Another feature of the side armrests is that the adjustable pedestals and the “spa” features are all at the touch of a button and contained in the product. The “spa” features and the buttons are on one side and the adjustable pedestals are on the other side.
Heretofore there has not been a toilet system which has been specifically designed to collapse the time frame needed for recovery and/or recuperation for a medically challenged person or an elderly person. The applicant believes this invention will help directly this segment of the population.
This invention is also very attractive for people who suffer from temporary or permanent disabilities which may preclude easy usage and control while using the toilet. In other cases, forgetfulness or lack of attentiveness of impaired individuals may prevent them manually doing all jobs and thus facilitating them in an efficient and effective way. In these and other situations, a fully equipped “Grandma's Helper” complete with fully-encased pedestals in the base of the unit with the “spa” features activated by the buttons on the armrest will make their use of the bathroom possible and make them more comfortable.
A thorough examination of all preceding patents in this field and in this art will disclose no toilet system which exhibits a toilet with the pedestals contained in the base of the toilet which are activated at the touch of a button and extend and adjust to meet the desired height of the user.
Additionally, a review of the marketplace will reveal that no manufacturer in the world currently produces a toilet system with these characteristics which will enable elderly and impaired and disabled people to use a toilet in comfort to help them heal faster.
It is to be noted that as per Applicant's knowledge, none of these prior art methods have been found to be completely suitable to meet these needs and are cumbersome and non-durable. Hence, the inventor of the present invention proposes to resolve and surmount existing technical difficulties and to eliminate the shortcomings of the prior art.
Therefore, the object of “Grandma's Helper” is to deliver a toilet system which fills a long-standing need for a toilet which makes it easier to sit upon, and which has built-in pedestals to ease the use and comfort for the user and makes the experience efficient and enjoyable through the inclusion of “spa” features activated by buttons which are conveniently located on the armrests.
In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.
According to a first embodiment the invention is a toilet system with automatic, adjustable pedestals which are built into the base of the stool. Additionally, there are side armrests located on both sides of the toilet for ease in access for a user as well as the seat height is set higher for easier seating.
Another object of the invention is to include “spa” features—namely {1} seat warmer {2} bidet jet spray {3} sound system {4} hydro-flush {5} air freshener which are automatic and activated by buttons which are located on the side armrests. On one side you have the buttons for the “spa” features and on the other side you have the buttons to adjust the pedestals to the desired height for the user.
Therefore, it can be seen that there are no toilet systems which offer the pedestals built directly into the base of the stool and no systems which have adjustable pedestals which are controlled by buttons on the side armrests for the ease and use of a person. In many cases, government regulations now require the use of facilities which meet certain health standards. Thus, a toilet system which did not require engagement of a handle would have particular attractiveness in these types of environments. This invention will solve those issues which have not been addressed by prior art.
This summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
According to the Mayo Clinic many people around the world do not possess acceptable toilet systems and this poses one of the greatest health issues of our day. Medical doctors, naturopaths, and health professionals alike have pointed out the inefficiencies of the modern western toilets found universally in homes and commercial buildings throughout the land.
In any building or home structure the bathrooms certainly are the place of greatest need and desirability. People are very much concerned with their bathroom area and the toilet system is at the center of it all. In addition to good fixtures, no leakages and durable parts and fittings—the requirement of luxury and convenience is added.
An embodiment of the present invention is that this invention introduces a new category of toilets—pedestal toilets—which are toilets designed with pedestals contained in a compartment in the base of the stool.
In another embodiment of this invention, “Grandma's Helper” comes equipped with automatic, adjustable pedestals which are accessed and activated by buttons which are located on the armrest which has been provided for ease in sitting on the toilet.
In another embodiment of this invention there are “spa” features—namely {1} seat warmer {2} bidet jet spray {3} sound system {4} hydro-flush {5} air freshener which make going to the toilet more enjoyable for a user. These features are accessed and activated by buttons located on the armrest of the toilet for ease of the user.
In another embodiment of the present invention, in many plumbing installations, it is customary to provide flush valves for the urinal fixtures, which are equipped with handles for operating the same to flush the urinal fixture after its use. However, for hygienic reasons—people using the urinal are reluctant to manually operate the flush valve or neglect to do so and as a result, the urinal becomes foul and noxious and constitutes a health hazard. IT is therefore desirable that some means be provided for eliminating the human element from operating the flush valve and instead provide means for automatically flushing the urinal at periodic intervals. In accordance with the applicant's invention, the manually operated handle on the flush valve is replaced with an automatic means such as an electric device, which provides a hydro-flush system when the user has completed the defecation process. This automatic hydro-flush feature is a powerful system which removes all of the stoppages, impurities and blockages to clean the toilet area effectively.
In another embodiment of this invention, this invention provides a bidet jet spray system also activated at the touch of a button. The conventional method when using the toilet is to use some type of paper tissue to clean the user after using the toilet. However, after many studies it has been proven that the use of tissues doesn't cleanse the area properly and optimum sanitary conditions are not achieved. The bidet jet spray system in “Grandma's Helper” is carefully designed and keeps the water pressure to level which satisfies the needs of its user and completes the hygienic requirement successfully.
In another embodiment of this invention, this invention provides an automatic air freshener which releases a beautiful scent to remove unpleasant vapors from the area.
In another embodiment of this invention, this invention also has an automatic sound system to soothe and entertain the user while completing the natural process.
In another embodiment of this invention, this invention comes equipped with an automatic seat warmer.
“Grandma's Helper” toilet system can be a huge help to people suffering from health problems and the growing elderly population. Not only does this invention make it easier for challenged individuals and seniors to sit on it and use the toilet it also makes a tremendous amount of sense in how we should eliminate. This innovative, health-giving toilet stool is easy to use and highly effective in positioning the colon for effortless bowel movements. This toilet can be automatically adjusted as per the user requirement to achieve the natural “squatting” position which humans have used since the beginning of time. Simply touch a button and the pedestals will automatically adjust to his/her desired position.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
