Patent Grant
11060271
This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/287,032, filed on May 25, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,464,425 B2.
The present invention relates generally to conventional toilet fixture attachments, and more particularly, to an improved portable personal hygiene device.
Currently there exist in the art various bidets, bidet systems, and methods for cleansing the underside region of a user. However, the prior art has failed to disclose or teach a portable personal hygiene device which includes an integrally formed bracket for detachably securing the device to a toilet rim, a fully retractable and extendable nozzle assembly, a discharge control and adjustment mechanism, a retractable and extendable brace, or a portable remote control device for remotely controlling the operation of the hygiene device.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved personal hygiene device for cleansing and treating the posterior regions of a user. The development of the portable personal hygiene device fulfills this need.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,577 B1, issued in the name of Hammad;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,527 B1, issued in the name of Paul;
U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,374 B2, issued in the name of Hassan;
U.S. Pat. No. 3,602,921, issued in the name of Umann;
U.S. Pat. No. 3,808,608, issued in the name of Caplan;
U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,804 issued in the name of Schrader et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,754, issued in the name of Bader et al.; and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,516, issued in the name of Chang.
Consequently, a need has been felt for an improved portable personal hygiene device for treating and/or cleansing and anal region of a user in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.
This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need or needs not yet satisfied by the products, inventions and methods previously or presently available. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosed herein describe a portable hygiene device being detachably secured to the rim edge of a toilet bowl, the device comprising a housing, the housing comprises an integrally molded first interior chamber; an integrally molded second interior chamber; a power source, the power source is enclosed within the first interior chamber; a motor; a control switch; a pump, the pump and motor are enclosed within the second interior chamber, the pump is driven by the motor, the motor is powered via the power source, activation of the motor is controlled by the control switch; a nozzle assembly; a flexible discharge conduit interconnecting the nozzle assembly with the pump; a flexible intake conduit interconnecting the pump and a reservoir, the pump draws liquid from the reservoir via the flexible intake conduit, and wherein the pump transfers the drawn liquid into the flexible discharge conduit through which liquid is delivered to the nozzle assembly and discharged therefrom as a spray or stream, the nozzle assembly and the flexible discharge conduit are slidably movable between fully retracted and extended positions via a discharge control and adjustment mechanism; a container adapter for removably attaching the reservoir to the housing; a means for enabling the nozzle assembly to oscillate and discharge liquid in a concurrent fashion; and a portable remote control device for remotely controlling the operation of the hygiene device, the portable hygiene device providing unanticipated and nonobvious combination of features distinguished from the products, inventions and methods preexisting in the art. The applicant is unaware of any device, method, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a portable personal hygiene device is disclosed. The hygiene device is adapted and configured to be detachably secured to a container, such as a bucket, and more particularly, a toilet bowl of a conventional toilet fixture. The hygiene device controllably directs liquid, water, or other solution to the posterior portions of a user's body. The hygiene device comprises a housing comprising a two-piece unit which includes abutting half sections. The abutting half sections being mutually cooperative for secured connection to one another forming an interior chamber for enclosing a power source, and an interior chamber for enclosing a motor and a pump.
The housing further comprises a mounting bracket for fitting over and frictionally engaging the toilet rim of the toilet bowl, thereby detachably securing the hygiene device to the toilet bowl.
In accordance to one embodiment, the mounting bracket is telescopically adjustable so as to allow for a plurality of selectively-desired, latitudinal setting positions thereof.
An adjustable brace is provided to facilitate enhanced secured attachment of the hygiene device to the toilet rim.
The pump is driven by the electric motor which is powered via the power source, such as rechargeable batteries. Activation of the motor is controlled by a control switch.
A flexible, retractable discharge conduit interconnects a nozzle assembly with the pump. The pump transfers water from a reservoir to the discharge outlet of the nozzle assembly. The reservoir may include a beverage container, such as a plastic bottle. A flexible conduit interconnects the pump and the reservoir, wherein the pump draws water from the reservoir via the flexible conduit and transfers the water into the flexible, retractable discharge conduit through which water is delivered to the nozzle assembly and discharged therefrom as a spray or stream. The nozzle assembly and discharge conduit are slidably movable between fully retracted and extended positions.
A discharge control and adjustment mechanism is provided for both controlling the extension and retraction of the nozzle assembly and discharge conduit, and engaging the control switch, thereby activating the motor.
A reservoir coupling mechanism is provided for detachably securing a reservoir to the housing.
A means for enabling the nozzle assembly to oscillate and discharge liquid in a concurrent fashion is disclosed.
In accordance to one embodiment, a portable remote control device is disclosed for remotely controlling the operation of the hygiene device.
In accordance to another embodiment, a portable personal hygiene device is disclosed which includes a means by which the pump thereof may be detachably connected and in fluid communication with a conventional water line.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
Referring now to
The hygiene device 10 controllably directs water 7, hygienic solutions, solutions comprising medicinal agents, or other selectively-desired liquids or solutions capable of being dispensed or discharged as a spray or stream, to a selected localized area, such as the posterior portions (anal region) and genitals of a user's body. The hygiene device 10 comprises a housing 20 which includes at least one integrally molded chamber. In accordance with one embodiment, the at least one integrally molded chamber comprises an integrally molded first interior chamber 12 enclosing a power source 70, and an integrally molded second interior chamber 14 enclosing a motor 74 and pump 50. The housing 20 may include one or more airflow openings 680 disposed therein, as shown in
The housing 20 further comprises a two-piece unit 20a, the unit 20a comprising abutting half sections 22 and 26, wherein each section 22, 26 respectively defines a plate 1023, 1027 or body having a continuous sidewall 24, 28 extending upward integrally therefrom, and a dorsal side D and ventral side V. The half sections 22 and 26 each further includes an upper portion 22a, 26a, a middle portion 22b, 26b, and a lower portion 22c, 26c, respectively.
The half sections 22, 26 are constructed of a lightweight, rigid material which may be selected from the group which includes, but is not limited to wood, plastic, thermoplastic, metal or a metallic-plastic composite. Preferred plastic and thermoplastic materials include polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyolefin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, or blends thereof, and ABS/Nylon blend. The half sections 22, 26 may further be constructed utilizing a common molding process such as injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, or other molding and fabricating methods.
The housing 20 may further comprise an enlarged opening 117 defined through the first half section 22 or the second half section 26. A removable panel 116 or door is detachably affixed to half section 22 or 26 so as to cover completely enlarged opening 117. The enlarged opening 117 is shown herein as being defined through second half section 26, with removable panel 116 being detachable affixed thereto and effectively covering enlarged opening 117. The panel 116 may be detachably affixed to half section 22 or 26 via a suitable fastener 116a, e.g., one or more screws, a snap-fit arrangement, mechanical interference-type fit, or other suitable attaching means.
The continuous sidewall 24 of first half section 22 and continuous sidewall 28 of second half section 26 each forming a perimeter, the perimeters having a shape being mirror images of one another. The continuous sidewalls 24 and 28 extend integrally into horizontal interface surfaces 23 and 27, respectively, along respective inner sides of the half sections 22 and 26.
Referring now more specifically to
Referring now to
The middle portion 22b of half section 22 includes an integrally molded first compartment 100 for retaining a power source 70. In accordance to one exemplary embodiment, the first compartment 100 is dimensionally-sized to snugly accommodate and retain a power source housing 72 therein, the power source 70 being disposed within the housing 72. The compartment 100 is defined by an inner side surface 24a of continuous sidewall 24, a longitudinal wall 124 opposing inner side surface 24a, and a first horizontal wall 120 opposing a second horizontal wall 122. The compartment 100 further defines an integrally molded recessed floor 123 from which the inner side surface 24a of continuous sidewall 24, longitudinal wall 124, first horizontal wall 120, and second horizontal wall 122 upwardly depend. In accordance to one embodiment, the second horizontal wall 122 may extend perpendicularly from the floor 123 to a length exceeding vertically the horizontal plane along which continuous sidewall 24 resides.
In accordance to another embodiment, the second horizontal wall 122 may be defined as a removable support shelf 122a upon which the power source housing 72 is supported or suitably mounted. The removable support shelf 122a may extend perpendicularly from the floor 123 to a length exceeding vertically the horizontal plane along which continuous sidewall 24 resides.
The middle portion 22b of half section 22 further includes an integrally molded second compartment 200 for retaining an electric motor 74 and pump 50. In accordance to one exemplary embodiment, the second compartment 200 is dimensionally-sized to accommodate and retain the motor 74 and pump 50 therein. The second compartment 200 is defined by a first longitudinal wall 224 opposing a second longitudinal wall 226, a first horizontal wall 220 opposing a partially-extending second horizontal wall 222, wherein the walls 224, 226, 220, and 222 being formed or molded integral by the continuous sidewall 24. A recessed gain, shown herein as a concavity 230, extends integrally between the partially-extending second horizontal wall 222 and the second longitudinal wall 226 of second compartment 200.
The second compartment 200 further defines an integrally molded recessed floor 223 from which the continuous sidewall 24, first longitudinal wall 224, second longitudinal wall 226, first horizontal wall 220, and partially-extending second horizontal wall 222 upwardly depend. The concavity 230 is oriented in a plane parallel to the plane in which the floors 123 and 223 of the first and second compartments 100 and 200, respectively, lie.
In accordance to one embodiment, the partially-extending second horizontal wall 222 may extend perpendicularly from the floor 223 to a length exceeding vertically the horizontal plane along which continuous sidewall 24 resides.
The lower portion 22c of half section 22 comprises an integrally molded tail extension 90 which projects downwardly at a slightly angular pitch, the extension 90 extending from the second horizontal wall 222 along the continuous sidewall 24 of the dorsal side D of half section 22.
The middle portion 26b of half section 26 includes an integrally molded complementary first compartment 300 for retaining the power source 70. In accordance to one exemplary embodiment, the complementary first compartment 300 is dimensionally-sized to snugly accommodate and retain the power source housing 72 therein. The complementary first compartment 300 is defined by an inner side surface 28a of continuous sidewall 28, a longitudinal wall 324 opposing inner side surface 28a, and a horizontal wall 320 integrally molded perpendicular to the inner side surface 28a of continuous wall 28 and longitudinal wall 324. The compartment 100 further defines an integrally molded recessed floor 323 from which inner side surface 28a of the continuous sidewall 28, longitudinal wall 324, and horizontal wall 320 upwardly depend.
In specific reference to
Referring now more particularly to
Alternatively, the bracket portions 80 and 81 conjunctively form a mounting bracket 83 for fitting over and slidably engaging the inner rim side edge 7a, the outer rim side edge 8, and the upper rim surface edge 6 of the toilet rim 5a of the toilet bowl 5. As depicted in
In accordance to one embodiment, the bracket 83a is telescopically adjustable so as to allow for a plurality of selectively-desired, latitudinal setting positions thereof (telescopic bracket 83a shown in
With specific reference to
The receiver 186 is suitably disposed and/or affixed in an axially oriented concave fossa 188 formed integral in first half section 22 between the first compartment 100 and second compartment 200 thereof, along the ventral side V of continuous sidewall 24, wherein the fossa 188 extending contiguously into an integrally formed, axially oriented elongated channel 188a. The second half section 26 includes an axially oriented concave fossa 189 formed integral thereto between the complementary first compartment 300 and complementary second compartment 400, along the ventral side V of continuous sidewall 28, wherein the wherein the fossa 189 extending contiguously into an integrally formed, axially oriented elongated channel 189a. Fossas 188 and 189 conjunctively form a receiver compartment 189b upon secure intimate connection of first half section 22 to second half section 26.
Referring now to
Upon secure intimate connection of first half section 22 to second half section 26, the concavities 230 and 429, of both respective second compartment 200 and complementary second compartment 400 of half sections 22 and 26, conjunctively form an opening 232, shown herein as a generally circular opening 232. The opening 232 has a mouth 233 which includes an upper surface 234 opposing a lower surface 235. The opening 232 provides direct and open passage from an exterior or outside of housing 20 into the second interior chamber 14. The opening 232 is diametrically sized so as to provide a space for receiving and affixing a container adapter 160, a reservoir closure cap 1160, and an annular collar 1162 of a reservoir 110. The container adapter 160 provides a means for detachably connecting a reservoir 110 to the housing 20 in sealed, airtight relationship. The container adapter 160, reservoir closure cap 1160, and annular collar 1162 shall be described later in greater detail.
In specific reference to
The lower portion 26c of half section 26 comprises an integrally molded tail extension 190 which projects downwardly at a slightly angular pitch, the extension 190 extending from the partially-extending horizontal wall 428 along the continuous sidewall 28 of the dorsal side D of half section 26.
Referring now more particularly to
In accordance to one embodiment, the electric motor 74 and pump 50 may be mounted to a mounting frame plate 227 (shown in
In accordance to another embodiment, the electric motor 74 and pump 50 may be mounted along lower sides thereof to a support platform, or a pair of spaced support brackets 228, 229 (also shown in
The pump 50 is driven by the electric motor 74 which is powered via a power source 70, such as batteries or rechargeable batteries. The electric motor 74 is connected via wiring across two terminals of the power source 70. In order to activate electric motor 74 to drive pump 50, a control switch 640 is depressed, the control switch 640 and motor 74 being electrically interconnected via wiring.
The pump 50 draws water 7 from the reservoir 110 via a flexible intake conduit 54 and transfers the water 7 into the flexible, retractable discharge conduit 40 through which water 7 is delivered to the nozzle assembly 60. A tubular, first elbow fitting 56 connects the pump 50 to the flexible conduit 54. The pump 50 includes an inlet port 51 to which one end of the first elbow fitting 56 is connected in an airtight sealed fashion, the other end of first elbow fitting 56 is connected to an outlet 55 of flexible conduit 54 in an airtight sealed fashion. Flexible conduit 54 includes an inlet 55a through which water 7 is drawn from the reservoir 110. The pump 50 further includes an outlet port 51a to which one end of a second elbow fitting 58 is connected in an airtight sealed fashion, the other end of second elbow fitting 58 is connected to an inlet 42 of flexible, retractable conduit 40 in an airtight sealed fashion.
The nozzle assembly 60 comprises a spray nozzle 62 comprising an inlet 64 and a discharge outlet 66, the inlet 64 extending contiguous and in direct fluid communication with the discharge outlet 66. The inlet 64 of nozzle 62 is connected to an outlet 44 of flexible, retractable conduit 40 and in fluid communication therewith, wherein the inlet 64 of nozzle 62 and outlet 44 of conduit 40 are connected in an airtight sealed fashion.
Referring now more specifically to
The horizontal interface surface 23 of first half section 22 is integrally formed with a recessed channel 600 extending longitudinally along the tail extension 90, the recessed channel 600 having a proximal end 602 and a distal end 604, wherein the proximal end 602 of recessed channel 600 extending contiguously to a discharge conduit guide channel 610 about which discharge conduit 40 translates, the discharge conduit guide channel 610 formed integral in section 22 and extending upward curvilinearly and terminating at a nozzle recess 614.
The horizontal interface surface 27 of second half section 26 is integrally formed with a complementary recessed channel 620 extending longitudinally along the tail extension 190, the complementary recessed channel 620 having a proximal end 622 and a distal end 624, wherein the proximal end 622 of recessed channel 620 extending contiguously to an axially oriented portal 626 in open fluid communication with the complementary second compartment 400. The recessed channel 600 of first half section 22 and complementary recessed channel 620 of second half section 26 conjunctively form a guide chamber 627 for receiving the flanged fitting 504 of discharge control and adjustment mechanism 500 upon secure intimate connection of first half section 22 to second half section 26.
Second half section 26 further comprises a complementary nozzle recess 628 formed integral in the arm 80b of bracket portion 81, wherein the complementary nozzle recess 628 oriented distal to nadir 82a. The nozzle recess 614 of first half section 22 and nozzle recess 628 of second half section 26 conjunctively form a nozzle retaining cavity 630 for receiving the nozzle assembly 60 upon secure intimate connection of first half section 22 to second half section 26. The nozzle retaining cavity 630 is shaped to accommodate the contour of nozzle assembly 60.
An integrally molded abutment rib 615 (best illustrated in
The nozzle assembly 60 and discharge conduit 40 are slidably movable between a fully retracted position, where the nozzle assembly 60 is received in the nozzle retaining cavity 630, discharge conduit 40 is received in guide channel 610, and flanged fitting 504, of discharge control and adjustment mechanism 500, is received in the guide chamber 627, as best illustrated in
The nozzle assembly 60 and discharge conduit 40 are slidably movable between the retracted position and extended position via slidable movement of the knob 502 by user between position P1 and P2, respectively. The mutual cooperation of knob 502 and guide channel 610 allows for any number of selectively-desired, retracted and extended setting positions of the nozzle assembly 60 about the internally open volume provided by toilet bowl 5. First half section 22 may include an elongated recess 130 formed integral therein providing an opening 132 in housing 20 about which planar body 505 of flanged fitting 504 translates to facilitate frictionless movement by flanged fitting 504 about guide chamber 627 during the course of retraction and extension of nozzle assembly 60 and discharge conduit 40. To further facilitate friction-free translation by flanged fitting 504 about the guide chamber 627, it is envisioned a liner 134, membrane, or cover may be disposed on the opposing inner surface edges 131 of the elongated recess 130 and/or body 505 of fitting 504 (
In the extended position, the nozzle assembly 60 is capable of directing a stream of cleansing water 7, via the spray nozzle 62, against the underside of the user who is or may be seated on the toilet seat 6a, thereby cleansing the genitals and anal skin areas on the underside of the user.
Referring now more specifically to
In order to actuate control switch 640, the switch arm 642 is depressed upon contact by the flanged fitting 504 therewith as the knob 502 is moved upwardly to extend nozzle assembly 60 and discharge conduit 40, and depressed as the knob 502 is moved downwardly to retract the nozzle assembly 60 and discharge conduit 40. In accordance to the instant embodiment, the distance between the knob 502 at position P1 and the switch arm 642 provides user with a delayed liquid discharge period, or delayed timer, the period defined as the time required to slidably move knob 502 from position P1 to P2.
In reference to
In further accordance to the embodiment depicted in
The first half section 22 and the second half section 26 each further includes a curved opening 1506 and 1508, respectively, oriented perpendicular to the vertical slot 1132. The curved openings 1506 and 1508 conjunctively form a horizontally-oriented toggle slot 1510 along which the pin 1505 of the discharge control and adjustment mechanism 500a reciprocates. The toggle slot 1510 is in open, fluid communication with vertical slot 1132. As depicted in
Referring now more particularly to
Likewise, as the knob 1502 is slidably moved downward to position P1, the nozzle assembly 60 and discharge conduit 40 retract in a concurrent, correlated manner until the knob 1502 is positioned at position P1 at which the nozzle assembly 60 is received in the nozzle retaining cavity 630 and discharge conduit 40 is received in guide channel 610.
Referring now more particularly to
Toggling the knob 1502 to the right causes the discharge conduit 40 to move in a direction to the left, as indicated by direction arrow B, and causes the spray nozzle 62 to swivel along curved plane portion A (CPA) of cubic plane curve PC. Toggling knob 1502 to the left causes the discharge conduit 40 to move in a direction to the right, as indicated by direction arrow A, and causes the spray nozzle 62 to swivel along curved plane portion B (CPB) of cubic plane curve PC.
Referring now to
The depressible button 640a is shown in
In reference to
In further accordance to the embodiment illustrated in
It is envisioned that in accordance with another embodiment, in order to activate the electric motor 74 to drive the pump 50, the hygiene device 10 may comprise the combination of a control switch 1640 and a knob 502, 1502, thereby providing the user with the option to select either means for activating the pump 50 to discharge liquid from the spray nozzle 62.
Referring now to
The lower surface 163b of the top portion 163 of the container adapter 160 is suitably affixed to the upper surface 234 of the mouth of opening 232.
The axial through passage 165 is defined centrally through the body 162, as best shown in
The body 162 of container adapter 160 may comprise an enlarged top portion 163 from which a narrow bottom portion 164 extends integrally downward, centrally therefrom.
A plurality of thin, resilient annular flanges 166 molded integral to the bottom portion 164 surround the through passage 165. The annular flanges 166 have an outside diameter 167 that is greater than the inside diameter 118 of the neck 114 of container 112. When the bottom portion 164 is forced into the neck 114 of container 112, the flanges 166 are compressed against the inside circumferential surface 115 of neck 114, securing the adapter 160 in the container 112, and sealing the junction therebetween.
A bore 670 extends vertically through the annular wall 162a of body 162. An elongated, flexible tube 675 extends through the bore 670 and is securely retained therein in a tight-fit arrangement. The tube 675 includes a lower end 676 extending through the bore inlet 671 and an upper end 677 extending through the bore outlet 672 and coupled to an air check valve 682 to which the tube 675 is in fluid communication.
The air check valve 682 is disposed within the airflow opening 680 (see
Referring now to
In reference now more particularly to
The platform 762 defines an upper surface 764 and a lower surface 766. The platform 762 further comprises a plurality of side walls 770 extending upward integrally about a perimeter of the platform 762 forming a recessed enclosure 772 on the upper surface 764 of platform 762. The plurality of sidewalls 770 comprises a front side wall 774 opposing a rear side wall 776, and a first end side wall 778 opposing a second end side wall 779. The front side wall 774 includes an elongated mortise 775 extending a substantial length theredown integrally forming opposed, raised abutment columns 774a and 774b (the function of which to be described later in greater detail).
The platform 762 further comprises a neck receiving void 780 defined perpendicularly therethrough, about a center thereof, wherein the neck receiving void 780 includes a diameter measuring larger than a diameter of an annular collar 1162 of a beverage container 112. The diameter of the neck receiving void 780 is also larger than a diameter of external threads 114a, 1166 of the neck 114 of a beverage container 112 (for beverage containers 112 which are absent of an annular collar 1162).
The reservoir coupling mechanism 760 further comprises a flexible, returnably-resilient pin 782 for flexible attachment to a reservoir 110. The pin 782 comprises a generally U-shaped, planar configuration having an upper surface 783 and a lower surface 784. The pin 782 defines a horizontal member 785 bifurcating integrally into a pair of curvilinear arms 786, 787, the pair of curvilinear arms 786, 787 extending in a spaced relationship. The curvilinear arms 786, 787 terminate in divergently projecting bulbous ears 788, 788a, respectively.
Each the first curvilinear arm 786 second curvilinear arm 787 comprises an anterior section 786a, 787a and a posterior section 786b, 787b, respectively. The first curvilinear arm 786 extends outwardly from a convergence 789 of horizontal member 785 and curves inward and tapers from a greater transverse width at the anterior section 786a thereof, and extends therefrom and slightly narrows to a smaller transverse width at the posterior section 786b thereof. The second curvilinear arm 787 extends outwardly from the convergence 789 of horizontal member 785 and curves inward and tapers from a greater transverse width at the anterior section 787a thereof, and extends therefrom and slightly widens to a smaller transverse width at the posterior section 787b thereof. The spaced distance SD1 between the facially-adjacent arms 786 and 787 is substantially greater than the spaced distance SD2 between the facially-adjacent arms 786 and 787. In addition, in accordance to this particular embodiment, the spaced distance SD2 measures less than the outside diameter 119 of the neck 114 of a selected beverage container 112.
The open space provided between the pair of arms 786, 787 forms a neck retaining void 792 for receiving a neck 114 of a beverage container 112. An entry portal 790 is provided between opposed curved edges 786c, 787c of the curvilinear arms 786, 787, respectively, wherein the entry portal 790 providing direct and open passage to the neck retaining void 792.
The pin 782 is positioned in the recessed enclosure 772 of platform 762 and slidably reciprocates along the upper surface 764 thereof. More specifically, the lower surface 784 of pin 782 slidably engages the upper surface 764 of platform 762 in a reciprocating manner. The pin 782 slidably reciprocates along the upper surface 764 of platform 762 linearly between the front side wall 774 and rear side wall 776 of platform 762. The horizontal member 785 provides a handle 785a by which the operator grasps the pin 782. The mortise 775 of platform 762 provides a recessed space through which the handle 785a extends outwardly therefrom, thereby allowing the pin 782 to be manipulated or otherwise grasped by the operator (as best illustrated in
In reference to
In order to prevent the pin 782 from being fully extracted from the platform 762, the ears 788, 788a of pin 782 engage the opposed, raised abutment columns 774a, 774b, respectively.
In order to detachably secure a beverage container 112 to the hygiene device 10 via the reservoir coupling mechanism 760, the user inserts the inlet 55a end of the flexible conduit 54 axially through the neck 114 and into the body of a selectively-desired, fluid-containing container 112. User then grasps and slidably pulls the handle 785a of the pin 782 rearwardly from the platform 762.
Next, the user longitudinally aligns and inserts the neck 114 of the container 112 through the opening 232 of the housing 20 and pushes the handle 785a forwardly, thereby engaging the pair of curvilinear arms 786, 787 against the external circumferential surface of the neck 114, below the annular collar 1162 (or below an external thread 1166 of neck 114 for beverage containers 112 absent of an annular collar 1162). User continues to push the handle 785 using a forward force causing the curvilinear arms 786, 787 to flex divergently and permitting the neck 114 of the beverage container 112 to move perpendicularly through the entry portal 790 and into the neck retaining void 792, wherein the curvilinear arms 786, 787 apply an inwardly-directed or compressional biasing force against the external circumferential surface of the neck 114, and the upper surface 783 of each the pair of curvilinear arms 786, 787 engages the continuous lower surface 1169 of the annular collar 1162 of beverage container 112 (or external thread interface 114b for beverage containers 112 absent of an annular collar 1162), securely retaining the beverage container 112 to the housing 20.
Referring now more particularly to
The controller unit 152 is adapted to transmit analog control signals, digital control signals, or combinations thereof along pathway 172 to control the operation of the motor 74. The controller unit 152 is adapted to receive wireless signals from wireless transmitter 150 with the wireless signals adapted to direct controller unit 152 to activate or deactivate motor 74, which thereby in turn, respectively starts or stops the pump 50.
For example, the user may push button 153 on remote transmitter 150 thereby transmitting a wireless signal from remote transmitter 150 to controller unit 152, the wireless signal causing controller unit 152 to activate motor 74 thereby starting the pump 50 from which water 7 is transferred to the nozzle assembly 60 and discharged therefrom. By way of another example, the user may push button 154 on remote transmitter 150 thereby transmitting a wireless signal from remote transmitter 150 to controller unit 152, the wireless signal causing controller unit 152 to deactivate motor 74 thereby stopping the pump 50.
In various implementations, the user may be able to control the energy or velocity of the stream of water 7 discharged from the spray nozzle 62. The user, for example, may push button 155 on remote transmitter 150 thereby transmitting a wireless signal from remote transmitter 150 to controller unit 152, the wireless signal causing controller unit 152 to activate motor to operate at a lower discharge pressure, thereby actuating pump 70 to generate a more energetic, higher velocity volume stream or spray of liquid or water 7 being discharged from the spray nozzle 62.
Accordingly, the operation of the motor 74 and pump 50 may be controlled by wireless transmitter 150 through wireless communications of wireless signals between wireless transmitter 150 and controller unit 152.
Finally, in reference to
The first length 654 of flexible conduit 54a having an inlet 655a and an outlet 655, the outlet 655 sealably connected to the end of first elbow fitting 56 in an airtight sealed manner, and the inlet 655a sealably connected to the outlet port 664 of valve 660, and the second length 754 of flexible conduit 54a having an inlet 755a and an outlet 755, the outlet 755 sealably connected to the inlet port 662 of valve 660. The inlet 755a is sealably connected to a spigot S of the conventional water line WL via a compressible spigot adapter 700. The spigot adapter 700 includes an outlet 702 and an inlet 704, the outlet 702 sealably connected to the inlet 755a of the second length 754, and the inlet 704 removably connected in an airtight sealed fashion to the spigot S. The spigot adapter 700 is firmly secured to the spigot S via mechanical interference. To provide a supply of water 7 to the hygiene device 10, the lever of spigot S is turned, pivoted, or manipulated in the conventional manner for permitting water 7 to flow from the conventional water line WL and through the spigot S. Next, the control lever 667 is manipulated (e.g., turned in one direction) to permit water 7 to transfer from the second length 754 to the first length 654 from which the water 7 is drawn by the pump 50 which transfers the water 7 into the flexible, retractable conduit 40 through which the water 7 is delivered to the nozzle assembly 60 from which the water 7 is discharged therefrom. To stop discharge of water 7 from the nozzle assembly 60, the control lever 667 is manipulated in the opposite direction.
It is envisioned that the various embodiments, as separately disclosed, are interchangeable in various aspects, so that elements of one embodiment may be incorporated into one or more of the other embodiments, and that specific positioning of individual elements may necessitate other arrangements not specifically disclosed to accommodate performance requirements or spatial considerations.
It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are limited to the specific embodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.
Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.
Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by the claims appended hereto.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3430268 | Zoberg | Mar 1969 | A |
| 3602921 | Umann | Sep 1971 | A |
| 3808608 | Caplan | May 1974 | A |
| 3914804 | Schrader et al. | Oct 1975 | A |
| 4259754 | Bader et al. | Apr 1981 | A |
| 4622704 | Chung | Nov 1986 | A |
| 5359736 | Olivier | Nov 1994 | A |
| 5570479 | Chomik | Nov 1996 | A |
| 5911516 | Chang | Jun 1999 | A |
| 6167577 | Hammad | Jan 2001 | B1 |
| 6192527 | Paul | Feb 2001 | B1 |
| 7216374 | Hassan | May 2007 | B2 |
| 10563390 | Schwab | Feb 2020 | B2 |
| 20060150311 | Chang Chien | Jul 2006 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200399882 A1 | Dec 2020 | US |
