Abstract:
A sanitizing method utilizing a portable bidet is disclosed. A portable bidet is provided, consisting of a container having a liquid contained therein, with the liquid being discharged from the container under pressure onto a genital or anal region of a user. The container may be sealed, and may have a nozzle. The container may be deformable, so that pressure is imparted through a squeezing action, or may have a pressurized gas source to create pressure.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates generally to sanitation methods and, more particularly, to a sanitation method utilizing a portable and disposable bidet.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     In most developed countries, flushable toilets are used to carry away human waste, as well as toilet paper that has been used to clean the anal region following defecation, or the genital region following urination. Within some developed countries, the use of a bidet to assist in the cleaning process following defecation or urination is preferred. A bidet is typically located in the bathroom near the toilet.  
         [0003]     The use of a bidet can help prevent certain infections, and can help in the treatment of various conditions relating to the anal and genital areas. These include vaginal yeast infections, chronic urinary tract infections (cystitis and urethritis), hemorrhoids, constipation, incontinence, postpartum discharges, vulvodynia, anal pruritis, and anal fissures. The use of a bidet has been particularly recommended for senior citizens, pregnant women, and young children. They are considered to be especially helpful in preserving feminine hygiene.  
         [0004]     A bidet is typically a porcelain structure having a bowl similar in design to flush toilets but with a fixed, upwardly oriented water spray nozzle. Hot and cold water valves permit a user to adjust the temperature and flow of water through the nozzle. Thus, a person desiring to utilize a bidet will typically adjust the water flow and temperature, and then position the body over the nozzle so that the flow of water is directed to the desired region or regions. Following washing, a towel, blow dryer, or toilet paper may be used to remove any remaining water on the person&#39;s body.  
         [0005]     While flush toilets are generally available in most populated areas of most developed countries, there are places where they are generally not available. This includes remote sites, such as camping areas and the like. In addition, in less developed countries, flush toilets may not generally be available. In both developed and less developed countries, even where flush toilets are present, bidets are typically found only in private homes or in hotel bathrooms.  
         [0006]     Battery-operated, electronic travel bidets do exist, and these address some of the issues addressed herein. However, they are relatively expensive (for example the NEXWELL travel bidet sells for $70), require batteries, and are somewhat complicated mechanically. Because they need batteries, they may not be convenient for use in locations where batteries are not readily available. As with any electronic device, they are vulnerable to failure. Because they are reusable, they can become contaminated. Finally, because they rely on a local water source, they may not be of benefit in an area where water purity cannot be assured.  
         [0007]     A need therefore existed for a portable and disposable sanitizing method that permits a person to experience the benefits of a bidet type of cleansing, in the absence of a bidet. The method should utilize a portable, disposable, one-time use container. It should permit the direction of a flow of water under low pressure to a person&#39;s genital or anal region.  
         [0008]     The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for washing utilizing a portable bidet is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a portable container having an exit; wherein the container is sized so as to be able to fit within a single human hand during use; providing liquid contained within the container; providing a nozzle coupled to the exit; and permitting a user to force the liquid, under pressure, through the exit and through the nozzle and onto one of an anal and a genital area of a user; wherein the step of permitting a user to force the liquid, under pressure, further comprises the step of providing a deformable the container so that pressure upon the liquid may be imparted by squeezing the container.  
         [0010]     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for washing utilizing a portable bidet is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a portable container having an exit; wherein the container is sized so as to be able to fit within a single human hand during use; covering the exit with a seal; providing liquid contained within the container; providing a nozzle coupled to the exit; wherein the nozzle is insertable through the seal; permitting a user to force the liquid, under pressure, through the exit and through the nozzle and onto one of an anal and a genital area of a user; and wherein the step of permitting a user to force the liquid, under pressure, further comprises the step of providing a deformable the container so that pressure upon the liquid may be imparted by squeezing the container.  
         [0011]     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for washing utilizing a portable bidet is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a portable container having an exit; wherein the container is sized so as to be able to fit within a single human hand during use; providing liquid contained within the container; providing a nozzle coupled to the exit; permitting a user to force the liquid, under pressure, through the exit and through the nozzle and onto one of an anal and a genital area of a user; wherein the step of permitting a user to force the liquid, under pressure, further comprises the step of providing a pressurized gas source to propel the liquid under pressure; wherein the pressurized gas source is located in an interior portion of the container. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container, adapted to be utilized in connection with a portable sanitizing method consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a container, adapted to be utilized in connection with a portable sanitizing method consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a container, adapted to be utilized in connection with a portable sanitizing method consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a container, adapted to be utilized in connection with a portable sanitizing method consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a container, adapted to be utilized in connection with a portable sanitizing method consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a container, adapted to be utilized in connection with a portable sanitizing method consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an aerosol-type container, adapted to be utilized in connection with a portable sanitizing method consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0019]      FIGS. 1-7  illustrate different embodiments of a container utilizable in connection with a portable sanitation method consistent with the present invention. While they differ in their particular configurations and in some of their attributes, they share certain common features.  
         [0020]     Thus, each comprises a container that contains a liquid. The liquid is preferably water. It may be desired to treat the water with soap or some other cleaning agent, with a fragrance, or otherwise as desired. Each container permits the liquid to be discharged through an exit in the container. Each permits the liquid to be discharged in a sufficiently focused manner so as to be able to target and cleanse the genital or anal region of a user. Furthermore, each permits the imparting of sufficient pressure on the liquid so as to permit such focused discharge—with the pressure being created either by mechanical force (i.e., the squeezing of the container) or through the use of a gas under pressure. Preferably, each container is disposable. It is also preferred that each container, in order to ensure portability and convenience, be sized as to be capable of being held during use as described herein in a single human hand.  
         [0021]     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a container  10  is shown. The container  10  is preferably formed of a deformable, plastic type of material. It contains a liquid as herein described. A twistable cap  12  seals the container  10 , so as to prevent the liquid from exiting therefrom. This permits the container  10  to be transported in a purse, suitcase, bag or the like, without leaking, until ready for use. In addition to preventing leaking, the seal prevents contamination of the liquid, and thus reduces the risk of infection or other harm following the discharge of the liquid into a body orifice.  
         [0022]     A person desiring to use container  10  must first twist and remove cap  12 . This unseals the container  10 , and exposes an opening through which the liquid is discharged. Because the container  10  is deformable, a person may impart pressure on the liquid by squeezing the container  10 , causing the liquid to flow upward or otherwise against gravity, as desired, to clean the desired region. In this configuration, the tapering of the container  10  facilitates the imparting of pressure, and also the focusing of the discharged liquid. As herein illustrated, the container  10  should be utilized a single time only, and thereafter discarded in an appropriate manner.  
         [0023]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a container  20  is shown. The container  20  is preferably formed of a deformable, plastic type of material. It contains a liquid as herein described. A cap  22  closes the container  20 . Preferably, the cap  22  covers a foil or other type of seal (not shown), which prevents the liquid from exiting the container  20  prior to use, and protects the liquid from contamination, for the reasons described above. In this embodiment, a straw-type nozzle  24  is also provided, which is insertable into the cap  22 . (In one embodiment, the nozzle  24  and cap  22  may be a one-piece assembly.)  
         [0024]     A person desiring to use container  20  must first break the seal. In one embodiment, the cap  22  is removed, the seal removed or broken, and the cap  22  restored. Positioning of the nozzle  24  then permits the discharge of liquid therethrough. In another embodiment, the nozzle  24  has a sharpened lower end, which end may be pushed down through the seal, so as to break the seal and permit the flow of liquid. Because the container  20  is deformable, a person may impart pressure on the liquid by squeezing the container  20 , causing the liquid to flow upward or otherwise against gravity, as desired, to clean the desired region.  
         [0025]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the nozzle  24  is angled. This facilitates aiming, and can reduce the amount a person may be required to bend in order to properly position the container  20  for use. The use of a relatively narrow straw-type nozzle  24  facilitates the imparting of pressure, and also the focusing of the discharged liquid. As herein illustrated, the container  20  should be utilized a single time only, and thereafter discarded in an appropriate manner.  
         [0026]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a container  30  is shown. The container  30  is preferably formed of a deformable, foil type of material formed into a bladder type of configuration. It contains a liquid as herein described. A foil or other type of seal (not shown) closes the container  30  before use, for the reasons and benefits described above. In this embodiment, a straw-type nozzle  34  is also provided, which is insertable into the container  30  through the seal. Preferably, the nozzle  34  has a sharpened lower end, which end may be pushed down through the seal, so as to break the seal and permit the flow of liquid. Prior to use, the nozzle  34  is preferably located in a sealed wrapper so as to limit the risk of contamination, and glued or otherwise associated with the container  30 .  
         [0027]     Because the container  30  is deformable, a person may through a squeezing action impart pressure on the liquid, causing it to flow upward or otherwise against gravity, as desired, to clean the desired region. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the nozzle  34  is straight. As herein illustrated, the container  30  should be utilized a single time only, and thereafter discarded in an appropriate manner.  
         [0028]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a container  40  is shown. The container  40  is preferably formed of a deformable, pulp type of material formed into a box type of configuration. It contains a liquid as herein described. A foil or other type of seal (not shown) closes the container  40  before use, for the reasons and benefits described above. In this embodiment, a straw-type nozzle  44  is also provided, which is insertable into the container  40  through the seal. Preferably, the nozzle  44  has a sharpened lower end, which end may be pushed down through the seal, so as to break the seal and permit the flow of liquid. Prior to use, the nozzle  44  is preferably located in a sealed wrapper so as to limit the risk of contamination, and glued or otherwise associated with the container  40 .  
         [0029]     Because the container  40  is deformable, a person may by squeezing impart pressure on the liquid, causing it to flow upward or otherwise against gravity, as desired, to clean the desired region. As shown in  FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the nozzle  44  is angled. This facilitates aiming, and can reduce the amount a person may be required to bend in order to properly position the container  40  for use. The use of a relatively narrow straw-type nozzle  44  facilitates the imparting of pressure, and also the focusing of the discharged liquid. As herein illustrated, the container  40  should be utilized a single time only, and thereafter discarded in an appropriate manner.  
         [0030]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a container  50  is shown. The container  50  is preferably formed of a deformable, plastic type of material. It contains a liquid as herein described. A cap  52  closes the container  50 . Preferably, the cap  52  covers a foil or other type of seal (not shown), which prevents the liquid from exiting the container  50  prior to use, and protects the liquid from contamination, for the reasons described above. In this embodiment, a flip-up nozzle  54  is also provided, which is coupled to the cap  52 .  
         [0031]     A person desiring to use container  50  must first break the seal. In one embodiment, the cap  52  is removed, the seal removed or broken, and the cap  52  restored. Flipping up of the nozzle  54  then permits the discharge of liquid therethrough. Because the container  50  is deformable, a person may through a squeezing action impart pressure on the liquid, causing it to flow upward or otherwise against gravity, as desired, to clean the desired region. As herein illustrated, the container  50  should be utilized a single time only, and thereafter discarded in an appropriate manner.  
         [0032]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a container  60  is shown. The container  60  is preferably formed of a deformable, plastic type of material, and tapers upward. It contains a liquid as herein described. A cap  62  having a lid  66  closes the container  60 . The lid  66  preferably conceals and covers an opening (not shown) in the cap  62 . Preferably, the cap  62  covers a foil or other type of seal (not shown), which prevents the liquid from exiting the container  60  prior to use, and protects the liquid from contamination, for the reasons described above.  
         [0033]     A person desiring to use container  60  must first break the seal. In one embodiment, the cap  62  is removed, the seal removed or broken, and the cap  62  restored. Flipping up of the lid  66  then permits the discharge of liquid from the container  60  through the opening (not shown) in the cap  62 .  
         [0034]     Because the container  60  is deformable, a person may by squeezing impart pressure on the liquid, causing it to flow upward or otherwise against gravity, as desired, to clean the desired region. In this configuration, the tapering of the container  60  facilitates the imparting of pressure, and also the focusing of the discharged liquid. As herein illustrated, the container  60  should be utilized a single time only, and thereafter discarded in an appropriate manner.  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a container  70  is shown. The container  70 , in this embodiment, is preferably aerosol type. Liquid is contained therein, under pressure, and may be discharged via spray nozzle  74 . A person desiring to use container  70  may first be required to shake the container  70  in order to increase the effectiveness of the propellant located therein. The nozzle  74  is then aimed, and the nozzle  74  depressed. Liquid is then discharged under pressure through nozzle  74  toward the desired area. It may be desired to further provide a straw-type second nozzle (not shown), insertable into the nozzle  74 , for purposes of increasing accuracy and perhaps also providing increased pressure.  
         [0036]     It should be noted that  FIG. 7  merely shows one exemplary embodiment of a container having liquid located therein under pressure. Other means may be utilized to create such pressure, including for example a separate gas cartridge that may be coupled to the container for use.  
         [0037]     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0038]     For example, it may be desired to provide a brush or sponge attachment to a nozzle or container, to assist in the cleaning process. In addition, it may be desired to provide shielding for the exposed nozzle end, so as to prevent its accidental and possible damaging insertion into an anal or vaginal cavity. While, generally, it is preferred that the containers be designed for one-time use and then discarded, and further that they be filled during a manufacturing process and then sealed, it may be desirable to provide a container as herein described that is refillable by the user (and perhaps also initially fillable by the user) and that may be re-used. Additional such variations may be possible, provided that the container utilized is portable and self-contained, and has a liquid therein which may be discharged therefrom under pressure toward an anal or genital region.