Abstract:
A personal washing system having a water purification chamber, cleaning agent injection system, mixing chamber for mixing a cleaning agent with water to produce a cleaning solution, and application hose and nozzle for applying the cleaning solution to an area being cleaned.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional application Serial No. 60/360,471 filed Feb. 27, 2002. 
     
    
     
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    N/A  
         COPYRIGHT NOTICE  
         [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0005]    This invention relates generally to a washing device and system, and more particularly, to a personal body and clothing washing system that selectively mixes and dispenses water, soap, detergent, fragrance and, or disinfectants.  
           [0006]    2. Description of the Background Art  
           [0007]    Washing systems, such as bidets, are well known in the art, and common in Europe and expensive homes. Public restrooms and average homes, however, do not have bidets. In many instances, this is because of size and, or budget constraints. Because of the cleaning advantages afforded by bidet systems and the practical limitations preventing wide spread use of bidets, there exist a need for a personal washing device that is more widely available, easily adaptable for use in existing bathrooms and with existing toilets and faucets, transportable and affordable. The instant invention addresses this need.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    Based on the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a personal washing device that is adaptable for use in existing bathrooms for personal hygiene.  
           [0009]    It is an object of the instant invention to provide a personal washing device that may be used for washing clothes.  
           [0010]    It is another object of the instant invention to provide a personal washing device that is removably installable and, or portable and readily attachable to existing sources of water.  
           [0011]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide a personal washing device that is readily available and ergonomically adapted for washing personal body areas.  
           [0012]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a personal washing device that is relatively less expensive to manufacture and install compared to conventional washing systems, such as bidets.  
           [0013]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a personal washing device that provides proper and hygienic cleansing whenever and wherever needed.  
           [0014]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a personal washing device that offers a convenient and easy system for the physically challenged.  
           [0015]    It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide a personal washing device that provides proper and hygienic cleansing whenever and wherever needed.  
           [0016]    It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a personal washing device that is easily installed and removed.  
           [0017]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a personal washing device that can be used for storing and replacing various washing agents.  
           [0018]    It is still an additional object of the present invention to provide a personal washing device that can be used for storing and applying cleaning agents for washing and, or removing stains from fabrics.  
           [0019]    In light of these and other objects, the instant invention provides a personal washing device that is primarily for cleaning personal body areas, self-contained in protective enclosure and adapted for use with existing commodes and, or faucets as an installed or portable unit. The personal washing device comprises a purifying chamber, mixing chamber, structure for receiving water and washing additives, such as soap, detergent or other conventional cleaning agents, injection system, applicator and enclosure for securing, holding and protecting the system components. The noted components of the instant invention mechanically cooperate and fluidly communicate to dispense a washing solution made by the instant invention.  
           [0020]    The personal washing device has an inlet and at least one hose or other type of conduit having a connector, for tapping into and receiving a source of water. Water is received through the inlet and passes through the purifying chamber, injection system, mixing chamber, application hose and intervening conduit, tubing or hoses. The injection system may comprise an air pump or charged gas system, which provides the force for forcing the water and cleaning solution through the system. The purifying chamber has a filter and removes impurities and targeted minerals from the water. The water then passes into the mixing chamber, which is fluidly connected to a cleaning agent source. The water and cleaning agent are mixed together in the mixing chamber to make a cleaning solution. The cleaning agents are preferably fluidly connection to the injection system, but may be connected directly to the mixing chamber. The cleaning solution is dispensed, such as by spraying, through the application hose and nozzle. The nozzle has an ergonomically designed, replaceable head for directing the mixing solution as it exits the system. The nozzle preferably has a control valve connected between the head and nozzle for closing and, or adjusting pressure. The personal washing system may include spare heads and various head styles for varying the spray configurations. The instant invention may also include spare gas cartridges and cleaning agent refills and accessories such as pre-moistened disinfectant towels, pre-moistened detergent towels and packaged single-use concentrate.  
           [0021]    The personal hygiene device is conveniently stored and secured in a protective enclosure. The enclosure preferably defines two compartments that are attached together along a common edge by hinges and locked together by a latch. One compartment contains the purifying chamber, mixing chamber and injection system fluidly connected together, application hose with the nozzle and any accessories, hoses or tubing that might be needed, such as tubing for connecting to a water source. The system preferably employs quick connecting valves, adapters and tubing for convenient set-up. The other compartment preferably stores other accessories, such as the disinfectant towels, detergent towels, spare gas cartridges and spare nozzle heads. The inside of the enclosure may be lined with foam and, or insulation for protecting the contents from impact. The enclosure may be adapted for temporary or semi-permanent installation in a bathroom or washroom. The enclosure may also be designed as a portable unit for use at work or while traveling.  
           [0022]    In accordance with the summary of the invention, listed objects and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the personal hygiene device in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention showing the mixing and pumping system.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the personal hygiene device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the instant invention showing the mixing and pumping system.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the personal hygiene device in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention illustrating a complete system.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the personal hygiene device&#39; accessory compartment in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]    With reference to the drawings, FIGS.  1 - 4  depict the preferred and alternative embodiments of the instant invention which is generally referenced as a personal hygiene device and, or by numeric character  10 . The personal hygiene device  10  comprises a self contained, personal transportable washing bidet system for attachment to and use with standard toilets and, or faucets. The device  10  allows the user to perform personal cleansing wherever and whenever they desire. The device  10  can also be used to wash stains from clothing. The invention  10  allows the user to “freshen up” whenever they desire as well as have washing solution available for personal uses.  
         [0028]    Referring to the drawings, the personal hygiene device  10  comprises an enclosure  12 , mixing chamber  18 , purifying chamber  20 , injection system  22 , application hose  28  with a replaceable nozzle  29 . The system  10  may also include additional tubing, such as a water source tapping hose  32  and quick-connect adapters and valves, such as  26 ,  27  and  35 , water source hose with adapter  32  and, or gas cartridges  38  for a gas charged injection system. The system  10  may also comprise cleaning agents and spare parts, and preferably pre-moistened disinfectant towels  42 , pre-moistened detergent towels  44 , packaged single-use cleaning agent concentrate cartridges  46 , spare gas cartridges  38  and spare nozzle heads  30 .  
         [0029]    With reference to FIG. 3, the enclosure  12  comprises a first compartment  14  and second compartment  13 , which are connected along a common edge by at least one hinge  13  and can be securely closed by a latch or lock  21 . The first compartment  14  preferably contains the purifying chamber  20 , mixing chamber  18  and injection system  22 , which are fluidly connected together in the compartment  14 , application hose  28  with the nozzle  30  and any accessories, hoses or tubing that might be needed, such as tubing  32  for connecting to an adapter  39  to a water source  1 . The second compartment  13  preferably stores other accessories, such as the pre-moistened disinfectant towels  42 , detergent towels  44 , packaged cleaning agents  46 , spare gas cartridges  38  and, or spare nozzle heads  30 . The enclosure  12  is preferably made from a hardened, durable plastic or plastic-based material. The inside of the enclosure  12  may be lined with foam and, or insulation for protecting the contents from impact. The enclosure may be adapted for temporary or semi-permanent installation in a bathroom or washroom. The enclosure may also be designed as a portable unit for use at work or while traveling.  
         [0030]    With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the purifying chamber  20  is fluidly connected at one end to a water source  1 , such as with a water source tube  32  having quick connects  36 , and to the injector system  22  at the other end by a tube or conduit  25 . The injection system  22  may comprise an air pump or gas charged pump. The cleaning agent packages  46  may be connected directly to the injection system for drawing cleaning agents and controlling the amount of cleaning agent be mixed in the mixing chamber  18 . The mixing chamber  18  is fluidly connected to the injection system&#39;s  22  outlet at one end and a cleaning solution dispensing tube  24  at the other end. The nozzle  29  is connected to the exit end of the application hose  28  and includes a control valve  31  for controlling the pressure of the spray and a nozzle head  30  for directing flow. The application hose  28  releasably connects to the tube  24  with quick-connect  36 .  
         [0031]    Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the purifying chamber  20  fluidly communicates with the mixing chamber  18  and comprises a filter for cleaning the water. The mixing chamber  18  combines the purified water and cleaning agent in proper concentration for delivery through the tubing  24  and the application hose  28  and nozzle  29  assembly. The mixed solution is dispensed from and directed by the nozzle head  30 . The injection system  22  and air pump connection tubing  23  facilitate the mixing and dispensing of the water and solution. The injection system  22  is activated and deactivated by engaging an activation button. The control valve  31  comprises a push button valve and resides in the nozzle  29  and controls the flow of solution out the nozzle head  30 . The gas cylinder  38  charges the mixing chamber  18  and is connected to a shut off valve for controlling the charging process, as shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0032]    The convenience of the instant invention is enhanced by the use of quick-connect adapters, such as saddle valves. The water source hose  32  preferably includes saddle valve adapters  34  and  35  at its ends for providing a quick-connection to a water source. The personal hygiene device  10  preferably uses saddle valves or quick-connect adapters for all tubing connections including connectors  27 ,  26 ,  39 ,  34 ,  35 , and  36 . The personal hygiene device  10  may be fitted with other quick connect and disconnect couplings to allow the device to be used with pre-existing water valves instead of having to use and abandon a saddle valve.  
         [0033]    Input water is initially forced through the purifying chamber  20  and into the mixing chamber  18  where soap, detergent, fragrance or disinfectant are added as needed. The mixed solution is transferred via the length of tubing  24  and hose  28  to a hand held nozzle  29  for application of the cleansing solution to the desired area. The mixing chamber  18  may be bypassed for using purified water from the purifying chamber  20  to rinse the desired area.  
         [0034]    The mixing chamber  18  is connected in line with the purifying chamber  20 . The invention  10  has provisions for the connection of one or more replaceable canisters of concentrated soap, detergent, fragrance or disinfectant to an injection manifold, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. An injection manifold is connected to the mixing chamber  18  to allow the introduction of concentrated additives. The coiled length of tubing  28  connects the mixing chamber  18  to the hand held nozzle  29 . The hand held nozzle  29  has a push button regulating or control valve  31  to monitor the amount of cleansing solution to be applied. The hand held nozzle  29  has detachable, replaceable heads  30  for producing various spray patterns. The invention  10  has a provision to direct the purified water from the purifying chamber  20  directly into the dispensing nozzle  29  bypassing the mixing chamber  18 . The purifying chamber  20  is connected with quick disconnect fittings that do not require tools for disassembly. The concentrated additive canisters  46  are connected with quick disconnect fittings that do not require tools for disassembly. The invention is contained in a small plastic case  12  fitted with a hinged door for easy access to the internal components.  
         [0035]    The entire invention is contained in a small case  12 . The first compartment  13  and second compartment  14  are connected by hinges  19  for opening and closing the case. The case  12  also includes a handle  15  for transporting the personal hygiene device  10 . The case  12  comprises a molded acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) co-polymer or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic cabinet with a hinged door. The replaceable gas cartridges  38  are made from PVC plastic and are equipped with easily connected and disconnected fittings. The disposable purifying chamber  20  contains a particulate filter and an activated charcoal filter to remove odors and microorganisms from the input water. The mixing chamber  18  is made from PVC plastic for long life and resistance to chemical action from concentrated materials used with the system.  
         [0036]    Soap, detergent, fragrance or disinfectant is stored in small stainless steel or PVC plastic canisters and a measured amount is introduced into the mixing chamber via small push button stainless steel or PVC plastic injection valves. The mixed solution is transferred from the mixing chamber via a length of flexible PVC tubing to a hand held PVC plastic nozzle fitted with a metering valve.  
         [0037]    The instant invention is used as follows. The personal hygiene device  10  is connected to a source of pressurized water using the saddle valve or quick connect fittings  36  and  34  or  35 . The input water is turned on to provide flow. The desired amount of concentrated additive is injected into the mixing chamber  18  using the push button valves. The push button valve  31  on the dispensing nozzle  29  is temporarily opened to allow flow of input water into the mixing chamber  18 . The mixed solution is dispensed in the quantity needed using the desired nozzle head  30 . The by-pass valve is actuated when purified water only is desired. After use the input valve is turned off, the dispensing control valve  31  actuated to remove excess pressure and the dispensing assembly stored in the cabinet for future use. Replacement canisters  46  of concentrated additive are exchanged as necessary.  
         [0038]    The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.