Abstract:
A self contained, user powered, portable bidet apparatus to facilitate and provide cleansing action with versatility, comfort and convenience. An ergonomically designed vessel ( 20 ) with a discharge nozzle ( 22 ) and nozzle tip ( 24 ) attached and angled (FIG.  6 A) so as to vigorously discharge a cleansing stream of fluid when the vessel ( 20 ) is filled with fluid, inverted, pivoted into position under the anus or genital area and user compressed with hand pressure. Easy to fill with a wide range of solutions, and solution temperatures, lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, unbreakable, and versatile the apparatus can incorporate detachable nozzle tips ( 26 ) allowing the user to customize water pressure and flow characteristics.

Description:
This a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/766,325, filed Dec. 13, 1996, now abandoned. 

   BACKGROUND 
   1. Field of Invention 
   This invention relates to the field of personal hygiene specifically external cleansing of the anus, the surrounding folds of the anus and the external genital regions of human beings. 
   2. Background—Description of Prior Art 
   The problem of personal hygiene is shared by all human beings. Toilet paper as a quick and convenient means of cleaning up has major drawbacks such as incomplete cleaning that leaves residues that cause discomfort, irritation, and in some cases can lead to infection. Soap and water showers and baths address the need and desire for cleanliness, however, a bath or shower is not always convenient or available. Devices have been devised and invented to address the need for a quick and thorough clean-up. The classic bidet works well and is ideal for this purpose, however, not many people have bidets available, and, a bidet is not portable. Apparatus designed for attachment to existing toilets and utilizing plumbing and hoses and a water supply to achieve their results are workable, however, these devices are not portable and seem out of place, cumbersome and possibly contaminated. Examples of such apparatus are described in Tchorbadjian, U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,539 (1990), LaTora, U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,104 (1992), Alberti, U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,692 (1993), Wilk, U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,427 (1994). Several portable washing devices exist apparently to address the lack of portability of fixed-in-place washing devices. One device referenced Chung, U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,704 (1984) is portable but extremely bulky and needs electricity in order to power its water supply. Yamauchi, U.S. Pat. No. 4,140,120 (1979) addressed the problem of portability, however, this device seems to be limited to internal vaginal cleaning and is designed for insertion. Lovitt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,540 (1992) has addressed the portability problem, however, this device is battery operated and has moving mechanical parts to electrically pump the wash solutions. 
   OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
   The object of providing warn and cold wash water for personal cleansing has been approached in many different ways, and every apparatus has its own particular method of achieving the end result. The objective and purpose of the USER POWERED PERSONAL HYGIENE APPARATUS (UPPHA) is to achieve a superior result with superior convenience, simplicity, economy, and true portability. My UPPHA achieves this performance superiority through its geometry, ergonomic design and the resulting function. My UPPHA utilizes and incorporates an integrated group of materials and devices as follows: a flexible plastic hand-compressible and re-expanding vessel shaped to fit comfortably within the inner thigh and crotch area, a neck and nozzle extends from the vessel and is precisely angled so that a short forward rotation of the vessel on a pivot point positions a nozzle-tip directly beneath the anus while a person is either sitting on the toilet or squatting. The vessel is filled by means of an opening located at the base of the vessel which is then sealed with a cap that also incorporates a valve that may be opened and closed easily to allow for the introduction of air to re-expand the vessel, thus, providing the unit with more volume to compress and thereby maintaining a means for continuous high water pressures and cleaning effectiveness. This feature allows the user to easily control the amount of pressure desired by varying the degree of hand pressure. 
   Since no plumbing is required the user has a wide range of choices for the solutions to be introduced and expelled when using the UPPHA Water temperature can be controlled and vary from cold to warm. The introduction of cleansing agents or soaps may be added if desired. Two units may be used should the user want to wash with a soapy solution and rinse with clear clean water or antiseptic rinse. 
   Different nozzle-tips can be attached and detached. Different nozzle tips have qualities and wash characteristics ranging from soft to high pressure water jets, thus, allowing the user to select the wash that is most effective. Squeezing the vessel provides the energy to expel the solution. The degree of pressure depends on the force of the squeeze and the nozzle tip hole size. Because of the unique geometry, when pivoting the apparatus the nozzle tip easily rotates away from the application area and the unit form-fits comfortably in the thigh area while the user wipes or readies for another application of solution. Because the tip rotates away from the anus, chances for contaminating the unit are minimal, however, the unit is easily washed and disinfected and because of the changeable nozzle-tips multiple users can use the device without fear that the tip has been contaminated. 
   My UPPHA is ergonomic, attractive and quick and easy to set up and use. Only a water source is needed. There are no cords, batteries, expensive plumbing or fixtures. The UPPHA is lightweight and self contained. The UPPHA can be used by campers, mothers with small children, hospital care workers, and anyone that desires superior hygiene and comfort. It reduces the need for extensive wiping and the resulting irritation and debris that are left behind. My UPPHA quickly and conveniently gives a person the means to “freshen up” without having to shower or bathe. Since the UPPHA is inexpensive to manufacture, it is easy to acquire. Besides the preceding there are many other important advantages to using my UPPHA. Less toilet paper is needed, paper resources are conserved and a monetary saving occurs for the user. Many people will opt to use the UPPHA instead of taking a full shower, thus, saving water resources. People with hemorrhoids or infected, swollen anal tissues will find this method exactly what they need to properly care for themselves. 
   Further objects and advantages of the UPPHA will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 

   
     In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. 
       FIGS. 1A  to  1 I show various embodiments of the User Powered Personal Hygiene Apparatus (UPPHA) with their different aspects, appearances, parts and variations. 
       FIG. 2A  shows a one piece molded-together-connecting-cap, nozzle and connection tip for a removable-nozzle-tip, while  FIG. 2B  shows the same piece but with a molded-in discharge-nozzle. 
       FIGS. 2C and 2D  show item  38  in FIG.  1 G and is a nozzle representation that illustrates the angled offset of the discharge neck and nozzle tip and the circular perimeter geometry of the nozzle neck. 
       FIGS. 3A  to  3 F show cut-away of various nozzle-tip designs illustrating discharge channels and exit points. 
       FIGS. 4A  to  4 F illustrate the detachable nozzle tip with several variations and shows the feature of varying numbers of discharge holes. 
       FIGS. 5A  to  5 C show a front, side, and top view of  FIG. 1C  to illustrate the nozzle tip offset and the angled nature of the discharge point in relation to the center vertical axis of the vessel body. 
       FIG. 6A  shows how a short forward rotation will position the apparatus for use. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates the triangular nature of the vessel body (wide base tapering body). 
       FIGS. 8A  to  8 C show a nozzle neck perimeter geometry that is not circular and shows an oval and triangular perimeter geometry. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9F  show some vessel body shapes with a cut-away. 
       FIGS. 10A  to  10 C show a vessel body with an oval-shaped base, front view with cut-away, bottom and side views. 
       FIGS. 11A  to  11 C show a vessel with the kidney-shaped base and body, side view, bottom view and front view with cut-away. 
   

   REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
   
       
         12  base-of-vessel filling-point-cap 
         14  base-of-vessel 
         16  air-valve 
         18  filling-point cap-connection 
         20  tapering-vessel-body connection for 
         21  tapering-vessel-body with 
         22  molded-to-vessel discharge-neck discharge-neck 
         23  vessel with discharge-neck connection (shown with front fill point) 
         24  molded-in-place discharge-nozzle-tip 
         25  discharge hole(s) 
         26  detachable-nozzle-tip connection 
         28  detachable-nozzle-tip 
         30  molded-in semi-flexible transition connection 
         32  vessel discharge-neck 
         34  connecting-cap for vessel discharge-neck-connection 
         36  seal 
         37  kidney-shaped base end vessel 
         38  kidney-shaped-base (shown with molded-in vessel-discharge-neck and detachable-nozzle-tip) 
         39  molded-in oval-perimeter-shaped-neck 
         40  kidney-shaped-vessel (shown with arched molded-in discharge neck and detachable nozzle tip) 
         41  separate vessel-discharge-neck 
         44  one piece (molded to connecting cap) discharge-neck 
         45  connecting-cap (molded to discharge-neck) 
         46  vessel sealing-cap-for-travel 
         47  vessel without bottom-fill-cap or air-valve 
         48  vessel side profile 
         49  triangular-discharge-neck-perimeter (top view) 
         50  phantom position 
         51  center-axis 
         52  oval-discharge-neck perimeter(top view) 
         53  application-point 
         54  side view of triangular discharge-neck-perimeter 
         55  axis-of-rotation 
     
  
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A typical embodiment of the User Powered Personal Hygiene Apparatus (UPPHA) is illustrated in  FIG. 1A  which is an angled view showing both front and partial side views of the unit and exploded view of detachable parts. My UPPHA has a base  12  that provides static stability for the unit when placed in the shown upright position. Base  12  consists of an appropriate plastic material with enough thickness to ensure rigidity and enough base area to ensure a good degree of stability when the unit is filled or empty. The appropriate plastic material will have properties that will resist heat, breakage, chemicals, and have the ability to withstand repeated flexing and compression and return to shape without fracturing; such as, but not limited to, LDPE (Low density polyethylene). Above base  12  is filling-point for the vessel body  20  consisting of a filling-point-cap  14  with an integral-air-valve  16  and a connection point  18  on the vessel-body  20  near the bottom of the tapering-vessel-body  20 . The tapering-vessel-body  20  typically is designed to contain from 500 ml to 1500 ml of fluid depending on the model size. Fill-cap  14  and integral air valve consists of strong plastic material such as nylon, polypropylene or other suitable material and molded so as to provide a positive seal between the fill cap  14  and the connection  18  on the vessel body. Air-valve  16  consists of a rotating ball type valve that lets air in when pulled into the upward position and lays flat when closed. The base  12  material is typically 2.5 to 3.5 mm in thickness and the cap connection  18  is molded to a similar thickness where it joins the vessel body  20  providing rigidity. Upward from base  12  is the tapering vessel body  20  which is made of the same flexible plastic as the base and typically 1 mm to 2 mm in thickness for flexibility. The tapering-vessel body  20  is triangular in shape and designed to narrow on a gradient from base  12  to molded-to-vessel discharge-neck  22 . Molded to vessel discharge neck  22  narrows on a gradient uniformly to, typically, a one inch diameter and is shaped with either a round, triangular, or oval shaped interior channel and/or similarly shaped exterior perimeter. Tapering vessel body  20  and molded-to vessel discharge neck  22  is shaped to conform to the thigh area of a person while sitting on a toilet. Base  12  typically is 3.5 inches by 7 inches or a 2 to one ratio length to width. Smaller capacity units will of course have smaller dimensions but similar shapes and features. The tapering vessel body  20  narrows on a gradient to the approximately 1 inch diameter vessel discharge neck  22  ending at the molded in place discharge nozzle tip  24 . Molded to vessel discharge neck  22  is arcuate so as to typically curve and extend outward to a point typically aligned with the front edge of the base  12  or somewhat beyond and downward so as to be typically one inch below the highest point of the curve or arch of the discharge neck  22 . 
   The molded-to-discharge-neck  22  is typically thicker and more rigid than the vessel body  20  as it is not designed to be compressed. At the end point of the discharge-neck is a nozzle-tip  24  consisting of discharge hole(s)  25 . Nozzle tip  24  is angled so as to provide an upward discharge of fluid when the unit is inverted for use, typically 40 to 60 degrees, so that a forward rotation of the vessel body  20  pivots and rotates the discharge nozzle tip  24  and discharge hole(s) directly beneath the anus, see FIG.  6 A. In  FIG. 1A  discharge nozzle tip  24  and discharge hole(s) are molded together. 
     FIG. 1B  illustrates another similar embodiment that shares all of the features of  FIG. 1A  except this embodiment incorporates a detachable-nozzle-tip  26  with discharge hole(s) molded into the tip and the tip is attachable and detachable to the molded-to-vessel discharge-neck  22  at the detachable-nozzle-tip-connection  28 . A nozzle-tip with no discharge hole(s) (not shown) can be used to completely seal the vessel so that it may be transported filled without spilling contents. 
     FIG. 1C  is a similar embodiment sharing the features of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  but incorporates a molded-in semi-flexible transition that allows some movement of the molded-to-vessel discharge-neck  22   
     FIG. 1D  is another similar embodiment sharing the features of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  but shown without the base-of-vessel filling-cap  14  and air-valve  16  the differences of this embodiment include a kidney-shaped-vessel  40  and base  38  and a recessed filling-cap-connection  18  that fits in the middle of the kidney shaped curve.  FIG. 1D  also shows a molded-in oval-perimeter-shaped neck  39  that curves forward on a gradient. 
     FIG. 1E  is a similar embodiment of FIG.  1 D and shows all the features of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  as well. This embodiment has a straighter molded-to vessel discharge-neck  22  as compared to FIG.  1 D and has a greater degree of arch rather than a gradient curve. 
     FIG. 1F  is an exploded view of another embodiment that shares the features and functions of the previous  FIGS. 1A  to  1 E but is made with an attachable separate discharge neck  41 , a tapering-vessel-body-with-connection-for-discharge-neck (shown with side fill point)  21 , a seal  36 , and a connecting-cap for vessel-discharge-neck-connection  32 . 
     FIG. 1G  is a similar embodiment as  FIG. 1F  pictured with a vessel with discharge-neck connection (shown with front-fill-point)  32  and the vessel  23  having more pronounced angular lines and triangular shape. 
     FIG. 1H  is an embodiment incorporating a vessel-without-a-bottom-fill-cap  47 , two versions of a one-piece (molded to connecting cap) discharge-neck  44  with connecting-cap  45 . One version shown with molded-in-place-discharge-nozzle  24  and the other version shown with detachable-nozzle-tip  26  and detachable-nozzle-tip-connection  28 . Filling is accomplished by detaching connecting-cap  45 , or, with the version shown with detachable-nozzle-tip  26 , filling can be accomplished through the connection point by detaching the nozzle-tip  26 . Detachable nozzle-tips  26 , connecting-caps  45  and fill-caps are manufactured with positive leak proof bottle sealing technology. Materials are high grade injection molded and/or blow molded thermoplastic. 
     FIG. 1I  shows a vessel similar to the one in FIG.  1 H. This figure shows the vessel with discharge-neck-connection  32  (shown with front fill point), filling-point-cap-connection  18 , base-of-vessel-filling-point-cap  14  and air-valve  16 .  FIG. 1I  also shows a vessel-sealing-cap  46  for travel, used to carry a filled vessel without spilling contents. The base-of-vessel-filling-point-cap  14  with the air-valve  16  is a preferred embodiment since it makes filling convenient and easy and facilitates re-expansion of vessel. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B  show the one piece (molded to connecting cap&#39; discharge neck  44  and the two versions are identical except for the nozzle tip.  FIG. 2A  illustrates a detachable nozzle tip connection  28  which allows for variety of detachable nozzle tips.  FIG. 2B  shows the molded in place discharge nozzle. 
     FIGS. 2C and 2D  show another detachable type discharge neck previously shown in the exploded view in  FIG. 1G  item  41 .  FIG. 2C  illustrates the piece  41  and  FIG. 2D  is a cut-away view of the piece showing the general angles and geometry. 
     FIGS. 3A  to  3 F show various cut away views of detachable nozzle tip  26 . A nozzle tip typically will have a means for attachment to the vessel discharge neck. And have molded in discharge hole(s). In some embodiments precise cone shaped channels may be molded in as shown in FIGS.  3 C, 3 D, 3 E and  3 F. These tips can be manufactured using injection or blow molding technology. High strength thermoplastic resins will be used to mold tips and tints may be added to impart colors to the items. Preferred materials are polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, vinyl, or any plastic material that is strong, unbreakable, will accept pigmentation is not affected by soaps, is chemical resistant and can be heated to a temperature sufficient to sterilize. Cut away views are shown with tips that have flat end discharge points and rounded discharge points. 
     FIGS. 4A  to  4 F show exterior views of the detachable nozzle tip  26  and show that tips are attachable, detachable and can have different hole(s) arrangements and size. (Typically 1 to 8 hole(s) 0.5 mm to 3 mm in diameter). 
     FIGS. 5A  to  5 C show a top view, side view and front view of one embodiment in order to illustrate the angle on the discharge neck and the angle of the nozzle tip.  FIG. 5A , top view, shows the discharge neck  22  extending away from the tapering vessel body  20 . 
     FIG. 5B  shows the nozzle tip  26  in relation to the vessel  22  and the discharge neck  20 .  FIG. 5C  shows the center axis  51  and the angle of the discharge nozzle tip so that discharge is upward at typically a 45 degree angle away from the center axis when vessel is inverted for use. 
     FIG. 6A  shows a basic profile shape of the invention inverted  48  and positioned above and below an axis-of-rotation  55  and in front of an application-point  53  which would be the anus. The phantom position  50  illustrates how the discharge neck  22  and the nozzle tip  24  pivots at, and rotates clockwise beneath, the axis-of rotation  55  toward a position directly under the application point when the vessel-body  48  is moved clockwise above the axis-of-rotation  55 . A reverse motion moves the nozzle tip  24  and the discharge neck  22  away from the application-point  53 . 
     FIG. 7A  illustrates the triangular nature of the tapering-vessel-body  20 . 
     FIG. 8A  illustrates a triangular-discharge-neck-perimeter  49 . 
     FIG. 8B  illustrates an oval discharge-neck-perimeter  52 .  FIG. 8C  illustrates a side view of a triangular discharge-neck perimeter  54 . 
     FIGS. 9A  to  9 F illustrate several triangular shaped vessels with discharge-neck-connections  93 . 
     FIG. 10A  illustrates the tapering-vessel-body  21  with filling-point-cap-connection  18  with cutaway front view. 
     FIG. 10B  illustrates the oval base of the vessel-body  21 . 
     FIG. 10C  illustrates the tapering-vessel-body  21  side view. 
     FIG. 11A  illustrates the side view of the kidney-shaped base and vessel  37  with broken lines indicating the recessed position of the filling-point-cap-connection  18 . 
     FIG. 11B  illustrates a bottom view of a kidney-shaped-base and vessel  37  and shows the recessed filling-point-cap-connection  18 . Note: This shaped vessel and base is a preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 11C  is a front view of kidney-shaped-base and vessel  37  to illustrate the triangular vessel shape. 
   Note: All components of the User Powered Personal Hygiene Apparatus can be manufactured from the class of materials in the category of thermoplastic resins and include all ethylene resins, nylon resins, vinyl, and polypropylene. The shapes required can be produced through the use of blow and injection molding technology. Rubber may be used as a material though it is not a preferred material. Pigments to add color to the products can be used. Molds with designs, lettering, ridges, textured gripping surfaces or any other adornments may be included without altering the utility of the overall product. Dimensions of my UPPHA can vary in proportion to the intended users, adults or children. In general the base-of-vessel  12  would measure approximately 7 inches by 3.5 inches and the vessel-body  20 , 7 inches in height. Discharge nozzle  24  would extend 5-7 inches beyond the vessel-body  20 . These dimensions would suffice for the average adult. Larger or smaller versions would follow the same general proportional relationships. 
   Operation— FIGS. 1A-1I   
   The User Powered Personal Hygiene Apparatus operates, by filling the tapering vessel body  20  with desired fluid through the filling point cap connection  18  located at the base of vessel  12 . Other embodiments can accomplish filling from the detachable nozzle tip connection  28  by removing the detachable nozzle tip  26 , as in  FIGS. 1B ,  1 C,  1 D,  1 E,  1 F,  1 G and  1 H, as well as from the filling-point-cap-connection  18  that is also provided. The embodiments that incorporate a vessel-with-a-connection-for-a-discharge-neck  21  to be attached,  FIGS. 1F ,  1 G,  1 H, can be filled from this point as well as from either the detachable-nozzle-tip-connection  28  or from the filling-point-cap-connection  18 . Vessels that do not provide a base-of-vessel-filling-point-cap  14  must be filled by either the detachable-nozzle-tip-connection  28  or at the connection for the discharge-neck  21 . Vessels with a molded-to-vessel-discharge-neck  22  must have a filling-point-cap-connection or a detachable-nozzle-tip-connection  28  if a filling-point-cap-connection  18  is not provided. 
   Once the vessel is filled and the user is seated on the toilet the apparatus is inverted so that the vessel-discharge-neck  22  is pointing downward. The discharge-neck  22  is inserted between the users legs so that the nozzle-tip extends about four to seven inches below the top of the toilet seat and extends into the toilet bowl space in front of the user and aligned so that the tapering-vessel-body  26  is perpendicular to the plane of the toilet seat. See FIG.  6 A. The User Powered Personal Hygiene Apparatus (UPPHA) will rest comfortably in this position with the tapering-vessel-body  20  resting on the inner thighs of the user, and the discharge-nozzle  24  visible directly below. The user then grasps the vessel body with both hands, thumbs in front and the fingers extending around from the sides. The user then pushes the tapering-vessel-body  20  forward pivoting the UPPHA at the axis-of-rotation  55  ( FIG. 6A ) so that the nozzle-tip  24  is moved backward and rotates upward toward the anus. The upward angle of the discharge-nozzle  24  and the discharge hole(s)  25  and the geometry of the UPPHA work together so that when pivoted, they rotate and position the discharge hole(s) directly beneath the anus. The user then compresses the sides of the tapering-vessel-body  20  and fluid is vigorously expelled through precise discharge hole(s)  25  in the nozzle-tip  24  onto the anus. The user can apply to specific areas by small movements of the pivot point(not-shown) to position the tip where application is desired. Fluid pressure and discharge volume is regulated by how hard the user squeezes, and which size discharge hole(s)  25  are used. Since all the fluid is not expelled with one compression air must re-enter the tapering-vessel-body  20  and re-expand the vessel  20 . By letting up on the pressure being applied to the tapering-vessel-body  20 , tapering vessel body  20  begins to return to its original shape and will suck air in through the nozzle-discharge hole(s)  25 , however, this is slow and runs the risk of having fecal matter sucked into the vessel from the run-off if the discharge nozzle is not moved away from the anus quickly while the vessel is re-expanding. Since allowing the nozzle hole(s) to act as an air return pathway is not always desired, the UPPHA is available with an air-valve  16  that the user may open to allow the quick re-introduction of air and re-expansion of the vessel-body  20  and then when the air-valve is closed, and the vessel-body  20  has re-expanded, the user now has a large volume to compress for another vigorous fluid discharge. 
   By pulling the vessel-body  20  back toward the user&#39;s body the nozzle-tip  24  and discharge hole(s)  25  are pivoted and rotated away from the anus and the UPPHA will rest comfortably between the thighs and allow the user to remove loosened debris before another application of fluid. Or, the user may place the UPPHA back upright on the counter or floor. Toilet paper may be used in conjunction with cleansing fluids to facilitate and ensure that cleansing was completely accomplished. Used properly the UPPHA should reduce toilet paper usage 75%. Anal cleansing is accomplished by the pressurized application of the fluids being expelled from the UPPHA and applied on the anal regions. Mild soaps or cleansing solutions, vinegar, teas, baking soda etc. may be introduced when filling the UPPHA to accomplish superior cleansing action when applied to the anus as this will help dissolve sticky fecal matter. A second UPPHA should be ready if soaps are added to the wash water. The second UPPHA should be filled with clean water to rinse the rectal area after a soapy wash so no irritation occurs. Pat dry with toilet paper. 
   The UPPHA should be kept clean and may be washed with hot soapy water, rinsed and allowed to dry. It is unbreakable and may be stored on a counter for ready use. 
     FIG. 1H  is an embodiment that does not incorporate a base-of-vessel-filling-cap  14  or an air-valve. A UPPHA without these features is used in the same way as vessels having these features except that after compressing vessel-body  20  air can enter vessel body  20  only through the discharge-hole(s) and must be filled at the discharge-neck-connection  32  or from a detachable nozzle-tip connection  28 . 
   UPPHA&#39;s that do not have the molded-in-place-discharge-nozzles  24  may be completely sealed for travel in a filled condition utilizing a vessel-sealing-cap-for-travel  46  or a detachable nozzle-tip  26  that has no discharge-holes (not shown) or an appropriate sealing-cap (not shown). 
   Essentially, the embodiments described in  FIGS. 1A  to  1 I all share the same basic geometry and features that allow the UPPHA as a whole to achieve its purpose.  FIGS. 1D and 1E  have a kidney-shaped-base  38  and a kidney-shaped-vessel  40 . This embodiment allows a little extra space for male users and a more comfortable griping surface. 
   Besides being ergonomic the shape of the vessel-body  20  in all described embodiments adds to the function of the whole by allowing for a large surface area in the area where the vessel is compressed and allows a maximum deflection of the vessel-body  20  resulting in higher pressure and volume for a longer period of time. The apparatus is also stable and not prone to falling over, especially when filled, due to the large base area. 
   Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope of Invention 
   Thus the reader will see that the UPPHA with its unique geometry and pivot into position structure provides an aesthetic, efficient, convenient, portable, ergonomic, easy to use, durable, and economical means for achieving superior personal cleansing of the anus and genital area. 
   While my above description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, instead of a triangular vessel-body one could have a cylindrical vessel, however, this would not fit the anatomy of a person sitting on the toilet as well, and it would be clumsy and awkward to handle and prone to falling over. One could incorporate a semi-flexible discharge-neck that would hold its shape when bent into position. One could have an accordion-like-vessel that would continue collapsing when squeezed and not need any means of re-expansion. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.