Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application 60/962,385 filed Jul. 27, 2007. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of Art 
         [0005]    The invention relates to a hand held sanitary washer or hand-held bidet. 
         [0006]    2. Prior Art 
         [0007]    The advantages of using running water for personal hygiene are well known, and the practice, more widespread in some parts of the world, is becoming more prevalent in the United States. This invention incorporates the addition of liquid soap and other modifications to facilitate e its use. The term “soap” appearing anywhere in this application refers to any substance that can be dispensed, including disinfectants, medications, lotions, etc. 
         [0008]    The advantages of washing with soap, compared to washing with water only, are self-evident. The presence of soap dramatically increases the cleansing action of water by creating a film which bonds to the undesired organic matter, said film being easily rinsed afterwards. This results in a much more complete cleaning action, as well as leaving the user feeling fresh and pleasant smelling. 
         [0009]    While the principle of a cleaner perineum should appeal to everybody, there are some conditions that make this device almost essential. Those suffering from hemorrhoids experience significant pain and bleeding from wiping with paper towels. Any person afflicted with perineal conditions such as an abscess, fistula, trauma, would similarly benefit from the use of this device. The device is also suitable for improving female genital hygiene. 
         [0010]    Inventors have created several types of bidet-type washers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,340 to Lovitt describes one such device. In the is apparatus, the amount of water is limited to what can be filled inside the device since there is no source of constantly running pressurized water. The device also has no provision for supplying warm water. It has no way to deliver soapy water and no anti-splashing features. The same limitations also apply to another portable perineum cleaning device described by U.S. Pat. No. 6,955,662 B2 to Moser et al. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,369 to Lesick, describes a portable bidet attachment. It involves supplying water from a sink faucet to an apparatus that clamps on the back of the toilet rim. It is a bulky device that requires prior installation on the toilet rim with clamps. After installation, the ability to finely control the aim of the water during use is not possible. To change from cleaning the anal area to cleaning the female genitalia, the user would have to unclamp the whole apparatus from the posterior rim of the toilet bowl and reattach it to the front rim of the toilet bowl. The water tube that connects from a sink faucet would be a nuisance if left permanently in place, and therefore the design is not good for long-term use. The clamps described are bulky and would abut against the user&#39;s buttocks while sitting down. In addition, to clean around and underneath the clamps, the user would have to remove those clamps. The device has no aerator to reduce splashing, no removable head, and no filtration ability. A major drawback is the lack of ability to deliver soapy water. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,750 to Lim, also describes a hand-held bidet apparatus. Lim&#39;s apparatus is not portable and the sprayer head also does not have an aerator. Lim does not describe any means of making the device adapted to portable or outdoor use. A major drawback to Lim&#39;s invention is the lack of any soap delivery provision. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,973,679 to Schad describes a personal cleansing spray device with an integrated trigger mechanism. The design uses a gun-shaped sprayer and a squeezable trigger. It has an external soap reservoir, which is connected to the handle via an external soap supply tube. It can readily be seen that its gun-shaped spray handle will be very difficult to aim upwards, and simply cannot allow the fine movements necessary for a device of this nature to be effective. This difficulty in aiming the water spray can result in the unintentional splashing of the back of the toilet seat, the users back, and into the toilet bowl itself. This is clearly undesirable, as it poses the risk of splashing dirty toilet water back onto the user. This is completely avoided with the current design, since the water jet is naturally directed upwards, and the water falls passively in the toilet bowl. Schad&#39;s external soap supply tube also adds bulk to the connection from water source to handle, and this extra-bulk will make it unwieldy to maneuver the hose. Furthermore, Schad indicates the use of a soap release button on the side of the handle, without showing internally how it could work. There is no description of a clear embodiment with a plausible soap pumping mechanism. In addition, even if the soap supply button can work somehow, the user has to pump soap the whole length of the external soap supply tube before any soap gets out. There are also no design features for mixing soap with water, such as a mixing chamber. In addition, Schad does not describe any means of portability for outdoor use or use away from home, a removable head, or antisplashing mechanism such as an aerator. All these deficiencies are solved in the current design. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,937 to Safara describes a hand held bidet with soap. However, soap comes out without mixing with water. Therefore, the undiluted soap will reach certain spots and miss others, and unless the user pumps soap repetitively, may miss the most soiled spots altogether. Also, some undiluted soap can drip back in the toilet bowl and be wasted. Safara&#39;s design has no provision for refilling the soap bladder. It is also apparent that water could reflux into the soap bladder, thus causing progressive dilution of the soap over time and thus reducing its cleaning effect. The water and soap delivery systems and controls are problematic. Safara describes a three-position slide switch (off position, water only position, wash-soap position). This switch operates a spring-biased roller to squeeze a soap bladder. The switch can possibly deliver one dose of soap as it is pushed forward into the wash soap position, but is not able to deliver additional doses from that position, unless the roller is repeatedly moved forward and backwards. This single slide switch apparently does not control both water flow and soap delivery. 
         [0015]    Safara also does not describe a detachable head, and therefore his device would be only a single user device. Any potential for commercial multi-user use such as in a hospital setting, would not be possible 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,347 to Garcia et. al. describes a cleansing that is not a hand-held. It is a large, bulky, commode-like design, utilizing electrical pumps and has provisions for automatic toilet flushing. It is aimed essentially at the physically handicapped population and their caregivers. With its bulk and cost involved, it offers no benefit to the average consumer. Multi-individual use is also excluded. There are no provisions for eliminating splashing. 
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
       [0017]    Several objects and advantages of the present invention are: 
         [0000]    (a) to provide a cleansing apparatus with a constant, virtually unlimited source of pressurized, temperature controlled water.
 
(b) to provide cleansing apparatus that is capable of introducing soap and producing a soap and water mixture.
 
(c) to provide a cleansing apparatus that reduces unhygienic splashing of the water stream.
 
(d) to provide a cleansing apparatus with an efficient profile that allows unobstructed cleaning of the surrounding toilet facility or basin.
 
(e) to provide a cleansing apparatus that reduces the possibility of cross contamination allowing use by more than one person thereby increasing the value of the device in an institutional setting.
 
(f) to provide a cleansing apparatus with filtration capabilities.
 
(g) to provide a cleansing apparatus that allows the user to easily direct the water jet to the desired area of the perineum or other target, and doing so while holding the handle in a relaxed manner, and without applying any undue strain on the wrist, the user&#39;s hand is kept well away from the buttocks further enhancing infection control and cross contamination.
 
(h) to provide a cleansing apparatus with an internal soap reservoir that avoid the aspiration of water into the compartment thereby avoiding the dilution and loss of effectiveness of soap or disinfectant.
 
         [0018]    Although the design was inspired by a need to improve personal hygiene of the perineum and other body areas, and to extend this enhanced hygiene to a large number of people at a reasonable cost, the device lends itself to other intuitive uses. In the first aid setting, this device can be used to perform an initial cleansing of grossly contaminated wounds. Pet owners can use it to help in washing their pets with more ease, without having to stop to open a pet shampoo container, pour the shampoo onto a hand, and lather it into the animal&#39;s fur. With the animal being held with the non-dominant hand, the user can use the dominant hand to spray shampoo, then water, then more shampoo, without letting go of the animal. The device can be extended to use in the bathtub or shower, either for body washing or for cleaning the shower or tub walls. The device can also be used in kitchen sinks, produce departments or any other location where cleaning is done. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of the washer. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view along line  1 - 1  from  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the handle at the level of the line  2 - 2  from  FIG. 2 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the handle at the level of the line  3 - 3  from  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a longitudinal section view of an embodiment using a collapsible soap reservoir, plunger-in-a-barrel type. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view along the line  4 - 4  from  FIG. 5 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment using a collapsible soap reservoir, collapsible side wall type. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of an embodiment featuring positive pressure creation inside the soap compartment, using a spring backed piston mechanism. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in  8  along the line  5 - 5 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a top view of an embodiment featuring positive pressure creation inside the soap compartment, using a compressed air/gas mechanism. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in  10  along the line  6 - 6 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of the device of an alternative embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view along the line  7 - 7  from  FIG. 12 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  cross-sectional view of an alternate head design with a mixing chamber and aerator. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment with the soap compartment in the upper portion of the handle. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is perspective view of a removable head with a built-in mixing chamber and aerator. 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an arrangement to connect a hot water line to the device. 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  a perspective view of an electric water heater connected to the device. 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  a perspective view of how the device can be connected to hoses of a variety of diameters using a new garden hose adapter. 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  a perspective view of a global view of the device connected to a faucet using a universal faucet adapter. 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  is a partial cross-sectional view of a new universal faucet adapter. 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  is an expanded perspective view of a new universal faucet adapter, of the double threaded type, connected to a segment of plastic tubing. 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  is a partial cross-sectional view of a new universal faucet adapter, of the rubber headed type, connected to a segment of plastic tubing. 
           [0042]      FIG. 24  is an expanded perspective view of a new universal faucet adapter, of the rubber headed type, connected to a segment of plastic tubing. 
           [0043]      FIG. 25  is partial cross-sectional view of a segment of plastic tubing connected to the bidet using a specialized compression bidet adapter. 
           [0044]      FIG. 26  an expanded perspective view of a segment of plastic tubing connected to the bidet using a specialized compression bidet adapter. 
           [0045]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the detachable soap reservoir detached from the handle. 
       
    
    
       [0046]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 COMPONENT LIST 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 handle 
                  1 
               
               
                   
                 proximal handle end 
                  1a 
               
               
                   
                 distal handle end 
                  1b 
               
               
                   
                 sprayer head 
                  2 
               
               
                   
                 cradle 
                  2a 
               
               
                   
                 soap reservoir 
                  3 
               
               
                   
                 reduced reservoir 
                  3a 
               
               
                   
                 transparent reservoir wall segment 
                  3b 
               
               
                   
                 water actuator 
                  4 
               
               
                   
                 soap actuator 
                  5 
               
               
                   
                 soap filler cap 
                  6 
               
               
                   
                 water inlet 
                  7 
               
               
                   
                 water outlets 
                  8 
               
               
                   
                 male threads 
                  9 
               
               
                   
                 one way soap valve 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 water channel 
                 11 
               
               
                   
                 soap and water channel 
                 11a 
               
               
                   
                 water channel 
                 11b 
               
               
                   
                 plunger 
                 12 
               
               
                   
                 plunger sliding forward in barrel 
                 12a 
               
               
                   
                 first locking hook 
                 13 
               
               
                   
                 second locking hook 
                 13a 
               
               
                   
                 third locking hook 
                 13b 
               
               
                   
                 first locking latch 
                 14 
               
               
                   
                 first piston 
                 14a 
               
               
                   
                 second piston 
                 14b 
               
               
                   
                 rubber seal 
               
               
                   
                 first spring 
                 14c 
               
               
                   
                 second spring 
                 14d 
               
               
                   
                 first piston rubber seal 
                 14e 
               
               
                   
                 second piston rubber seal 
                 14f 
               
               
                   
                 second locking latch 
                 14g 
               
               
                   
                 third locking latch 
                 14h 
               
               
                   
                 first one way valve 
                 14i 
               
               
                   
                 second one way valve 
                 14j 
               
               
                   
                 collapsible side walls in full position 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 collapsible reservoir 
                 15a 
               
               
                   
                 collapsible side walls in empty position 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 skeleton 
                 17 
               
               
                   
                 air vent 
                 18 
               
               
                   
                 small pump 
                 19 
               
               
                   
                 pump cavity 
                 19a 
               
               
                   
                 soap uptake tube 
                 20 
               
               
                   
                 soap delivery tube 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                 one-way valve 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                 second one-way check valve 
                 23a 
               
               
                   
                 mixing chamber 
                 24 
               
               
                   
                 aerator 
                 24a 
               
               
                   
                 replaceable head 
                 25 
               
               
                   
                 aerator slots 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 aerator meshes 
                 27 
               
               
                   
                 snap-on connector 
                 28 
               
               
                   
                 water tank 
                 29 
               
               
                   
                 cold water valve 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 first t-connector 
                 31 
               
               
                   
                 second t-connector 
                 31a 
               
               
                   
                 cold water valve supplying to t-connector 
                 31b 
               
               
                   
                 cold water hose 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 hot water valve 
                 33 
               
               
                   
                 hot water supply hose 
                 33a 
               
               
                   
                 warm water supply tube 
                 34 
               
               
                   
                 water filter 
                 34a 
               
               
                   
                 optional water heater, electric 
                 35 
               
               
                   
                 hose 
                 36 
               
               
                   
                 warm water supply hose 
                 37 
               
               
                   
                 power switch 
                 38 
               
               
                   
                 thermostatic controller 
                 39 
               
               
                   
                 power cord 
                 40 
               
               
                   
                 electrical outlet 
                 41 
               
               
                   
                 garden hose 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                 large male threads 
                 43 
               
               
                   
                 hose adapter 
                 44 
               
               
                   
                 female threads 
                 45 
               
               
                   
                 smaller female threads 
                 46 
               
               
                   
                 universal faucet adapter 
                 47 
               
               
                   
                 universal coupler 
                 47a 
               
               
                   
                 universal coupler internal threads 
                 47b 
               
               
                   
                 universal coupler external threads 
                 47c 
               
               
                   
                 coupler male threaded lower stem 
                 47d 
               
               
                   
                 coupler collar 
                 47e 
               
               
                   
                 compression coupler 
                 48 
               
               
                   
                 rubber seal 
                 48a 
               
               
                   
                 brass insert 
                 49 
               
               
                   
                 brass sleeve 
                 50 
               
               
                   
                 brass nut 
                 51 
               
               
                   
                 female threads 
                 51a 
               
               
                   
                 plastic tubing 
                 52 
               
               
                   
                 universal faucet adapter 
                 53 
               
               
                   
                 rubber head 
                 53a 
               
               
                   
                 rubber neck 
                 53b 
               
               
                   
                 rubber stem 
                 53c 
               
               
                   
                 internal rubber ridges 
                 53d 
               
               
                   
                 intermediate brass coupler 
                 54 
               
               
                   
                 intermediate brass coupler male threads 
                 54a 
               
               
                   
                 compression coupler 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 bidet adapter 
                 56 
               
               
                   
                 external housing of bidet adapter 
                 57 
               
               
                   
                 hose clamp 
                 58 
               
               
                   
                 wing headed screw 
                 58a 
               
               
                   
                 water tube release bushing 
                 59 
               
               
                   
                 tube grip lock washer 
                 60 
               
               
                   
                 water tube locking casing 
                 61 
               
               
                   
                 rubber washer 
                 62 
               
               
                   
                 water inlet grommet 
                 63 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred Embodiment 
       [0047]    The preferred embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 . This embodiment consists of a handle  1 , a sprayer head  2 , a built-in soap reservoir  3 , a water actuator  4 , a soap actuator  5 , and a soap filler cap  6 . The proximal handle end  1   a  receives the water inlet  7 , and the distal handle end  1   b  connects to the head  2 . The body of the handle is hollow, mostly cylindrical shape, but can be of other shapes. Preferably, it will be made of injection molded plastic, but metal or other suitable materials can be substituted. The top surface of the body of the handle incorporates an actuator  4  to control the flow of water. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the actuator  4  would be pressed down with the user&#39;s thumb. The top surface features a filler cap  6  to allow the addition of soap to the soap reservoir  3 . A feature of the device would incorporate a transparent reservoir wall segment  3   b  wall as show in  FIG. 2  that will allow the user to monitor the level of soap being used and to plan to refill accordingly.  18 : one way air vent. 
         [0048]      FIG. 13  shows a working view of the device. The arrows represent the direction of fluid flow. The water enters the handle at the water inlet  7  and into the water channel  11 . The top surface of the handle incorporates a water flow-controlling actuator  4 , in this embodiment a push button with a built spring. The water then flows under pressure into the head  2  and through the water outlets  8 . A circular array of the water outlets is shown but can vary. 
         [0049]    The bottom surface of the handle shows an actuator  5  to release soap from the soap reservoir  3 , which is aspirated by a small pump  19  via a soap uptake tube  20 . The soap propelling mechanism is here represented by a 2-stroke, reciprocating piston pump  19 , but other mechanisms can be used. The soap then moves across a one-way valve  23  into the pump cavity  19   a . This one-way valve  23  prevents the backflow of soap into the soap reservoir  3  when the trigger  5  is activated. The soap is then pumped under pressure into a soap delivery tube  22  that reaches the head  2 . However, the soap delivery tube  22  can be embodied to join the water channel more proximally. The soap then exits the head  2  under pressure, to be sprayed onto the perineum. A second one-way check valve  23   a  at the soap outlet prevents back flow of air or water into the soap delivery tube. 
         [0050]    Two major embodiment classes were described above, but different variations can be envisioned. The main concepts of the design can be adapted in different ways, to accommodate different user preferences or manufacturing efficiency, without deviating from the substance of the design. These different embodiments are listed as a matter of illustration and are not meant to be limiting the applicability of this versatile design. 
         [0051]    Any permutation of the position of the actuators relative to each other and relative to the body of the device may be offered. For example, the position of the two actuators can be reversed, with the soap actuator  5  on the top of the handle and the water actuator  4  on the bottom ( FIG. 15 ). Some users may prefer the repetitive pumping action of the soap actuator to be done with the thumb rather than with the second and third fingers. The actuators can also be placed side by side, either at the top or the bottom of the handle. Placements on the sides of the device can also be done. 
         [0052]    The cylindrical handle can be replaced with any other suitable design of a different dimension, i.e., different length, width, volume or cross-sectional shape (square, rectangle, hexagonal, octagonal, etc). 
         [0053]      FIG. 14  shows a variation of the head of the device. The soap exits the one-way valve  23   a  and joins the water outlets  8   b , which open into a common mixing chamber  24  and the aerator  24   a  just prior to exiting aerator meshes: 27. The cleansing action of the soapy water would be more effective than simply spraying the soap directly on the perineum. Direct soap application may miss soiled areas, since the user cannot see his/her target, and that wastes soap. 
         [0054]    The aerator also prevents splashing of liquid from the perineum. Eliminating splashing is an improvement over the prior artMixing of the soap with water and the addition of an aerator which improves the mixing of the soap and water are also improvements over the prior art. The mixing chamber and/or aerator can also be made as a replaceable head  25  as shown in  FIG. 16 . A variation of the soap supply tube  22  can have a snap-on connector  28  that would attach to a corresponding concavity in the segment of the soap supply tube on the distal end of the handle. Aerator air slots  26  can also improve the effectiveness of the aerator, thus further reducing splashing and the mixing of air and water. 
         [0055]    This replaceable head  25  allows for easy cleaning of the device, such as soaking it in disinfectant. Head  25  can also be marked on the outside with identifying numbers or letters, thus allowing each family member or user to have his/her own individually marked head. This seen in the prior art. The replaceable aerator/mixing chamber can also be disposable, thus allowing for more hygienic use in guest bathrooms, vacation homes, or other locations involving multiple users. Such sanitized, disposable attachments can be provided in individually sealed packages in commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels, office buildings, etc. The prior art does not provide for hygienic, multi-user adaptation. 
         [0056]    Additional embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 1  thru  4 . Turning first to  FIG. 2 , this embodiment consists of a handle  1 , a sprayer head  2 , a built in soap reservoir  3 , a water actuator  4 , a soap actuator  5 , and a soap filler cap  6 . The filler cap  6  can be placed at any location on the soap reservoir. The proximal handle end  1   a  of handle  1  fluidly communicates with water inlet  7 , and the distal handle end  1   b  connects to the sprayer head  2 . For the purpose of this description, “proximal” refers to the upstream portion of the device, or towards the water source. “Distal” refers to the downstream portion of the device, or towards the water outlets  8 . The body of the handle is hollow, mostly cylindrical shape, but can be of other shapes. Preferably, it will be made of injection molded plastic, but metal or other suitable materials can be substituted. 
         [0057]    The water pathway is also illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Water enters under pressure into the proximal end  1   a  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The arrows indicate the direction of water flow. This embodiment shows the device to connect to a water supply hose  34  as is seen in  FIG. 17 , via male threads  9  that screw into corresponding female threads on the hose end, but other connection methods are well known in the art. Note that the initial dimension of the water channel  11  is fairly large, but then tapers down to a much smaller diameter prior to the point of attachment of the water actuator  4 . However, various embodiments may employ a variety of water channel diameters. The water actuator  4  is represented on the bottom of the handle in this embodiment. 
         [0058]    The soap pathway is also illustrated. The bulk of the volume of the handle is occupied by the soap reservoir  3 . However, soap reservoirs of various volumes may be employed. Alternatively, as seen in  FIG. 27 , a separate able soap reservoir can also be made. Soap is poured into the soap reservoir  3  of handle  1  through filler cap  6  on the top surface of the handle, but could be filled by any number of mechanisms such as a one-way valve through which soap may be injected by an injector mechanism. In this embodiment the soap reservoir is designed to extend into a substantial part of the head  2  of the device. The user&#39;s thumb depresses the soap actuator  5 , depicted on the top surface of the handle  1  in this embodiment. Soap then flows out of the reservoir  3  through a one-way soap valve  10  and into the water channel  11 . A feature of the device would incorporate a transparent soap reservoir wall segment  3   a  that will allow the user to monitor the level of soap being used and to plan to refill accordingly. 
         [0059]    Note the significant reduction in the dimensions of the water channel  11 . This is designed to accelerate the speed of water, thus lowering its pressure inside the water channel. This in turn creates a pulling force, drawing the soap into the flowing water stream. The Venturi effect, combined with the one-way soap valve  10 , prevents the reflux of water in the soap reservoir  3 . 
         [0060]    The soap and water are mixed together distal to the one-way soap valve  10  in the soap and water channel  11   a , created a mixed soap and water pathway. The mixture then flows to the distal handle end  1   b , into head  2  of the device and through the water outlets  8 . To obtain soapy water, the user pushes both actuators simultaneously, the soap actuator  5  with the thumb and the water actuator  4  with the second and third fingers. To obtain water only, the user pushes only the water actuator  4 . 
         [0061]    A key feature of the device is to allow the liquid soap to enter the water stream, without the water refluxing into the soap reservoir  3 . Such water backflow would progressively dilute the soap in the soap reservoir, and the reservoir will not empty, since water would gradually replace the soap. Preventing water backflow can be accomplished with different design features, which can be used singly or in combination: As is seen in  FIG. 2 , the soap reservoir opens into the water channel with a one-way soap valve  10 . The soap reservoir itself is designed with collapsible, or partially collapsible, surface walls. The force of the water stream will gradually compress one or more sides of the soap reservoir walls. A collapsible reservoir can be made in more than one fashion.  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a collapsible plunger-in-a-barrel design, with the plunger  12  moving forward by the water pressure. Said plunger  12  can be manually retracted and held in place during soap refilling with the help of a first locking latch  14 , to be attached to first locking hook  13 . As the plunger  12  slides forward inside the barrel  12   a , the internal dimensions of the soap reservoir diminish, avoiding the creation of negative pressure inside it. 
         [0062]      FIG. 7  illustrates collapsible side walls in full position  16 , made of a synthetic or other water proof material, alone or attached to a central skeleton  17 . Skeleton  17  will have an opening for refilling the soap on one side, preferably on the top of the handle, and an opening into the water channel on another side, preferably towards the bottom of the reservoir. This opening will use a one-way valve.  FIG. 7  shows the water channel  11   b  running outside the skeleton  17 , and a water channel  11  running inside skeleton  17  as well. The collapsible side walls in the full position  15  substantially conform to skeleton  17 , and collapsible side walls in the near empty position  16  is achieved as the progressive reduction inside the soap reservoir  3  occurs. This avoids the development of negative pressure. Thus the reduced reservoir  3   a  develops when the size of soap reservoir is reduced in the near empty position. 
         [0063]    Coincident use of the plunger and collapsible reservoir is another embodiment. The plunger  12  may be positioned in the back of the handle, and collapsible reservoir  15   a  in the front of the handle. The opening from the collapsible reservoir  15   a  into the water channel  11  will be placed in a deliberately designed narrowing of the water channel, taking advantage of the Venturi principle. 
         [0064]    The introduction of liquid soap into the water stream can also occur by creating positive pressure inside the soap compartment, by a spring backed piston mechanism.  FIGS. 8 and 9  show an embodiment with two such pistons first piston  14   a , and second piston  14   b  one on each side of the handle, being pushed towards each other by two springs first spring  14   c  and second spring  14   d , thus progressively compressing the soap towards the center of the soap reservoir  3 . First piston  14   a  and second piston  14   b  exhibit first piston rubber seal  14   e  and second piston rubber seal  14   f  to seal the soap inside the soap reservoir. In this embodiment, the soap filler cap  6  would be placed on a side surface of the handle. A second locking latch  14   g  engages onto second locking hook  13   a  to hold first spring  14   c  in position during refilling. A similar mechanism is seen opposite. 
         [0065]    Creating positive pressure inside the soap compartment with an air/gas compression mechanism is seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Such pressure can be applied though a one way valve  14   i  from an externally applied air pump, a CO2 cartridge, or a small built in hand pump. Note that the air/gas pressure can be developed directly into the soap compartment itself, as shown when air or gas in injected through first one way valve The air/gas pressure can alternatively be applied through a second one way valve  14   j  which is behind a sliding piston and rubber seal assembly. 
         [0066]    An air vent  18 , sown in  FIG. 10 , or an aperture of a plurality of sizes, built into the soap reservoir, preferably in the soap filler cap  6 , will prevent the development of negative pressure inside the soap reservoir as it is being emptied. This may be embodied as a one-way vent, which allows air in but prevents soap from leaking out. 
         [0067]    Any of the above embodiments can be provided with warm water capability in two major ways. First, as seen in  FIG. 17 , by connecting to a hot water supply line. The arrows indicate the direction of water flow An embodiment is shown using a cold water valve  30 , which is connected to a first T-connector  31 . This first T-connector  31  splits the cold water into two streams. The first stream joins a hose  32 , which supplies water to the water tank  29 . The second stream goes to a second T-connector  31   a.    
         [0068]    This second T-connector  31   a  also receives hot water from a hot water valve  33  via a hot water supply hose  33   a . An additional mixing valve can be added at this junction to further fine-tune the ratio of cold to hot water. The warm water then flows from the second T-connector  31   a  to enter the warm water supply tube  34 , which is fluidly connected to the hand-held bidet. An optional water filter  34   a  is shown in this embodiment. This would be especially useful in areas with elevated water sediments, and will prolong the useful life of the device. The head  2  of the device can be placed in a cradle  2   a , which is shown attached to the sidewall of the toilet tank. 
         [0069]      FIG. 18  shows the addition of an optional water heater  35 , preferably but not necessarily an instant tankless model, readily available in the market.  FIG. 18  shows a cold water valve  30  supplying water to a T-connector  31   b , which splits the water stream in two. The first stream goes to the water tank  29  via a water hose  32 . The second water stream goes to an electric water heater  35  via a hose  36 , which becomes the cold intake line of the heater. An optional water filter  34   a  is shown on the intake line. The heater has a power switch  38  and a thermostatic controller  39  for adjusting the desired temperature. The warm water output of the heater joins the bidet device via a warm water supply hose  37 . Also shown are a power cord  40  and an electrical outlet  41 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 19  illustrates a configuration for outdoor use. That Figure shows a new simple garden hose adapter  44  to allow the device to be used outdoors. A garden hose  42  is shown, with large male threads  43  from the end of the hose, which couple with corresponding female threads  45  of an adaptor  44 . This adapter  44  has a second set of smaller female threads  46 , which in turn couple with the corresponding male threads  9  of the proximal handle end  1   a . It is evident that adapters can be made with different combinations of male and/or female threads, in a plurality of sizes, to accommodate a multitude of different hose sizes in different countries. 
         [0071]    Outdoor use expands the usage of the device to washing pets, cars or anything else. 
         [0072]    Many individuals would desire to use their bidet device away from home and without having onerous installation steps prior to use.  FIG. 20  shows an embodiment in which the bidet device can be connected to a common sink faucet using a new universal faucet adapter  47 , a plastic tube  52  and a bidet adapter  56 . 
         [0073]    Sink faucets come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. There are available in the market universal faucet couplers with dual threading, internal and external, which allow for attaching aerators or other items to almost any faucet design. A common such coupler in the U.S. has 55/64 inch-27 thread and 15/16 inch-27 thread. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 21 and 22 , show a new universal, dual threaded, faucet adapter  47 . The adapter has a dual threaded universal coupler  47   a  on the proximal end to attach to most faucets. On the distal end, it has a compression coupler  48  to allow for the attachment of a plastic tube  52  as shown. Common useful external diameters for the plastic tube are ¼ inch and 5/16 inch, but other sizes can also be used. These diameters allow for good water flow, while remaining thin enough for easy coiling for packing/traveling. 
         [0075]    Universal coupler  47   a  exhibits universal coupler internal threads  47   b , universal coupler external threads  47   c , coupler male threaded lower stem  47   d , which will engage into female threads  51   a  of brass nut  51 . Coupler collar  47   e , compression coupler  48 , rubber seal,  48   a  and brass insert,  49  will fit snuggly inside plastic tubing  52 . Brass sleeve  50 , keeps insert  49  from slipping out of tubing  52  and is compressed by brass nut  51   a.    
         [0076]      FIGS. 23 and 24 , show another new universal faucet adapter  53  with a rubber head  53   a  on the proximal end to attach compressively to a faucet spout. It has a compression coupler  55  on the distal end to allow for the attachment of a plastic tube  52  as shown. The universal faucet adapter  53  exhibits a cylindrical rubber head  53   a  connected to a rubber neck  53   b  further connect to rubber stem  53   c . Internal rubber ridges  53   d  are for grasping onto the faucet spout. Intermediate brass coupler  54 , sits in an annular groove inside rubber stem  53   c . Intermediate brass coupler male threads  54   a : engage female threads  51   a  of brass nut  51 . Brass insert  49  snuggly inside plastic tubing  52 . Brass sleeve  50  keeps insert  49  from slipping out of tubing  52 . Hose clamp  58  tightens rubber head around a standard faucet spout by wing headed screw  58   a . Hose clamps have traditional headed screws, and need a screwdriver to loosen and tighten. This hose clamp with a wing-shaped screw head allows the traveler to use his faucet adapter without carrying a screwdriver. 
         [0077]      FIG. 20  shows a sink faucet, fluidly connected via a universal faucet adapter  47  to the proximal end of a length of plastic tubing. The distal end of this plastic tubing is connected to the bidet via a bidet adapter  56 , as shown in detail in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
         [0078]      FIGS. 25 and 26  show external housing of bidet adapter.  57 , internal female threads of adapter housing  57   a , which will engage onto male threads  9  of bidet device, water tube pressure release  58 , water tube release bushing  59 , water tube grip lock washer  60 , water tube locking casing  61 , rubber washer  62  and water inlet grommet  63 . Plastic tube  52  threads inside the housing  57 , the tube pressure release  58 , and tube release bushing  59 . The tube can pass through the teeth of the tube grip lock washer  60  only when the tube pressure release  58  is pushed down against the tube release bushing  59 . Once the pressure is released, the distally aiming teeth of the grip lock washer  60  grasp the plastic tube  52  tightly and prevent its release. The female threads  57   a  of the bidet adapter housing  57  engage the male threads  9  of the bidet device. Note that the brass components described above can be made from other metals or from plastic. 
         [0079]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Technology Category: 0