Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a bidet system, and more particularly to a bidet system and apparatus with dual mode spray operation.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Bidets have been used for centuries to provide users with solution for cleaning private area of an individual using a toilet. Traditionally, bidets were standalone fixtures that required separate installations and plumbing setups.

[0003] However, with advancements in technology and increasing demand for convenient and hygienic bathroom solutions, bidets have evolved to become more integrated and user-friendly. For example, bidet systems have incorporated handheld controllers, sensors or remote controls to operate bidets. However, these systems may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Also, such bidet systems are expensive and are not affordable by public at large esp. in countries like India.

[0004] In light of the above, there exists a need for a bidet system which facilitates a dual mode spray operation esp. with individuals with mobility impairments.

 
SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention provides a bidet system and apparatus with dual mode spray operation. The scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the appended claims and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. The present embodiments may obviate one or more of the drawbacks or limitations in the related art.

[0006] In one aspect, a bidet system operable in a dual mode includes a base accessory mountable on a toilet bowl, and a first actuator mountable on the base accessory. The first actuator consists of an inlet connectable to a water supply, and an outlet. The first actuator is operable by hand. The bidet system includes a second actuator operable by a foot. The second actuator consists of an inlet connectable to the water supply, and an outlet. The bidet system includes a nozzle apparatus attachable to the base accessory. The nozzle apparatus includes a first inlet, a second inlet, and at least one outlet. The outlet of the first actuator is connectable to the first inlet of the nozzle apparatus via a first pipe, and the outlet of the second actuator is connectable to the second inlet of the nozzle apparatus via a second pipe. The outlet of the nozzle apparatus is configured to spray water when one of the first actuator and the second actuator is operated.

[0007] The nozzle apparatus consists of a first member and a second member. The first member of the nozzle apparatus is attachable to the base accessory and the second member of the nozzle apparatus is positioned at an angle from the first member. The outlet of the nozzle apparatus is located on the second member of the nozzle apparatus in such a manner that water is sprayed at an angle of 50 to 55 degrees for cleaning purposes.

[0008] The base accessory is a L-shaped member having a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is provided with a provision to mount the first actuator, and the second leg is provided with a provision to attached on the toilet bowl. The second leg of the base accessory is provided with a provision to mount the nozzle apparatus.

[0009] In another aspect, a nozzle apparatus operable in dual mode includes a first member comprising a first inlet connectable to a first actuator operable by a hand, and a second inlet connectable to a second actuator operable by a foot, and a second member positioned at an angle with respect to the first member. The second member includes an outlet configured to spray water at an angle of 50 to 55 degrees for cleaning purposes when the water is supplied by one of the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0010] The first member is provided with a provision for mounting the nozzle apparatus on a base accessory affixed to a toilet bowl. The second member is positioned at an angle from the first member.
 
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The above-mentioned and other features will now be addressed with reference to the accompanying drawings of the present disclosure. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not limit the disclosure.

[0012] The present invention is further described hereinafter with reference to illustrated embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1A is a schematic representation depicting a bidet system attached to a toilet bowl, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 1B is a schematic representation depicting a top view of the bidet system in an assembled position prior to mounting on a toilet bowl, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a nozzle apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a foot actuator, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention provides a bidet system and apparatus with dual mode spray operation. Various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident that such embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0018] FIG. 1A is a schematic representation depicting a bidet system 100 attached to a toilet bowl 110, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bidet system 100 includes a base accessory 102, a nozzle apparatus 104, a hand actuator 106, and a foot actuator 108.

[0019] The base accessory 102 is a L-shaped frame having a long leg and a short leg. The long leg has a provision for mounting the L-shaped frame on the toilet bowl 110. The long leg has a provision for mounting the nozzle apparatus 104. The short leg has provision to mount the hand actuator 106.

[0020] The hand actuator 106 consists of an inlet connected to a water supply and an outlet connected to an inlet of the nozzle apparatus 104 via a pipe. In an example, the hand actuator may be an angle valve used to regulate and shut off water supply to the nozzle apparatus 104 by hand. The foot actuator 108 has an inlet connected to the water supply and an outlet connected to the inlet of the nozzle apparatus 104 via a pipe. The foot actuator may be a foot pedal valve which supplies water to the nozzle apparatus 104 when the pedal is pressed downwards by foot and stops supply of water when the pedal is released.

[0021] The nozzle apparatus 104 consists of a first member and a second member. The inlet of the nozzle apparatus 104 is positioned on the first member. An outlet of the nozzle apparatus 104 is positioned on the second member. The second member is bent from the first member in such a manner that the water is sprayed from the outlet with an angle of 50o to 55o. In an example, the first member and the second member are formed of a single piece.

[0022] In one embodiment, a person using the toilet bowl 110 can operate the hand actuator 106 using right or left hand to a ON position to use the bidet. During the ON position of the hand actuator, the water from the water supply pipe is supplied to the inlet of the nozzle apparatus 104. The water is sprayed in a direction of private area of the person through the outlet of the nozzle apparatus 104 at angle of 50o to 55o from a horizontal plane. The force of water can be adjusted using the hand actuator 106.

[0023] In another embodiment, a person using the toilet bowl 110 can operate the foot actuator 108 by pressing the pedal of the foot actuator 108 by foot to use the bidet. When the pedal is pressed downwards by foot, the water from the outlet of the foot actuator 108 is supplied to the inlet of the nozzle apparatus 104. The water is sprayed in a direction of private area of the person through the outlet of the nozzle apparatus 104 at angle of 50o to 55o from a horizontal plane. The force of water can be adjusted by applying necessary force on the pedal of the foot actuator 108.

[0024] FIG. 1B is a schematic representation depicting a top view of the bidet system 100 in an assembled position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1B, the bidet system 100 can be retrofitted to existing toilet bowl via adjustable toilet fit provision provided on the long leg of the base accessory 102. A water supply pipe 112 is connected to the inlet of the hand actuator 106 and the inlet of the foot actuator 108.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a nozzle apparatus 104, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The nozzle apparatus 104 is used in the bidet system 100 for spraying water to clean private area of a person using a toilet. The nozzle apparatus 104 consists of a first member 202 and a second member 204. The first member 202 consists of a first inlet 206 and a second inlet 208. The first inlet 206 is connected to an outlet of the hand actuator 106 and the second inlet 208 is connected to an outlet of the foot actuator 108. The first member 202 also consists of a provision 210 for fastening the nozzle apparatus 104 to the base accessory 102. The nozzle apparatus 104 is made of medical grade stainless-steel.

[0026] The second member 204 consists of an outlet 212 which connects the inlets 206 and 208 via a circular hollow cavity 214. The outlet 212 is positioned on the second member 204 in such a manner that water is sprayed in direction of private area of a person using a toilet bowl at an angle of 50 to 55 degrees. The nozzle apparatus 104 is fastened to a base accessory (e.g., the base accessory 102 of FIG. 1A) via slots 210. The position of the nozzle apparatus 104 can be adjusted in a horizontal direction depending on type of toilet seat using the slots 210.

[0027] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a foot actuator 108, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the foot actuator 108 consists of a housing 302, a valve 304, a foot pedal 306, and a spring 308. The housing 302 houses a valve 304. The valve 304 consists of a cylindrical piston 314, an inlet 310 and an outlet 312. A water supply is connected to the inlet 310 and the outlet 312 is connected to a nozzle apparatus 104 (as shown in FIG. 1A). The foot pedal 306 along with the top end of the piston 314 is hinged to the housing 302 via a pin 316. The valve 304 is retained in a closed position via a spring 308 whose one end rests against the base of the housing 302 and other end rests against the bottom surface of the foot pedal 306. In the closed position of valve 304, no water flows from inlet 310 to the outlet 312. When a force is applied by foot on the top surface of the foot pedal 306, the spring 308 is compressed and the piston 314 is lifted up, thereby opening the valve 304. When the valve 304 is in open condition, the water flows from the inlet 310 to the outlet 312 and then to the nozzle apparatus 104. This results in spraying the water from the outlet of the nozzle apparatus 104 to clean private area of a person using a toilet bowl.

[0028] In accordance with the foregoing embodiments, the bidet system 100 enables bidet to be operated by hand and foot, thereby providing flexibility to people with disabilities or mobility issues in public places. The bidet system 100 is designed as a retrofit attachment compatible with wide range of toilet seats. This ensures that the bidet system 100 can be used in existing private and public restroom settings without a need for major modifications and costs. The bidet system 100 can be made of stainless-steel material (e.g., SS304 medical grade stainless steel), thereby ensuring that the bidet system 100 remains rust free, easy to sanitize, longer life and lower maintenance costs over time while contributing to sustainable environment. The bidet system 100 also have a non-porous surface which reduces the likelihood of bacterial growth and provides hygienic and safer environment for users. With use of dual mode of operation, the bidet system 100 also eliminates need to touch potentially contaminated surfaces, thereby reducing risk from diseases. The bidet system 100 is designed to make optimal use of water, thereby promoting ecofriendly practices.

[0029] While the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments. In view of the present disclosure, many modifications and variations would be present themselves, to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, as described herein. The scope of the present disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, modifications, and variations coming within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be considered within their scope. All advantageous embodiments claimed in method claims may also be apply to system/apparatus claims.
, Claims:CLAIMS

We claim:

1. A bidet system (100) operable in a dual mode, comprising:
a base accessory (102) mountable on a toilet bowl (110); and
a first actuator (106) mountable on the base accessory (102), wherein the first actuator (106) consists of an inlet connectable to a water supply (112), and an outlet, wherein the first actuator (106) is operable by hand; characterized by:
a second actuator (108) operable by a foot, wherein the second actuator (108) comprises an inlet connectable to the water supply (112), and an outlet; and
a nozzle apparatus (104) attachable to the base accessory (102), wherein the nozzle apparatus (104) comprises a first inlet (206), a second inlet (208), and at least one outlet (212), wherein the outlet of the first actuator (106) is connectable to the first inlet (206) of the nozzle apparatus (104) via a first pipe, and the outlet of the second actuator (108) is connectable to the second inlet (208) of the nozzle apparatus (104) via a second pipe.

2. The bidet system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet of the nozzle apparatus (104) is configured to spray water when one of the first actuator (106) and the second actuator (108) is operated by a user.

3. The bidet system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle apparatus (104) consists of a first member (202) and a second member (204).

4. The bidet system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first member (202) of the nozzle apparatus (104) is attachable to the base accessory (102) and the second member (204) of the nozzle apparatus (104) is positioned at an angle from the first member (202).

5. The bidet system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the outlet (212) of the nozzle apparatus (104) is located on the second member (204) of the nozzle apparatus (104) in such a manner that water is sprayed at an angle of 50 to 55 degrees for cleaning purposes.

6. The bidet system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base accessory (102) is a L-shaped member having a first leg and a second leg, wherein the first leg is provided with a provision to mount the first actuator (106), and the second leg is provided with a provision to attach the base accessory (102) to the toilet bowl (110).

7. The bidet system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second leg of the L-shaped member is provided with a provision to mount the nozzle apparatus (104).

8. A nozzle apparatus (104) operable in dual mode comprising:
a first member (202) comprising a first inlet (206) connectable to a first actuator (106) operable by a hand, and a second inlet (208) connectable to a second actuator (108) operable by a foot; and
a second member (204) comprising an outlet (212) configured to spray water at an angle of 50 to 55 degrees for cleaning purposes when the water is supplied by operating one of the first actuator (106) and the second actuator (108).

9. The nozzle apparatus (104) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first member (202) is provided with a provision for mounting the nozzle apparatus (104) on a base accessory (102) affixed to a toilet bowl (110).

10. The nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second member (204) is positioned at an angle from the first member (202).