WO2013015763A1

WO2013015763A1 - Auto cleaning toilet seat with anal cleaning device and blow dry

Info

Publication number: WO2013015763A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/044930
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maximo Dorra
Original assignee: Auto Cleaning Toilet Seat, L.L.C.
Priority date: 2011-07-22
Filing date: 2011-07-22
Publication date: 2013-01-31

Abstract

A combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system (10), comprising a housing assembly (20), an electrical system (80), a liquid matter system (1 10), turbine assemblies (100 and 200), and a manifold assembly (220), partially housed within a manifold (240), comprising a first at least one cut out (228 and 232), ducting (234 and 236) for air to flow originating from the turbine assemblies (100 and 200), and a bidet (1 18, 120 and 122) for liquid matter to exit originating from the liquid matter system (1 10). A toilet seat assembly (270) has mounting brackets (272) to mount onto the manifold assembly (220) and a cover assembly (280) has a mounting frame (290) to mount onto the manifold assembly (220). The cover assembly (280) has a second at least one cutout (314) for air to flow and a third at least one cutout (324) for the liquid matter to exit.

Description

I. TITLE: AUTO CLEANING TOILET SEAT WITH ANAL

CLEANING DEVICE AND BLOW DRY

II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to toilet systems, and particularly, to an automatic toilet seat cleaning system that also to hygienically cleanse and dry a user of such system.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Applicant believes that one of the closest references corresponds to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0064810, published on March 30, 2006 to Teranishi, et al. for a human private part washing apparatus. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0246828, published on November 10, 2005 to Shirai, et al. for a hygiene washing apparatus. Applicant believes that another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0028263, published on February 10, 2005 to Wodeslavsky for a water and space conservation toilet /bidet combination. Another reference corresponds to to U.S. Patent No. 7,216,374 issued to Hassan on May 15, 2007 for a smart toilet seat. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 7, 191 ,473 issued to Matsumoto, et al. on March 20, 2007 for a sanitary washing apparatus. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 7, 155,755 issued to Olivier on January 2, 2007 for a toilet seat having a cleansing facility. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 7,096,518 issued to Takenaga on August 29, 2006 for a body part cleansing unit for toilet. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 6,769, 140 issued to Olivier on August 3, 2004 for a toilet seat having a cleansing facility. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 6, 105, 178 issued to Kurisaki, et al. on August 22, 2000 for a sanitary cleansing apparatus. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 5,359,736 issued to Olivier on November 1 , 1994 for a spray means for a toilet pedestal. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 5,319,81 1 issued to Haurion on June 14, 1994 for a closet seat for a water closet as well as an apparatus for cleaning the posterior on a water closet having a seat. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 4,628,548 issued to Kurosawa, et al. on December 16, 1986 for a device and method of moving and controlling the position of a slidable body such as used for body cleansing. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 4,558,473 issued to Morikawa, et al. on December 17, 1985 for sanitary cleaning equipment. Another reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 3,247,524 issued to Umann, on April 26, 1966 for a hygienic apparatus for use on toilet bowls.

Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the main objects of the present invention to provide an automatic toilet seat cleaning system. Another object is to provide an auto cleaning toilet seat with anal cleaning device and blow dry that disinfects the toilet seat before use. Another object of this invention to provide an apparatus that washes and dries the anus and adjacent body opening areas of a user after using a toilet. Another object of the invention is to provide a device that is volumetrically efficient. Another object of the invention is to provide a device of a durable and reliable construction. Yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness. Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of the instant invention with its cover assembly in a closed position and installed onto a standard toilet.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the instant invention with its cover assembly in an open position and installed onto the standard toilet, whereby the tank of the toilet has been removed for illustrative purposes.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the instant invention.

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the instant invention with its cover assembly in an open position and installed onto the standard toilet.

Figure 5A is a partially sectioned isometric view of the cover assembly in the closed position and showing an activated liquid matter duct assembly.

Figure 5B is a partially sectioned isometric view of the cover assembly in the closed position and showing an activated air duct assembly.

Figure 6A is a partially sectioned isometric view of the instant invention, showing a bidet nozzle extended and in use. Figure 6B is a partially sectioned isometric view of the instant invention, showing the bidet nozzle retracted and manifold flaps in an open position, whereby forced air expels from.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the instant invention.

Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E are timing charts of the instant invention.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is a combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system and is generally referred to with numeral 10. It can be observed that it basically includes housing assembly 20, electrical system 80, liquid matter system 110, turbine assemblies 100 and 200, manifold assembly 220, manifold 240, toilet seat assembly 270, and cover assembly 280.

As seen in figure 1 , instant invention 10 is mounted to toilet 400, which comprises tank 402 with flush button 404, and toilet bowl 406. Housing assembly 20 comprises bridge 22 connecting tower assemblies 30 and 130 cooperatively mounted at lateral sides of toilet 400. Bridge 22 is preferably positioned behind a base of toilet bowl 406.

As best seen in figure 2, tower assembly 30 comprises lateral walls 32 and 34, rear wall 36, front wall 38, base switch housing 42, top wall 44, base 46 as seen in figure 1 , and top switch housing 50 mounted onto top wall 44. Similarly, tower assembly 130 comprises lateral walls 132 and 134, rear wall 136, front wall 138, pressure regulator 142, top wall 144, base 146 as seen in figure 1 , and top regulator housing 150 mounted onto top wall 144.

As seen in figure 3, front wall 38 of tower assembly 30 has front cover panel 40 removably mounted to cutout 48. Conduit 52 extends upwardly from top switch housing 50. Front wall 138 of tower assembly 130 has front cover panel 140 removably mounted to cutout 148. Conduit 152 extends upwardly from top regulator housing 150. Electrical system 80 comprises control box 82 with switches 84 and 86 disposed at base switch housing 42, and switches 88 and 90 disposed at top switch housing 50. In a preferred embodiment, screen 92 is positioned at top switch housing 50 and functions to give a status of instant invention 10. Electrical system 80 further comprises electrical wiring 94, seen in figure 7, electrical valves 96 and impeller pump 98. Pressure regulator 142 is connected to impeller pump 98. Pressure regulator 142 functions to regulate liquid matter pressure exiting bidet base 118 having telescopic section 120, and specifically bidet nozzle 122. Such liquid matter may be, but is not limited too, water, water combined with other matter such as a chemical, a chemical solution, and/ or a chemical solution comprising a disinfectant as an example. Turbine assembly 100 is housed within tower assembly 30 and comprises housing 102, motor housing 104 and outlet 106. Outlet 106 connects to conduct 52. Similarly, turbine assembly 200 is housed within tower assembly 130 and comprises housing 202, motor housing 204 and outlet 206 that connects to conduit 152. Liquid matter system 110 includes disinfectant container 112 housed within tower assembly 30, connecting tube 114, and bidet base 118 having telescopic section 120 and bidet nozzle 122 at its distal end. Liquid matter system 110 further includes line 116 from a water source, which is best seen in figure 7. As also seen in figure 3, manifold assembly 220 has wall 222 with ends 224 and 226, cutouts 228 and 232, and central cutout 230. Manifold assembly 220 further comprises air ducts 234 and 236 that mount to conduits 52 and 152 of top switch housing 50 and top regulator housing 150 respectively. Connecting tube 114 goes through manifold assembly 220. Bidet base 118 with telescopic section 120 are partially housed within manifold assembly 220 and protrude through central cutout 230. Manifold 240 is mounted with mounting posts 250 passing through standard openings in toilet bowl 406 used for mounting of traditional toilet seats. Manifold 240 comprises housing 242 with ends 244 and 246. Manifold flaps 248 are cooperatively disposed at a forward section of manifold 240. Manifold flaps 248 have spring-loaded hinges, not seen. Tubular cutout 252 is also at the forward section of manifold 240 between manifold flaps 248. Toilet seat assembly 270 has mounting brackets 272 and inner edge 274. Mounting brackets 272 mount to ends 244 and 246 of manifold 240. Mounting frames 290 mount next to mounting brackets 272. It is noted that manifold assembly 220 passes through manifold 240, mounting brackets 272, and mounting frames 290. Proximal ends of air ducts 234 and 236 are mounted to mounting frames 290, which in turn are next to ends 224 and 226 of manifold assembly 220. Bidet base 118 is positioned through central cutout 230 of manifold assembly 220, and through an opening of manifold 240, not shown, to be cooperatively disposed at tubular cutout 252. It is noted that manifold assembly 220, manifold 240, mounting brackets 272, and mounting frame 290 are on a same axis.

As seen in figure 4, cover assembly 280 comprises top wall

282,best seen in figure 1 , side wall 284 with edge 286, protrusion 288, and mounting frames 290 with cutouts 292, seen in figure 5A. Air duct assembly 310 and liquid matter duct assembly 320 are mounted onto cover assembly 280 between sidewall 284 and protrusion 288. Air duct assembly 310 has air conduit 312 with cutouts 314. Liquid matter duct assembly 320 has liquid matter conduit 322 with cutouts 324.

As seen in figures 5A and 5B, cover assembly 280 has been partially cross-sectioned to show how interior parts work. It is noted that when cover assembly 280 is closed, cutouts 228 and 232 of manifold assembly 220 are aligned with cutouts 292 of mounting frames 290, thus permitting air flowing from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 to flow through air duct assembly 310. Also, side wall 284 is positioned around an external edge of toilet seat assembly 270 and protrusion 288 and cooperatively fits inner edge 274, resting upon toilet seat assembly 270 in a way that a there is a clearance between protrusion 288 and inner edge 274 at front and sides. However, a rear portion of protrusion 288 snugly fits to the front of manifold 240, thus preventing manifold flaps 248 from opening when cover assembly 280 is closed. In operation, liquid matter duct assembly 320 is activated with switch 84 or 88, whereby liquid matter is delivered through cutouts 324 for a predetermined period of time onto toilet seat assembly 270. The disposition of sidewall 284 and protrusion 288 forces the delivered liquid matter to be directed inside toilet bowl 406. Once the cycle above has finished, a displacing and drying cycle starts. Air flowing from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 is directed through air ducts 234 and 236, cutouts 228 and 232, and then cutouts 292 into air conduit 312, exiting through cutouts 314 to displace and/ or dry the liquid matter from the surface of toilet seat assembly 270. Instant invention 10 is then clean, sanitized, and ready for use by a user.

As seen in figures 6A and 6B, once a user uses toilet 400, especially upon voiding, switch 86 or 90 is pressed to activate an anal cleaning cycle. Impeller pump 98 causes the liquid matter to be expelled through bidet nozzle 122 for a predetermined period of time. The user can regulate the pressure of the liquid matter exiting bidet nozzle 122 by actuating pressure regulator 142. Liquid matter pressure causes telescopic section 120 to extend from bidet base 118. When the anal cleaning cycle ends, telescopic section 120 retracts back into bidet base 118 and the anal drying cycle starts. Since cover assembly 280 is in an open position, cutouts 292 are covered by wall 222 of manifold assembly 220. Therefore, air flowing from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 forces manifold flaps 248 to open. Air flowing through flaps 248 is directed to the user's anal area for a predetermined period of time.

Seen in figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the connections for instant invention 10. Water enters from a water source through line 116, having a one-way valve, flows to impeller pump 98. Liquid matter flow is selectively directed by electrical valves 96; either to liquid matter duct assembly 320, along with a predetermined amount of disinfectant from disinfectant container 112, or to bidet nozzle 122 with a pressure that user determines using pressure regulator 142. Electrical wiring supplies electrical power to control box 82, which in turn is connected to turbine assemblies 100 and 200, impeller pump 98, and electrical valves 96. Retention valves can be conveniently disposed to control the direction of the water flow.

Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E represent timing charts showing different dispositions and states of the components of instant invention 10 in a period of time as follows:

1. Period of time AB: Seat disinfectant cycle:

Fig. 8A: Cover assembly 280 is in a closed position.

Fig. 8B: Liquid matter is delivered through cutouts 324 of liquid matter duct assembly 320 and onto toilet seat assembly 270.

Fig. 8C: Air from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 to air duct assembly 310 are OFF.

Fig. 8D: Water flow from impeller pump 98 to bidet nozzle 122 is OFF.

Fig. 8E: Air flow from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 to manifold flaps 248 is OFF.

2. Period of time BC: Seat drying cycle starts: Fig. 8A: Cover assembly 280 is in a closed position.

Fig. 8B: Liquid matter duct assembly 320 is OFF.

Fig. 8C: Air from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 to air duct assembly 310 is ON. Air flowing from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 is directed through air ducts 234 and 236, cutouts 228 and 232, cutouts 292 into air conduit 312, exiting through cutouts 324 to displace and/or dry the liquid matter from toilet seat assembly 270.

Fig. 8D: Water from impeller pump 98 to bidet nozzle 122 is

OFF.

Fig. 8E: Air flowing from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 to manifold flaps 248 is OFF.

3. Period of time CD: Anal cleaning cycle:

Fig. 8A: Cover assembly 280 is in an open position.

Fig. 8B: Liquid matter duct assembly 320 is OFF.

Fig. 8C: Air flow from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 to air duct assembly 310 is OFF.

Fig. 8D: Water flow from impeller pump 98 to bidet nozzle 122 is ON. Water flowing from impeller pump 98 is expelled through bidet nozzle 122. Liquid matter pressure makes telescopic section 120 protrude from bidet base 118.

4. Period of time DE: Anal area drying cycle:

Fig. 8A: Cover assembly 280 is in an open position.

Fig. 8B: Liquid matter duct assembly 320 is OFF.

Fig. 8C: Air from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 to air duct assembly 310 is OFF.

Fig. 8D: Water flow from impeller pump 98 to bidet nozzle 122 is OFF. Fig. 8E: Air flow from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 to manifold flaps 248 is ON. Air flowing from turbine assemblies 100 and 200 forces manifold flaps 248 to open. Air flowing out through manifold flaps 248 is directed to the user's anal area.

The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

VII. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

It is evident that an invention such as the combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system claimed in the present application is quite desirable because it provides an automatic toilet seat cleaning system that disinfects the toilet seat before use. The claimed invention is also quite desirable because it provides an apparatus that washes and dries the anus and adjacent body opening areas of a user after using a toilet. In addition, the claimed invention is volumetrically efficient, of a durable and reliable construction, and it is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.

Claims

VIII. CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system, comprising:

A) a housing assembly;

B) an electrical system;

C) a liquid matter system; a turbine assembly;

E) a manifold assembly comprising a first at least one cut out, said manifold assembly partially housed within a manifold, said manifold assembly having ducting for air to flow originating from said turbine assembly, said manifold assembly further comprising a bidet for liquid matter to exit from said liquid matter system;

F) a toilet seat assembly having mounting brackets to mount onto said manifold assembly; and G) a cover assembly having a mounting frame to mount onto said manifold assembly, said cover assembly having a second at least one cutout for said air to flow originating from said turbine assembly, said cover assembly further having a third at least one cutout for said liquid matter to exit from said liquid matter system.

2. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said liquid matter exits from said third at least one cutout when said cover assembly is in a closed position.

3. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said air flows from said first at least one cut out when said cover assembly is in a closed position.

4. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said liquid matter exits from said bidet when said cover assembly is in an open position.

5. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said manifold comprises at least one manifold flap that opens when said air flows therefrom from said turbine assembly when said cover assembly is in an open position.

6. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said cover assembly further comprises a protrusion that rests upon said toilet seat assembly when said cover assembly is in a closed position.

7. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said liquid matter system comprises a disinfectant container.

8. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said liquid matter system comprises a pressure regulator to regulate pressure of said liquid matter exiting from said bidet when said cover assembly is in an open position.

9. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said electrical system comprises at least one switch to activate said liquid matter system and said turbine assembly.

10. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said bidet is in a retracted position when said liquid matter exits from said third at least one cutout when said cover assembly is in a closed position.

11. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said bidet is in a retracted position when said air flows from said first at least one cut out when said cover assembly is in a closed position.

12. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said bidet is in a extracted position when said liquid matter exits from said bidet when said cover assembly is in an open position.

13. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 5, further characterized in that said bidet is in a retracted position when said at least one manifold flap opens and said air flows therefrom originating from said turbine assembly when said cover assembly is in an open position.

14. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said turbine assembly has sufficient power to displace and dry said liquid matter from said toilet seat assembly when said air flows from said first at least one cut out when said cover assembly is in a closed position.

15. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said housing assembly comprises at least one tower assembly to house said turbine assembly.

16. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said liquid matter system connects to a water source.

17. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said housing assembly comprises two tower assemblies to each house a respective said turbine assembly.

18. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 17, further characterized in that said ducting extends from said two tower assemblies to said manifold assembly.

19. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said housing comprises a base switch housing to house at least one switch to activate said liquid matter system and said turbine assembly.

20. The combined automatic toilet self-cleaning and user hygienic system set forth in claim 1 , further characterized in that said manifold assembly, said manifold, said mounting brackets, and said mounting frame are on a same axis.