BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to personal hygiene, specifically to bidet attachments that incorporate the existing toilet for the purpose of personal washing.

BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0002] Bidets are part of personal hygiene. They are permanent fixtures requiring additional bathroom space and professional plumbers to install them. The need for a space saving and inexpensive solution has brought about the invention of the bidet attachment. To save space and cost, these devices incorporate the existing toilet. Different types have been offered having different benefits and accordingly, disadvantages.

[0003] Problems with bidet attachments:

[0004] 1. Many provide only cold water. Cold water bidets are not very pleasant and can be shocking to the user.

[0005] 2. They are complicated to install requiring one to hire a plumber or a handyman.

[0006] 3. Many have the problem of keeping their spray nozzles sanitary due to their permanent installation. Most nozzles are fastened somewhere underneath the level of the toilet seat; only some are retractable to a hidden position.

[0007] 4. Most are unsightly. Since they are permanent fixtures in the bathrooms, they may not be viewed as aesthetically pleasing to wondering visiting guests.

[0008] 5. Relatively expensive to purchase.

[0009] Listed below are a few other inventions and their disadvantages which have surfaced.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,205 to Leunissen (1993) discloses a bidet attachment, which connects to the water line of the toilet for water pressure. This invention provides only cold water. Cold water bidets are not very pleasant and can be a shocking experience, especially in winter climate. Also, cold water obviously does not clean as thoroughly as warm water. To install this device one may need to hire a plumber or at least a handyman. If self-installed, tools are required. The spray nozzle is permanently attached to the seat; therefore, during defecation, when the toilet seat is placed down, the spray nozzle may be in line with anal discharge. This could cause unsanitary conditions for spray nozzle. Also, quick removal of spray nozzle for convenient cleaning is not obvious. Last, when taking into account all embodiments and variations of the invention, and the cost of possibly hiring an installer, the product is relatively more expensive than other possible solutions.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,711 to Parikh (1992) is permanently installed on to the toilet. This invention also has the problem of providing only cold water and a permanent placement of spray nozzle creates unsanitary condition as well. The spray nozzle is permanently attached to the toilet; therefore, during defecation, when the toilet seat is placed down, the spray nozzle may be in line with anal discharge. This could cause unsanitary conditions for the spray nozzle. Quick removal of the spray nozzle for convenient cleaning is not obvious. Also, when taking into account the variations of this invention and the expense of hiring installer, or the time and trouble to self-install, the product is relatively more expensive than other possible solutions. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,711 has a permanently fastened tube, which is unsightly and may not be aesthetically pleasing to wondering guest visitors.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,642,820 to Boring (1987) discloses a bidet attachment, which connects to the water line of the toilet for water pressure. This invention provides only cold water. Cold water bidets are not very pleasant and can be a shocking experience, especially in winter climate. Also, cold water obviously does not clean as thoroughly as warm water. To install this device one may need to hire a plumber or at least a handyman. If self-installed, tools are required. The spray nozzle is permanently attached to the seat; therefore, during defecation, when the toilet seat is placed down, the spray nozzle may be in line with anal discharge. In trying to account for this problem, this invention incorporates a swivel type connection with nozzle and base unit to be place in a non-use position when not used. This may account for a little increase of more sanitary conditions, but the nozzle is always in the area under the toilet seat exposing itself to random splatterings during normal toilet use. This could cause unsanitary conditions for the spray nozzle. Also, quick removal of the spray nozzle for convenient cleaning is not obvious. Last, when taking into account all the embodiments and variations of this invention, and the cost of possibly hiring an installer, the product is still relatively more expensive than other possible solutions.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,067 to Cogdill (1992) utilizes a heating module connected to the side of the toilet tank to make warm water. To provide electricity to the module requires a nearby electrical wall plug. Many toilets do not have an electrical source nearby. If so, additional electrical work would be needed to provide an electrical wall plug that was conveniently located, or perhaps an unsightly electrical extension cord could be used. This problem could be easily simplified by considering the use of warm water already made from the home's main water heater and could be taken from the bathroom's existing local faucet. Also, the device is relatively expensive to manufacturer and even more expensive for the consumer to purchase. Since this device is a permanent structure, it needs a professional plumber or at least a handyman for the installation, or if self-installed, tools are required. Additionally, since this device is permanently installed, it may be unsightly to curious and wondering guest visitors.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,069 to Han and Chong is one of the more complicated types of bidet attachments. This device is one of the most expensive of the discussed inventions, costing hundreds of dollars, not including installation. This device is a permanent structure; it needs a professional plumber for the installation. This invention needs electricity to operate. Electricity is needed possible to heat the water and operate the other parts of the device. This invention shows two nozzles: one for the front of toilet seat and one for the back, requiring a separate seat to be manufactured along with the other parts. The main purpose could still be achieved with a more simple invention. Getting warm water dispersed to the posterior for the purpose of hygienic cleansing can be simplified.

[0015] Therefore, another practical solution is needed. My invention to be presented will be a simple, cost effective, and efficient device that incorporates the existing toilet. It can easily be installed or removed in seconds, and will also account for warm water.

OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES

[0016] Accordingly, the objects and advantages of my invention are:

[0017] 1. Accounts for warm water—water of desired temperature can be taken from a local faucet instead of having a separate heating apparatus.

[0018] 2. Simple to install—does not require a plumber or a handyman.

[0019] 3. Sanitary—not on toilet during normal use; therefore, the nozzle remains sanitary.

[0020] 4. Portable—can be stored away out of sight from visiting guests or can be taken along when traveling.

[0021] 5. Economical—less expensive to manufacture, less expensive for the buyer.

[0022] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing descriptions and drawings.

SUMMARY

[0023] In accordance with the present invention, a bidet attachment comprises a water container, a tube employing a tube clamp for transmission and control of water, and a nozzle combined with a suction cup or seat clip.