US20240287776A1

US20240287776A1 - Adjustable hinge fasteners for use with a bidet apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20240287776A1
Application number: US18/129,546
Authority: US
Inventors: Anjum Gupta; Yash Jawanjal
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-02-27
Filing date: 2023-03-31
Publication date: 2024-08-29

Abstract

The disclosure provides adjustable hinge fasteners and methods thereof, for securing a bidet washing apparatus to a toilet.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 37 U.S.C. § 120 and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/114,422, filed on Feb. 27, 2023, titled: “ADJUSTABLE HINGE FASTENERS FOR USE WITH A BIDET APPARATUS,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure generally relates to a bidet washing apparatus and more particularly to adjustable hinge fasteners for use with a bidet apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bidet apparatuses for washing and cleaning body parts (e.g., genital and/or anal regions) with water were originally developed in the form of a bidet that provided a single spray of water from a permanently attached fixture built into a toilet bowl. However, such bidets were expensive and a new generation of attachable bidets with a plurality of nozzles for multiple water sprays were developed. These bidets may be attached to the sitting area of a toilet bowl for washing the body parts of a person, as well as the bidet itself, using water sprayed from the bidet nozzles.
Various attachable bidet designs have provided some of the desired washing and cleaning effects; however, existing bidets fail to address all concerns related to the design and function of bidets. For example, some attachable bidet apparatuses may not be suitable for use with all toilet bowls due to the structural differences or variations present in the connecting portions of the apparatus and the securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In addition, contamination or pollution of the bidet apparatus during use, including the under surfaces of the bidet and the outer surfaces of the nozzles, is a common problem that causes aesthetic and hygienic issues. Cleaning these surfaces may be problematic due to the inconvenience and difficulty in effectively reaching all of the contaminated areas, especially with the way most bidet apparatuses are more or less permanently attached to the toilet bowl. These problems are particularly important in bidets used, for example, by infirm or sick people who have to be especially cautious about maintaining hygiene and preventing infections.
Thus, there remains a need for an improved attachable bidet apparatus that allows a user to easily attach and/or clean the apparatus and toilet for aesthetic and hygienic reasons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated mode of carrying out exemplary embodiments herein. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the exemplary embodiments herein, since the scope of the disclosure is best defined by the appended claims. Various inventive features are described below that may each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.
Broadly, embodiments of the disclosure herein generally provide a bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, which includes one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms and a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and an elastomeric hinge, wherein the elastomeric hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; or a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm secures the disk; and an elastomeric hinge, wherein the elastomeric hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus; a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the elastomeric hinge allows the bidet washing apparatus to be pivoted or rotated in a vertical direction with a center of rotation along the elastomeric hinge.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the elastomeric hinge comprises cis-polyisoprene (natural rubber), cis-polybutadiene (butadiene rubber), styrene-butadiene rubber, or ethylene-propylene monomer.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the disks are polygon-shaped disks.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the disks are each independently a geometric shaped disk selected from a circle, triangle, rectangle, rhombus, square, and a trapezoid.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slot on the disks is a U-shaped securing slot.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about-45 degrees to about +45 degrees.
In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, which includes one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms and a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and a living hinge, wherein the living hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; or a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm secures the disk; and a living hinge, wherein the living hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus; a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the living hinge includes a recessed area between the bracket holder and the bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the living hinge allows the bidet washing apparatus to be pivoted or rotated in a vertical direction with a center of rotation along the recessed area of the living hinge.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the living hinge comprises polypropylene or polyethylene.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the living hinge is a system of living hinges which connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the disks are polygon-shaped disks.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the disks are each independently a geometric shaped disk selected from a circle, triangle, rectangle, rhombus, square, and a trapezoid.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slot on the disks is a U-shaped securing slot.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees.
In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, which includes one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm forms a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and a snap-fit connector, wherein the snap-fit connector connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus; a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slot is a U-shaped securing slot.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the snap-fit connector allows the bidet washing apparatus to be reversibly attachable to the toilet bowl.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the snap-fit connector includes a base for securing the snap-fit connector to the bracket holder.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the base extends to form a bottom bar and a top bar having a push button, with a space there between the bottom bar and top bar for securing the snap-fit connector to the bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the bottom bar, top bar and push button can extend into an opening of the bidet washing apparatus by compressing the top bar and push button towards the bottom bar.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, further comprising a push button slot on the bidet washing apparatus for reversibly securing the push button and snap-fit connector to the apparatus.
In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, which includes one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm forms a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and a bent-bar connector, wherein the bent-bar connector connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus; one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus; a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.
In one aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the securing slot is a U-shaped securing slot.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the bent-bar connector allows the bidet washing apparatus to be raised or lowered vertically.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the bent-bar connector includes a base for securing the bent-bar connector to the bracket holder.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the base extends to form a vertical bar, and wherein the vertical bar extends to form a top horizontal bar for securing the bent-bar connector to the bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the vertical bar and top horizontal bar can extend into an opening of bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, further comprising an opening in the top horizontal bar and a post or pole in the bidet washing apparatus for securing the bent-bar connector to the bidet washing apparatus.
In another aspect, the disclosure provides a bidet washing apparatus, wherein the bent-bar connector can ride up or down along the post or pole thereby raising or lowering the bidet washing apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosure and should not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the disclosure. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a bidet washing apparatus installed on a toilet bowl without a toilet seat;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a bidet washing apparatus installed on a toilet bowl with the toilet seat down;

FIG. 3 is a top rear perspective view of a bidet washing apparatus having a pair of adjustable hinge fasteners for attaching the bidet to a toilet bowl;

FIG. 4 is an exploded top, front perspective view of an adjustable hinge fastener;

FIG. 5 is a cut-away of a top perspective view of the adjustable hinge fastener;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E and 6F are top, rear perspective views of a bidet washing apparatus with the adjustable hinge fasteners at different degrees of rotation;

FIG. 7 is a top, front perspective view of a bidet washing apparatus with adjustable hinge fasteners;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a bidet washing apparatus with adjustable hinge fasteners;

FIG. 9 is a left side perspective view of a bidet washing apparatus with adjustable hinge fasteners;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are right side views of a bidet washing apparatus showing the apparatus in a seated position and in a rotated upwards position, respectively;

FIG. 11 is a rear top perspective view of a bidet washing apparatus showing the apparatus in a rotated upwards position;

FIG. 12 is a top rear perspective view of a bidet washing apparatus having a pair of adjustable hinge fasteners for attaching the bidet to a toilet bowl;

FIG. 13 is a cut-away top perspective view of the adjustable hinge fastener;

FIG. 14 is a top, front perspective view of a bidet washing apparatus having adjustable hinge fasteners;

FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and 15F are top, rear perspective views of a bidet washing apparatus having adjustable hinge fasteners;

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a top cut-away view of a bidet washing apparatus having two adjustable hinge fasteners each with an elastomeric hinge;

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an embodiment of a cut-away right side view of an adjustable hinge fastener with the elastomeric hinge in a flat, horizontal or a seated position, and in a pivoted or rotated vertically direction with the center of rotation along the elastomeric hinge, respectively;

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate an embodiment of a top right side rear view of a bidet washing apparatus with the elastomeric hinge in a flat, horizontal or a seated position, and in a pivoted or rotated vertically direction with the center of rotation along the elastomeric hinge, respectively;

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E and 19F illustrate embodiments of a top view of a bidet washing apparatus and adjustable hinge fasteners, which includes the rotatable disks with different degrees of rotation with respect to the securing slot;

FIG. 20A illustrate an embodiment of a front side view of a living hinge connecting a box and a lid;

FIG. 20B illustrate an embodiment of a side view of a living hinge connecting a box and a lid;

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a top cut-away view of a bidet washing apparatus having two adjustable hinge fasteners each with a living hinge;

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate an embodiment of a cut-away right side view of an adjustable hinge fastener, the living hinge, disk, U-shaped securing slot, bracket holder, bracket holder arms, the internal ridge, lip or slot, and a stopper located in proximity of the bracket holder;

FIGS. 23A, 23B and 23C illustrate an embodiment of a cut-away right side view of the living hinge attached between the bracket holder and a bidet washing apparatus at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees, respectively;

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate an embodiment of a side rear view of a bidet washing apparatus with the living hinge in a flat, horizontal or a seated position, and in a pivoted or rotated vertically direction with the center of rotation along the hinge, respectively;

FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E, and 25F illustrate embodiments of a top view of a bidet washing apparatus and adjustable hinge fasteners, which includes the rotatable disks with different degrees of rotation with respect to the securing slot;

FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate an embodiment of a top cut-away view of a bidet washing apparatus having two adjustable hinge fasteners each with a snap-fit connector;

FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of a cut-away right side view of an adjustable hinge fastener, the snap-fit connector, bracket holder, bracket holder arm, and U-shaped securing slot 620;

FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C illustrate an embodiment of a cross sectional view of an adjustable hinge fastener with a snap-fit connector being attached to a bidet washing apparatus;

FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C illustrate an embodiment of a cross sectional view of an adjustable hinge fastener with a snap-fit connector being removed from a bidet washing apparatus;

FIGS. 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E and 30F illustrate embodiments of a top view of a bidet washing apparatus and adjustable hinge fasteners;

FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate an embodiment of a top cut-away view of a bidet washing apparatus having two adjustable hinge fasteners each with a bent-bar connector;

FIG. 32 illustrates an embodiment of a cut-away right side view of an adjustable hinge fastener, the bent-bar connector, bracket holder, bracket holder arm, and U-shaped securing slot; and

FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrate an embodiment of a bidet washing apparatus and a cross sectional view of an adjustable hinge fastener with a bent-bar connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the embodiments described herein. Descriptions of specific devices, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples described herein and shown but is to be accorded the scope consistent with the claims.
As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the process disclosed herein is an example of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Any accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.
As described herein, a “bidet washing apparatus,” or a “bidet” is a toilet attachment for cleaning the body parts of the user.
As described herein, the term “water inlet” means any structure that may provide water to the bidet washing apparatus.
As described herein, the term “control unit” (aka “control panel”) refers to the housing that has “control switch(es)” thereon, for controlling the various functionalities of the bidet, including but not limited to controlling the flow of water through the nozzles; controlling and/or adjusting the angle of the nozzles; and controlling the opening and/or closing of the protective shield gate.
As described herein, the term “control valves” refers to the controller parts located inside the control panel housing, which controls the flow of water or other fluids from the water inlet(s) to one or more “water tubes,” by opening, closing or partially obstructing various passageways.
As described herein, the term “water tubes” refers to channels that connect the control valves to a “nozzle assembly.”
As described herein, the term “nozzle assembly” refers to a single nozzle or a collection of nozzles comprising at least one “washing nozzle.” As described herein, the term “nozzle assembly” may also have other types of nozzles such as a “self-cleaning nozzle,” which is used to clean the nozzle assembly itself, a “toilet cleaning nozzle,” which is used to clean the bidet and/or the toilet, and a “shield cleaning nozzle,” which is used for cleaning the “protective shield gate.”
As described herein, the term “nozzle” refers to a device designed to eject water or other fluids as a coherent controlled spray.
As described herein, the term “washing nozzle” refers to the nozzle that may be used to wash the body parts of a user.
As described herein, the term “protective shield gate” refers to a structure placed at least partially in front of the nozzle assembly (e.g., between the user and the nozzle assembly) to protect the nozzle assembly from pollutants. In some embodiments, the protective shield gate may have a “hinged” edge.
As described herein, the term “adjustable hinge fastener” is a generic term for any “rotationally adjustable hinge fastener,” that is used to fasten or secure a bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl, and which allows the apparatus to be independently moved in a horizontal direction and to pivot in a vertical direction.
As described herein, the term “hinged” refers to a joint that allows the turning or pivoting of the protective shield gate, by any conventional turning or pivoting mechanism.
As described herein, the term “living hinge” refers to a hinge of flexible plastic that creates a join between two objects without any knuckles or pins. Molded as a single piece, they never trust or squeak, and have several other advantages over other hinges, but are more susceptible to breakage.
As described herein, the term “fluidically coupled” or “fluidically connected” refers to a connection or a passageway that allows fluid to flow therethrough.
The various embodiments disclosed herein provide a new, clean and hygienic bidet washing apparatus with one or more adjustable hinge fasteners, which may be attachable to an existing toilet for cleaning the body parts of the user sitting on or near the toilet.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a top view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 mounted on top of a toilet bowl 105 using securing mechanisms 110 a and 110 b. FIG. 1 illustrates a bidet washing apparatus 100 on top of the toilet bowl 105 without a toilet seat; whereas FIG. 2 illustrates a bidet washing apparatus 100 on top of the toilet bowl 105 with a toilet seat 115 in the down position.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the toilet seat 115 can pivot upwards while being connected to a rear portion of the toilet bowl 105 through securing holes 120 (not shown) in the back portion of the toilet bowl as is known in the art, wherein the toilet seat 115 partially covers the bidet washing apparatus 100 and the toilet bowl 105 when the seat is in the down position as shown. A refillable toilet tank 125 can be mounted on a rear portion of the toilet bowl 105, in which an amount of water may be stored.
In some embodiments, the bidet washing apparatus 100 may include a nozzle assembly 130, which can include at least one washing nozzle (not shown) for washing one or more body parts, e.g. anus and genitals, of a user sitting on or near the toilet bowl 105. In an embodiment, the bidet washing apparatus 100 may include a nozzle assembly 130 having two or more washing nozzles. However, in other embodiments a lesser or greater number of washing nozzles may be used. In some embodiments, each washing nozzle may independently spray a stream of water upwardly and inwardly towards the user. In other embodiments, the bidet washing apparatus 100 may include a nozzle assembly 130, which has a protective shield gate 150 substantially or partially in front of it. The position of the protective shield gate 150 allows it to act as a shield between the user's body and/or water in the toilet bowl 105 and the nozzle assembly 130 and nozzles, thus protecting the nozzle assembly and nozzles from contamination or pollution during use.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bidet washing apparatus 100 may include a control unit 140 for easy access to the user. The control unit 100 houses control switches 145 a and 145 b, which provides operating instructions to the bidet washing apparatus. The depicted example in FIGS. 1 and 2 show two control switches: 145 a and 145 b; however, one of ordinary skill in the art would realize that any number of switches may be provided for performing various operations, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some examples of operating instructions include but are not limited to controlling the flow of water from a water inlet; controlling the angle of the washing nozzles; and controlling the opening and closing of a protective shield gate for protecting the washing nozzles. The type of control switches include but are not limited to knobs, dials, levers, and depressible buttons, or any conventional control mechanism known to those of skill in the art. In an embodiment, the bidet washing apparatus may have all similar control switches, wherein both control switches are knobs, dials, or levers. In other embodiments, the bidet washing apparatus may have a control switch that is a knob, and a control switch that is a dial or lever and/or vice-versa.
In various embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus may be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, the adjustable hinge disk fastener includes a disk having a plurality of openings along its outer perimeter, and a securing slot for securing a bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl. Further, the adjustable hinge fastener includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, each arm having a pin or dowel for engaging one of the plurality of openings along the perimeter of the disk.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top rear view of an embodiment of a bidet washing apparatus 100 having a pair of adjustable hinge fasteners 200 for attaching the bidet to a toilet bowl. Also shown in this figure is the control unit 140; and control switches 145 a and 145 b.
As shown in FIG. 3 , each adjustable hinge fastener 200 includes a disk 205 having a plurality of openings 210 along the perimeter of the disk, and a securing slot 215 that can be used to connect the bidet washing apparatus 100 to a toilet bowl (not shown) using a bolt, washer and nut configuration as is known in the art (also not shown).
In embodiments, the disks can each independently be of any convenient size or shape including but not limited to a flat, circular shaped disk, a polygon-shaped disk, or a geometric shaped disk selected from a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a rhombus, a square, and a trapezoid.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the disk 205 can be attached to the bidet washing apparatus 100 using bracket holders 220, each having a pair of bracket holder arms 225. The bracket holders 220 can be permanently or reversibly attached to the bidet washing apparatus 100 using any means known in the art, including but not limited to being built in as part of the apparatus, glued on, bolted or screwed on, and the like. In embodiments, the pair of bracket holder arms 225 can include a pin or dowel (not shown) that can engage with or be inserted into one of the plurality of openings 210 along the perimeter of the disk 205.
In other embodiments, the adjustable hinge fastener can include a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm includes a plurality of openings along its inner perimeter, and a disk having a pair of pins or dowels each configured to engage one of the openings along the inner perimeter of the bracket holder arms (not shown).
FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an exploded top, front view of the adjustable hinge fastener 200, showing the disk 205 with the openings 210 along the perimeter of the disk and securing slot 215, bracket holder 220 with bracket holder arms 225 and the pin or dowel 230, which can engage with or be inserted into the openings 210 on each side of the disk. This arrangement allows for easy removal of the bidet washing apparatus by allowing it to be snapped off from the brackets for better cleaning. In addition, the pivot point for rotation of the adjustable hinge fasteners, i.e., the pin or dowel bracket holder arm and disk configuration, allows the bracket holder and bidet washing apparatus to be vertically lifted off from a toilet bowl for a more thorough cleaning.
FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a cut-away of a top view of the adjustable hinge fastener 200, having a disk 205 with openings 210 and securing slot 215, bracket holder 220 and bracket holder arms 225. As shown, the pin or dowel 230 on the bracket holder arms 225 each engage with or insert into insert into one of the openings 210 on each side of the disk 205, which allows the fastener (and an attached bidet washing apparatus) to pivot or rotate around the bracket holder arms and bracket holder in a vertical direction, thus facilitating cleaning of the apparatus when it is attached to a toilet bowl.
FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E and 6F illustrate embodiments of a top, rear view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 having the disks 205 with different degrees of rotation with respect to the securing slot 215. As shown, each of the disks can be independently rotated in a horizontal direction by allowing the pin or dowel 230 to be engaged with or inserted into a desired opening 210 in the disk, thus facilitating attachment of the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees including all degrees there between.
The adjustable hinge fasteners can also enable a user to change the angle of the nozzle assembly (not shown) by raising or lowering the bidet washing apparatus during use. That is, the hinged operation is not only useful for being able to clean the toilet bowl or for easy installation, but it can also be used as an apparatus that makes the whole bidet (and the nozzle angle) adjustable.
FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a top, front view of the bidet washing apparatus 100, which includes the adjustable hinge fastener 200, disk 205 with openings 210 and securing slot 215, bracket holder 220 and bracket holder arms 225, and the pins or dowels (not shown), which engage with or insert into one of the plurality of openings 210 along the perimeter of the disk 205. Also shown is the nozzle assembly 130; washing nozzles 135; the protective shield gate 150; the control unit 140; and control unit switches 145 a and 145 b.
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a bottom view of the bidet washing apparatus 100, which includes the adjustable hinge fastener 200, disk 205 with openings 210 and securing slot 215, bracket holder 220 and bracket holder arms 225, and the pins or dowels (not shown), which engage with or insert into one of the plurality of openings 210 along the perimeter of the disk 205. Also shown is the nozzle assembly 130; washing nozzles 135; the protective shield gate 150; and the control unit 140.
FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a left side view of the bidet washing apparatus 100, which includes the adjustable hinge fastener 200, disk 205 with openings 210 and securing slot 215, bracket holder 220 and bracket holder arms 225, and the pins or dowels (not shown), which engage with or insert into one of the plurality of openings 210 along the perimeter of the disk 205. Also shown is the nozzle assembly 130; washing nozzles 135; the protective shield gate 150; the control unit 140; and control unit switches 145 a and 145 b.
FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates an embodiment of a right side view of the bidet washing apparatus 100, showing the apparatus in a seated position (FIG. 10A) and in a rotated upwards position (FIG. 10B), respectively. As shown, the bidet washing apparatus 100 includes the adjustable hinge fasteners 200, disks 205 with openings 210 and securing slots 215, bracket holders 220 and bracket holder arms 225, and the pins or dowels (not shown), which engage with or insert into one of the plurality of openings 210 along the perimeter of the disk 205. Also shown is the nozzle assembly 130; washing nozzles 135; the protective shield gate 150; the control unit 140; and control unit switches 145 a and 145 b. As shown in this figure, the bidet washing apparatus can pivot or rotate vertically upwards about the bracket holder arms while the disks stays in a seated position.
FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a rear top view of the bidet washing apparatus 100, showing the apparatus in a rotated upwards position. As shown, the apparatus includes the adjustable hinge fasteners 200, disks 205 with openings 210 and securing slots 215, bracket holders 220 and bracket holder arms 225, and the pins or dowels (not shown), which engage with or insert into one of the plurality of openings 210 along the perimeter of the disk 205. Also shown is the nozzle assembly 130; washing nozzles 135; the protective shield gate 150; the control unit 140; and control unit switches 145 a and 145 b. As shown in this figure, the bidet washing apparatus can pivot or rotate upwards about the hinge fasteners while the disks stay in a seated position.
In various other embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus can be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, the adjustable hinge disk fastener includes a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl; a half ring having a plurality of openings along its outer perimeter and an internal ridge, lip or slot for securing the disk; and a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm includes a pin or a dowel configured to engage one of the openings along the outer perimeter of the half ring.
FIG. 12 illustrates a top rear view of an embodiment of a bidet washing apparatus 100 having a pair of adjustable hinge fasteners 300 for attaching the bidet to a toilet bowl. Also shown in this figure is the control unit 140; and control switches 145 a and 145 b.
As shown in FIG. 12 , each adjustable hinge fastener 300 includes a disk 305 and a securing slot 310 that can be used to connect the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration. The disk 305 can be engaged with or inserted into a rotatable half ring 315 having a plurality of openings 320 surrounding the perimeter of the half ring. The disk 305 can be attached to the half ring via an internal ridge, lip or slot 325. The disk 305 and half ring 315 can be attached to the bidet washing apparatus via bracket holders 330 having a pair of bracket holder arms 335.
The bracket holders can be permanently or reversibly attached to the bidet washing apparatus using any means known in the art, including but not limited to being built in as part of the apparatus, glued on, screwed on and the like.
In embodiments, the pair of bracket holder arms 335 can include a pin or dowel 340 that can engage with or be inserted into one of the plurality of openings 320 along the perimeter of the half ring 315.
In other embodiments, the adjustable hinge fastener can include a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl; a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm includes a plurality of opening along an inner perimeter of the half ring and an internal ridge, lip or slot for securing the disk; and a half ring having a pair of pins or dowels each configured to engage one of the openings along the inner perimeter of the half ring (not shown).
In still other embodiments, the adjustable hinge fastener can include a disk having an internal ridge, lip or slot for securing the half ring, and a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl; a half ring having a plurality of openings along its outer perimeter; and a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm includes a pin or a dowel configured to engage one of the openings along the outer perimeter of the half ring (not shown).
FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a cut-away top view of the adjustable hinge fastener 300, having a rotatable disk 305 and securing slot 310, rotatable half ring 315 with openings 320, bracket holder 330 with bracket holder arms 335. As shown, the pin or dowel 340 on the bracket holder arms 335 can engage with or insert into one of the openings 320 on each side of the half ring 315, which allows the fastener (and an attached bidet washing apparatus) to pivot or rotate around the bracket holder arms in a vertical direction, thus facilitating cleaning of the apparatus when it is attached to a toilet bowl.
FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a top, front view of the bidet washing apparatus 100, having adjustable hinge fasteners 300, which includes the rotatable disk 305 and securing slot 310, rotatable half ring 315 with openings 320, bracket holder 330 with bracket holder arms 335 and the pin or dowel (not shown), which engages with or inserts into the openings of the half ring. Also shown is the nozzle assembly 130; washing nozzles 135; the protective shield gate 150; the control unit 140; and control unit switches 145 a and 145 b.
FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and 15F illustrate embodiments of a top, rear view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 and adjustable hinge fasteners 300, which includes the rotatable disks 305 with different degrees of rotation with respect to the securing slot 310. Also shown is the rotatable half ring 315 with openings 320, bracket holder 330 with bracket holder arms 335 and the pin or dowel (not shown), which engages with or inserts into the openings of the half ring. Also shown is the nozzle assembly 130; washing nozzles 135; the protective shield gate 150; the control unit 140; and control unit switches 145 a and 145 b.
As shown in these figures, each of the disks can be independently rotated in a horizontal direction by rotating the disk to a desired position, thus facilitating attachment of the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees including all degrees there between.
In various other embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus can be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, the adjustable hinge disk fastener includes a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration; a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder and/or bracket holder arm includes an internal ridge, lip or slot for securing the disk; and an elastomeric hinge that flexibly connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus.
An elastomer is a polymer having viscoelastic properties, i.e., both viscosity and elasticity. The term elastomer is often used interchangeably with rubber due to these properties. Elastomers are composed of polymer chains, which are held together by relatively weak intermolecular bonds that permit the polymers to stretch in response to macroscopic stresses. At ambient temperatures, such elastomers are relatively compliant and deformable. Their primary uses for elastomers are for seals, adhesives, and molded flexible parts. Common elastomers include but are not limited to cis-polyisoprene (natural rubber), cis-polybutadiene (butadiene rubber), styrene-butadiene rubber, and ethylene-propylene monomer.
In embodiments, an elastomeric hinge can be used in one or more adjustable hinge fasteners for securing a bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl while maintaining the ability of the fastener to pivot or rotate around the bracket holder and bracket holder arms in a vertical direction, thus facilitating cleaning of the apparatus when it is attached to a toilet bowl.
FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a top cut-away view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 having two adjustable hinge fasteners 400 each with an elastomeric hinge 405. As shown in this figure, each adjustable hinge fastener 400 further includes a disk 410 and a U-shaped securing slot 415 that can be used to connect the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration. The disk 410 can be engaged with or inserted into the bracket holder 420 and/or bracket holder arms 425 via an internal ridge, lip or slot 430. As shown in this figure, the bracket holder 420 and bracket holder arms 425 can be attached to the bidet washing apparatus 100 through the elastomeric hinge 405.
FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an embodiment of a cut-away right side view of an adjustable hinge fastener 400, the elastomeric hinge 405, disk 410, U-shaped securing slot 415, bracket holder 420, bracket holder arms 425, and the internal ridge, lip or slot 430.
FIG. 17A illustrates the adjustable hinge fastener 400 with the elastomeric hinge 405 in a flat, horizontal or a seated position. By contrast, FIG. 17B illustrates the adjustable hinge fastener 400 with the elastomeric hinge 405 in a pivoted or rotated vertically direction with the center of rotation along the elastomeric hinge.
As shown in these figures, the elastomeric hinge 405 can be secured on one side between the upper plate 435 and the lower plate 440 of the bracket holder 420; and secured on the other side between the upper plate 445 and the lower plate 450 of the bidet washing apparatus 100.
In other embodiments, the elastomeric hinge can be secured between the bracket holder and bidet washing apparatus using any known means in the art including but not limited to being attached through adhesives, glues, bolts and nuts, screws and the like, or through one or more openings in the bracket holder or bidet washing apparatus wherein the elastomeric hinge can be threaded therethrough.
FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate an embodiment of a top right side rear view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 with the elastomeric hinge 405 in a flat, horizontal or a seated position. By contrast, FIG. 18B illustrates the bidet washing apparatus 100 with the elastomeric hinge 405 in a pivoted or rotated vertically direction with the center of rotation along the elastomeric hinge.
FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E, and 19F illustrate embodiments of a top view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 and adjustable hinge fasteners 400, which includes the rotatable disks 410 with different degrees of rotation with respect to the securing slot 415. Also shown is the bracket holder 420 with bracket holder arms 425, the control unit 140, and control unit switches 145 a and 145 b.
As shown in these figures, each of the disks can be independently rotated in a horizontal direction by rotating the disk to a desired position, thus facilitating attachment of the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees including all degrees there between.
In various other embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus can be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, the adjustable hinge disk fastener includes a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration; and a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder and/or bracket holder arm includes an internal ridge, lip or slot for securing the disk; and a living hinge that flexibly connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus.
Living hinges are often used to produce a container and its lid as a single molded part and if properly designed, they can open and close thousands of times without ever losing strength or flexibility. In a typical application, a living hinge can flex through an arc of 90 or 180 degrees, but arcs of 270 or even arcs that approach 360 degrees aren't entirely unheard of. Whatever the arc is, the hinge can be expected to perform over and over again without losing its strength. Well-designed living hinges can operate as neatly and smoothly as any metal hinge, and they can last the life of the product.
Several factors influence the performance of a living hinge. The first is the material itself. Brittle resins like polycarbonate simply aren't suitable for hinges. On the other hand, very flexible resins like TPE might make great hinges, but lack the stiffness to form the rest of the part.
The most popular resins for parts with living hinges are polypropylene and polyethylene, both of which balance stiffness in thicker areas with flexibility where the resin is thin. Other factors that influence the performance of a living hinge include the thickness of the hinge itself (thick enough to be strong, thin enough to be flexible) and the radius of the bend (a thinner hinge can bend through a tighter radius without being damaged).
FIG. 20A illustrates an embodiment of a front side view of a living hinge 505 connecting a box 510 and a lid 515. As shown in this figure, a living hinge 505 is the thin area along which the lid and/or box can bend or fold. For example, the living hinge 505 connecting the box 510 and lid 515 includes a recessed area 520, which allows the living hinge to bend or fold thereby allowing the lid to open and close the box.
FIG. 20B illustrate an embodiment of a side view of a living hinge connecting a box and a lid. As shown in this figure, the lid 515 of living hinge 505 can fold against the recessed area 520, which allows the hinge to close and open the box 510.
FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a top cut-away view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 having two adjustable hinge fasteners 500 each with a living hinge 505. As shown in this figure, each adjustable hinge fastener 500 further includes a disk 525 and a U-shaped securing slot 530 that can be used to connect the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration. The disk 525 can be engaged with or inserted into a bracket holder 535 and/or a bracket holder arm 540 via an internal ridge, lip or slot 545. As shown in this figure, the bracket holder 535 can be attached to the bidet washing apparatus 100 through the living hinge 505.
FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate an embodiment of a cut-away right side view of an adjustable hinge fastener 500, the living hinge 505, disk 525, U-shaped securing slot 530, bracket holder 535, bracket holder arms 540, the internal ridge, lip or slot 545, and a stopper 550 located in proximity of the bracket holder 535. As shown in this figure, the living hinge 505 includes a recessed area 520 located between the bracket holder 535 and the bidet washing apparatus 100, which allows the living hinge 505 to bend or fold allowing the bidet washing apparatus to pivot or rotate vertically about the hinge. In addition, the stopper 550 prevents the bidet washing apparatus from overextending the flat, horizontal or a seated position of the living hinge.
FIG. 22A illustrates the adjustable hinge fastener 500 with the living hinge 505 in a flat, horizontal or a seated position. By contrast, FIG. 22B illustrates the adjustable hinge fastener 500 with the living hinge 505 in a pivoted or rotated vertically direction with the center of rotation along the hinge.
As shown in these figures, the living hinge 505 can be secured on one side directly with the bracket holder 535 and secured on the other side directly with the bidet washing apparatus 100. In embodiments, the living hinge can be secured between the bracket holder and the bidet washing apparatus using any known means in the art including but not limited to being attached through adhesives, glues, bolts and nuts, screws and the like, or through one or more openings in the bracket holder or bidet washing apparatus wherein the elastomeric hinge can be threaded therethrough.
FIGS. 23A, 23B and 23C illustrate an embodiment of a cut-away right side view of the living hinge 505 attached between the bracket holder 535 and a bidet washing apparatus 100 at 0 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees, respectively. As shown in these figures, the recessed area 520 of the living hinge allows the hinge to bend or fold, whereas the stopper 550 attached to the living hinge on the bracket holder side of the hinge, prevents the hinge from over-extending when in a flat, horizontal or a seated position.
FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate an embodiment of a top right side rear view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 with the living hinge 505 in a flat, horizontal or a seated position. By contrast, FIG. 24B illustrates the bidet washing apparatus 100 with the living hinge 505 in a pivoted or rotated vertically direction with the center of rotation along the hinge.
In addition to a living hinge, other suitable hinges include but are not limited to a continuous hinge. These types of hinges are also referred to as “piano hinges” because they are known for their long length for supporting the lid of the popular musical instrument, namely the piano. A piano hinge's design provides more stability than traditional hinges, due to its long length and central pin that runs along the length of a piano as well as when used on a desk, cabinet door, or storage box. The width of these types of hinges can range from about 1 to about 2 inches and can run along the entire length of the hinged object.
FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E, and 25F illustrate embodiments of a top view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 and adjustable hinge fasteners 500, which includes the rotatable disks 525 with different degrees of rotation with respect to the securing slot 530. Also shown is the bracket holder 535 with bracket holder arms 540, the control unit 140, and control unit switches 145 a and 145 b.
As shown in these figures, each of the disks can be independently rotated in a horizontal direction by rotating the disk to a desired position, thus facilitating attachment of the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about −45 degrees to about +45 degrees including all degrees there between.
In various other embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus can be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, each adjustable hinge fastener includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms with a securing slot there between for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration; and a snap-fit connector that quickly and easily connects and disconnects the bracket holder and bracket holder arms to the bidet washing apparatus.
FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate an embodiment of a top cut-away view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 having two adjustable hinge fasteners 600 each with a snap-fit connector 605. As shown in this figure, each adjustable hinge fastener includes a bracket holder 610 with two bracket holder arms 615 and a U-shaped securing slot 620 that can be used to connect the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration. As shown in these figures, the bracket holder 610 can be attached to and de-attached from the bidet washing apparatus 100 through the two snap-fit connectors 605.
FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of a cut-away right side view of an adjustable hinge fastener 600, the snap-fit connector 605, bracket holder 610, bracket holder arm 615, and U-shaped securing slot 620. As shown in this figure, the snap-fit connector 605 can be secured to the bracket holder 610 using a screw or bolt 625 and a bracket connector or nut 630 configuration, wherein the screw or bolt and bracket connector secures the snap-fit connector through an opening 635 in the base 640 of snap-fit connector. The snap-fit connector further includes a flexible top bar 645, bottom bar 650, and a space 655 there between, wherein a push button 660 on a top face of the top bar 645 can be pushed downwards in order to move the top bar 645 into the space 655 and towards the bottom bar 650. Also shown in this figure is a push button chamber 665, having a push button opening 670 and a push button slot 675 for securing the push button 660 and snap-fit connector 605, respectively. In other embodiments, the snap-fit connector can be secured to the bracket holder using any known means in the art including but not limited to being attached through adhesives, glues, bolts and nuts, screws and the like.
FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C illustrate an embodiment of a cross sectional view of an adjustable hinge fastener 600 with a snap-fit connector 605 being attached to a bidet washing apparatus 100. FIG. 28A illustrates how a snap-fit connector 605 can be inserted horizontally into the push button slot 670 and into the push button chamber 665 on the bidet washing apparatus 100. FIG. 28B illustrates how the top bar 645 and push button 660 can be pushed downwards so the snap-fit connector 605 can be inserted into the push button slot 675 and push button chamber 665. Finally, FIG. 28 C illustrates how the top bar 645 and push button 660 can be secured to the bidet washing apparatus 100 through the push button 660 entering and engaging the push button opening 670.
FIGS. 29A, 29B and 29C illustrate an embodiment of a cross sectional view of an adjustable hinge fastener 600 with a snap-fit connector 605 being removed from a bidet washing apparatus 100. FIG. 29A illustrates how the push button 660 and the top bar 645 on the snap-fit connector 605 can be used to secure the connector to a bidet washing apparatus 100 through the push button opening 670. FIG. 29B illustrates how the push button 660 and top bar 645 can be pushed downwards so the snap-fit connector 605 can be removed from the push button chamber 665 and push button slot 675. Finally, FIG. 29C illustrates how the snap-fit connector 605 can be removed through the push button slot 670 on the bidet washing apparatus 100.
FIGS. 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E and 30F illustrate embodiments of a top view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 and adjustable hinge fasteners 600. As shown in these figures, each of the fasteners can be independently rotated in a horizontal direction by rotating the disk to a desired position, thus facilitating attachment of the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the securing slots on the disks are substantially parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the securing slots on the disks can each independently rotate about a vertical axis from about −30 degrees to about +30 degrees including all degrees there between.
In various other embodiments, a bidet washing apparatus can be adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl through one or more adjustable hinge fasteners present on the bidet washing apparatus to securing holes present on a toilet bowl. In these embodiments, each adjustable hinge fastener includes a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms with a securing slot there between for securing the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration; and a bent-bar connector, which quickly and easily raises and lowers the bidet washing apparatus vertically for cleaning underneath the apparatus.
FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate an embodiment of a top cut-away view of a bidet washing apparatus 100 having two adjustable hinge fasteners 700 each with a bent-bar connector 705. FIG. 31A illustrates an embodiment wherein the bidet washing apparatus is in the lowered position and FIG. 31B illustrates an embodiment wherein the bidet washing apparatus is in the raised position.
As shown in this figure, each adjustable hinge fastener includes a bracket holder 710 with two bracket holder arms 715 and a U-shaped securing slot 720 that can be used to connect the bidet washing apparatus to a toilet bowl using a bolt, washer and nut configuration. As shown in these figures, the bracket holder 710 can be attached to the bidet washing apparatus 100 through the two bent-bar connectors 705.
FIG. 32 illustrates an embodiment of a cut-away right side view of an adjustable hinge fastener 700, the bent-bar connector 705, bracket holder 710, bracket holder arm 715, and U-shaped securing slot 720. As shown in this figure, the bent-bar connector 705 can be secured to the bracket holder 710 using a screw or bolt 725 and a bracket connector or nut 730 configuration, wherein the screw or bolt and bracket connector secures the bent-bar connector 705 through an opening 735 in the base 740 of bent-bar connector 705. In other embodiments, the bent-bar connector can be secured to the bracket holder using any known means in the art including but not limited to being attached through adhesives, glues, bolts and nuts, screws and the like.
As shown in this figure, the bent-bar connector 705 further includes vertical bar 745 and a top horizontal bar 750, which can extend into a chamber 755 on the back of the bidet washing apparatus 100. The top horizontal bar 750 can include an opening 760, which allows the bent-bar connector 705 to ride up and down along a post or pole 765 present in the chamber 755, thereby raising and lowering the bidet washing apparatus for cleaning.
FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrate an embodiment of a bidet washing apparatus 100 and a cross sectional view of an adjustable hinge fastener 700 with a bent-bar connector 705. In these figures, the adjustable hinge fastener 700 is shown in the raised position and in the lowered position, respectively. These figures illustrate the bent bar connector 705, the bracket holder 710 and bracket holder arms 715, the U-shaped securing slot 720, the screw or bolt 725 connecting the bent-bar connector 705 to the bracket connector or nut 730 through the opening 735 in the base 740 of the bent-bar connector. Also shown is the vertical bar 745, top horizontal bar 750, the chamber 755, the opening 760 in the top horizontal bar and the post or pole 765 present in the chamber, which allows the bent-bar connector 705 to ride up and down and raise or lower the bidet washing apparatus.
While the inventive features have been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those in the art that the foregoing and other changes may be made therein without departing from the sprit and the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the disclosure, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the disclosure. The disclosure is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but may be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the disclosure is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described. They instead may be applied alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosure, whether or not such embodiments are described, and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, comprising:

one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each include:

a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms and a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and

an elastomeric hinge, wherein the elastomeric hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus;

or

a disk having a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl;

a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm secures the disk; and

one or more water inlets configured to supply water to the bidet washing apparatus;

a control unit, housing one or more valves connected to the one or more water inlets, including one or more control switches configured to operate the one or more valves, wherein the one or more valves control water flow from the one or more water inlets; and

a nozzle assembly including at least one washing nozzle, connected to at least one of the one or more valves with one or more water tubes, wherein the at least one washing nozzle is positionable for directing water to the one or more body parts of the user.

2. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric hinge allows the bidet washing apparatus to be pivoted or rotated in a vertical direction with a center of rotation along the elastomeric hinge.

3. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric hinge comprises cis-polyisoprene (natural rubber), cis-polybutadiene (butadiene rubber), styrene-butadiene rubber, or ethylene-propylene monomer.

4. A bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, comprising:

a living hinge, wherein the living hinge connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus;

or

5. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the living hinge includes a recessed area between the bracket holder and the bidet washing apparatus.

6. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the living hinge allows the bidet washing apparatus to be pivoted or rotated in a vertical direction with a center of rotation along the recessed area of the living hinge.

7. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the living hinge comprises polypropylene or polyethylene.

8. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the living hinge is a system of living hinges which connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus.

9. A bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, comprising:

one or more adjustable hinge fasteners configured for adjustably securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl, wherein the one or more adjustable hinge fasteners each includes:

a bracket holder having two bracket holder arms, wherein each bracket holder arm forms a securing slot for securing the bidet washing apparatus to the toilet bowl; and

a snap-fit connector, wherein the snap-fit connector connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus;

10. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the snap-fit connector allows the bidet washing apparatus to be reversibly attachable to the toilet bowl.

11. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the snap-fit connector includes a base for securing the snap-fit connector to the bracket holder.

12. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base extends to form a bottom bar and a top bar having a push button, with a space there between the bottom bar and top bar for securing the snap-fit connector to the bidet washing apparatus.

13. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bottom bar, top bar and push button can extend into an opening of the bidet washing apparatus by compressing the top bar and push button towards the bottom bar.

14. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a push button slot on the bidet washing apparatus for reversibly securing the push button and snap-fit connector to the apparatus.

15. A bidet washing apparatus adjustably attachable to a toilet bowl for cleaning one or more body parts of a user, comprising:

a bent-bar connector, wherein the bent-bar connector connects the bracket holder to the bidet washing apparatus;

16. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bent-bar connector allows the bidet washing apparatus to be raised or lowered vertically.

17. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bent-bar connector includes a base for securing the bent-bar connector to the bracket holder.

18. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the base extends to form a vertical bar, and wherein the vertical bar extends to form a top horizontal bar for securing the bent-bar connector to the bidet washing apparatus.

19. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the vertical bar and top horizontal bar can extend into an opening of bidet washing apparatus.

20. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 19, further comprising an opening in the top horizontal bar and a post or pole in the bidet washing apparatus for securing the bent-bar connector to the bidet washing apparatus.

21. The bidet washing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the bent-bar connector can ride up or down along the post or pole thereby raising or lowering the bidet washing apparatus.