Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Miscellaneous
Reexamination Certificate
2002-07-23
2004-01-13
Fetsuga, Robert M. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Miscellaneous
C004S420400, C239S282000, C239S289000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06675405
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a water-dispensing device, which delivers an atomized mist of water directly on to toilet paper, relating generally to the field of personal hygiene.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
To cleanse the rectal and genital area immediately after moving the bowels or urinating, we utilize the personal hygiene product known as toilet paper. However, when using ordinary dry toilet paper, it is very uncomfortable and ineffective in cleaning fecal matter or urine completely from the region. Furthermore, for those who suffer with hemorrhoids or similar rectal tissue irritations, using dry toilet paper can be very painful.
Utilizing a “wet” cleansing method, versus dry toilet paper alone, is a much more sanitary, comfortable, and effective means of cleansing the rectal and genital area. Therefore, it should be easily understood that a “wet” cleansing method is an advantageous alternative to conventional “dry” methods for cleansing after moving the bowels or urinating, not only for those with medical problems, but also for the public at large.
The use of water for rectal and genital cleansing has been commonplace in Europe for years, primarily in the form of a bidet. In the United States, the use of wet wipes, or similar cleansing materials, has become common in recent years. The use of the traditional bidet has not been well accepted in this country, largely because a separate fixture is required, which is not readily accommodated in traditional bathroom structures, and it substantially increases the cost of a bathroom. In recent years, inventors have created several bidets that reside inside the toilet bowl—U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,594 (1980) & U.S. Pat. No. 4,205,402 (1980). These types of bidets eliminate the need for a separate fixture, but present a significant problem with maintaining sanitary conditions. Since the bidet resides inside the toilet bowl, whether or not it is retracted to a storage position therein, it is subject to contamination by the fecal matter or urine present in the toilet bowl. This contamination may cause infection and/or irritation to the user. For example, the patents referenced above provide bidets that are installed within the confines of the toilet bowl. Both of these inventions pose the risk of potential infection and/or irritation to the user.
Several patents have been issued for devices that dispense water directly on to toilet paper, or saturate toilet paper, to provide users with a more effective means of cleaning the rectal and genital area than traditional “dry” toilet paper methods. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,556 (1991), U.S. Pat. No. 3,776,773 (1973), U.S. Pat. No. 3,083,374 (1962), & U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,943 (1984).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,556 discloses a device for spraying water directly on to toilet paper; however, the device requires a significant amount of installation space due to its considerable size. Therefore, it is unable to be mounted in an easy, convenient, or attractive manner. Since the device does not have a water catching drip pan located underneath the vertical waterspout, it could drip after use and cause serious water damage to the user's floor. The device requires an electrical connection in order for it to function, and since an electrical outlet may not be conveniently located near the user's toilet, it could cause the user to either run an extension cord to the nearest electrical outlet, or install a new electrical outlet. Another disadvantage is that it does not allow for the release of non-heated water—many users prefer cool, soothing water, rather than heated water. Furthermore, no medication, fragrance, or additional liquid can be introduced, via the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,776,773 discloses a device for spraying water directly on to toilet paper. This device requires a significant amount of installation space due to its considerable size, and requires the user to permanently mount the unit onto a wall. A major disadvantage is that the user must manually fill the reservoir with liquid prior to use, and manually pump the device in order for liquid to be extracted from unit. This type of wetting device is difficult to operate and is less convenient, as it does not have an automatic continuous water supply. In addition, when the users pump the water out of the reservoir, they are only able to wet one sheet of toilet paper at a time, and the device only applies the water to a small portion of the toilet paper area. To achieve the desired result, a single toilet use could require the user to fill the reservoir repeatedly. Furthermore, the device has many exposed parts that could become contaminated by urine or fecal matter.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,083,374 discloses a device for applying water directly on to toilet paper. With this device, wetting of the toilet paper is achieved by dispensing water from a secondary reservoir, which is manually filled and is not connected to the toilet's water supply system. This type of wetting device is difficult to operate and is less convenient, as it does not have an automatic continuous water supply. The user must manually pump the device to initiate the flow of water into the reservoir and on to the toilet paper. In addition, this device requires a significant amount of installation space due to its considerable size, and requires mounting in an inconvenient, hard to reach location, on the toilet tank behind the user. Since the device requires the use of two (2) hands to function, the users must awkwardly twist their bodies' 180 degrees to reach and operate the device. Since the device does not have a water catching drip pan located underneath the vertical waterspout, it could drip after use and cause serious water damage to the user's floor. Furthermore, no medication, fragrance, or additional liquid can be introduced, via the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,943 discloses a device for applying water directly on to toilet paper, by manually dipping the toilet paper into a reservoir, which is connected to the toilet tank. The proposed wetting of toilet paper by dipping in water presents serious problems, as it tends to over-saturate and weaken the toilet paper, making effective cleansing difficult and messy. The device requires a significant amount of installation space due to its considerable size, and requires mounting in an inconvenient, hard to reach, location, on the toilet tank behind the user. The users must awkwardly twist their bodies' 180 degrees to reach and operate the device. And as with the previous device, it uses water from the toilet tank, versus obtaining the water directly from the source water line. In addition, since the water is supplied by the pressurized water system within the toilet tank, the toilet must be flushed in order for the flow of water to initiate. This causes to user to have to flush the toilet a minimum of two (2) times per use—once to wet the toilet paper for use, and again to dispose of the used toilet paper. Furthermore, no medication, fragrance, or additional liquid can be introduced, via the device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:
(a) to provide a toilet paper misting device which delivers an atomized mist of cleansing, soothing water on to toilet paper, which is held in ones hand;
(b) to provide a toilet paper misting device which provides a wet method of cleansing after moving the bowels or urinating, versus the typical “dry” wiping method;
(c) to provide a toilet paper misting device which results in a more sanitary, comfortable, and effective means of cleansing the rectal and genital area, than typical “dry” wiping method;
(d) to provide a toilet paper misting device which will provide relief for those who use the typical “dry” wiping method and suffer with hemorrhoids or similar irritations;
(e) to provide a toilet paper misting device which is an advantageous alternative to the typical dry wi
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