Douches are well known for their uses in providing personal hygiene.

Some toilet designs are fitted with electrically operated douches permanently mounted within the toilet basin and connected to mains electricity supply, the soil pipe, mains water supply etc. These toilets are useful for handicapped people who may otherwise have difficulty maintaining personal hygiene but are relatively expensive in comparison with conventional toilets. Moreover, handicapped people lose the additional facilities of these toilets if they are away from home, for instance.

The present invention seeks to address these and other difficulties.

According to the invention, there is provided personal hygiene apparatus1 comprising wash fluid supply means, pump means operable to pump wash fluid from the supply means to an outlet means from which wash fluid may be dispensed1 and drive means operable to drive the pump means, the arrangement being portable in an operable state.

The apparatus may further comprise a housing within which the supply means, pump means and drive means are located. The outlet may be located within or attached to the housing, at least while the apparatus is being transported. The housing may comprise a lid portion through which the outlet may be removed for use. There may be support means, extendable from the housing, preferably through the lid portion, to support the outlet during use.

The apparatus may further comprise releasable mounting means operable to releasably mount the outlet means in relation to a toilet to allow douching by a toilet user. The mounting means may be adapted to allow mounting on a toilet seat. The apparatus may comprise a first part adapted to be attached to a toilet seat, and a second part arranged to extend down into the toilet bowl when the first part is so attached. The first and second parts may be hingedly connected. The hinge connection may be arranged whereby the second part may continue to extend down into the toilet bowl as the first part rises when the toilet seat is raised. There may be spring means operable to urge the second part against an inner surface of the toilet bowl, the second part being movable over the said surface as the seat is raised or lowered. The spring means may act between the first and second parts.

Alternatively, the hinge connection may be arranged to cause the second part to rise clear of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is raised. The second part may comprise attachment means by which it may be pivotally attached to the toilet bowl, the second part being further attached by the hinge connection as aforesaid.

The second part preferably comprises attachment means operable to carry the outlet means.

The mounting means may mount the outlet to the toilet bowl below a flush water inlet, whereby to clean the outlet when the toilet is flushed.

The or each mounting means may comprise suction means.

The drive means preferably comprise battery means, preferably rechargeable. The apparatus preferably comprises means operable to connect a remote switch to the apparatus to control the pump means. Preferably the switch may be wall mounted, floor mounted or hand-held.

The apparatus preferably comprises one-way valve means in the flow path from the pump means.to the outlet means.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a plurality of outlet means. The pump means may be selectively operable to supply the outlet means individually. There may be a plurality of pump means each operable to supply a respective outlet means. Preferably at least one outlet means is hand-held and supplied by pump means through a flexible supply conduit. The or each outlet may comprise an adjustable nozzle.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means operable to connect the wash fluid supply means to a toilet cistern for replenishment. The apparatus may comprise heater means operable to heat wash fluid before being dispensed.

The heater means is preferably thermostatically controlled.

Preferably the wash fluid supply means comprises visual indicator means by which a user may determine the amount of wash fluid remaining to be dispensed. The visual indicator means may comprise a window through which wash fluid within the supply means may be seen.

The apparatus may comprise a light means, preferably housed within a housing of the device and preferably removable. The light means may be operable by battery means within the device.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows principal components of apparatus according to the invention, within an open housing; Fig. 2 shows the housing of Fig. 1 and from the left hand side as seen in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 corresponds to Fig. 1 and shows wiring connections therein; Fig. 4 shows the housing of Fig. 1 and from the right hand side as seen in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 shows apparatus according to the invention installed for use with a toilet, shown with a raised seat; Fig. 6 corresponds to Fig. 5 and shows the toilet seat in the lowered position; Figs. 7 and 8 are side views, on an enlarged scale, of mounting arrangements used in the apparatus of Figs. 5 and 6; Fig. 9 is a front view of the apparatus of Figs. 7 and 8; Fig. 10 is a view corresponding to Fig. 3 and showing an alternative embodiment; Fig. 11 is a view corresponding to Fig. 3, showing a further embodiment; Fig. 12 shows wiring components of Fig. 11 in more detail and on an enlarged scale; Figs. 13 and 14 are front and side elevations of an alternative outlet arrangement for mounting within the toilet bowl; Figs. 15 and 16 are front and side elevations of part of the mounting arrangement for the arrangement of Figs. 13 and 14; Figs. 17 and 18 are front and side elevations of further alternative arrangements; and Figs. 19 and 20 each show side and end elevations of a further embodiment, with the case open and closed in various arrangements.

The drawings show various embodiments of personal hygiene apparatus 9, each of which comprises a wash fluid supply means 18, and pump means 26 operable to pump wash fluid, usually water, from the supply 18 to an outlet (e.g. the jet 61, Fig. 7) from which wash fluid may be dispensed. Drive means in the form of a rechargeable battery 12 are operable to drive the pump. The whole arrangement is based within a case 10 which makes the apparatus portable while in an operable state.

In more detail, the apparatus 9 comprises a case 10 which can be opened by releasing two clips 11 to open the lid 10a. Fig. 1 shows the case 10 open, with the lid 10a down. Within the case 10, there is a rechargeable battery 12 held in position by a flexible strap 13 attached to the case and fastened around the battery by a press-stud fixing 14. The battery 12 provides power for a small electric pump 26. This is associated with a container 18 for containing wash fluid, normally water, but possibly including a cleaning or sterilising agent.

The container has an inlet opening 19 which extends up to a shoulder 20 and out through the wall of the case 10, where an elbow joint 22 is threadably attached. The threaded attachment serves to trap the case 10 between the shoulder 20 and elbow 22, to mount the inlet on the case 10. The elbow is oriented to face upwards and thus can act as a filling opening through which the container 18 may be filled. A cap 23 is shown covering the end of the elbow 22 to stop water escaping and to keep the contents of the container 18 clean.

A second flexible strap 24 helps to secure the container 18 in the case 10.

The strap 24 is fastened around the container using a press-stud fixing 25. The container 18 has a depression 18a near the bottom, in which the pump 26 is housed. The pump 26 has an appropriate inlet arrangement through the side of the container 18 so that it can pump water from the container when the pump 26 is operated. A one-way valve (not shown) allows air into the container, to replace water as it is pumped out. A piece of tubing 27 connects the outlet side of the pump 26 through the wall of the case 10 to a one-way valve 28. A mounting clip 29 is provided to secure the tube to the case 10.

The one-way valve 28 allows water to be pumped from the container 18, but prevents water running back down the tubing 27.

The case 10 is shaped with a through passage 30 which, when closed, forms a carrying handle for the apparatus. The case 10 may be of synthetic plastics material, such as an injection moulded plastics shell.

Fig. 1 also shows other electrical components, there being a fuse holder 15, a large jack plug socket 16, and a small jack plug socket 17, the purposes of which will be described with particular reference to Fig. 3, which shows electrical wiring connections between the various components of the apparatus.

The positive terminal of the battery 12 is connected at 31 to one side of the fuse holder 15, the other side of which is connected at 32 to the centre terminal of the jack socket 16. The outside terminal of the socket 16 is connected at 33 to the negative terminal of the battery 12. The centre terminal of jack socket 16 is connected at 34 to the centre terminal of jack socket 17.

The outside terminal of jack socket 17 is connected at 35 to the positive terminal of the pump 26. The negative terminal of the pump 26 is connected at 36 to the negative terminal of the battery 12.

In consequence, a jack plug inserted in the socket 16 can be used to provide power for recharging the battery 12 and it may, for instance be possible to connect the arrangement for recharging from a vehicle, such as the cigarette lighter of a vehicle.

The jack socket 17 allows an external switch, such as a foot switch to be described, to be connected between the battery 12 and pump 26, to allow the switch to control the pump and thus the dispensing of water from the container 18.

Turning now to Figs. 5 to 9, Figs. 5 and 6 show apparatus according to the invention temporarily installed for use with a toilet, having a seat 47. The apparatus of the case 10 is connected by tubing 53 which extends from the one- way valve 28 to a jet nozzle 61. The nozzle 61 is mounted on the seat 47 by a mounting arrangement shown in more detail in Figs. 7 to 9.

A hook-shaped clip 37 cooperates with a bracket 39, which has a hooked end 38, to grip the toilet seat 47. Many different profiles of the hooks 37,38 could be used according to the profile of seat 47 with which the apparatus is likely to be used, but adjustability is built in to allow a wide range of toilet seats to be used. This adjustability is by fixing screws 40,41 which attach together the clip 37 and bracket 39 setting the separation of the hook parts 37,38. Thus the screws 40,41 are free to move along slots in the bracket 39 to allow the parts 37,38 to be adjusted to grip different size toilet seats. 7hen the seat is adequately tightly gripped, two nuts 42,43 are tightened to retain the arrangement in position. The mounting arrangement of Fig. 7 is then mounted to move with the seat 47 as it is raised and lowered.

The free end of the bracket 39 is hinged to a lower part 44, by a hinge 45.

An extension spring 46 acts between the lower part 44 and bracket 39, urging the two to adopt the position shown in Fig. 7. Closing the hinge beyond the position shown in Fig. 7 is prevented either by relaxation of the spring 46, or by abutment in the hinge arrangement, for instance at 51.

The hinge 45 can be straightened to the position shown in Fig. 8, but in so doing, the spring 46 is extended and tensioned.

As can be seen from Figs. 7 and 8, when the arrangement is attached to a raised toilet seat, the lower part 44 will continue to extend generally downwardly into the toilet bowl. As the toilet seat 47 is lowered, the upper part 39 will turn with it, toward the position of Fig. 8. As it does so, the hinge 45 will tend to straighten as the lower part 44 bears on an inner surface of the toilet bowl and slides down it. Thus, throughout the movement of the toilet seat being raised or lowered, the lower part 44 is maintained generally downwardly into the toilet bowl. As the toilet seat is raised from the position shown in Fig. 8, the lower part 44 will be held against the inner bowl surface by operation of the spring 46.

Abutment within the hinge 45 may be provided by a plate 49 having an upper end bent to abut the upper bracket when a chosen angle is reached between the lower part 44 and the bracket 39. The plate 49 may be formed at 55 to a circular arrangement to grip or hold the tubing 53.

In use, the outlet of the douche apparatus is first attached to the toilet seat by means of the arrangement just described in relation to Figs. 7 to 9 and the case 10 is placed adjacent the toilet as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The end of the tubing 53 is coupled to the one-way valve 28. A foot switch 58 mounted in a box 57 and connected by cable 59 to a jack plug inserted in the jack socket 17 is wall mounted or floor mounted (in either case using screws, if required) or can be hand-held by the user. Closing the switch 58 connects the battery 12 to the pump 26 and thus begins to pump water from the container 18 out of the case 10 through the tubing 53 to the jet nozzle 61. (It is preferable to slightly release the cap 23 before operating the switch 58, to ensure that air is able to enter the container to replace the water being pumped out. Alternatively a one- way air inlet valve could be used). When the pumped water reaches the jet nozzle 61, it is sprayed out, to clean the user. The nozzle 61 is preferably adjustable, at least in direction, to further assist in installation on a wide variety of different toilets, and for convenience and comfort.

In an alternative to fixing the outlet to the toilet seat as has been described, a hand-held outlet nozzle could be used. However, the arrangements shown in Figs. 10 to 12 allow both alternatives to be used.

The arrangement of Fig. 10 corresponds in many respects to the arrangements previously described and accordingly, like numerals have been used to identify corresponding features. However, the relative locations of various components have been changed. In addition, a second pump 26a has been incorporated. This pump draws water from the container 18 and supplies it through a one-way valve 28a to a flexible trunking 70. The trunking 70 connects to a hand-held nozzle 72, similar to a shower head, having an adjustable jet 74. The nozzle 72 also incorporates a push switch 76.

Within the trunking 70, a pipe 78 conveys water from the case 10 to the jet 74. Appropriate wires 80 couple the switch 76 to one terminal of the pump 26a and a master switch 82. The positive supply terminal of the pump 26a is connected via the switches 75,82 and the fuse holder 16 to the positive terminal of the battery 12. The negative side of the pump 26a is connected directly to the negative battery terminal.

Consequently, the apparatus shown in Fig. 10 can be used in various ways. To use in the manner described above in relation to the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 9, the switch connected to the jack socket 17 is used, as has been described. Alternatively, or additionally, closing the switch 82 and then operating the push-switch 76 pumps water to the hand-held nozzle 72. This allows greater versatility for the device, which may be useful for disabilities of different natures or severity, and in various different circumstances.

After use, the nozzle 72 can conveniently be stowed in a clip 84 attached to the case 10 and thus, as can be seen, this outlet is attached to the case when not in use. The toilet seat nozzle 61 and its mounting arrangement and tubing are preferably able to be stowed within the case 10 when not in use. It can be seen from the drawings that the apparatus is portable and remains in an operable state (because of the battery power and built in water supply) even when dismounted from a toilet seat. It can also be seen that the apparatus, particularly with the nozzle 72, can be used for dispensing clean (possibly sterilised or chemically treated) water in many situations, for many different purposes. For instance, field workers, hospital or health care workers, such as those working in poor countries, can carry a portable supply of clean, sterilised water for washing before undertaking medical or health care procedures, knowing that the water is indeed clean.

Figs. 11 and 12 show a further embodiment of apparatus according to the invention. This corresponds closely to the apparatus of Fig. 10 and like numerals have again been used. Various components have been re-arranged within the case 10. In particular, the pumps 26,26a have been moved toward the top of the case 10. The majority of the electrical wiring has been moved into a box 86, within the case 10. Wiring within the box 86 corresponds to the wiring previously described, but also includes a jack socket 1 7a in the circuit to the second pump 26a. This allows a foot switch to be connected, to allow the outlet nozzle to be used hands-free, which may be desirable when both hands are to be cleaned. The nozzle could be hung or otherwise supported during this operation. Being contained within the box 86, the wiring is easier to install and safer during use, being further protected from any leaking water. It can be seen that the fuse holder 15, and jack sockets 16,17, and switch 82 have all been moved to the region of the box 86 to minimise the amount of wiring outside the box 85 and indeed this has been minimised to consist only of connections to the battery 12, to the pumps 26,26a and to the trunking 70, for the switch 76.

Other improvements in this arrangement include the use of separate tubes 89 to the pumps 26,26a from the water container 18, including separate tubes down into the container, extending below the water level. This keeps the supply of water completely separate for each pump. Preferably the tubes pass through a quick release connection 90 so that the container 18 can quickly and easily be removed for replacement with a full container, or for filling. This may be particularly useful in poor, unhygienic conditions, where several containers of clean water could be used, one at a time.

Alternatively, a single feed could be divided by a T-piece to feed both pumps.

It may be desirable with the embodiment of Figs. 11 and 12 (and possibly with other embodiments described above) to incorporate an air bleed valve 91 between the pump 26a and the one-way valve 28a. This enables air to be bled from the system when the pump 26a begins operation, for instance by opening the air bleed valve by hand, when the shower head is first opened. A Schrader- type valve can be used.

In place of a one-way valve 28, the arrangement could incorporate a self- sealing connector which will seal as soon as any tubing is removed.

An alternative arrangement for mounting the outlet nozzle 61 is shown in Figs. 13 and 14. This alternative is designed to fit in the rear of the toilet bowl below a flush water inlet through which water enters the bowl when the toilet is flushed.

Two suction cups 100,102 are used for attaching by suction to the inner surface of the toilet bowl. Each carries a loop 104 to receive a bar 106. This assembly is shown in Figs. 15 and 16.

With the cups 100,102 attached by suction to the toilet bowl, a housing 108 can be supported on the rod 106 by means of clips 110 mounted in the housing 108. The housing 108 may have an open face 112 which is offered to the toilet bowl surface and over the cups 100,102 to allow the clips 110 to engage the bar 106, and the housing 108 may also have a closed face 114 which is then presented to the interior of the bowl. Thus, although the housing 108 would be located beneath a flushing water inlet, its contents would have some degree of protection from that water. However, a spray nozzle 61 passes through an appropriate aperture in the housing 108 and is mounted within the housing 108 on an adjustable bracket 116, whose vertical position can be adjusted by turning a screw 118 against a nut 120. A spring 122 bears between the bracket 16 and a wall 119 of the housing to assist in moving the nozzle as the screw 118 is turned. An inlet 124 has a through passage to the nozzle 61, and is connected to a flexible tube 126 which extends out of the housing 108 and away to the portable apparatus 9 of the invention.

In use, the suction cups 100,102 are first wet and then pressed against the rear inner face of the toilet bowl, thereby securing the bar 106 in position by suction. The housing 108 can then be pushed onto the rod 106 to engage the clips 110 and can subsequently be removed for cleaning, if required.

However, at least the outer surface of the housing 108, and the nozzle 61, will be washed each time the toilet is flushed. The housing 108 could be shaped as convenient, for instance to follow the curvature of the toilet bowl and could also be used to support a second outlet nozzle at an alternative position but fed from the tubing 126 through a T-piece, for instance.

It will be apparent that many alternatives could be used to the arrangement shown in Figs. 13 to 16 and in particular, self-adhesive or other type of stick-on pads could be used in place of suction cups.

A further alternative for the outlet is shown in Figs. 17 and 18. In this arrangement, two suction cups 130 are used to attach to the inner face of the toilet bowl and carry the outer tube of a journal arrangement, the inner of which is provided by a rigid tube 134 extending back from the nozzle 61, through the tube 132, to be coupled with flexible tubing 136 which in turn is connected back to the apparatus 9. The nozzle 61 is carried by the tubing 134 so that as the tubing 134 turns in the tube 132, the nozzle 61 can be moved up or down.

This movement is effected by a link 138 which has a hinged connection at 140 to the tubing 134, close to the nozzle 61, and a similar hinge connection 142 at its upper end, to a third suction cup 144. In use, the suction cup 144 is attached to the underside of the toilet seat. Consequently, when the toilet seat is raised, the suction cup 144 will rise, pulling the link 138 and thus causing the nozzle 61 to rise as the tube 134 turns in the tube 132. The relative dimensions of the various components can be selected in order that the nozzle 61 is pulled clear of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is raised. With the toilet seat lowered, the nozzle 61 sits at a convenient position and angle within the toilet bowl and can be supplied with douche water through the flexible tubing 136 and tubing 134.

It will be apparent that self-adhesive or other adhesive pads could be used in place of suction cups 130,144.

The arrangements shown in Figs. 13 to 18 both have the advantage that they can more readily be removed from a toilet than the arrangement shown in Figs. 7 to 9 and may therefore be more appropriate for a situation in which removal and re-installation is frequently required.

Figs. 19 and 20 show a further embodiment of apparatus according to the invention. This corresponds closely to embodiments described above and again, like numerals have been used to identify corresponding components. In view of the similarities with earlier embodiments, the skilled man will readily understand the construction and operation of this embodiment if the differen- ces are described, as follows. First, the case 210 is of a form having a flip-up lid 212, which itself has an end portion 214 which can flip up independently, when the lid 212 is closed. When the end portion 214 is open (Fig. 20) the nozzle 72 and its connections 70 can be removed from the case 210. An extending arm 216, preferably in the form of a telescopic arm of metal, similar in form to a car aerial, can also be extended out through the mouth to provide a support 218 for the nozzle 72, thereby allowing the nozzle to be supported at a convenient height for a user. By virtue of this arrangement, and the provision of the switch 76 on the nozzle 72, water can readily be dispensed, for instance for washing, simply by opening the end portion 214, removing the nozzle 72 and supporting it on the extended arm 216, and operating the switch 76. The switch 76 may be a toggle switch in this arrangement, rather than a push switch.

The one-way valve 28 and the Schrader valve 91 can both be incorporated in the nozzle 61 in this arrangement to enable the operator to bleed the supply to the shower head once the nozzle 61 has been removed from the case 210.

Alternatively, the valve could be incorporated inside the case 210.

For some applications, it may be desirable to provide a light 220, powered by the battery 12 through an appropriate switch, and this light 220 can conveniently be housed within the lid 212, preferably clipped in position to be detachable and usable separately if required. It could for instance be provided with a cable and jack plug to fit into the socket 16 for connection to the battery 12.

It will be apparent from the above description that many variations and modifications can be made to the apparatus without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Many different physical layouts could be chosen according to the intended use, but each having the advantages of a system which is portable in an operable condition, so that clean water can be dispensed readily and quickly at almost any location. In addition, a disabled or handicapped person can readily adapt a toilet, such as a toilet in temporary accommodation, by attachment of the nozzle 61 to the toilet seat, as has been described.

Any of the embodiments could be adapted to allow the container to be refilled from the cistern of a toilet with which the apparatus is being used. A window into the water container may be provided, to allow the water level to be seen.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.