BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to toilets and more particularly to a toilet having a bidet shower.

2. Description of Related Ait

[2] With the advent of modem toilets, different means have been developed for sanitary washing of die intimate parts after defecation and urination. Examples of such means include toilet paper, wet and gel wipes, cloths, and bidets.

[3] While different people have different preferences with regard to sanitary washing, bidets have proved popular as they generally allow cleaning of intimate parts more thoroughly than with toilet paper and cloths.

[4] Bidets are generally used to wash and dean the genitalia, perimum, inner buttocks and anus using a water jet, thus replacing or complementing the use of toilet papa.

[5] Different bidet systems have been developed, including ceramic floor-mounted bidets, ceramic wall-mounted bidets, non- electric seat bidets and electric seat bidets. [6] Generally, bidet showers, also known as bidet sprays, bidet sprayer and health faucet, are used for anal cleansing and cleansing of the genitals after defecation and urination. Bidet showers generally consist in a hand-held triggered nozzle connected to an end of a hose for delivering a spray of water to assist cleansing,

[7] However, ceramic bidets may require a lot of bathroom space, and may be costly, while electric bidets may also be costly and difficult to install.

[8] While less costly, toilets with bidet showers may not always be aesthetically pleasing, as the hose may be visible and cumbersome, and may not always be practical to use, as the hose may be tangling, and necessitating the user to be in an uncomfortable position during sanitary washing.

PI U.S. Patent No. 6,880,180, titled "Sanitary washing toilet seat device" by Hayashi ct al. teaches a sanitary washing toilet device which includes a toilet seat, a toilet seat cover, and a case fixed to a rear top periphery portion of a toilet bowl. The case is rotatably connected with the toilet seat and the toilet seat cover. The sanitary washing toilet device further includes an optical sensor device provided on a front surface of the case for detecting an open and closed state of at least die toilet seat cover.

[10] U.S. Patent No.6^41,990 tided "Toilet system attached a multi-purpose handheld sprayer" by

Lim teaches an improved toilet system affording upgraded hygienic environment by attachment of a multi-purpose hand held sprayer and addition of new features on die existing toilet system arc provided. The multi-purpose hand held sprayer that incorporates a manual shut-off valve delivers various patterns of water spray via an extension bar and a spray tip, which further employs a flexible hose, a valve to regulate the flow, a Y-adapter assembly to supply water from an existing plumbing fixture, a hose hanger mounted on the existing toilet fasteners, a holder for placing the sprayer, and a bolder for placing lavatory items. The new features include an improved toilet scat having an additional opening with guidelines and an embedded fortifying element at the ftontal area for facilitating placement of the sprayer, a toilet bowl having the same guidelines, and an improved water tank together with its lid having cutouts at the edges and holes on the side wall fix mounting the holders.

[11] UJS. Patent No.7,055,185 titled "Antiseptic bidet in combination with a hygiene safety guard" by Deveer teaches an effective hygiene device that enables easy installation to the toilet bowls of most households. It is comprised of a high pressure, adjustable water stream and an antiseptic spray. A built in Hygiene Safety Guard enables a safety margin against the male penis being in the toilet bowl This invention easily installs onto toilet bowls found in most households. It also requires no connection to the water supply in the household. This invention may reduce infections that maybe afflicting children, adults, and the elderly, who may find toilet paper difficult to use. There are many serious diseases associated with human excrement, and the antiseptic spray feature of this invention may reduce the risk of many infections. This invention also leads to a higher quality of life and a greater feeling of cleanliness.

[12] Therefore, these is a desire for a toilet having a bidet shower that is convenient to use, hygienic, and allows hiding the bidet shower at least partially when not in use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[13] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art The present invention provides a toilet having a bidet shower having a head and a hose, a base, a bowl mounted on the base, a tank mounted on a rear portion of the base, a toilet seat and a toilet seat cover. The toilet has a generally elongated bowl with a bowl opening, a toilet seat cover pivotally connected to at least a portion of the tank about a rotational axis that is located above the base, the hose passing from a back side of die tank to a ftont side of the tank via a passage defined between a cover and & reservoir of the tank. The toilet may further include a protective panel removably mounted to one of the toilet scat and the bowl, the protective panel extending at least in part downwardly in the bowl opening, tod the toilet seat may have a first connecting am and a second connecting arm pivotally connecting the toilet seat to the one of the bowl and the tank, the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm defining a recess structured and dimensioned for receiving a human hand holding a head of the bidet shower. One broad aspect of the present technology provides a toilet comprising: a bidet shower for connection to a water Source, a base, a bowl mounted on the base, the bowl defining a bowl opening, a tank mounted on a tear portion of the base, and a toilet seat pivotally connected to one of the bowl and the tank about an axis of rotation. The toilet seat defining a toilet seat opening, and a protective panel removably mounted to one of the toilet scat and the bowl, the protective panel extending at least in part downwardly in the bowl opening and separating the bowl opening into a front section and a bade section.

[14] In some embodiments the bidet shower includes a hose and a shower head connected to an end of the hose, fee tank comprises: a reservoir, and a cover disposed on top of the reservoir, and the hose passes from a back side of the tank to a front side of the tank via a passage defined between the cover and the reservoir. In some embodiments, the protective panel extending at least in part downwardly in the bowl opening defines a generally vertical wall In some embodiments, the protective panel is removably mounted to the toilet seat and extends at least in part downwardly in the toilet scat opening. In some embodiments, the toilet seat comprises: a first connecting am and a second connecting am pivotally connecting the toilet seat to tiie one of tire bowl and tire tank about the axis of rotation, and the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm defining a recess structured and dimensioned for receiving a human hand holding a head of the bidet shower, the recess being of least partially aligned with the bowl opening when the toilet seat is in a closed position In some embodiments, the tank comprises a first rib located on one side of the tank and a second rib located on another side of the tank, and tire first connecting arm and the second connecting arm being pivotally connected to the first rib and the second rib respectively about the axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the axis of rotation is a first axis of rotation, and the toilet further comprises a seat cover being selectively disposed on top of the toilet seat, the seat cover being pivotally connected to the first rib and die second rib about a second axis of rotation, the second axis Of rotation being located above the first axis of rotation of the toilet seat In some embodiments, the seat cover conceals at least a portion of the head of the bidet shower when the toilet seat and the scat cover are in a closed position and the bidet shower is not in use. In some embodiments, the recess of the toilet seat is structured and dimensioned to receive the protective panel when the protective pend is not mounted to the one of: the toilet seat and the bowL In some embodiments, the bowl and the base are integrally fanned. In seme

embodiments, the bowl is generally elongated along a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the toilet further comprises a faucet connected to one of the bowl and the tank, and wherein the bidet shower is connected to the faucet

[15] A second broad aspect of the present technology provides a toilet comprising: a bidet shower far connection to a water source, the bidet shower including a hose and a shower head connected to an end of the hose, a base, a bowl mounted on the base, the bowl defining a bowl opening, a tank mounted on a rear portion of the base, the tank including a reservoir and a cover disposed on top of the reservoir, and a toilet seat pivotally connected to one of the bowl and the tank about an axis of rotation, the toilet seat defining a toilet seat opening, and the hose passes from a bade side of the tank to a front side of the tank via a passage defined between the cover and the reservoir.

[16] In some embodiments, the toilet further comprises: a protective panel removably mounted to one of the toilet seat and the bowl, the protective pend extending at least in pert downwardly in the bowl opening and separating the bowl opening into a front section and a back section. In seme embodiments, the protective panel extending at least in part downwardly in the bowl opening defines a generally vertical wall In some embodiments, the protective panel is removably mounted to the toilet seat and extends at least in part downwardly in the toilet seat opening. In some embodiments, the toilet seat comprises: a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm pivotally connecting the toilet seat to the one of the bowl and the tank about the axis of rotation, and the fust connecting arm and the second connecting aim defining a recess structured and dimensioned for receiving a human hand holding the head of the bidet shower, the recess being at least partially aligned with the bowl opening when the toilet seat is in a closed position. In some embodiments, the tank comprises a first rib located on one side of the tank and a second rib located on another side of the tank. In some embodiments, die axis of rotation is a first axis of rotation, and the toilet further comprises a seat cover being selectively disposed on top of the toilet seat, the seat cover being pivotally connected to the first rib and the second rib about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being located above the first axis of rotation of the toilet seel In some embodiments, the scat cover conceals at least a portion of the head of the bidet shower when the toilet seat and the scat cover are in a closed position and the bidet shower is not in tee. In sane embodiments, the recess of the toilet seat is structured and dimensioned to receive the protective panel when the protective panel is not mounted to the one ofi the toilet seat and the bowl. In sane embodiments, the bowl and Ae base are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the bowl is generally elongated along a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the toilet further comprises a faucet connected tn one of the bowl and die tank, and wherein the bide* shower is connected to the faucet

[17] A third broad aspect of the present technology provides a toilet comprising: bidet shower for connection to a water source, a base, a bowl mounted on the base, tbe bowl defining a bowl opening, a tank mounted on a rear portion of the base, and a toilet seat pivotally connected to one of the bowl and tbe tank about an axis of rotation, the toilet seat defining a toilet seat opening, the toilet seat comprising: a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm pivotally connecting the toilet seat to the one of the bowl and the tank about the axis of rotation, and the first connecting arm and die second connecting arm defining a recess structured and dimensioned for receiving a human hand bolding a head of the bidet shower, the recess being at least partially aligned with the bowl opening when the toilet seat is in a closed position the first connecting aim and the second connecting arm being pivotally connected to the first rib and the second rib respectively about the axis of rotation.

[18] hi some embodiments, the bidet shower includes a hose and a shower head connected fo an end of the hose, the tank comprises: a reservoir, and a cover disposed on top of the reservoir, and the hose passes from a back side of the tank to a front side of die tank via a passage defined between the cover and the reservoir. In some embodiments, the toilet further comprises a protective panel removably mounted to one of the toilet seat and the bowl, the protective panel extending at least in part downwardly in the bowl opening and separating the bowl opening into a front section and a back section. In some embodiments, the protective panel extending at least in part downwardly in the bowl opening defines a generally vertical wall. In some embodiments, the protective panel is removably mounted to the toilet seat and extends at least in part downwardly in the toilet scat opening. In some embodiments, the tank comprises a first rib located on one side of the tank and a second rib located on another side of the tank, and the first connecting ann and the second connecting arm being pivotally connected to the first rib and the second rib respectively about the axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the axis of rotation is a fust axis of rotation, and the toilet further comprises a scat cover being selectively disposed on top of the toilet seat, the seat cover being pivotally connected to the first rib and tire second rib about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being located above the first axis of rotation of tire toilet In some embodiments, tire seat cover conceals at least a portion of the head of the bidet shower when the toilet seat and the seat cover are in a closed position and the bidet shower is not in use. In some embodiments, the recess of tire toilet seat is structured and dimensioned to receive tire protective panel when the protective panel is not mounted to the one of: the toilet seat and the bowl. In some embodiments, the bowl and the base are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the bowl is generally elongated along a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the toilet further comprises a faucet connected to one of tire bowl and the tank, and wherein the bidet shower is connected to tire faucet In some embodiments there are two faucets located at the front of tire elongated bow! and connected to the bidet shower wherein one faucet controls the flow of hot water and the other faucet controls tire flow of cold water flow of the bidet shower.

[19] Additional and/or alternative objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, tire accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [20] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when fee following detailed description is read in conjunction wife fee accompanying thawings, in which:

[21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view bf a toilet having a bidet shower according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[22] FIG. 2 is a right side view offee toilet having a bidet shower according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[23] FIG. 3 is a left side cutaway view of fee toilet having a bidet shower in use according to an embodiment of fee present invention; and,

[24] FIGS. 4A-B are top and front views of a storage compartment of fee toilet a according to an embodiment of fee present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[25] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in fee art to make and use fee invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a toilet having a bidet shower.

[26] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a toilet 10 having a bidet shower 22 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the toilet comprises a base 12, a bowl 14, a tank 16, a toilet seat 18, a toilet seat cover 20, and fee bidet shower 22. In one embodiment, fee bidet shower 22 includes a hose 24 and head 26 connected to an end of the hose. The base is positioned directly over the floor and fixed to the floor via mounting nuts as well known in the art In one embodiment, the bowl 14 and the base 12 ajrc integrally formed. Preferably, the bowl 14 is generally elongated along a longitudinal axis more so than toilet bowls of the prior art This will be explained in greater detail below.

[27] In one embodiment, a rear portion of the bowl 14 enables a hand 34 of a user 36 holding the head 26 of the bidet shower 22 to pass in a recess 38 of the toilet seat 18. This will be explained in greater detail below.

[28] In one embodiment, the tank 16 includes a cover 44, a left rib 46, and a right rib 48. The tank is mounted to a rear portion of the base 12. In one embodiment, the left rib 46 is positioned on the left side of the tank 16 extending towards the bowl 14. Similarly, the right rib 48 is positioned on the right side of the tank extending toward the bowl 14. The left rib 46 is parallel to the right rib 48 and defines a concave curve such that the head 26 and the hose 24 of the bidet shower 22 fit at least partially between the left rib 46 and the right rib 48. Advantageously, the concave curve allows the toilet scat cover 20 to fit at least partially between the left and right ribs 46, 48 when the toilet seat cover is in an open position.

[29] In some embodiments, there is a tank recess 50 on the front side of the tank 16 within the concave curve where the bidet shower 22 is positioned such that it does not interfere with the rising and lowering of the toilet seat 20. Further, this arrangement hides the bidet shower when the toilet seat 20 is in a closed positioned.

[30] As expected, the seat over 20 is enabled to pivot from an open to a dosed position. In order to do so, the left rib 46 has a left seat cover aperture (not shown) and the right rib 48 has a right seat cover aperture (not shown), wherein both apertures are about a first rotational axis so that pins (not shown) extending integrally from the toilet seat dover 20 can engage in the apertures allowing the seat cover 20 to pivot between the open and closed position.

[31] Best seen in FIG. 3, die hose 24 ofthe bidet shower 22 passes from a back side of the tank 16 to a front side of tiie tank 16 via a passage 56 located between the tank cover 44 and the tank 16. In some embodiment, the cover 44 may be disposed on top of the tank 16 via spacers located on the left side and the right side of the tank to create the passage 56. Advantageously, the hose 24 is enabled to slide freely in the passage 56 allowing a user 36 to use the bidet shower 22. Specifically, by moving the shower head 26 from a retracted position in positioned in recess 38 to an in use position as illustrated in FIG. 3. Generally, the weight of the hose 24 behind the tank 16 helps in retracting back die bidet shower 22 back into the recess 38 when not in use

[32] In one embodiment; the toilet seat 18 includes a toilet seat opening 58, a first connecting arm

60, and a second connecting arm 62, wherein the connecting arms are for pivotally connecting the toilet seat 18 to die tank 16.

[33] As previously mentioned, the toilet bond 14 is elongated more than toilets of the prior art For instance, the bowl 14 is approximately 6 inches (15 cm) longer compared to a prior art standard bowl which allows for a user to sit more forwardly on the toilet seat 18 so as to have room for a hand 34 from a user 36 to grab the bidet shower 22 and use it [34] In one embodiment, the flow of die bidet shower 22 is controlled by two faucets 76 located at the front of the bowl 14 to control the flow of hot and cold water. It should be understood that the location of the faucets may vary based on convenience or ease of operation.

[35] In some embodiments, a pair of flap doors 88 is provided forming part of the bottom rear of the toilet 10 acting as storage compartments 92. Each flap 88 is attached to a beck pand 90 which can be mechanically fastened to a wall behind the toilet 10. Another ftmetion is to streamline the rear portion of the base 12 so that it is easier to clean and as such, more sanitary.

[36] In one embodiment, advantageously, a protective partition 78 is provided, wherein the protective partition fits inside the bowl 14 preventing the bidet shower from spraying outside of the bowl, as well as limiting the amount of water being sprayed on the user 36.

[37] The best mode of use will now be described. First assuming the toilet seat cover 20 is in a closed position, tire user 36 lifts the toilet seat cover 20 to an opened position. Next, the user 36 sits on the toilet seat 18 and defecates in the bowl receptacle 30 through the bowl opening 28 as well known in the art. Next, the user 36 lakes the protective partition 78 stored in the pends and mounts it to the bowl 14. Then, tile user 36 picks up the bidet shower 22 with his hand 34 and passes it through the recess 38 and under the toilet seat 18. The user 36 then activates the cold and hot water taps 76 located on the front of the bowl 14 such that water flows from the head 26 and the user 36 directs the water spray toward tiie inner buttocks and anus. Advantageously, the protective partition 78 at least partially protects the intimate parts of the user 36 from the water spray and spatter of water and waste from the bond receptacle 30. Next the user 36 repositions the head 26 of the bidet shower 22 on the rear portion of the base 12 and behind the first rotational axis of the toilet seat cover 20. Next, the user 36 dries himself or herself as well known in tiie art. Optionally, the user 36 may remove and clean the protective partition 78, and store it in the recess compartment 66. Finally, tiie user places the toilet seat cover 20 in a dosed position. pg] Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the ^' art Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[39] I ¹ should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left right front hack, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper. lower, aft fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object

[40] In addition, reference to "first,"“second,”“third," and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.