CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/811,399 filed February 27, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The invention pertains generally to a health hygiene product. More specifically, the invention is related to an apparatus used for moistening and enhancing toilet paper.

(2) Description of the Related Art

Cleaning the anus and surrounding area to remove remnants of feces after defecation is a routine task performed daily by individuals all over the world. In Western countries, toilet paper is typically used for wiping; however, toilet paper can leave feces behind and excessive rubbing can lead to health issues such as anal fissures and urinary tract infections or aggravate existing health issues such as haemorrhoids. The issue is particularly worse for the elderly, handicapped, and others who are not so self-sufficient.

As an alternative to using toilet paper for wiping, many choose to use flushable wipes which do better cleaning job and are easier on the skin, but they are typically known to back-up the plumbing systems in the house as they do not easily breakdown. Flushable wipes cause damage to the city sewer system and the environment all over the world and using flushable wipes for post-defecation cleaning are an expensive alternative in comparison to the traditional toilet paper.

Special gels or foams can be combined with dry toilet paper as an alternative to flushable wet wipes; however, these products are awkward to use and require being separately carried by the user, which can be an inconvenience. Another common approach is to use a bidet or simply washing by hand, but these options are not always sanitary or practical, and are sometimes inefficient especially in areas where water is scarce or there is limited space in the bathroom.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is disclosed an apparatus for delivering fluid to an applicator holder. The apparatus includes a tube having an inlet at a first end for receiving fluid, a cradle forming the applicator holder in a top wall of the cradle, a pump having a pump inlet connected to a second end of the tube, and a pump outlet for directing fluid towards the applicator holder. The pump inlet is located below the applicator holder and the pump outlet directs fluid into the applicator holder. The pump inlet receives fluid at the pump inlet, and the pump delivers fluids to the applicator holder in an upper portion of the cradle through the pump outlet when the pump is activated.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is disclosed an apparatus for siphoning fluid to an applicator holder. The apparatus includes a tube having an inlet at a first end for receiving fluid, a cradle having a cradle inlet, and a flowrate controllable valve having a valve inlet connected to a second end of the tube and a valve outlet connected to the cradle inlet. The first end of the tube is higher than the second end of the tube, and the cradle inlet is lower than the first end of the tube allowing fluid to flow from the first end of the tube and into the cradle inlet by siphoning when a set flowrate through the flowrate controllable valve is greater than zero. The cradle forming the applicator holder on a top wall of the cradle. When the flowrate controllable valve is open, the inlet at the first end of the tube receives fluid and delivers fluid to the applicator holder through the flowrate controllable valve by siphoning.

These and other advantages and embodiments of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments illustrated in the various figures and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which represent preferred embodiments thereof:

FIG. 1 shows a sideview of an apparatus for moistening toilet paper according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustrating a method of moistening sponge by the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an apparatus for moistening toilet paper where water is extracted from the toilet tank utilizing a siphon effect according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a self-contained apparatus where the cradle houses a fluid reservoir according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows integration of the apparatus to the front of the toilet according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows the front, side, and sectional view of the apparatus in FIG. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a compact, self-contained apparatus for moistening toilet paper comprising a solution bag that feeds a cradle housing a wetting sponge according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a sideview of an apparatus for moistening toilet paper according to an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus includes a tube 100 having a first end of the tube in a toilet water tank 102, a floater device 104 connected to the first end of the tube, a pump 106, a tank one-way valve 108, a cradle one-way valve 110, an applicator one-way valve 112, a cradle 114 having a cradle outlet, and an applicator holder 118 housing a sponge 120 where the sponge is accessible from an outside of the cradle. The applicator holder 118 has a convex base for guiding excess fluid to the cradle outlet.

The tube 100 is connected to the pump 106 via the tank one-way valve 108 allowing water to flow from the toilet water tank 102 to a pump reservoir when the tank one-way valve 108 is open. The cradle one-way valve 110 connects the cradle outlet with the pump reservoir allowing water to flow from the cradle 114 to the pump 106 when the cradle one-way valve 110 is open. The applicator one-way valve 112 is between the sponge 120 and a pump outlet allowing water to flow from the pump 106 to the sponge 120 when the applicator one-way valve 112 is open.

In this embodiment, the pump 106 is a manual finger-compressed pump and has a pump reservoir which can store fluid. The pump reservoir is formed by the space within the manual finger- compressed pump. The floater device 104 is connected to the first end of the tube 100 such that an inlet at the first end of the tube is not obstructed. The floater device 104 moves with the water level in the water tank 102 to keep the inlet at the first end of the tube submerged in water. For example, when the toilet is flushed and the water level in the toilet water tank 102 is lowered, the floater device 104 ensures the inlet at the first end of the tube remains submerged in the water. At least one spacer 122 is used to elevate a water tank lid to create a gap that would allow the tube 100 to pass between the water tank lid and a top edge of the water tank. The cradle 114 is attached to the toilet with a suction cup.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the pump 106, the tank one-way valve 108, the cradle one-way valve 110, the applicator one-way valve 112, and the sponge 120 are housed within the cradle 114. The pump 106 is in a lower portion of the cradle 114 and the actuator of the pump is accessible from an outside of the cradle. In other words, it is possible for a user to manually compress and decompress the finger-compressed pump from the outside of the cradle 114.

By running the tube 100 along the back of a toilet, under one side, and bringing it to the front of the toilet where it attaches to the cradle 114, the tube 100 remains out of the way and the set-up is aesthetically pleasing. In this embodiment, the tube 100 is white to match with the colour of the toilet, and the tube is attached to the toilet using suction cups.

The sponge 120 is in the upper portion of the cradle 114 within the applicator holder 118 and the applicator holder has the cradle outlet which permits excess water unabsorbed by the sponge to be drained. By placing the sponge 120 in the upper portion of the cradle 114, the sponge can be easily accessed by the user sitting on the toilet. The cradle 114 has a side opening allowing access to the sponge 120 so the toilet paper tissue can be moistened by the user pressing the toilet paper against the damp sponge. In this embodiment, a front of the sponge 120 is exposed for use by the user. Water is pumped from the pump 106 to the sponge 120 via an applicator tube, and the applicator tube outlet is located above the sponge, so the sponge 120 is wet by the applicator tube squirting water onto it. In this embodiment, water is moved in small amounts by the finger pump such that the applicator tube outlet puts droplets onto the wetting sponge. In general, the applicator tube directs water from the pump outlet to the applicator holder and the sponge soaks up the water to become wet.

In an example usage scenario, initially the tube is primed by any desired method for priming. For example, in this embodiment, the pump is actuated by pressing the finger-compressed pump until the tube 100 and the reservoir within the pump 106 are filled with water. The pressing (i.e., compressing) action of the pump 106 causes the tank one-way valve 108 to close and the applicator one-way valve 112 to open. Air in the pump reservoir is evacuated though the opened applicator one-way value 112. The un-pressing (i.e., decompressing) action of the pump 106 causes the tank one-way value 108 to open and the applicator one-way valve 112 to close. Air and water in the tube 100 are thereby sucked into the pump reservoir. This pumping action is continued until the water sucked from the toilet water tank 102 reaches the pump reservoir.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustrating a method of moistening sponge by the apparatus of FIG. 1. In a neutral position of the pump 106, meaning the pump is neither being compressed nor decompressed, the tank one-way valve 108 is biased to be closed, the cradle one-way valve 110 is biased to be open, and the applicator one-way valve 112 is biased to be closed. While the pump 106 is in the neutral position, the tank one-way valve 108 is biased closed to prevent a siphoning effect which might otherwise flood the applicator holder.

While compressing the pump, the tank one-way valve 108 is held in the closed position both from the neutral bias to be closed and also from an increase in pressure within the pump. The cradle one-way valve 110 is held in the closed position by the increase in pressure within the pump 106, and the applicator one-way valve 112 is opened by the increase in pressure during compression to let water from the pump 106 exit through the applicator tube to wet the sponge 120. The wet sponge can thereafter be used for moistening toilet paper. While the pump 106 is being compressed, the tank one-way valve 108 does not allow water to flow in the reverse direction from the pump 106 to the toilet water tank 102.

While decompressing the pump 106, the tank one-way valve 108 is forced open by the decrease in pressure within the pump reservoir, and the cradle one-way valve 110 and the applicator one way valve 112 are held in the closed position. In this way, water is sucked into the tube 100 from the water tank 102 and fills the pump reservoir. The cradle one-way valve 110 and the applicator one-way valve 112 are kept closed during the decompressing phase to ensure that the water is sucked in the forward direction from the water tank 102 to the pump reservoir. Closing the applicator one-way valve 112 and the cradle one-way valve 110 also ensures that the pump is not completely filled by air which would hinder the pump reservoir from filling up with water.

In the neutral position the cradle one-way valve 110 is biased in the open position to allow any excess water unabsorbed by the sponge 120 to flow through the cradle outlet into the pump reservoir. The tank one-way valve 108 is kept closed in the neutral position to prevent water from entering the pump 106 in the neutral position so that the pump has capacity to accommodate water coming into the pump from the cradle outlet. In normal operations, the switch from compressing to decompressing will not trigger the applicator one-way value 112 to instantaneously switch from open to closed. There will be a slight time delay due to physical reaction time of the valve and therefore some air will enter the pump reservoir via the applicator one-way valve 112. This is beneficial to provide room within the pump reservoir for excess water to later drain into the reservoir via the cradle one-way valve 110 when the pump 106 is in the neutral state.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an apparatus for moistening toilet paper where water is extracted from the toilet tank 102 utilizing a siphon effect according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the cradle 114 has a reservoir 301 for collecting excess fluid. The applicator holder 118 is in an upper portion of the cradle and the reservoir is formed by a cavity in the lower portion of the cradle. The first end of the tube 100 is in the toilet water tank 102 having an inlet near the bottom of the toilet tank and the tube is fastened within the water tank by means of mechanical fastening. In this embodiment, the tube 100 is fastened to an overflow tube in the toilet water tank 102 with cable ties. The tube has an inlet at the first end for receiving fluid from the toilet water tank 102. The inlet is at a pre-determined distance from the base of the toilet water tank such that the water level does not go below the pre-determined distance under normal operation which allows the inlet at the first end of the tube to remain submerged in water. A valve inlet of a flowrate controllable valve 300 is connected to a second end of the tube 100, and a valve outlet of the flowrate controllable valve 300 directs fluid to the applicator holder 118 by pointing a stream of fluid towards the applicator holder.

The first end of the tube 100 is higher than the second end of the tube such that fluid can flow from the first end of the tube to the second end of the tube by siphoning. The valve outlet of the flowrate controllable valve 300 is lower than the first end of the tube allowing fluid to be received at the inlet at the first end of the tube and flow to the application holder 118 by siphoning when a set flowrate of the flowrate controllable valve 300 is greater than zero. A removably mountable priming pump not shown in FIG. 3 can be attached to the valve outlet of the flowrate controllable valve for priming the tube, if necessary. Alternatively, the flowrate controllable valve 300 may also act as or be in combination with a manual hand-squeeze pump in order to allow the user to prime the tube by repeatedly compressing and decompressing the valve 300, and, once primed, to thereafter simply compress the valve 300 for as long as water output is desired.

Unabsorbed water from the sponge 120 exits through a cradle outlet and collects within the reservoir. The reservoir has a drain outlet near the base of the reservoir and a drain line 303 is connected to the drain outlet. The drain line 303 has an inline pump 305, and an outlet of the drain line is within a toilet bowl. The inline pump 305 is used for pumping water from the reservoir 301 to the toilet bowl when the reservoir is full. The outlet of the drain line 303 is placed into the toilet bowl through a space between a toilet seat and a top edge of the toilet bowl. If required, spacers can be used for enlarging or creating the space.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a self-contained apparatus where the cradle houses a fluid reservoir according to an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus includes a tube having an inlet at a first end for receiving fluid, a cradle 114 forming an applicator holder 118, a pump 106 having a pump inlet connected to the second end of the tube, a fluid reservoir 402, a lid 404, a hinge 406 allowing the lid to rotate around the hinge, and a pump outlet for directing fluid towards the applicator holder. In usage, the self-contained apparatus would be placed on a surface in the orientation illustrated such that the pump inlet is lower than the pump outlet, the pump 106 is located below the applicator holder 118, and the pump outlet directs fluid into the applicator holder.

There is a reservoir one-way valve 408 between the pump and the fluid reservoir, and there is an applicator one-way valve 112 between the pump 106 and the applicator holder 118. When the pump is activated, the reservoir one-way valve 408 is opened, and the pump inlet receives fluid at the first end of the tube from the fluid reservoir 402 and the applicator one-way valve 112 is open to let the pump deliver fluid to the applicator holder 118 in the upper portion of the cradle 114 through the pump outlet.

The pump 106 is an electric in-line pump actuated by a switch in this embodiment. The applicator one-way valve 112 and the reservoir one-way valve 408 are also electrically triggered by the switch. When the pump is not activated, the reservoir one-way valve and the applicator one-way valve are closed. In this embodiment, the applicator holder 118 has an inlet at the base to allow fluid to enter the applicator holder. Because the fluid reservoir 402 is contained within the cradle 114, an advantage of this embodiment is that it can be used in variety of locations not necessary immediately adjacent a toilet. Examples include at senior care facilities or hospitals beside the patient’s bed.

In addition, the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4 is portable and can be carried with the user when travelling. The apparatus is packaged such that it can fit in a purse or a bag pack allowing the user to take the apparatus with them. The lid when closed may seal the container shut to avoid any leaks. Another advantage of the portable apparatus is that it can also be used at baby-wipe stations.

The sponge can be purchased from vending machines in commercial bathroom spaces. The sponge is also easily replaceable, and the consumer can use their personal wetting sponge carried with them in a small container or a resealable bag when they need to use the bathroom. This allows the user to bring or otherwise obtain their own sponge and for the sponge to have user-specific properties such as a specific scent, medicinal elements such as vitamin E or other desired properties when they use the bathroom.

FIG. 5 shows integration of the apparatus to the front of the toilet according to an exemplary embodiment. The design of the cradle in this embodiment is as small as possible to allow the proper mechanics of fluid movement such that fluid can be transferred from the pump to the sponge. A small finger pump is located below the sponge in a small cradle built from a non-rigid semi-pliable material that is curved to conform to front underside of bowl and allows more pliability if needed to conform to bowl curvature. The design is as small and sleek as possible but still enables functionality similar to the embodiment as described in FIG. 1. The applicator tube outlet is located above the applicator holder, and the applicator holder outlet directs fluid to the applicator holder which allows the sponge to be fully saturated. The cradle is fastened to the toilet using suction cups.

FIG. 6 shows the front, side, and sectional view of the apparatus in FIG. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 7 shows another exemplary embodiment incorporating a solution bag 702 that holds a solution or fluid that is used to moisten the sponge in the applicator holder or cradle. The solution bag 702 in a preferred embodiment would be approximately 6 inches long, 3 inches deep and an inch wide. The solution bag 702 has a very slight funnel shape in the middle to facilitate the flow of the solution down through the hose using gravity. The solution bag 702 has mounting holes 704 or similar provision along the top edge to attach to hooks to hang the bag to the toilet tank edge in a manner that enables the tank lid to close without any issues. The bag 702 can also be hung on a wall or on to any other suitable surface. The hooks for attachment would be short enough to best utilize gravity for proper flow of solution depending on the placement of the cradle 714, but long enough to enable the bag to be hidden behind the tank to limit the visibility of the bag and enhance aesthetics of the device installation. The solution bag 702 has a lid 706 on the top that can be opened to refdl the solution into the bag 702. The solution can be a fluid with enhancements like antibacterial, cleansing, moisturising, odour reducing, freshening or other desirable properties or even plain water in some exemplary embodiments.

The solution bag 702 has a tube or hose line 700 attached at an outlet present at the lower section of the solution bag. One end of the hose line 700 is attached to the outlet via a valve 708. The valve ensures that the fluid from the solution bag 702 moves only in one direction i.e. from the bag 702 towards the cradle 714. The valve 708 also has provision to be closed shut to prevent leaking when the hose line or cradle need to be detached for cleaning. The hose line 700 is kept as thin as required to enable the solution to flow through the tube in the desired manner and at the proper rate. A sufficiently long hose is provided with provision to cut the hose to any desired length depending upon the user’s preference for placement of the cradle 714 in front of the toilet bowl or on the sides or anywhere else such as on the toilet tank or next to the toilet paper holder, etc. The hose attachment mechanism at the solution bag outlet and cradle inlet is robust enough to prevent any leakage when attaching the cut end of the hose. Alternately, different lengths of hose can be provided to the user based on requirement. In some embodiments, the hose line 700 has small suctional attachments that can be used to secure the hose line to the toilet structure or any other surface to keep the hose line concealed and out of the way. The suctional attachments are moveable along the hose line 700 to be used wherever needed. The hose, suctional attachments, solution bag and cradle are all customized to match the colour of the toilet structure which is white in many instances.

The other end of the hose line 700 is attached to an inlet of the cradle or wetting end 714. The cradle 714 in this embodiment has a compact size and forms an applicator holder holding a wetting surface or sponge 720. The back side of the cradle 714 has a suctional surface or suctional attachment to enable the cradle to be attached at different locations on the toilet structure as desired by the user. The wetting surface 720 is a sponge or sponge-like material which is roughly circular in shape and approximately as large as a Toonie’ or Canadian $1 coin. When the toilet paper is pressed firmly against the upper surface of the sponge 720, the toilet paper is wet by the solution absorbed from the sponge. The sponge, in turn, absorbs solution from the space within the cradle 714 that is in contact with the lower surface of the sponge 720. When the wetting sponge 720 is compressed, either a valve is opened enabling the solution to move via gravity or a suction action is created aiding to draw solution to the wetting sponge 720. This arrangement facilitates movement of the solution or fluid from the solution bag 702 through the hose line 700 into the cradle 714, from the cradle to the sponge 720, and finally onto the toilet paper, without requiring a pumping mechanism. The sponge 720 used for wetting can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement as required. The cradle 714 can be easily detached from and reattached to the hose line 700 for cleaning as necessary. The‘bowl’ or lower surface of the cradle 714 may contain a mesh or filter to prevent impurities from getting into the hose line and possible clogging the hose hindering the movement of the solution. A flip cover 710 that goes over the sponge 720 and helps the sponge retain moisture and also prevents contamination, is present in certain preferred embodiments. The flip cover 710 can be a clear transparent or semi-transparent material.

An apparatus for delivering fluid to an applicator holder includes a tube with an inlet for receiving fluid, a cradle forming the applicator holder, a pump having a pump inlet connected to the tube, and a pump outlet for directing fluid towards the applicator holder. The pump inlet receives fluid at the pump inlet, and the pump delivers fluids to the applicator holder in an upper portion of the cradle through the pump outlet when the pump is activated. There may be a reservoir for collecting excess fluid from the applicator holder. The apparatus may also deliver fluid to the applicator holder by siphoning and a flowrate controllable valve may be used to control the flowrate to the applicator holder. The apparatus may receive fluid from a fluid reservoir, a toilet tank, or a rim water jet, for example. The apparatus may also have other valves to prevent unintended flow.

Although the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications, additions and alterations may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the reservoir has the drain line for emptying water into the toilet bowl. In another embodiment, the reservoir is a removable reservoir which collects excess water, and the reservoir can be easily removed from the cradle and emptied into a toilet bowl or a nearby sink. The removable reservoir is attached to the cradle by snap-fits. In some embodiments, the removable reservoir is connected to the cradle with threads or magnets. It is also possible to use quick release mechanisms with shut-off valves. This is advantageous as the fluid would not leak on the floor when the reservoir is removed.

In another embodiment, a spray pump having an inlet is placed within a removable reservoir so that an inlet of the spray pump takes fluid from the removable reservoir, wets the sponge in the applicator holder, and excess fluid from the applicator holder can drain into the same reservoir. The removable reservoir can be fdled the desired fluid. In some embodiments, the sponge is omitted, and the spray pump creates a mist which can be directly used to moisten toilet paper. In some embodiments, the applicator tube outlet is located below the sponge.

In some embodiments, a flowrate controllable valve is used to control the flow of water into the reservoir connected to the cradle and the reservoir stores the fluid. An inlet of the flowrate controllable valve is receiving water from the toilet water tank. When a water level in the removable reservoir decreases, the flowrate controllable valve is opened again to fill the reservoir. The pump inlet is within the reservoir. The cradle also keeps fluid within the reservoir within a set-temperature range for additional user comfort. By storing fluid in the cradle, it would be easier to maintain the desired temperature.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the valve outlet directs the stream of fluid towards the applicator holder. In some embodiments, the valve outlet is connected to a cradle inlet within the top or side wall of the cradle, and fluid can be directed to the applicator holder through the cradle inlet. If required, a tube can be used for connecting the valve outlet and the cradle inlet.

In the illustrated embodiments, the cradle is attached to the front of the toilet. In some embodiments, the cradle is attached to the side of the toilet. In other embodiments, the cradle with the sponge is attached to beside the toilet paper roll or any other location easily reachable by the user when sitting on the toilet. In some embodiments, the inlet of the tube has an in-take screen to prevent debris from entering the apparatus. In some embodiments, the base of the applicator holder has a mesh which allows excess fluid to drain from the applicator holder into the cradle such that the cradle outlet can be omitted. In yet another embodiment, the cradle is painted with a paint that glows-in-the-dark or made from a material that glows-in-the-dark so the glow-in-the-dark property is built into the cradle. The applicator holder and/or the cradle can also be decorated for visual appeal and aesthetics. Although in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the pump and the valve are housed within the cradle, in some embodiments the pump and valves are outside of the cradle.

In some of the illustrated embodiments, the tube is mechanically fastened to the overflow tube within the water tank with cable ties. In other embodiments, other means of mechanical fastening such as clamps are used. The tube can also be attached to other structure within the water tank such that it does not interfere with the normal operation of the water tank, more specifically the operation of the flushing mechanism. In another embodiment, the tube has a ring attached on an outer surface of the tube at the first end and the ring prevents the tube from accidently being pulled out of the toilet tank. The ring is attached a set distance from the inlet of the tube at the first end so the inlet remains near the base of the water tank. In yet another embodiment, a hole is placed in the water tank lid to allow the tube to pass through the hole and into the toilet water tank. The tube can also be passed through an air vent opening within the toilet water tank. It is advantageous to pass the tube through the air vent opening because it does not require additional hardware or modifications to the toilet water tank.

In some embodiments, the water source is a rim water jet in the toilet bowl. The tube used for transporting water can act as the fluid reservoir for embodiments that receive fluid from the water jet. This is particularly beneficial for commercial toilets that do not have a water tank.

In some embodiments, a priming pump is connected in-line with the tube for priming the line to facilitate siphoning and preventing damage to other pumps in the system. In the illustrated embodiments, one-way valves are used for preventing backflow. Other types of valves can also be used including ball valve, gate valve, butterfly valve, globe valve, pinch valve, or a combination thereof. The valve can be actuated mechanically or electrically.

In the illustrated embodiments, the tube is attached to the toilet using suction cups. In other embodiments, other means of fastening are used. Other means of fastening include clamps, cable ties, magnets, strings, double sided tape, or a combination thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cradle is attached to the toilet with suction cups. In some embodiments, other means of mechanical fastening are used. Other means of mechanical fastening include double sided tape, magnets, bolt or nut assembly, screws, hook-and-loop fasteners, or a combination thereof, for example.

In the previously illustrated embodiments, the cradle has an applicator holder. The applicator holder can be used to hold various applicators including a sponge, a cloth, foam, a pool of water, or a combination thereof.

In the illustrated embodiments, water is used for moistening the sponge. In other embodiments, the toilet water tank holds an anti-bacterial fluid reservoir which is connected to the inlet of the tube at the first end. This permits the use of anti-bacterial fluid for moistening the sponge. In other embodiments, an aromatizing solution, a cleaning solution, a solution having soothing properties, or other natural solutions are used for moistening the sponge thereby the wet sponge is used for transferring these properties to the toilet paper. In some embodiments, a concentrated compound which may be liquid or solid are mixed with water in the toilet water tank and the concentrated compounds slowly mix with the water in the toilet water tank. In another embodiments, the sponge has anti-bacterial, aromatic, or soothing properties. Some examples of aromatic or soothing properties include a spearmint, lavender, sandalwood, and eucalyptus.

In some embodiments, the concentrated reservoir with anti-bacterial compound is placed in the toilet water tank, and the concentrated reservoir has a concentrated reservoir one-way valve that allows water from the toilet water tank to enter the concentrated reservoir but prevents content of the concentrated reservoir from exiting into the toilet water tank. The inlet at the first end of the tube receive the content of the concentrated reservoir and the content is used to wet the sponge. This would greatly help in reducing waste and saving money for the consumers.

In some embodiments, the valves and the pump are electric and have a control system so the operation can work with a single trigger making the apparatus easier to use. For example, when a button is pressed, the pump draws fluid from the reservoir and wets the sponge held in the application holder, and a drain line valve opens to allow excess fluid to drain into a reservoir. In some embodiments, when the drainage reservoir senses that is has been filled, the reservoir automatically triggers the drainage pump to empty the reservoir into the toilet bowl.

In addition to pumps manually compressed by a user, in some embodiments, other types of pumps are used which may be manually, pneumatically, or electrically actuated. Many different types of pumps including positive displacement pump, impulse pumps, velocity pumps, gravity pumps, valve-less pumps, or a combination thereof can be used.

Although FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate both an applicator one-way valve and a cradle one-way value with different biased and operating states, in some embodiments, the applicator one-way value and cradle one-way valve operate in tandem with the same operating states and actions. In some embodiments, the applicator one-way valve and a cradle one-way value are one and the same and thus one of them could be omitted.

All combinations and permutations of the above described features and embodiments may be utilized in conjunction with the invention.