Toilet Paper Wetting Apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for wetting sheets of material for personal hygiene is provided. The apparatus includes a main body, a cover, and a fluid control valve. The main body defines an internal cavity. The cover is movable relative to the main body between an off position and an on position. The cover has at least one dispensing port formed therethrough. The at least one dispensing port is configured to dispense water onto the cover. The fluid control valve is mounted to the main body. The fluid control valve has a valve member that transitions from a closed orientation to an open orientation when the cover is transitioned from the off position to the on position. Water is permitted to pass through the fluid control valve and the at least one dispensing port when the fluid control valve is in the open orientation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Patent Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 752,121, filed Jan. 31, 2025, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention generally relates to personal hygiene products and particularly to products for wetting personal hygiene products such as a wipe with water.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Personal hygiene when people perform a bowel movement can be performed in several different ways such as by using toilet paper, wet wipes and / or bidets. Dry toilet paper can be rough and irritate the skin of a user. Wet wipes may cause less irritation but can be more expensive. Bidets are often not available and / or not welcomed means of hygiene by many people.

[0004] The present invention provides an improvement in the use of wipes for personal hygiene.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments provide new and improved apparatuses for improving personal hygiene.

[0006] In an example, a toilet paper wetting apparatus includes a main body, a cover, and a fluid control valve. The main body defines an internal cavity. The cover is movable relative to the main body between an off position and an on position. The cover has at least one dispensing port formed therethrough. The at least one dispensing port is configured to dispense water onto the cover. The fluid control valve mounts to the main body. The fluid control valve has a valve member that transitions from a closed orientation to an open orientation when the cover is transitioned from the off position to the on position. The fluid control valve is operably attachable to a source of water and is attached to the at least one dispensing port such that water is permitted to pass through the fluid control valve and the at least one dispensing port when the fluid control valve is in the open orientation.

[0007] In one example, the cover is hingedly attached to the main body for pivotal motion about a cover axis between the on and off positions.

[0008] In one example, a biasing member biases the cover toward the off position.

[0009] In one example, the fluid control valve provides the biasing member.

[0010] In one example, the biasing member biases the valve member toward the closed orientation.

[0011] In one example, the cover engages the valve member to axially slide the valve member relative to a valve body of the fluid control valve when transitioning from the closed orientation to the open orientation.

[0012] In one example, a water supply line configured to connect to a toilet water supply is provided. The supply line is operably connected to the fluid control valve. This may be directly or indirectly, such as through a flow control valve.

[0013] In one example, a top side of the cover includes a recess. The at least one dispensing port is in fluid communication with the recess. A water deflector extends over the at least one dispensing port and at least part of the recess.

[0014] In one example, the water deflector has at least one projection extending from an underside of a deflector body of the water deflector and into a cavity formed into a bottom of the recess to locate the deflector relative to the cover.

[0015] In one example, a vertical gap is formed vertically between the bottom of the recess and the underside of the deflector body.

[0016] In one example, first and second mounting pins extend axially between the water deflector and the cover for attaching the water deflector to the cover.

[0017] In one example, the top side of the cover is dished, the recess being formed in the bottom most extent of the dish.

[0018] In one example, the recess is bound by an axially extending annular wall. The water deflector has a rim region sized smaller in dimension than the annular wall to form a radial gap therein. The water deflector is positioned axially within the recess, at least in part, and radially inside of the axially extending annular wall.

[0019] In one example, the rim region and annular wall are oblong. The length of the oblong shape of the annular wall is greater than the length of the oblong shape of the rim region. The width of the oblong shape of the annular wall is greater than the width of the oblong shape of the annular wall.

[0020] In one example, a connection conduit having a T-fitting at one end is fluidly connected to the fluid control valve at the opposite end. The T-fitting has a T-shaped flow path including one inlet and two outlets. The fitting is configured to connect into an existing toilet supply line. The fitting has the inlet connected to the toilet supply line. One outlet is operably connectable to a toilet and one outlet is operably connected to the fluid control valve.

[0021] In one example, a flow adjustment valve is provided that is configured to adjust the flow of fluid through the fluid control valve.

[0022] In one example, the flow adjustment valve is upstream of the fluid control valve.

[0023] In an example a system is provided. The system includes a toilet water supply line and a toilet paper wetting apparatus as outlined above. The T-fitting is connected to the toilet water supply line to supply water to the fluid control valve. The T-fitting permits fluid flow to the toilet as well as to the control valve.

[0024] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet paper wetting apparatus for wetting toilet paper or other personal hygiene products;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the wetting apparatus connected to a water supply for a toilet;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a partial illustration of the toilet paper wetting apparatus with a housing thereof removed for illustration of the internal components;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded illustration of the toilet paper wetting apparatus;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of the toilet paper wetting apparatus in an off configuration;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of the toilet paper wetting apparatus in an on configuration;

[0032] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration of the toilet paper wetting apparatus;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a side view illustration of the toilet paper wetting apparatus with the housing removed; and

[0034] FIG. 9 is top illustration of the cover of the toilet paper wetting apparatus with the deflector removed therefrom.

[0035] While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a toilet paper wetting apparatus 100 (also referred to as “wetting apparatus 100”) for use in wetting toilet paper prior to use. The wetting apparatus 100 generally includes a main body 102, which may also be referred to as a housing 102, a cover 104 and a mounting arrangement 106.

[0037] In this example, the mounting arrangement 106 includes double sided tape 108 for attaching a mounting plate 110 to a mounting surface such as provided by a wall, toilet, cabinet, sink, etc. within a restroom.

[0038] In this example, the mounting plate 110 includes a plurality of attachment pins 112 that cooperate with slots formed in a rear side of the main body 102.

[0039] Other mounting arrangements are contemplated. For example, the double sided tape could be replaced with screws. Further, the double sided tape or screws could be used to directly attach the main body 102 to the mounting surface if appropriate.

[0040] Further, in some examples, no mounting arrangement is provided and the wetting apparatus 100, and particularly the main body 102 thereof, could be configured to rest on a shelf, cabinet, or top of the toilet. Further, other examples could have an integrated stand such that the wetting apparatus 100 were to rest directly on the floor.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 2 and the schematic representations therein, the wetting apparatus 100 is configured to receive a source of water. Here, the source of water is provided by the water supply 12 for a toilet 10. A fitting 120, in the form of a T-fitting is connected to the water supply 12 in between the feed line 14 for the toilet 10. In this example, the fitting 120 of the wetting apparatus 100 is downstream of the on / off valve 16 for controlling water flow to the toilet 10.

[0042] A feed line 122 (also referred to as “supply line 122”) extends from fitting 120 to supply water to the water supply components of the wetting apparatus 100.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the components of the wetting apparatus 100 will be described.

[0044] The cover 104 is operably pivotally attached to the main body 102 by mounting posts 130. The cover 104 can pivot via mounting posts 130 about cover axis 132. Posts 130 extend into mounting cavity 134. In this example, mounting pocket 134 is formed in mounting projection 136 that extends downward from an underside 138 of cover 104.

[0045] The cover 104 functions as a lever that may be actuatable by a user to selectively dispense water used to wet the toilet paper. In particular, the cover 104 may be transitioned between an off position (see FIG. 5) and an on position (see FIG. 6). In the on position, water is dispensed onto an upper surface 142 of the cover 104.

[0046] In this example, cover 104 pivot relative to the main body 102 about axis 132 as illustrated by arrow 140 between the off and on positions. However, it is contemplated that the cover 104 could be linearly actuated between the off and on positions.

[0047] In this example, the upper surface 142 is dished or concave such that dispensed water is retained on the upper surface 142 within the cavity 144 formed by the concave shape.

[0048] The cover 104 includes first and second dispensing ports 146. The dispensing ports 146 define a fluid flow outlet that communicate with cavity 144 formed by the dished upper surface 142. While two dispensing ports 146 are illustrated more or fewer dispensing ports 146 may be provided.

[0049] A recess 148 is formed in the upper surface 142 and with in the dished portion thereof. The first and second dispensing ports 146 communicate with recess 148 such that any dispensed water initially flows into recess 148.

[0050] With additional reference to FIG. 7, a deflector 150 is operably attached to upper surface 142 over the dispensing ports 146. The deflector 150 helps distribute dispensed water on upper surface 142. The deflector 150 has a body portion.

[0051] In this example, the deflector 150 is located, at least in part, within recess 148. The deflector 150 is similarly shaped but sized smaller than the recess 148. As such, a gap is formed axially and radially between the deflector 150 and cover 104. This gap permits water to flow from the ports onto upper surface 142 where it can be applied to toilet paper.

[0052] In particular, a radial gap portion 154 is provided between an outer peripheral edge 156 defining a rim region of the deflector 150 and an axially extending annular wall 160 forming, at least in part, recess 148. An axial / vertical gap portion 162 is formed between an underside 164 of deflector 150 and a bottom 166 of recess 148.

[0053] Preferably, the gap has a minimum dimension of between about 1 and 2 mm so as to promote laminar flow. However, other gap spacing is contemplated.

[0054] In this example, the recess 148 and deflector 150 are oblong. As such, the length L1 of the recess 148 is greater than the length L2 of the deflector 150 and the width W1 of the recess 148 is greater than the width W2 of the deflector 150.

[0055] With additional reference to FIG. 8, the feed line 122 is operably connected to dispensing ports 146 by way of a plurality of components.

[0056] Flow of water through the system starts at feed line 122. Downstream of the feed line 122 is a flow adjustment valve 166, which can adjustably regulate the rate of water flow through the system and particularly out of ports 146. The flow adjustment valve 166 includes an adjustment knob 167 that can be manipulated by a user to adjust the position of a flow adjustment member to adjust the flow rate of water.

[0057] Downstream from the flow adjustment valve 166 is a fluid control valve 168 that operates to turn on and off the flow of water through the system. Notably, the order of the flow adjustment valve 166 and fluid control valve 168 could be swapped. Further, in an optional configuration, the flow adjustment valve 166 and fluid control valve 168 could be provided by a single component.

[0058] The fluid control valve 168 includes a valve member 170 that is transitionable between an open position (see FIG. 6) and a closed position (see FIG. 5). The valve member 170 is transitioned between the open and closed positions by a user pressing on cover 104 to transition the cover 104 from the off position (FIG. 5) to the on position (FIG. 6) as illustrated by arrow 172. In FIG. 6, the valve member 170 is not illustrated as moved relative to the valve body 174 of the fluid control valve 168, but the cover 104 has been transitioned to the on position.

[0059] In this example, the valve member 170 axially slides linearly within valve body 174 between the open and closed positions.

[0060] In this example, the valve member 170 is spring biased towards the closed position. This biasing force also, by interaction between valve member 170 and the under side 138 of cover 104, biases the cover 104 towards the off position. Thus, after use and release by a user, e.g. force 172 is no longer applied to cover 104, the valve member 170 and cover 104 will transition to the closed position and off position, respectively. This prevents undesirable amounts of fluid to be dispensed.

[0061] Downstream from the fluid control valve 168 is a network of conduits 175 that connect the fluid control valve 168 to a connection boss 176 by of fittings 178. In this example, the network of conduits 175 separates into two separate flow paths downstream of the fluid control valve 168 to feed each of the two dispensing ports 146. In other examples, boss 176 could take the form of a manifold such that only a single fluid flow need be supplied thereto for supplying fluid to multiple dispensing ports 146.

[0062] The dispensing ports 146 and cover 104 are downstream from the conduits 175.

[0063] With reference to FIG. 9, in this example, the deflector 150 includes a central mounting projection 180 that extends into a mounting recess 182 in the cover 104. These components could be reversed. Additionally, mounting pins 184 extend from underside 164 of deflector 150 proximate opposite ends thereof. The mounting pins extend to and may be mechanically secured to the bottom of recess 148.

[0064] In some examples, the deflector 150 is adhesively attached to cover 104. In other examples, deflector 150 is integrally formed with cover 104. In further examples, the deflector 150 is mechanically attached to cover 104 such as by way of fasteners and / or ultrasonically welded thereto.

[0065] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0066] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,”“having,”“including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0067] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A toilet paper wetting apparatus comprising:a main body defining an internal cavity;a cover being movable relative to the main body between an off position and an on position, the cover having at least one dispensing port formed therethrough, the at least one dispensing port is configured to dispense water onto the cover; anda fluid control valve mounted to the main body, the fluid control valve having a valve member that transitions from a closed orientation to an open orientation when the cover is transitioned from the off position to the on position, the fluid control valve operably attachable to a source of water and attached to the at least one dispensing port such that water is permitted to pass through the fluid control valve and the at least one dispensing port when the fluid control valve is in the open orientation.

2. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is hingedly attached to the main body for pivotal motion about a cover axis between the on and off positions.

3. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 2, wherein a biasing member biases the cover toward the off position.

4. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 3, wherein the fluid control valve provides the biasing member.

5. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 3, wherein the biasing member biases the valve member toward the closed orientation.

6. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover engages the valve member to axially slide the valve member relative to a valve body of the fluid control valve when transitioning from the closed orientation to the open orientation.

7. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a water supply line configured to connect to a toilet water supply, the supply line connected to the fluid control valve.

8. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 1, wherein a top side of the cover includes a recess, the at least one dispensing port in fluid communication with the recess, a water deflector extends over the at least one dispensing port and at least part of the recess.

9. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the water deflector has at least one projection extending from an underside of a deflector body of the water deflector and into a cavity formed into a bottom of the recess to locate the deflector relative to the cover.

10. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 9, wherein a vertical gap is formed vertically between the bottom of the recess and the underside of the deflector body.

11. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the vertical gap is no greater than ⅛ inch.

12. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 9, the deflector includes first and second mounting pins extending axially between the water deflector and the cover for attaching the water deflector to the cover.

13. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the top side of the cover is dished, the recess being formed in the bottom most extent of the dish.

14. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the recess is bound by an axially extending annular wall, the water deflector has a rim region sized smaller in dimension than the annular wall to form a radial gap therein, the water deflector being positioned axially within the recess, at least in part, and radially inside of the axially extending annular wall.

15. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 14, wherein the rim region and annular wall are oblong, the length of the oblong shape of the annular wall being greater than the length of the oblong shape of the rim region, the width of the oblong shape of the annular wall being greater than the width of the oblong shape of the annular wall.

16. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a connection conduit having a T-fitting at one end and fluidly connected to the fluid control valve at the opposite end, the T-fitting having a T-shaped flow path, the fitting being configured to connect into an existing toilet water supply line.

17. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a flow adjustment valve configured to adjust the flow of fluid through the fluid control valve.

18. The toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 17, wherein the flow adjustment valve is upstream of the fluid control valve.

19. A system comprising:a toilet water supply line;a toilet paper wetting apparatus of claim 16, the T-fitting being connected to the toilet water supply line to supply water to the fluid control valve, the T-fitting permitting fluid flow to the toilet as well as to the control valve.

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