CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to prior-filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/255,517, filed on October 14, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to bathroom commodes, and in particular to bathroom commodes including a bidet.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention provides, in one aspect, a commode including a frame, a platform coupled to the frame, a supply reservoir supported by the frame and configured to store a fluid, a waste reservoir supported by the frame and configured to collect the fluid dispensed from the supply reservoir, and a toilet seat rotatably coupled to the platform above the supply reservoir and the waste reservoir. The commode further includes a bidet nozzle coupled to and disposed below the platform. The bidet nozzle is in fluid communication with the supply reservoir. A power assembly is disposed below the platform and includes a power supply and a pump powered by the power supply. The pump is in fluid communication with the supply reservoir and the bidet.

[0004] The present invention provides, in another aspect, a commode including a frame, a toilet seat including a hinge post removably coupled to the frame via a hinge bolt and fastening nut, and a supply reservoir supported by the frame below the toilet seat and configured to store a fluid. The supply reservoir includes a toilet bowl. The commode further includes a waste reservoir disposed below the supply reservoir and in fluid communication with the toilet bowl. The waste reservoir is configured to collect the fluid dispensed from the supply reservoir. A bidet nozzle is adjustably coupled to the frame and disposed below the toilet seat. The bidet nozzle is in fluid communication with the supply reservoir. The commode further includes a power assembly coupled to a rear surface of the supply reservoir and below the toilet seat for distributing the fluid from the supply reservoir to the bidet nozzle and the toilet bowl. [0005] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. l is a first perspective view of a bathroom commode according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the bathroom commode of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a frame of the bathroom commode of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of the bathroom commode of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a liquid supply reservoir including a toilet bowl of the bathroom commode of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Terms of degree, such as “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” etc. are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, general tolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.

[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a bathroom commode 10 including a frame 15 that supports a toilet seat assembly 20, a supply reservoir 25 having a toilet bowl 30, a waste reservoir 35, a bidet 40, and a power assembly 45. The illustrated frame 15 includes generally vertical legs 50 (e.g., four legs) that support the commode 10 on a surface. In some embodiments, the vertical legs 50 can be fixed in length or adjustable to position the commode 10 at a desired height. The illustrated frame 15 also includes lower horizontal support members 55 (e.g., two members) each extending between a pair of legs 50 and upper horizontal members 65 that are operable as handles to aid in a user sitting down on the commode 10 or standing up from the commode 10. The frame 15 also includes support braces 70 (e.g., two braces; FIG. 3) extending between the lower horizontal support members 55. With reference to FIG. 4, a platform 75 is coupled above the lower horizontal support members 55 and the support braces 70, and a housing 80 is coupled to at least the support braces 70 to extend below the platform 75. The platform 75 is operable to couple the toilet seat assembly 20 and the bidet 40 to the frame 15, and the housing 80 is operable to at least couple the supply reservoir 25 and the waste reservoir 35 to the frame 15.

[0013] In some embodiments, the frame 15 can include wheels coupled to the vertical legs 50 to aid in transportation and maneuverability of the commode 10. The frame 15 can include at least two wheels coupled to adjacent legs 50 (e.g., the rear legs 50, the front legs 50, the right side legs 50, or the left side legs 50). In other embodiments, the frame 15 can include more than two wheels (e.g., four wheels, etc.). In one embodiment, the wheels can remain engaged with the surface during use of the commode 10 and each wheel can include a brake to selectively lock the frame 15 from movement in a desired location. In other embodiments, the wheels can be selectively engageable with the surface (e.g., via a foot pedal actuator). The foot pedal actuator can move at least one of the wheels relative to the legs 50 between a first position in which the wheel allows free movement of the frame 15 on the surface and a second position in which the wheel inhibits free movement of the frame 15 on the surface (e.g., allows ends of the legs 50 to engage the surface).

[0014] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated toilet seat assembly 20 includes a lid 85 and a toilet seat 90 pivotably coupled to at least one hinge post 95. In the illustrated embodiment, two hinge posts 95 are coupled on top of a portion of the bidet 40 to be coupled to the platform 75. The platform 75 includes a platform opening 100 (FIG. 4) that is shaped generally similar to a seat opening 105 of the toilet seat 90, but includes a greater profile than the seat opening 105. As such, when the toilet seat 90 is in a lowered position (FIG. 1), the toilet seat 90 engages the platform 75 and the openings 100, 105 align with the toilet bowl 30 of the supply reservoir 25. In other embodiments, any different type and/or style of a toilet seat assembly can be coupled to the commode 10. For example, a first toilet seat assembly can be selectively detached from the platform 75 and replaced with a second toilet seat assembly that is different than the first toilet seat assembly via a standard nut and bolt connection 107 (i.e., hinge bolt and fastener nut) at the hinge post 95. The platform 75 includes apertures through with the standard nut and bolt connection 107 can extend to mount different toilet seat assemblies in place. As such, a user is able to select from a variety of off-the-shelf toilet seat assemblies for desired comfort and aesthetics, and is not limited to only a toilet seat assembly specifically designed for the commode 10.

[0015] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the illustrated bidet 40 is coupled to the platform 75. In particular, a base 110 of the bidet 40 is coupled between the platform 75 and the hinge posts 95 to maintain the bidet 40 in position relative to the toilet seat 90. The base 110 of the bidet 40 is adjustable relative to the platform 75 to position a bidet nozzle 115 of the bidet 40 within the platform opening 100. In some embodiments, the bidet nozzle 115 can extend below the platform 75 to be at least partially positioned within the toilet bowl 30 of the supply reservoir 25. In other embodiments, the bidet nozzle 115 can be positioned above the toilet bowl 30 and not extend within the toilet bowl 30. The illustrated bidet 40 also includes a bidet actuator 120 coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to the base 110 such that the bidet actuator 120 is positioned on a lateral side of the toilet seat assembly 20. The illustrated bidet actuator 120 is operable to actuate the bidet nozzle 115 to selectively eject liquid from the bidet nozzle 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the bidet 40 electrically actuates the power assembly 45 to supply pressurized fluid, as described in further detail below. For example, in one embodiment, the bidet 40 can be formed as a component of the toilet seat assembly 20 and can include an electric power source, a motor, and electronics to operate. Such a bidet can be coupled to the power assembly 45 and include features including, for example, a heated toilet seat, heated bidet water, a dryer, and/or desired electrically controlled movements/functions of the bidet nozzle.

[0016] With reference to FIG. 2, the power assembly 45 is coupled to a rear surface 125 of the supply reservoir 25 such that the power assembly 45 is generally below the hinge posts 95 of the toilet seat assembly 20. In some embodiments, the power assembly 45 can be fixed to the supply reservoir 25 or can be removably coupled to the supply reservoir 25. The power assembly 45 is positioned entirely below a plane defined by the platform 75. In further embodiments, the power assembly 45 can be positioned at a different location on the commode 10. For example, the power assembly 45 can be coupled to a side of the housing 80 or the housing 80 can include a rear wall to which the power assembly 45 is coupled. The illustrated power assembly 45 includes a pump 130 powered by a power source 135. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 135 is a rechargeable direct current (DC) battery pack that is selectively coupled to a housing of the power assembly 45 to power the pump 130. In other embodiments, the power source 135 can be an alternating current (AC) power supply that includes an electrical cord selectively plugged into a standard wall outlet. In other embodiments, the power assembly 45 can be operable by both a rechargeable DC battery pack and an AC electrical cord. For example, the power assembly 45 can be operable by an AC electrical cord when the commode 10 is located indoors adjacent a standard wall outlet or can be operable by a DC battery pack when the commode 10 is not positioned by a standard wall outlet (e.g., positioned outside). In further embodiments, the power source 135 can operate electronic components of the commode 10 (e.g., a night light, an electrically powered bidet, etc.).

[0017] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the pump 130 is fluidly coupled to the supply reservoir 25 and the bidet 40. In particular, a pump supply hose 140 is coupled between the pump 130 and the supply reservoir 25. In addition, a manifold 145 is positioned downstream of the pump 130 and is coupled to a bidet supply hose 150 and a flush actuator supply hose 155. The bidet supply hose 150 is also coupled to a fitting 160 (FIG. 1) of the bidet 40 adjacent the bidet actuator 120, and the flush actuator supply hose 155 is also coupled to a flush actuator 165. The illustrated flush actuator 165 is coupled to the platform 75. In other embodiments, the flush actuator 165 can be positioned at a different location on the commode 10 (e.g., coupled to the frame 15, the housing 80, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the flush actuator 165 is a valve rotatable between an open position, allowing liquid to flow through the valve, and a closed position, blocking liquid from flowing through the valve. When the flush actuator 165 is moved to the open position, the pump 130 is automatically activated to supply pressurized fluid to the flush actuator supply hose 155. In some embodiments, the flush actuator 165 can be rotated less than 360 degrees (e.g., 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, etc.) between the open and closed positions. In other embodiments, the flush actuator 165 can be a different type of actuator. For example, the flush actuator 165 can be an axially depressible button that allows liquid to flow through the valve once depressed and block liquid from flowing through the valve when not depressed. In other embodiments, the flush actuator 165 can be a timed assembly that opens the valve for a predetermined amount of time once the flush actuator 165 is actuated. For example, the flush actuator 165 can be biased toward the closed position so that if the flush actuator 165 is rotated or depressed into the open position and released, the flush actuator 165 will automatically move toward the closed position. As a result, a predetermined amount of liquid can move through the valve before the valve moves into the closed position. Furthermore, the flush actuator 165 is fluidly coupled to the supply reservoir 25 by a reservoir supply hose 170, which in turn is fluidly coupled to a flush nozzle 175 (FIG. 5) of the toilet bowl 30. In particular, a portion of the reservoir supply hose 170 extends within the supply reservoir 25 to be coupled to the flush nozzle 175.

[0018] With reference to FIG. 5, the flush nozzle 175 is positioned on an upper lateral side of the toilet bowl 30. In other embodiments, the flush nozzle 175 can be located at a different position on the toilet bowl 30. The illustrated supply reservoir 25 includes an upper rim 180 extending from a body 185 of the supply reservoir 25. The upper rim 180 defines a rim opening 190 of the toilet bowl 30. The supply reservoir 25 also includes an outlet opening 195 of the toilet bowl 30. In other words, the toilet bowl 30 extends through the body 185 of the supply reservoir 25 between the openings 190, 195. The body 185 defines a cavity in which liquid (e.g., water) is contained to supply operations of the bidet 40 and the flush nozzle 175 as discussed in more detail below. In contrast to a conventional toilet, the supply reservoir 25 is an isolated water tank and is not connected to any water supply lines in a building. The body 185 can be filled with a liquid by removing a supply cap 200 of an inlet 205 of the supply reservoir 25 and filing the body 185 to a desired level. Once the desired level is reached, the supply cap 200 can be coupled (e.g., threadably fastened) back onto the inlet 205. Furthermore, the supply reservoir 25 is supported on supply reservoir ribs 210 (FIG. 4) extending toward each other from inner surfaces of the housing 80 for the supply reservoir 25 to be positioned below the platform 75 at a desired distance. In some embodiments, the supply reservoir 25 is slidable along the supply reservoir ribs 210 to engage a stop, detent, or the like to automatically align the rim opening 190 with the platform opening 100. In further embodiments, the supply reservoir 25 can be selectively locked on the supply reservoir ribs 210 when the rim opening 190 aligns with the platform opening 100 and can be selectively unlocked from the ribs 210 (e.g., to remove the supply reservoir 25 from the housing 80). [0019] In some embodiments, the supply reservoir 25 can be fluidly decoupled from the power assembly 45 and removed from the housing 80 (e.g., to clean the toilet bowl 30, to remove unwanted liquid from the supply reservoir 25, etc.). For example, any of the hoses 140, 150, 155, 170 can be decoupled to allow the supply reservoir 25 to be removed from the housing 80. In some embodiments, the hoses 140, 150, 155, 170 can include quick-disconnect fittings enabling quick and easy coupling and decoupling to/from the corresponding component. In other embodiments, the supply reservoir 25 can automatically connect with the pump 130 and the flush actuator 165 in response to sliding the supply reservoir 25 on the supply reservoir ribs 210 into the housing 80. For example, as discussed above, the power assembly 45 can be secured to a rear wall of the housing 80, and as the supply reservoir 25 slides along the supply reservoir ribs 210 toward the rear wall, the supply reservoir 25 can engage fittings coupled to the rear wall to fluidly couple the reservoir supply hose 170 and the pump supply hose 140 to the supply reservoir 25. In further embodiments, the hoses 140, 150, 155, 170 can include check valves to inhibit liquid from draining from the commode 10 as the hoses 140, 150, 155, 170 are being connected or disconnected. In yet further embodiments, the commode 10 can include different liquid supply sources (e.g., one reservoir/source can supply the flush nozzle 175 and another reservoir/source can supply the bidet 40).

[0020] With reference back to FIGS. 1 and 4, the waste reservoir 35 is supported on the housing 80 by waste reservoir ribs 215 extending toward each other from the inner surfaces of the housing 80. The waste reservoir 35 includes an inlet opening 220 that aligns with the outlet opening 195 of the toilet bowl 30 when the supply reservoir 25 and the waste reservoir 35 are coupled to the housing 80. In some embodiments, the waste reservoir 35 is slidable along the waste reservoir ribs 215 to engage a stop, detent, or the like to automatically align the inlet opening 220 with the outlet opening 195. In further embodiments, the waste reservoir 35 can be selectively locked on the waste reservoir ribs 215 when the inlet opening 220 aligns with the outlet opening 195 of the toilet bowl 30. In yet further embodiments, the inlet opening 220 and the outlet opening 195 can seal with each other to inhibit a gap between the inlet opening 220 and the outlet opening 195. The waste reservoir 35 also includes a waste door 225 moveable between an open position allowing access within a body 230 of the waste reservoir 35 and a closed position that closes the inlet opening 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the waste door 225 seals with the inlet opening 220 when in the closed position to inhibit waste and odors from escaping the body 230. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the waste door 225 is slidable between the open position and the closed position by manually gripping and moving a handle 235. The handle 235 is located on the front side of the body 230 to provide a user with convenient access to the handle 235. In other embodiments, the waste door 225 can be moved between the open and closed positions in a different way. For example, the waste door 225 can be biased into the closed position and an actuator (e.g., a foot operated actuator or the like) can be operable to move the waste door 225 toward the open position. By releasing the actuator, the waste door 225 automatically biases back into the closed position. Furthermore, the waste reservoir 35 includes an outlet 240 that is selectively covered by an outlet cap 245 (e.g., the outlet cap 245 is threadably coupled to the outlet 240). In some embodiments, the waste door 225 can be interconnected with the flush actuator 165 such that actuating the flush actuator 165 will also open the waste door 225.

[0021] The illustrated powered commode 10 including an integral bidet 40 is selectively moveable to a desired location as a self-contained toilet. In particular, the commode 10 can be at least partially disassembled to aid in portability of the commode 10 to different locations. For example, the commode 10 can be initially assembled such that at least the toilet seat assembly 20, the bidet 40, the flush actuator 165, and the housing 80 are coupled to the frame 15. In this configuration, the commode 10 is lightweight and can be easily maneuverable to a desired location. For example, the user can tilt the frame 15 such that two legs 50 disengage the surface and the wheels that are coupled to the two other legs 50 can be used to move the commode 10 to a desired location. The supply reservoir 25, the waste reservoir 35, and the power assembly 45 can then be assembled on the commode 10 once the commode 10 is moved to the desired location. In further embodiments, the power assembly 45 can be coupled to the housing 80, as discussed above, such that the power assembly 45 moves with the frame 15 to the desired location. To couple the illustrated supply reservoir 25 to the housing 80, the supply reservoir 25 is slid on the ribs 210 for the rim opening 190 to align with the platform opening 100. The illustrated supply reservoir 25 can be inserted into the housing 80 from the rear side of the commode 10, and as such, the toilet bowl 30 can receive the bidet nozzle 115 in the embodiment in which the bidet nozzle 115 extends within the toilet bowl 30. For example, the supply reservoir 25 can be initially rotated into the housing 80 for the bidet nozzle 115 to clear the upper rim 180 before the supply reservoir 25 is slid on the ribs 210 to align the openings 100, 190. In some embodiments, the supply reservoir 25 can be filled with a desired amount of liquid via the inlet 205 before or after the supply reservoir 25 is slid into place relative to the housing 80 and/or the supply reservoir 25 can include handles to move the supply reservoir 25 relative to the housing 80 (e.g., during installation or disassembly). The hoses 150, 155, 170 can be assembled to the bidet 40 or the flush actuator 165 once the supply reservoir 25 is in a desired position relative to the housing 80. In addition, the waste reservoir 35 is coupled to the housing 80 by sliding the waste reservoir 35 along the ribs 215 for the openings 195, 220 to align. In other embodiments, the waste reservoir 35 can include handles to move the waste reservoir 35 relative to the housing 80.

[0022] In operation, a user can sit down on the toilet seat 90 when the toilet seat 90 is in the lowered position (FIG. 1). As discussed above, the handle members 65 of the frame 15 can aid in the user sitting down on the toilet seat 90. Also, before or after the user sits on the toilet seat 90, the user can move the waste door 225 into the open position via the handle 235. Accordingly, waste from the user during a bathroom visit is directed into the toilet bowl 30 and ultimately collected within the waste reservoir 35 by traveling through the openings 195, 220.

[0023] When sitting on the toilet seat 90, users can operate the bidet 40 to clean themselves. In particular, the user moves the bidet actuator 120 into an ON position to allow liquid from the supply reservoir 25 to travel through the pump supply hose 140, the pump 130, the manifold 145, and the bidet supply hose 150 to be ejected from the bidet nozzle 115 by the pump 130. In one embodiment, the pump 130 can be automatically operable by the power source 135 once the bidet actuator 120 is moved into the ON position. For example, the power assembly 45 can sense a decrease in liquid pressure within the bidet supply hose 150 when the bidet actuator 120 is moved into the ON position. In response to sensing the decrease in liquid pressure below a predetermined amount, the power assembly 45 can automatically power the pump 130 to eject liquid from the bidet nozzle 115. To stop liquid from being ejected from the bidet nozzle 115, the user moves the bidet actuator 120 back into an OFF position. In some embodiments, the pump 130 can be automatically shut off by the power assembly 45 once the bidet actuator 120 is moved into the OFF position. For example, the power assembly 45 can sense an increase in liquid pressure with the bidet supply hose 150 when the bidet actuator 120 is moved into the OFF position (e.g., a buildup in pressure within the bidet supply hose 150). Once the pressure within the bidet supply hose 150 exceeds a predetermined amount, the power assembly 45 can automatically shut off the pump 130.

[0024] To flush the commode 10, the user moves the flush actuator 165 into the open position. As such, liquid from the supply reservoir 25 can travel through the pump supply hose 140, the pump 130, the manifold 145, and the hoses 150, 155 to be ejected from the flush nozzle 175 by the pump 130. The pump 130 can also be automatically operable once the flush actuator 165 is moved to the open position similar to the operation of the pump 130 as discussed above. For example, the power assembly 45 can sense a decrease in liquid pressure within the flush actuator supply hose 155 when the flush actuator 165 is moved into the open position. In response to sensing the decrease in liquid pressure below a predetermined amount, the power assembly 45 can automatically power the pump 130 to eject liquid from the flush nozzle 175. In other embodiments, a limit switch may be depressed when the flush actuator 165 is moved, which can power the pump 130. Also, the flush actuator 165 may open the waste door 225 (e.g., a via common mechanical linkage, by sending a signal to a solenoid or other actuator that moves the waste door 225, etc.) and eject liquid from the flush nozzle 175 simultaneously. Liquid stops being ejected from the flush nozzle 175 when the flush actuator 165 moves back into the closed position. The pump 130 can be automatically shut off by the power assembly 45 once the flush actuator 165 is moved into the closed position. For example, the power assembly 45 can sense an increase in liquid pressure with the flush actuator supply hose 155 when the flush actuator 165 is moved into the closed position (e.g., a buildup in pressure within the flush actuator supply hose 155). Once the pressure within the flush actuator supply hose 155 exceeds a predetermined amount, the power assembly 45 can automatically shut off the pump 130.

[0025] In some embodiments, the manifold 145 can include a sensor in communication with the power assembly 45 that measures pressure within the manifold 145 to determine pressure downstream of the manifold 145 (e.g., pressure within the bidet supply hose 150/the flush actuator supply hose 155). In further embodiments, the commode 10 can include a switch that manually turns ON or turns OFF the pump 130. As such, the user can manually actuate the switch to operate the pump 130 at the desired time (e.g., when the user desires to operate the bidet 40 and to flush the commode 10). [0026] After use of the commode 10, the user can move the waste door 225 back into the closed position via the handle 235 to trap the odor from the waste within the waste reservoir 35 between uses of the commode 10. Alternatively, the waste door 225 may automatically move back to the closed position when flushing is complete (e.g., via the mechanical linkage interconnected with the flush actuator 165, the solenoid or other actuator, etc.). In addition, the waste reservoir 35 can be selectively removed from the housing 80 to dump waste collected within the waste reservoir 35 into a sewer system by removing the outlet cap 245 and dumping the waste through the outlet 240. Furthermore, the supply reservoir 25 can be refilled with liquid by removing the supply cap 200 and pouring liquid into the inlet 205. In some embodiments, the supply reservoir 25 can remain coupled to the housing 80 or can be removed from the housing 80 during refilling operations.

[0027] The illustrated commode 10 can be easily transported to different locations. For example, the waste reservoir 35 can be removed from the housing 80 and the hose connections can be decoupled to allow for the supply reservoir 25 to be removed from the housing 80. The supply reservoir 25 can then slide out of the rear side of the commode 10 and rotated for the bidet nozzle 115 to clear the upper rim 180 of the toilet bowl 30. In other embodiments, the supply reservoir 25 can remain coupled to the housing 80 during transportation. For example, the supply reservoir 25 can be drained of liquid (e.g., by actuating the flush actuator 165 to collect within the waste reservoir 35) to remove most of the liquid within the supply reservoir 25 to reduce the weight of the commode 10 to be transported.

[0028] Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure as described. Various features and advantages of the disclosure