Method and apparatus for instruction in toilet use and hygiene

• US 5,870,015 A
• Filed: 03/14/1997
• Issued: 02/09/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Scott E. Hinkel
• Original Assignee: Scott E. Hinkel
• Inventors: Hinkel, Scott E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MANNAVA, ASHOK K
• Application Number:
  US08/818,251
• Time in Patent Office: 697 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573, 340/603, 4/661, 128/886
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47K 13/24 Parts or details not covered in, or of interest apart from, groups A47K13/02 - A47K13/22, e.g. devices imparting a swinging or vibrating motion to the seats

Abstract

A toilet instruction method and apparatus is described in which toilet use is monitored and one or more audible messages is produced which instruct users of the toilet regarding next steps in toilet use and hygiene. The apparatus includes a housing which is removably attachable to the toilet. A switch arm extends from the housing and is coupled with the toilet flush handle. An audio speaker is partly enclosed within the housing and produces the audible messages. Electronic circuitry enclosed within the housing receives a switch activity signal indicative of the position of the switch arm and responsively activates production of the audible messages. The electronic circuitry includes a message storage unit for storing a plurality of messages.

Claims

1. An apparatus for instructing a person in use of a toilet and associated personal hygiene, comprising:

a detector unit operable to produce a detect signal responsive to toilet use activity;

a control unit coupled with the detector unit and operable to receive the detect signal and produce a control signal in response thereto;

a message storage unit coupled with the control unit and operable to store a plurality of recorded messages, the message storage unit operable to receive the control signal and produce a selected one of a plurality of message signals in response thereto; and

a message output unit coupled with the message storage unit and operable to receive the selected message signal and to produce a corresponding audible instruction concerning the use of the toilet and associated personal hygiene.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the detect signal, the control signal, and the message signals is an electric signal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the detector unit is adapted to receive a mechanically actuated switch signal indicative of toilet flushing activity and to produce the detect signal in response thereto.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a housing adapted for removable attachment to the toilet and substantially enclosing the detector unit, the control unit, the message storage unit, and the message output unit.

5. An apparatus for instructing a person in use of a toilet and associated personal hygiene, comprising:

a housing adapted for attaching to the toilet;

a switch arm extending from the housing and adapted for coupling with a flushing mechanism of the toilet;

an audio speaker partially enclosed within the housing; and

electronic circuitry enclosed within the housing and operable to store a plurality of recorded messages, each containing instructions for suggested activities following flushing of the toilet, the electronic circuitry further operable to receive a switch activity signal indicative of the position of the switch arm and to responsively select one of the recorded messages, the electronic circuitry providing electric signals corresponding to the selected message to the audio speaker to produce corresponding audible instructions.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a suction cup for attaching the housing to the toilet.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the switch arm is adapted for coupling with a flush handle of the toilet.

8. A method of instructing a person in use of a toilet and associated personal hygiene, comprising the steps of:

storing a plurality of recorded messages containing instructions for suggested activities in the use of the toilet and associated personal hygiene;

monitoring toilet use to detect toilet activity;

in response to detecting the toilet activity, selecting a first of the recorded messages; and

providing the selected first of the recorded messages to the person.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of:

selecting a second of the recorded messages;

waiting for a time interval following detection of the toilet activity; and

after the time interval has elapsed, providing the selected second of the recorded messages to the person.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein waiting for a time interval following detection of the toilet activity includes the step of waiting for a time interval determined by detecting the person away from the toilet.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of monitoring toilet use to detect toilet activity includes the step of monitoring toilet use to detect flushing of the toilet.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of providing the selected first of the recorded messages to the person includes the step of producing audible words instructing the person of a next suggested activity.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of producing audible words instructing the person of a next suggested activity includes the step of providing verbal instructions to the person regarding handwashing.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of producing audible words instructing the person of a next suggested activity includes the step of providing verbal instructions to the person regarding positioning of the toilet seat or lid.