U.S. patent application number 09/742771 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-20 for toilet system with a ventilation apparatus and an automatic flushing mechanism.
Invention is credited to Hashemi, Amin H..
Application Number | 20020073482 09/742771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24986144 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020073482 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hashemi, Amin H. |
June 20, 2002 |
Toilet system with a ventilation apparatus and an automatic
flushing mechanism
Abstract
A toilet system comprises a ventilation apparatus for
eliminating the odor from a toilet bowl. The ventilation apparatus
includes a ventilation pipe directly or indirectly connected to a
hose, which is attached to a suction device. The ventilation
apparatus may include a draining device for draining overflow water
into the toilet bowl. The toilet system may further comprises an
automatic flushing mechanism, which includes a sensing device
capable of detecting the presence of a user, a motion device being
activatable by the sensing device, and a lever connected to a
flapper for opening and closing a flush valve.
Inventors: |
Hashemi, Amin H.; (Avon,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael D. Beck
Baker & Daniels
300 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
24986144 |
Appl. No.: |
09/742771 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/052 20130101;
E03D 5/092 20130101; E03D 5/094 20130101; E03D 5/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/213 |
International
Class: |
E03D 009/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet
bowl of the type having a toilet bowl with a rim defining a
plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, a discharge conduit
connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing
communication between the tank, the discharge conduit and the rim,
a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve
having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow
the movement of water from the tank to the discharge conduit and
the passageway, comprising: a ventilation pipe having a lower end
and an upper end, said lower end being open into the discharge
conduit; a hose having a first end and a second end, said first end
being connected to said upper end of said ventilation pipe, said
hose being in air communication with said ventilation pipe; a
suction device connected to said second end of said hose, said
suction device capable of pulling air from the bowl through the
passageway into said ventilation pipe and subsequently into said
hose to be discharged at a location remote from the toilet bowl;
and a draining device for draining overflow water from the tank
into the discharge conduit.
2. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper end of
said ventilation pipe extends through an opening in the back of the
tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.
3. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper end of
said ventilation pipe extends through an opening on the lid of the
tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.
4. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper end of
said ventilation pipe extends through an opening on a side of the
tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.
5. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said hose is
substantially behind the wall of the toilet room.
6. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said suction device
is an exhaust fan.
7. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said draining
device includes at least one hollow tube having an inlet end for
receiving the overflow water, and an outlet end connecting to the
discharge conduit below the flush valve.
8. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said draining
device includes two hollow tubes, each tube having an inlet end for
receiving the overflow water disposed under the water level in the
tank, and an outlet end connected to a tubular connector for
connecting said tubes to said ventilation pipe, said outlet ends
and said tubular connector being disposed above the water level in
the tank, and said tubes being in communication with said tubular
connector, said ventilation pipe and the discharge conduit.
9. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said draining
device includes an upside down U-shaped hollow tube, said tube
having a first leg defining an inlet end for receiving the overflow
water, said inlet end being disposed under the water level in the
tank, a second leg defining an outlet end being open into the
discharge conduit, and a bend portion connecting said first leg
with said second leg, said bend portion being disposed above the
water level in the tank.
10. The ventilation apparatus of claim 9 wherein said inlet end is
disposed at one half inch above the bottom of the water tank.
11. The ventilation apparatus of claim 10 wherein said inlet end
defines a plurality of openings for water communication with the
tank.
12. The ventilation apparatus of claim 9 wherein said upside down
u-shaped hollow tube defines an L-shaped tube connected to a
hook-shaped tube.
13. A ventilation apparatus for eliminating odor from a toilet bowl
of the type having a toilet bowl with a rim defining a plurality of
holes, a water tank with a top, a discharge conduit connecting the
bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the
tank, the discharge conduit and the rim, a flush valve disposed
above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for
opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water
from the tank to the passageway, comprising: a vacuum ring disposed
around the discharge conduit and below the flush valve, said vacuum
ring defining a plurality of openings for air communication with
the discharge conduit; a ventilation pipe having a lower end and an
upper end, said lower end being open into said vacuum ring; a hose
having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected
to said upper end of said ventilation pipe, said hose being in air
communication with said ventilation pipe; a suction device
connected to said second end of said hose, said suction device
capable of pulling air from the bowl through the passageway into
said ventilation pipe and subsequently into said hose to be
discharged at a remote location; and a draining device for draining
overflow water from the tank into the discharge conduit.
14. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said upper end of
said ventilation pipe extends through an opening in the back of the
tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.
15. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said upper end of
said ventilation pipe extends through an opening on the lid of the
tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.
16. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said upper end of
said ventilation pipe extends through an opening on a side of the
tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.
17. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said hose is
substantially behind the wall of the toilet room.
18. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said suction
device is an exhaust fan.
19. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said draining
device includes at least one hollow tube having an inlet end for
receiving the overflow water, and an outlet end connecting to the
discharge conduit.
20. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said draining
device includes an upside down U-shaped hollow tube, said tube
having a first leg defining an inlet end for receiving the overflow
water, said inlet end being disposed under the water level in the
tank, a second leg defining an outlet end being open into the
discharge conduit, and a bend portion connecting said first leg
with said second leg, said bend portion being disposed above the
water level in the tank.
21. The ventilation apparatus of claim 20 wherein said inlet end is
disposed at one half inch above the bottom of the water tank.
22. The ventilation apparatus of claim 21 wherein said inlet end
defines a plurality of openings.
23. A ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet
bowl of the type having a toilet bowl with a rim defining a
plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, an overflow pipe
having a lower end connected to a discharge conduit and an upper
end for receiving the overflow water, the discharged conduit
connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing
communication between the tank, the discharge conduit and the rim,
a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve
having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow
the movement of water from the tank to the discharge conduit and
the passageway, comprising: a suction device; a hose having a first
end and a second end, said second end connected to said suction
device; a cylinder sized slightly larger than said overflow pipe,
said cylinder defines a top end and a bottom end, said cylinder
being disposed over said overflow pipe and said bottom end disposed
slightly above the bottom of the tank creating an annular space
between said overflow pipe and said cylinder for water
communication from the tank; and a plug snugly fitted between said
first end of said hose and said upper end of said overflow pipe,
said plug defining a plurality of holes for providing air
communication between said overflow pipe and said hose, and
providing water communication between said annular space and said
overflow pipe.
24. The ventilation apparatus of claim 23 wherein said plug is
spherical.
25. The ventilation apparatus of claim 23 wherein said plug is a
hollow disk, having a pipe connecting end snugly connected to said
upper end of said overflow pipe, and a hose connecting end snugly
connected to said hose.
26. A ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet
bowl of the type having a toilet bowl with a rim defining a
plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, a discharge conduit
connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing
communication between the tank, the discharge conduit and the rim,
a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve
having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow
the movement of water from the tank to the discharge conduit and
the passageway, comprising: a draining device having an inlet end
for receiving overflow water and an outlet end open into the
discharge conduit; a suction device; a hose having a first end and
a second end, said second end connected to said suction device; a
ventilation pipe having a lower end open into the discharged
conduit and an upper end; and an air conduit connectable to said
first end of said hose and said upper end of said ventilation pipe,
said air conduit having a flat portion disposed between the tank
and the lid and extending outside the tank to be connected to said
hose, said air conduit defining a passageway in air communication
with said hose and said ventilation pipe.
27. The ventilation apparatus of claim 26 wherein said air conduit
includes, a male air conduit defining a pipe connecting end
connectable to said upper end of said ventilation pipe, and a first
flat portion defining a first flat end extending outside the tank
through a space between the tank and the lid, and a female air
conduit defining a hose connecting end connectable to said first
end of said hose, and a second flat portion defining an opening for
receiving said first flat end, said first flat end being tightly
insertable into said opening, said male air conduit and said female
air conduit each defining a passageway in air communication with
one another, and with said hose and said ventilation pipe.
28. The ventilation apparatus of claim 27 includes a wall bracket
being affixed to a wall of the water closet covering a hole sized
to allow said second flat end of said female air conduit to insert
therethrough, said bracket having a slot sized to allow said second
flat end to be snugly inserted therethrough to receive said first
flat end of said male air conduit.
29. The ventilation apparatus of claim 28 wherein said slot defines
a top flange and a bottom flange for keeping said second flat end
and said first flat end connected tightly together within said
slot.
30. A ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet
bowl of the type having a toilet bowl with a rim defining a
plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, an overflow pipe
having a bottom end open into a discharged conduit and a top end
for receiving overflow water, the discharge conduit connecting the
bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the
tank, the discharge conduit and the rim, a flush valve disposed
above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for
opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water
from the tank to the discharge conduit and the passageway,
comprising: a draining device having an inlet end for receiving
overflow water and an outlet end open into the discharge conduit; a
suction device; a hose having a first end and a second end, said
second end connected to said suction device; an air conduit having
a hose connecting end connectable to said hose, and an air inlet
end open into an airspace above the water level in the tank, said
air conduit being substantially flat and being disposed between the
tank and the lid such that the lid can be tightly sealed above said
air conduit and around the tank.
31. The ventilation apparatus of claim 30 wherein said air conduit
has an elbow shape.
32. The ventilation apparatus of claim 30 wherein said air inlet
end of said air conduit is made of a rigid material to withstand
the weight of the lid.
33. The ventilation apparatus of claim 30 said air conduit has an
accordion configuration such that it can be extended or receded for
proper fitting.
34. A hose box for shielding a ventilation hose comprising: p1 a
back wall defining a top end, a bottom end, and a first hole sized
to receive the ventilation hose therethrough, said back wall
attachable to a bathroom wall defining an inlet opening, said first
hole being aligned to said inlet opening, said bottom end including
at least one supporting ledge; a top wall defining a first end, a
second end, and a second hole sized to receive the ventilation hose
therethrough, said top wall attachable to the bathroom ceiling over
an outlet opening of the ceiling, said second hole being in
alignment with the outlet opening, said second end including at
least one supporting ledge, said first end of said top wall being
attached at a right angle to said top end of said back wall; a
first side wall and a second side wall, each being triangular and
each being attached to each side of said top wall and said back
wall; and a front cover sized to fit on said supporting ledge of
said top wall and said back wall.
35. A lever for an automatic flushing mechanism for a toilet bowl
of the type having a toilet bowl and a water tank, a discharge
conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing
communication between the tank, and the discharge conduit, a flush
valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having
a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the
movement of water from the tank to the passageway comprising: an
L-shaped bar member defining a long arm connected to the flapper of
the flush valve, and a short arm having a first bore; an attachment
member pivotably connected to said short arm, said attachment
member having a first end attachable to the water tank, and a
second end defining a second bore being in alignment with said
first bore; a cable member defining a first end portion and a
second end, said first end portion being threaded through said
second bore and said first bore, and slidingly secured to said
short arm of said bar member, and said second end being connectable
to an automatic motion device; and a flapper cord for connecting
said long arm to the flapper.
36. The lever for an automatic flushing mechanism of claim 35
wherein said lever has a rest position and a flushing position, in
said rest position, said long arm pointing downward to relax said
flapper cord and cause the flapper to close the flush valve, in
said flushing position, said long arm moving upward such that said
flapper cord pulls on the flapper causing the flapper to move
upward to open the flush valve and allow the water to flush.
37. The lever for an automatic flushing mechanism of claim 36
wherein said long arm of the lever returns to said rest position
after the water flushes.
38. The lever for an automatic flushing mechanism of claim 35
wherein said long arm of the lever has a weight.
39. The lever for an automatic flushing mechanism of claim 35
wherein said flapper cord for connecting said long arm to the
flapper is a metal chain.
40. The lever for an automatic flushing mechanism of claim 35
wherein said flapper cord for connecting said long arm to the
flapper is a rubber string.
41. An automatic flushing mechanism for a toilet bowl of the type
having a toilet bowl and a water tank, a discharge conduit
connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing
communication between the tank, and the discharge conduit, a flush
valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having
a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the
movement of water from the tank to the passageway comprising: a
sensing device capable of detecting the presence of a toilet user;
a motion device being activatable by said sensing device; a lever
having an L-shaped bar member defining a long arm connected to the
flapper of the flush valve, and a short arm having a first bore, an
attachment member pivotably connected to said short arm, said
attachment member having a first end attachable to the water tank,
and a second end defining a second bore being in alignment with
said first bore, a cable member defining a first end portion and a
second end, said first end portion being threaded through said
second bore and said first bore, and smilingly secured to said
short arm of said bar member, said second end being connectable to
said automatic motion device; and a flapper cord for connecting
said long arm to the flapper.
42. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said lever
has a rest position and a flushing position, in said rest position,
said long arm pointing downward to relax said flapper cord and
allow the flapper to close the flush valve, in said flushing
position, said long arm moving upward such that said flapper cord
pulls on the flapper causing the flapper to move upward to open the
flush valve.
43. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said
sensing device is a motion detector, said sensing device being
activated by the user leaving the toilet area.
44. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said
sensing device is affixed to a wall of the toilet room such that it
can detect a user.
45. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said
sensing device electrically activates the motion device.
46. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said
motion device is a solenoid.
47. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said
motion device is affixed to a wall of the toilet room.
48. A toilet system having a ventilation apparatus for eliminating
odor and an automatic flushing mechanism comprising: a toilet bowl
of the type having a toilet bowl and a water tank, a discharge
conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing
communication between the tank, and the discharge conduit, a flush
valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having
a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the
movement of water from the tank to the passageway; a ventilation
apparatus having, a ventilation pipe having a lower end and an
upper end, said lower end being open into the discharge conduit, a
hose having a first end and a second end, said first end being
connected to said upper end of said ventilation pipe, said hose
being in air communication with said ventilation pipe, a suction
device connected to said second end of said hose, said suction
device capable of pulling air from the bowl through the passageway
into said ventilation pipe and subsequently into said hose to be
discharged at a location remote from the toilet bowl, and a
draining device for draining overflow water from the tank into the
discharge conduit; and an automatic flushing mechanism having, a
sensing device capable of detecting the presence of a toilet user,
a motion device being activatable by said sensing device, a lever
having, an L-shaped bar member defining a long arm connected to the
flapper of the flush valve, and a short arm having a first bore, an
attachment member pivotably connected to said short arm, said
attachment member having a first end attachable to the water tank,
and a second end defining a second bore being in alignment with
said first bore, a cable member defining a first end portion and a
second end, said first end portion being threaded through said
second bore and said first bore, and slidingly secured to said
short arm of said bar member, said second end being connectable to
said automatic motion device, and a flapper cord for connecting
said long arm to the flapper.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a toilet system,
and particularly, to a ventilation system for removing odorous air
from the toilet bowl. Additionally, the present invention further
relates to a toilet system comprising an automatic flushing
mechanism that can be retrofitted on a traditional flush
toilet.
[0002] Various types of toilet assemblies living an odor mitigation
system are known in the art. An efficient way for odor removal from
a water closet is by drawing odorous air from the toilet bowl
through the flush rim. Ventilation systems utilizing this air
passage have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,703,010, 4,165,544,
4,583,250, 4,989,276, 5,321,856, and 5,617,590.
[0003] The system described in '010 patent includes a suction means
in air communication with the airspace between the water within the
water tank and the lid of the tank. The suction device is capable
of withdrawing the odorous air that moves from the toilet rim
through an overflow pipe into the airspace, and subsequently
disposing it away from the water closet through an exhaust pipe.
Withdrawing the air from the airspace in a tightly closed water
tank may create suction pressure especially when the toilet is
flushed. Thus, the '010 system requires a regulating valve to
reduce suction in the water tank.
[0004] Similarly, the flush toilet exhaust systems disclosed in the
'856 and '590 patents are also designed to withdraw the odorous air
from the airspace above the water level inside the water tank.
These systems include a sealing means ('856 patent) or a flexible
strip of the '590 patent that can be installed at the upper edge of
the water tank. The sealing means of the '856 patent is a hollow
strip being in air communication with a hose connector and a
blower. The sealing means defines holes facing the interior of the
water tank for receiving the odorous air from the airspace. After
the odorous air enters the sealing means, it is pulled into the
hose connector for remote exhaust. The flexible strip of the '590
patent seals the lid of the tank to create an airtight space from
which the odorous air is withdrawn. Both systems require a vent
device to reduce the problem of undesirable suction when the toilet
is flushed.
[0005] Unlike the patents described earlier, the '544 patent
describes a system that is designed to withdraw the odorous air
from the upper end of the overflow pipe. This system includes a
hollow, open bottom, vertical sleeve that is positioned over the
upper end of the overflow pipe. The lower end of the sleeve
terminates below the water level in the water tank so that a water
seal is achieved to provide closed communication between the
overflow passageway and the sleeve. The system also includes a
means for creating low air pressure connected to the sleeve so that
odorous air is drawn from the sleeve for remote exhaust. The
inefficiency in withdrawing the odorous air from the sleeve into
the exhaust pipe can be a drawback with this system, because only
low air pressure can be applied so that the water within the sleeve
is not also withdrawn.
[0006] The '250 patent discloses a self-contained system for
removal of foul air from above the overflow pipe. This system
comprises a powered exhaust fan attached directly above the
overflow pipe, twin charcoal filters for filtering the air, and a
modified overflow pipe that retains the function of the
conventional overflow pipe and also allows for the recycling of
previously filtered air. A drawback in this system rests on the
efficiency of the system, which in turn, is limited by the volume
of odorous air that can be filtered through the system. In
addition, like other charcoal filter, the filter of this invention
will require replacement periodically.
[0007] Yet another system disclosed in the '276 patent shows a
toilet system that includes vent channels formed along the base and
the back inside of the water tank. The system also includes a vent
adapter mounted inside of the passage that directs the flow of
ventilating air along the vent channels to an exhaust fan to the
outside atmosphere. One drawback of this system is the requirement
of a special designed toilet bowl and water tank.
[0008] Similar to the ventilated toilet systems, several patents
have disclosed different types of toilet system that include
automatic flushing mechanisms. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,831,670, and 5,369,816 disclose toilet systems having a weight
activated flushing mechanism. This type of mechanism includes an
electric motor that is activated by the weight of the user sitting
on and then leaving the seat. When the motor is activated, the
tripping mechanism trips the flush valve open to allow the water to
flush. A major drawback for the weight activating flushing
mechanism is that it does not operate when the user does not sit
down on the seat. Therefore, when people who normally do not sit
down on the seat for a urinal purpose use the toilet, the toilet
will need to be flushed manually.
[0009] A different flushing mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,901,384. This mechanism comprises a motion-sensing device
positioned in the water tank and aligned with a window in the
toilet cover when the cover is in a raised position. The
motion-sensing device is operatively connected to a motor that
drives an L-shaped lever that is connected to a flapper valve. The
flushing system operates when the motion-sensing device is
activated when the user uses the toilet and then moves away from
the toilet. The motion sensing device charges electric current to
the motor which drives the lever upward such that the flapper is
lifted to open the valve for the water to flush.
[0010] A similar flushing system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,141,091. This system comprises three functional blocks: an input
sensor or switch, a logic control circuit and an
Electro-mechanically operated liquid dispenser or flusher. The
whole assembly, which is attached to the inner side of the water
tank, is hermetically sealed in order to protect the actuator
against moisture and possible corrosion. The movable end of the
plunger is with a chain or wire connected to the flush handle and
drain valve. In the flushing system of '384 and '091 patents, most
of the components have to be fitted inside the water tank. Possible
concerns of these systems are in the limitation of fitting all the
parts into an existing toilet system and the need to modify the
water tank and the toilet lid for positioning the motion-sensing
device.
[0011] A need has remained for a toilet system that efficiently
ventilates the odorous air out of the toilet room to be conveyed to
a remote location without creating a negative pressure within the
water tank.
[0012] A need has also remained for a toilet system that has an
automatic flushing mechanism that can be fitted or connected to an
existing flush toilet.
[0013] Another need has also remained for a toilet system that has
both an efficient ventilation system and an automatic flushing
mechanism that can easily be fitted into an existing flush
toilet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In order to address the unresolved detriments of prior
toilet systems, the present invention contemplates a toilet system
having a ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a
toilet bowl without creating a negative pressure in the water tank.
The toilet system includes a toilet bowl with a rim defining a
plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, a discharge conduit
connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing
communication between the tank, the conduit and the rim. A flush
valve is disposed above the conduit, the flush valve having a
flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the
movement of water from the tank to the discharge conduit and the
passageway.
[0015] In one embodiment, the ventilation apparatus comprises a
ventilation pipe, a hose, a suction device, and a draining device.
In this embodiment, the ventilation pipe has a lower end open into
the conduit, and an upper end connected to a first end of the hose.
A second end of the hose is connected to the suction device. The
suction device provides sufficient suction force to pull air from
the bowl, through the passageway, into the ventilation pipe, and
subsequently into the hose to be discharged at a remote
location.
[0016] In this embodiment, the draining device includes a first
tube and a second tube, one connected to each side of the
ventilation pipe. Each tube has an inlet end disposed under the
water level in the tank, and an outlet end connected to a tubular
connector for connecting the tubes to the ventilation pipe. The
tubular connector in one aspect has four connecting ends. First and
second connecting ends are each attached to the outlet end of one
of the two tubes. A third connecting end is attached to the upper
end of the ventilation pipe and a fourth connecting end is attached
to the first end of the hose. The connecting outlet ends and the
tubular connector are positioned above the water level in the tank.
The tubes are in communication with the tubular connector, the
ventilation pipe and the discharge conduit.
[0017] In a stationary mode, each tube of the draining device
maintains the same water level as that outside the tube. In a
draining mode, when excess water rises above the level of the
tubular connector, there is an increased water pressure that pushes
the excess water into the tube through the inlet end such that the
water moves out at the outlet end, passing the tubular connector
into the ventilation pipe and drains into the discharge
conduit.
[0018] In another embodiment, the ventilation apparatus comprises a
draining device having an upside-down U-shaped hollow tube.
[0019] The tube has a first leg defining an inlet end disposed
under the water in the tank for receiving the overflow water, and a
second leg defining an outlet end being open directly to the
conduit. The tube has a bend portion disposed above the water level
in the tank. In a non-draining mode, the first leg of the hollow
tube maintains the same water level as that in the tank. In a
draining mode, when there is excess water above the level of the
bend portion, the increased water pressure inside the tank pushes
the excess water into the first leg, through the inlet end such
that the water moves through the bend portion to the second leg and
out the outlet end into the conduit.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, the ventilation apparatus
comprises a ventilation pipe, a hose, a suction device, a draining
device, and a vacuum ring that is positioned around the discharge
conduit and below the flush valve. The vacuum ring defines a
plurality of openings for air communication with the discharge
conduit. In this embodiment, the ventilation pipe has a lower end
open into the vacuum ring, and an upper end connected to a first
end of the hose. A second end of the hose is connected to the
suction device. The suction device provides sufficient suction to
pull air from the bowl, through the passageway, into the vacuum
ring passing the ventilation pipe, and the hose to be discharged at
a distant location.
[0021] In this embodiment, the draining device has an upside down
U-shaped hollow tube. The tube has a first leg having an inlet end
disposed under the water in the tank for receiving the overflow
water, and a second leg having an outlet end being connected
directly to the conduit. The tube has a bend portion disposed above
the water in the tank. In a non-draining mode, the first leg of the
hollow tube maintains the same water level as that in the tank. In
a draining mode, there is an increased water pressure inside the
tank that pushes the excess water into the first leg through the
inlet end such that the water moves through the bend portion to the
second leg and out the outlet end into the discharge conduit.
[0022] Alternatively, the draining device includes a
U-shaped-hollow tube which defines a hook-shaped tube and an
L-shaped tube. The hook-shaped tube defines a first leg having an
inlet end facing the bottom of the sink, and a bend portion having
a hook end. The L-shaped tube defines a second leg having a top end
connected to the hook end of the bend portion, and a base having
the outlet end open into the discharged conduit. The top end of the
second leg can be connected to the hook end of the bend portion by
a lock mechanism or a tight swivel.
[0023] In the embodiments described above, the upper end of the
ventilation pipe may flexibly extend through an opening in the
back, side, or lid of the tank to be connected to the first end of
the hose. Preferably, the hose extends substantially behind the
wall of the toilet room. In addition, the suction device can
include any fan such as an exhaust fan or a vent fan. The suction
device can also include any kind of vacuum system such as a vacuum
pump.
[0024] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
ventilation apparatus includes an air conduit connected to a
ventilation pipe at one end and to a hose at the other end. The air
conduit may include a male air conduit and a female air conduit.
The male air conduit defines a ventilation pipe-connecting end that
can be tightly connectable to a ventilation pipe by a locking
mechanism or a tight swivel, and a first flat portion defining a
first flat end that extends outside the water tank through a space
between the tank and the lid. The space can be an existing space in
certain type of tanks or can be created by the placement of the
first flat portion between the tank and the lid.
[0025] Furthermore, the female air conduit defines a hose
connecting end that can be tightly connected to the hose and a
second flat portion defining a second flat end. The hose connecting
end can be connected to the hose by a locking mechanism or by a
tight swivel. The second flat end has an opening that is slightly
larger than the outer perimeter of the first flat end of the male
air conduit. The first flat end can be snugly inserted into the
opening of the second flat end.
[0026] It is preferable that the hose and a substantial portion of
the female air conduit are positioned behind the wall of the water
closet. It is also preferable that the second flat end of the
female air conduit extends from behind the wall through a hole in
the wall of the water closet to be connected to the first end of
the male air conduit. The hole is shaped and sized to allow the
second flat end to be snugly inserted therethrough.
[0027] In this embodiment, the ventilation apparatus may further
include a wall bracket affixed on the wall behind the tank. The
wall bracket defines a slot, which is shaped and sized to allow the
second flat end of the female air conduit to be snugly inserted
therethrough. The slot is placed in alignment with the hole. The
first flat end of the male air conduit is inserted into the opening
of the second flat end, preferably passing the slot into the wall
area. Additionally, the wall bracket can define a lower flange and
an upper flange for pressing the flat ends tightly together and to
minimize any air leakage. Alternatively, the perimeter of the slot
can be sealed with any suitable caulking material.
[0028] Optionally, the air conduit may be a one-piece elbow shaped
unit that defines a hose connecting end connectable to a hose, and
a flat portion disposed between the tank and the lid. The flat
portion defines an inlet end open into an airspace between the
water level and the lid of the tank. The inlet end receives the
odorous air that moves from the bowl into the airspace in the tank
through an overflow pipe. The air moves passing the air conduit
into the hose to be discharged.
[0029] In another preferred embodiment, a toilet system comprises a
toilet bowl with a rim, a water tank with a top, an overflow pipe
having a lower end open in to a discharged conduit, and an upper
end for receiving overflow water. The ventilation apparatus
includes a cylinder disposed around the overflow pipe forming an
annular space around the overflow pipe. The cylinder defines a top
end and a bottom end. The bottom end of the cylinder is disposed
under the water, but slightly above the bottom of the tank to allow
the water to flow from the tank into the annular space. The
ventilation apparatus further includes a plug and a hose. The plug
defines a pipe-connecting end snugly fitted onto the upper end of
the overflow pipe, and a hose-connecting end snugly fitted onto a
first end of the hose. The plug further defines a plurality of
holes for water communication between the annular space and the
overflow pipe, and for air communication between the overflow pipe
and the hose. The bottom end of the cylinder may be fastened on to
the overflow pipe and the top end of the cylinder may be fastened
and sealed onto the first end of the hose. A second end of the hose
is connected to a suction device.
[0030] In another aspect, the present invention contemplates a hose
box for shielding a ventilation hose. The box is used in a
situation in which the hose has to be extended outside the wall
into the bathroom and reenter the ceiling when the space inside the
wall does not allow the ventilation hose to be threaded
therethrough. The hose box comprises a back wall, a top wall, a
first side wall, or second side wall, and a front cover. The back
wall defines a top end, a bottom end, and a first hole sized to
receive the ventilation hose therethrough. The back wall is
attachable to the bathroom wall over an inlet opening, which is
also sized to receive the hose. The first hole is in alignment with
the inlet opening. The top wall defines a first end or bottom end,
and a second hole sized to receive the hose. The top wall is
attachable to the ceiling of the bathroom. The second hole is in
alignment with an outlet opening in the ceiling. The first end of
the back wall is attached to the first end of the top wall at a
right angle. The second end of the back wall and the second end of
the top wall each defines at least one supporting ledge.
[0031] Furthermore, the first side wall and the second side wall
are right-angled triangular. Each side wall is attached to each
side of the back wall and the top wall forming an open box.
Moreover, the front cover is sized to fit between the ledge of the
back wall and the ledge of the top wall.
[0032] In addition, the present invention further includes a toilet
system comprising an automatic flushing mechanism. The toilet
system includes a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl and
a water tank, a discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank,
a passageway providing communication between the tank and the
discharge conduit. The system also includes a flush valve disposed
above the discharge conduit and a flapper for opening and closing
the flush valve to allow the water to move from the tank to the
passageway into the bowl.
[0033] Another preferred embodiment of the flushing mechanism
comprises a lever, a motion device and a sensing device. The lever
can include an L-shaped bar member, an attachment member, a cable
member, and a flapper cord. The bar member preferably defines a
long arm connected to a first end of the flapper cord, and a short
arm pivotably connected to the attachment member. The short arm
defines a first bore. The attachment member has a first end
attachable to the water tank, and a second end defining a second
bore being in alignment with the first bore. The cable member
defines a first end portion and a second end, the first end portion
being threaded through the second bore and the first bore, and
slidingly secured to the short arm of the bar member. The second
end of the cable member is connectable to the motion device. The
flapper cord has the second end attached to the flapper.
[0034] The lever has a rest position and a flushing position. In
the rest position, the long arm of the lever points downward to
relax the flapper cord, and thus allows the flapper to close the
flush valve. In the flushing position, the long arm moves upward
such that the flapper cord pulls on the flapper causing the flapper
to move upward and open the flush valve to allow the water to
flush. After the water flushes, the long arm of the lever returns
to the rest position.
[0035] In this embodiment, the sensing device which is operatively
connected to the motion device, and is capable of detecting the
presence or movement of a toilet user. The motion device can
include a movable elongated shaft that has a cable end connected to
the second end of the cable member. When the sensing device is
activated, it can actuate the motion of the shaft such that it
pulls on the cable member and thus lifts the long arm of the bar
member upward in the flushing position. After the flush, the shaft
of the motion device moves back to its original position and the
cable member is relaxed. Consequently, the long arm of the bar
member points downward so that the flapper cord is relaxed and the
flapper sits back to close the valve. The sensing device can be a
motion detector, which is activated by user movement in the target
area. Alternatively, the sensing device can be a noise-activated
device. The sensing device can generate an electrical signal that
operates the motion device. Preferably, both the sensing device and
the motion device are affixed to a wall of the toilet room such
that the sensing device can detect the movement of the user.
[0036] It is one object of the present invention to provide a
toilet system having a ventilation apparatus for removing odorous
air from the toilet bowl without creating negative pressure in the
water tank. Another objective is to provide an automatic flushing
mechanism that can be retrofitted to a traditional flush toilet
system.
[0037] Significant benefits are achieved by features of the
invention that permit removing of odorous air directly from the air
passageway in the toilet bowl into the ventilation pipe, and
fitting of the lever in the water tank while having the automatic
motion device affixed on the wall. These and other objects and
benefits of the invention will be made clear upon consideration of
the following written description and accompanying figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective partial sectional view of a toilet
system having a water tank fitted with a ventilation apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a ventilation apparatus
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the ventilation
apparatus according to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a top view of the ventilation apparatus according
to further embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the ventilation
apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the ventilation
apparatus depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a front partial sectional view of a toilet system
with the water tank fitted with a flushing mechanism according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 8 is a front view of the lever of the flushing
mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7, with the lever in the
non-operative position.
[0046] FIG. 9 is a front view of the lever shown in FIG. 8, with
the lever in the flushing position.
[0047] FIG. 10 is a side view of the lever of the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 7-9.
[0048] FIG. 11 is a front partial sectional view of a toilet system
with the water tank fitted with a ventilation apparatus of the
embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, and the flushing mechanism of the
embodiment of FIGS. 7-10.
[0049] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an aspect of the
U-shaped hollow tube depicted in FIGS. 4-6.
[0050] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a male air conduit and
a female air conduit in one embodiment of the ventilation
apparatus.
[0051] FIG. 14 is a front view of a male air conduit as shown in
FIG. 13.
[0052] FIG. 15 is a front view of a wall bracket.
[0053] FIG. 16 is a front partial sectional view of another
embodiment of a ventilation apparatus.
[0054] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of a plug.
[0055] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a ventilation apparatus
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a hose box for shielding a
ventilation hose according to one aspect of the invention.
[0057] FIG. 20 is a side view of a hose box according to the
embodiment in FIG. 19.
[0058] FIG. 21 is a front view of a back wall of a hose box
according to the embodiment in FIGS. 19-20.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0059] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. The invention includes any alterations and further
modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and
further applications of the principles of the invention which would
normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention
relates.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention contemplates a
ventilation apparatus 10 for eliminating the odor from a
traditional flush toilet 11. The toilet 11 generally includes a
toilet bowl 12 with a rim 13 defining a plurality of holes 13A, a
water tank 14 with a top, a discharge conduit 15 connecting the
bowl 12 and the tank 14, and a passageway 16 providing
communication between the tank 14, the discharge conduit 15, and
the rim 13. The toilet includes a flush valve 17 disposed above the
discharge conduit 15, the flush valve 17 having a flapper 18 for
opening and closing the passageway 16 to allow the movement of
water from the tank 14 into the discharge conduit 15, water in the
conduit 15 is distributed along the passageway 16 within the rim 13
and into the bowl 12 through the plurality of holes 13A.
[0061] According to one aspect of the present invention the
ventilation apparatus 20 has a ventilation pipe 21, as shown in
FIG. 2 having a lower end 22 and an upper end 23, the lower end 22
being open into the discharge conduit 24. The ventilation apparatus
includes a hose 25 having a first end 26 and a second end 27, the
first end 26 being connected to the upper end 23 of the ventilation
pipe 21. The hose 25 is in air communication with the ventilation
pipe 21. The second end 27 of the hose 25 is connected to a suction
device 28. The suction device 28 is capable of pulling air from the
bowl through the passageway 16 into the ventilation pipe 21 and
subsequently into the hose 25 to be discharged at a remote
location, preferably outside the building. The upper end 23 of the
ventilation pipe can extend through an opening 149 in the back (see
FIG. 1), or on the side of the tank 14 or on the top of the lid for
connecting to the first end 26 of the hose 25. Preferably, the hose
25 is substantially hidden in the wall of the toilet room. The
suction device 28 can be an exhaust fan, a vent fan or any suitable
vacuum system or system for drawing air.
[0062] The ventilation apparatus can further include a draining
device, which includes at least one hollow tube for receiving and
draining the overflow water. As illustrated in FIG. 3, another
feature of the ventilation apparatus 30 incorporates a draining
device 31 having a first elongated hollow tube 32 and a second
elongated hollow tube 33. Each of the tubes 32 and 33 has an inlet
end 34 and 35 below the normal water level in the tank for
receiving the overflow water. In addition, each of the tubes 32 and
33 has an outlet end 36 and 37 connected to a tubular connector 38
for connecting the tubes to the ventilation pipe 39. The outlet
ends 36 and 37 and the tubular connector 38 are positioned above
the normal water level in the tank.
[0063] In one embodiment, the tubular connector 38 has four
connecting ends. A first connecting end 41 and a second connecting
end 42 are attached to one of the outlet ends 36 and 37 of the
tubes 32 and 33. A third connecting end 43 is attached over the
upper end 44 of the ventilation pipe 49. A fourth connecting end 45
of the connector 38 is attached to the first end 46 of the hose 47.
Thus, the tubes 32 and 33 are in fluid communication with the
tubular connector 38, the ventilation pipe 39 and the discharge
conduit 40. The hose 47 is in air communication with the tubular
connector 38, the ventilation pipe 39 and the discharge conduit 40.
The air movement is in the direction indicated by the solid arrows
A shown in FIG. 3.
[0064] In a non-draining mode, the tubes 32 and 33 retain water at
the same level as the water level in the tank outside the tubes 32
and 33 due to the water pressure inside the water tank. In a
draining mode, when there is excess water that rises above the
level of the tubular connector 38, the increased water pressure
inside the tank pushes the excess water into the tubes 32 and 33
through the inlet ends 34 and 35 such that the water moves further
out of the tubes 32 and 33 at the outlet ends 36 and 37. The
overflow water then passes through the tubular connector 38 into
the ventilation pipe 39 and drains through the lower end 48 of the
ventilation pipe 39 that is open into the discharge conduit 40
below the flapper 49. The water movement is in the direction
indicated by the broken arrows w in FIG. 3.
[0065] It is contemplated that the ventilation apparatus of the
present invention is sized to fit in a water tank of a traditional
flush toilet system without much modification. The ventilation
apparatus replaces the overflow pipe in the traditional system to
facilitate both the ventilation of the odorous air and the draining
of the overflow water. As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation
apparatus of the present invention can be fitted sealingly onto the
discharge conduit. Also as shown in FIG. 1, it is necessary to cut
an opening 149 through a wall of the tank or the lid to allow the
ventilation pipe 151 to extend outside the tank in order to be
connected to the vacuum hose 150.
[0066] In yet another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
4-6, the ventilation apparatus 50 includes a draining device 51
that has an upside-down U-shaped hollow tube 52. The tube has a
first leg 53 having an inlet end 54 for receiving the overflow
water disposed below the normal water level in the tank, and a
second leg 55 having an outlet end 56 being connected directly to
the discharge conduit 58. The tube has a bend portion 57 disposed
above the normal water level in the tank.
[0067] Alternatively, the draining device as depicted in FIG. 12
comprises a U-shaped-hollow tube 200, which includes a hook-shaped
tube 201 and an L-shaped tube 206. The hook-shaped tube 201 defines
a first leg 202 having an inlet end 210 facing the bottom of the
sink, and a bend portion 203 having a hook end 207. The L-shaped
tube 206 defines a second leg 204 having a top end 209 connected to
the hook end 207 of the bend portion 203, and a base 205 having the
outlet end 208 open into the discharged conduit (not shown). The
top end 209 of the second leg 204 can be connected to the hook end
207 of the bend portion 203 by a lock mechanism or a tight
swivel.
[0068] Turning again to FIGS. 4-6, in a non-draining mode, the
first leg 53 of the hollow tube 52 maintains the same water level
as the normal water level in the tank. In a draining mode, when
there is excess water above the level of the bend portion 57, the
increased water pressure inside the tank pushes the excess water
into the first leg 53, through the inlet end 54 such that the water
moves through the bend portion 57 to the second leg 55 and through
the outlet end 56 into the discharge conduit 58.
[0069] The inlet end 54 is positioned closed to the bottom of the
tank in order to maximize the water pressure at the inlet end 54 to
push the water inside the hollow tube 52. The inlet end of the
first leg can be between 1/2 and 3/4 above the bottom of the tank.
The inlet end may define a plurality of openings 59 to increase the
water movement from the tank into the tube 52 for draining. Each
opening can be about 1/4" in diameter.
[0070] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, the ventilation
apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet bowl 50 can
include a vacuum ring 60 disposed around the discharge conduit 58
and below the flush valve 61, the vacuum ring 60 defines a circular
tube 60A having a plurality of openings for air communication with
the discharge conduit 58. The circular tube 60A can be of any
suitable diameter. Preferably, however, the circular tube should be
about three-quarters of an inch in diameter. The ventilation
apparatus further comprises a ventilation pipe 63 having a lower
end 64 and an upper end 65. The lower end 64 is open into the
vacuum ring 60 while the upper end 65 is connected to one end of a
hose. The second end of the hose is connected to a suction device
as previously described, which is capable of pulling air from the
bowl through the passageway into the ventilation pipe and
subsequently into the hose to be discharged at a remote
location.
[0071] In one preferred embodiment, the ventilation apparatus 230
depicted partially in FIG. 13 may include an air conduit 230A
connecting an upper end 247 of a ventilation pipe 231 and a first
end 248 of a hose 242. The air conduit 230A may include a male air
conduit 232 and a female air conduit 240. The male air conduit 232
defines a ventilation pipe connecting end 233 and a flat portion
234, which defines a first flat end 238. The pipe connecting end
233 can be tightly connectable to the upper end 247 of the
ventilation pipe 231 by a locking mechanism or a tight swivel. The
male air conduit 232 defines a gradually increasing width from the
pipe connecting end 233 to the first flat portion 234. (see FIG.
14). The first flat portion 234 maintains a uniform width of about
three inches. In addition, the first flat portion 234 extends
outside the water tank 236 through a space 235 between the tank 236
and the lid 237. The thickness of the first flat portion 234
between the tank 236 and the lid 237 is about 1/4 inch. The male
air conduit 232 defines a passageway 246 in air communication with
the ventilation pipe 231. The space 235 can be an existing space in
certain type of tanks or can be created by the placement of the
first flat portion 234 between the tank 236 and the lid 237.
[0072] Furthermore, the female air conduit 240 defines a
hose-connecting end 241 and a second flat portion 243 defining a
second flat end 244. The hose-connecting end 241 can be connected
to the first end 248 of the hose 242 by a locking mechanism or by a
tight swivel. The female air conduit 240 defines a gradually
increasing width from the hose connecting end 241 to the second
flat portion 243. The flat portion 243 defines a uniform width of
about three inches. In addition, the female air conduit 240 defines
a passageway in air communication with the hose 242. The second
flat end 244 defines an opening 245 that is slightly larger than
the outer perimeter of the first flat end 238 of the male air
conduit 232. The first flat end 238 can be snugly inserted into the
opening 245 of the second flat end 244.
[0073] It is preferable that the hose 242 and the female air
conduit 240 are positioned behind the wall W of the water closet.
It is also preferable that the second flat end 244 of the female
air conduit 240 extends from behind the wall W through a hole H
into the water closet to be connected to the first flat end 238 of
the male air conduit 232. The hole H is shaped and sized to allow
the second flat end 244 to be snugly inserted therethrough.
Alternatively, the hole H can be shaped and sized to allow the
first flat end 238 to be snugly inserted therethrough to be
connected to the second flat end 244 behind the wall W. The male
air conduit 232 may be made of substantially rigid material to
support the weight of the lid 237, whereas, the female air conduit
240 may be made of a flexible material.
[0074] In this embodiment, the ventilation apparatus 230 may
further include a wall bracket 250 (shown in FIG. 15) affixed on
the wall W behind the tank 236 as shown in FIG. 13. The wall
bracket 250 defines a slot 251, which is shaped and sized to allow
the second flat end 244 of the female air conduit 240 to be snugly
inserted therethrough. The second flat end 244 can slightly extend
from the slot 251 to receive the first flat end 238 of the male air
conduit 232. The first flat end is inserted into the opening 245 of
the second flat end 244, preferably further through the slot into
the wall W area. Additionally, the wall bracket 250 can define a
lower flange 252 and an upper flange 253 for holding the flat ends
tightly together and to minimize any air leakage. Alternatively,
the slot 250 can be sealed with any suitable caulking material.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 13, once the male air conduit 232 is
connected to the ventilation pipe 231, the female air conduit 240
is connected to the hose 242, and the male air conduit 232 is
connected to the female air conduit 240, the odorous air can be
drawn from the ventilation pipe 231 into the hose 242 to be
disposed as described herein above.
[0076] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
toilet system comprises a ventilation apparatus 260 shown in FIGS.
16-17. The ventilation apparatus 260 fits in a toilet system that
includes a toilet bowl with a rim defining a plurality of holes, a
water tank with a top, an overflow pipe 261 connecting to a
discharge conduit (not shown), which connects the bowl and the tank
(not shown). The ventilation apparatus 260 comprises a cylinder
262, a plug 263, a hose 264, and a suction device (not shown). The
cylinder 262 is slightly larger and longer than the overflow pipe
261. Preferably, the cylinder 262 has a diameter of 11/4" longer
than that of the overflow pipe 261. The cylinder 262 has a top end
265 covering a first end 266 of the hose 264, and a bottom end 267
disposed under the water in the tank. The cylinder 262 is disposed
over the overflow pipe 261 such that an annular space s is formed
between an outside wall 268 of the overflow pipe 261 and an inside
wall 269 of the cylinder 262. The plug 263 defines a
pipe-connecting end 270 snugly fitted onto an upper end of the
overflow pipe 261; and a hose-connecting end 271 snugly fitted onto
the first end 266 of the hose 264. The plug 263 also defines a
plurality of holes 272 for providing water communication between
the annular space s and the overflow pipe 261 (see arrow w), and
air communication between the ventilation pipe 261 and the hose 264
(see arrow A). The bottom end 267 of the cylinder 262 is disposed
slightly above the bottom of the tank (not shown) to allow the
water to flow into the space s (see arrow w). The lower end 267 of
the cylinder 262 may be fastened on to the overflow pipe 261 and
the top end 265 of the cylinder 262 may be fastened to the hose
264. The second end 274 of the hose 264 is connected to the suction
device (not shown).
[0077] In one aspect of the above embodiment, the plug can be of
any shape as long as it fits the first end of the hose 264 and the
top end of the overflow pipe 261, and includes a plurality of holes
272. The plug 263 can be spherical, like a whiffle ball (as shown
in FIG. 17, or cylindrical, like a hollow disk.
[0078] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16, the ventilation
occurs when the odorous air is drawn (see arrow A) from the toilet
bowl (not shown) through the discharged conduit (not shown). The
air the moves from the discharged conduit into the overflow pipe
261, passing the plug 263 into the hose 264, to be discharged at a
remote location. On the other hand, when there is excess water, the
excess water flows into the annular space s between the overflow
pipe 261 and the cylinder 262 from the bottom of the tank. The
water in the annular space s is pushed towards the plurality of
holes 272 on the plug 263, and drained into the overflow pipe 261,
to be discharged into the discharged conduit (not shown).
[0079] In yet another embodiment as shown in FIG. 18, the
ventilation apparatus 280 is connected to an airtight water tank
285 with a lid 286. The ventilation apparatus 280 comprises an
elbow-shaped air conduit 281 that defines a hose connecting end 282
and an air inlet end 283. It is preferable that the air conduit 281
extends substantially behind the wall to be connected to a hose
288, and the hose 288 is connected to a suction device (not shown).
The air inlet end 283 is inserted through a space sp between the
water tank 285 and the lid 286. The lid 286 is tightly sealed to
the tank 285 to create an airtight tank.
[0080] The air conduit 281 is substantially flat, having a width of
about three inches and a thickness of about 1/4 inch. The air
conduit 281 further defines a passageway 287 providing an air
communication between the airspace sp above the water level in the
tank and the hose 288.
[0081] In this embodiment, the odorous air (see arrow A) moves from
the toilet bowl (not shown) into an overflow pipe 289 and released
into the airspace sp above the water. The odorous air within the
airspace is simultaneously drawn into the air inlet end 283 of the
air conduit 281, passing through the passageway 287 and into the
hose 288 to be discharged elsewhere.
[0082] Another aspect of the present invention includes a hose box
300 as shown in FIGS. 19-21. This box may be used to hide from view
the ventilation hose v that extends outside a bathroom wall to the
ceiling in order to bypass any difficult corner between the wall
and the ceiling. The box 300 comprises a back wall 301 and a top
wall 302. The back wall 301 defines a top end 303, a bottom end
304, and a first hole 305 suitable for receiving the hose v. The
top wall 302 defines a first end 306, a second end 307, a second
hole 308 suitable for receiving the hose v. The top end 303 of the
back wall 301 is attached to the first end 306 of the top wall at a
right angle r. The bottom end 304 of the back wall 301 defines at
least one supporting ledge 309, and the second end 307 of the top
wall 302 defines at least one supporting ledge 310.
[0083] The box further comprises a first side wall 311, and a
second side wall 312, each being a right triangle. Each of the
first side wall 311 and the second side wall 312 is attached to
each side of the back wall 301 and the top wall 302 forming an open
triangular box (see FIG. 19).
[0084] Additionally, the box 300 comprises a front cover 313 sized
to fit on the supporting ledge 310 of the top wall 302 and the
ledge 309 of the back wall 301. The box is affixed to a bathroom
wall such that the back wall 301 is against the bathroom wall and
the top wall 302 is against the ceiling. The bathroom wall defines
an in let opening not shown being in alignment to the first hole
305 of the back wall 301. In addition, the ceiling defines an
outlet opening (not shown) being in alignment to the second hole
308.
[0085] The hose shielding box 300 may be used in a situation in
which the ventilation hose v has to be threaded outside the
bathroom wall to avoid any sharp corner between the wall and the
ceiling. The hose v can be inserted through the inlet opening of
the wall in to the box 300 through a first hole 305 and outside the
box 300 through the second hole 308 and back up into the ceiling
through the outlet opening.
[0086] Another aspect of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7-10. A
toilet system comprises an automatic flushing mechanism 69 for a
toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl and a water tank, a
discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway
providing communication between the tank, and the discharge
conduit, a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the
flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway
to allow the movement of water from the tank to the passageway. The
automatic flushing mechanism 69 comprises a lever 70 which includes
an L-shaped bar member 71, an attachment member 72, a cable member
73, and a flapper cord 74. The bar member defines a long arm 75
connected to the flapper cord 74 which is connected to a flapper
76, and a short arm 77 having a first bore 78 (see FIG. 8). The
attachment member 72 is pivotably connected to the short arm 77.
The attachment member 72 and the short arm 77 of the bar member 71
may be pivotably secured together by a two-headed pin 86. The
attachment member 72 has a first end 79 connectable to or supported
on the water tank, and a second end 80 defining a second bore 81 in
alignment with the first bore 78.
[0087] The cable member defines a first end portion 82 and a second
end portion 83, the first end portion 82 is threaded through the
second bore 81 and the first bore 78, and is slidingly secured to
the short arm 77 of the bar member 71. The second end 83 is
connectable to an automatic motion device 84. The lever can assume
a rest position as shown in FIG. 8 and a flushing position as shown
in FIG. 9. In the rest position FIG. 8, the long arm 75 of the bar
member 71 points downward to relax the flapper cord 74, and allow
the flapper 76 to close the flush valve 85 (see FIG. 7). In the
flushing position FIG. 9, the long arm 75 of the bar member 71
moves upward such that the flapper cord 74 pulls on the flapper 76
causing the flapper 76 to move upward to open the flush valve 85
(see FIG. 7) and allow the water to flush. After the flushing is
complete, the long arm 75 of the bar member 71 returns to the rest
position. The flapper cord 74 for connecting the long arm 75 to the
flapper 76 can be a metal chain, a rubber string or other suitable
material such as durable nylon cord. The bar member 71 and the
attachment member 72 may be made of any suitable material such as
metal or durable plastic.
[0088] Returning to FIG. 7, the present invention further
contemplates a toilet system having a flushing mechanism 69 that
includes the lever 70 of the present invention connected to a
motion device 84 that is operatively connected to a sensing device
88. As described above, the second end 83 of the cable member 73 is
connected the motion device 84. The motion device 84 in one
embodiment can have a movable elongated shaft 86 that has a cable
end 87 connected to the second end 83 of the cable member 73.
[0089] The sensing device 88 is operatively connected to the motion
device 84. The sensing device 88 is capable of detecting the
presence or movement of a toilet user. When the sensing device 88
is activated, it can actuate the motion device 84 to pull on the
cable member 73. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 86
retracts to pull the cable member 73. The cable member 73
subsequently slides backward so that the first end portion 82 pulls
on the short arm 77 toward the attachment member 72 and thus lifts
the long arm 75 of the bar member 71 upward in the flushing
position. The long arm 75 pulls on the flapper cord 74 and thus
lifts the flapper 76 to open the flush valve 85. The water then
moves from the tank 90 through the flush valve 85 into the
discharge conduit of the toilet bowl. After the flushing is
completed, the shaft of the motion device 84 moves back to its
original position and the cable member is relaxed. Consequently,
the long arm 71 of the bar member points downward so that the
flapper cord 74 is relaxed and the flapper 76 re-seats to close the
flush valve 85. The long arm 75 may have a weight 75A in it to
facilitate its downward movement.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 7, the automatic flushing mechanism 69 can
be installed onto a traditional flush toilet that has a manual
flushing mechanism. The original flush lever can be retained or
removed. As shown in FIG. 1, the manual flushing mechanism 140
comprises a manual lever 141 that has an end 142 attached to a stem
143 of a flushing handle 144, and a second end 145 having a flapper
line 146 attached to the flapper 18. The flushing handle 144 is
pivotably disposed on a wall 147 of the tank 14. The stem 143 of
the flushing handle 144 is inserted through a wall bore 148 to be
attached to the manual lever 141. This manual mechanism 140 can be
connected to the flapper 76 by line 146 to serve as a "fail safe"
mechanism should the automatic system 69 fail to operate.
[0091] Return again to FIG. 7, to install the automatic flushing
mechanism 69, the attachment member 72 is hung on a rim of the tank
or secured to a side of the tank by a fastener such as a set screw
or a bolt. The second end 83 of the cable member 73 is threaded
through a bore 89 defined on a wall of the tank 91 to be connected
to the elongated shaft 86 of the motion device 84. And finally, the
flapper cord 74 is connected to the flapper 76. If the manual
flushing mechanism is removed prior to the installation of the
automatic flushing mechanism, the bore 89 can be the same bore that
holds the flushing handle for the manual flushing mechanism. If the
manual flushing mechanism is not removed, the bore 89 is separate
from the bore that holds the flushing handle for the manual
flushing mechanism. The flapper 76 can be connected to both the
flapper cord of the present invention and the flapper line of the
manual flushing mechanism. In this way, the flapper can optionally
be lifted open or closed by either the automatic flushing mechanism
69 or the manual flushing mechanism.
[0092] Further, both the sensing device 88 and the motion device 84
preferably are affixed to a wall of the toilet room such that the
sensing device 88 can detect the movement of the user. The sensing
device 88 can be a motion detector, which is activated by the user
present in the target area, or the user leaving the area.
Alternatively, the sensing device 88 can be a noise-activated
device which recognizes certain sound such as or a heat sensing
apparatus. The sensing device can generate an electrical signal
that operates the motion device 84. The motion device 84 can be a
solenoid, having a shaft 86 suspended in a movable manner within a
magnetic coil. If the coil is energized by the application of
electrical current, the shaft will move according to the polarity
and current through the coil, and will operate on the lever for
opening or closing the flush valve. The motion device 84 may
include a time delay control that allows the shaft 86 to move back
to its original position only after flushing is complete. The
device 84 can be spring biased to return the shaft to its neutral
position.
[0093] Another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 11 includes a
toilet system 100 comprising a toilet bowl of the type having a
toilet bowl (not shown) and a water tank 101, a discharge conduit
102 connecting the bowl and the tank 101, a passageway providing
communication between the tank 101, and the discharge conduit 102,
a flush valve 103 disposed above the discharge conduit 102, the
flush valve 103 having a flapper 104 for opening and closing the
passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank 101 to the
passageway. The toilet system 100 further comprises a ventilation
apparatus 105 which includes a ventilation pipe 106 having a lower
end 110 open into the discharge conduit 102 and an upper end 111
connected to a first end 112 of a hose 107, a vacuum ring 108
positioned around the discharge conduit 102 below the flush valve
103, and a draining device 120. An opening 121 can be situated in
the back on the side, or on the lid of the 101 tank to receive the
upper end 111 of the ventilation pipe 106 that extends outside the
tank to be connected to a first end 112 of the hose 107, which
preferably is disposed behind the wall 122 of the room.
[0094] The ventilation apparatus includes a suction device 109,
which is connected to a second end 113 of the hose 107. The suction
device 109 can be positioned at a distant location, providing that
the suction device 109 has sufficient suction force to pull the air
from the toilet bowl into the passageway and further into the
ventilation pipe 106 and the hose 107 to be disposed at a distant
location, preferably outside the building. The draining device 120
includes an upside down U-shape hollow tube 123 having an inlet end
124 and an outlet end 125 as previously shown in FIGS. 4-6, and as
described herein above. Alternatively, the draining device may
include two elongated hollow tubes connected to the ventilation
pipe by a tubular connector as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The toilet
system 100 as shown in FIG. 11 further comprises an automatic
flushing mechanism 130. The flushing mechanism 130 includes a lever
131, a sensing device 133, and a motion device 132. The lever 131
includes a bar member, an attachment member, a cable member, and a
flapper cord, as shown in FIGS. 7-10 and as described herein
above.
[0095] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It
should be understood that only the preferred embodiments have been
shown and described and that all changes and modifications that
come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be
protected.
[0096] For example, the draining device of the ventilation
apparatus of the present invention may include at least an
elongated tube having the inlet end being above the water level,
and the outlet end open into the discharge conduit below the flush
valve. The inlet end receives the overflow water that rises above
the inlet end and drains it through the elongated tube into the
discharge conduit.
* * * * *