U.S. patent application number 11/405581 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for toilet odor removal system, assembly containing the same, and methods for odor removal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lee Foerster. Invention is credited to Lee Foerster, David S. Taylor.
Application Number | 20070240250 11/405581 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38603439 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070240250 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Foerster; Lee ; et
al. |
October 18, 2007 |
Toilet odor removal system, assembly containing the same, and
methods for odor removal
Abstract
A toilet odor removal system mountable on and detachable from a
toilet is provided. The system features a collection mouthpiece
having an air intake port, a vent duct in communication with the
collection mouthpiece, an aspiration unit operatively connected to
the vent duct for drawing malodorous air from the toilet bowl
through the air intake port and along the vent duct, and a support
structure mountable on the toilet. The support structure detachably
secures the mouthpiece over the rear apron of the toilet and offset
rearwardly from the inner edge of the toilet rim while positioning
the air intake port in facing relationship with a space between the
toilet seat and the rim when the toilet seat is in the lowered
position.
Inventors: |
Foerster; Lee; (Medford,
OR) ; Taylor; David S.; (Silver Spring, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERENATO, WHITE & STAVISH, LLC
6550 ROCK SPRING DRIVE
SUITE 240
BETHESDA
MD
20817
US
|
Assignee: |
Lee Foerster
|
Family ID: |
38603439 |
Appl. No.: |
11/405581 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/052 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/213 |
International
Class: |
E03D 9/04 20060101
E03D009/04 |
Claims
1. A toilet odor removal system mountable on and detachable from a
toilet having a toilet bowl with a rim possessing an inner edge, a
toilet seat, hinges connecting the toilet seat to the toilet bowl
to permit movement of the toilet seat from a lowered position in
which the seat rests over the rim to a raised position in which at
least a portion of the rim is exposed, and a rear apron extending
rearwardly behind the rim, the system comprising: a collection
mouthpiece having an air intake port; a vent duct in communication
with said collection mouthpiece; an aspiration unit operatively
connected to said vent duct for drawing malodorous air from the
toilet bowl through said air intake port and along said vent duct;
and a support structure mountable on the toilet for detachably
securing said mouthpiece over the rear apron and offset rearwardly
from the inner edge of the rim while positioning said air intake
port to face or extend into a space between the toilet seat and the
rim when the toilet seat is in the lowered position, wherein said
mouthpiece is constructed and arranged to permit manual and
tool-less detachment from said support structure.
2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, further comprising: a
cleaning implement detachably connected to said support structure,
said cleaning implement sized to permit insertion into said air
intake port and a passage of said vent duct.
3. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, wherein said support
structure positions said air intake port between the hinges of the
toilet.
4. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, wherein said support
structure is connected to said aspiration unit, and wherein
mounting of said support structure on the toilet suspends said
aspiration unit above the floor on which the toilet rests.
5. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, wherein said
mouthpiece has an open bottom surface, and wherein mounting of said
support structure on the toilet positions said open bottom surface
of said mouthpiece e in contacting relationship with the rear
apron.
6. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, wherein said support
structure detachably connects directly to said vent duct, and
wherein said vent duct supports said mouthpiece over the rear
apron.
7. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, wherein said support
structure mounts on the toilet to secure said mouthpiece outside of
the exposed portion of the rim.
8. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, wherein said support
structure mounts on the toilet to secure said mouthpiece spaced at
least one inch from the inner edge of the rim.
9. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, wherein said
mouthpiece has a front edge extending less than one-half of the way
across the width of the toilet rim.
10. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, further comprising a
filter in communication with said aspiration unit.
11. A toilet assembly comprising: a toilet comprising a toilet bowl
with a rim possessing an inner edge, a toilet seat, a rear apron
extending rearwardly behind said rim, and hinges connecting said
toilet seat to said toilet bowl to permit movement of said toilet
seat from a lowered position in which said seat rests over said rim
to a raised position in which at least a portion of said rim is
exposed; and the toilet odor removal system of claim 1 mountable on
and detachable from said toilet.
12. A toilet odor removal system mountable on and detachable from a
toilet having a toilet bowl with a rim possessing an inner edge, a
toilet seat, hinges connecting the toilet seat to the toilet bowl
to permit movement of the toilet seat from a lowered position in
which the seat rests over the rim to a raised position in which at
least a portion of the rim is exposed, and a rear apron extending
rearwardly behind the rim, the system comprising: a collection
mouthpiece having an air intake port; a vent duct in communication
with said collection mouthpiece; an aspiration unit operatively
connected to said vent duct for drawing malodorous air from the
toilet bowl through said air intake port and along said vent duct;
a support structure mountable on the toilet and operatively
connected to said mouthpiece for positioning said mouthpiece to
face or extend into a space between the toilet seat and the rim
when the toilet seat is in the lowered position; and a displacement
member operatively connected to said mouthpiece to automatically
shift said mouthpiece away from the rim when the toilet seat is
moved from the lowered position to the raised position.
13. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, wherein said
displacement member comprises a biasing means for raising said
mouthpiece upward away from the rim when the toilet seat is moved
from the lowered position to the raised position.
14. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, wherein said
mouthpiece is constructed and arranged to permit manual and
tool-less detachment from said support structure.
15. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, further comprising:
a cleaning implement detachably connected to said support
structure, said cleaning implement sized to permit insertion into
said air intake port and a passage of said vent duct.
16. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, wherein said support
structure positions said air intake port between the hinges of the
toilet.
17. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, wherein said support
structure is connected to said aspiration unit, and wherein
mounting of said support structure on the toilet suspends said
aspiration unit above the floor on which the toilet rests.
18. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, wherein said
mouthpiece has an open bottom surface, and wherein mounting of said
support structure on the toilet positions said open bottom surface
of said mouthpiece in contacting relationship with the rear
apron.
19. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, wherein said support
structure detachably connects directly to said vent duct, and
wherein said vent duct supports said mouthpiece over the rear
apron.
20. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, wherein said support
structure mounts on the toilet to secure said mouthpiece outside of
the exposed portion of the rim.
21. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, wherein said support
structure mounts on the toilet to secure said mouthpiece spaced at
least one inch from the inner edge of the rim when the toilet seat
is in the lowered position.
22. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, wherein said
mouthpiece has a front edge extending less than one-half of the way
across the width of the toilet rim when the toilet seat is in the
lowered position.
23. The toilet ventilation system of claim 12, further comprising a
filter in communication with said aspiration unit.
24. A toilet assembly comprising: a toilet comprising a toilet bowl
with a rim possessing an inner edge, a toilet seat, a rear apron
extending rearwardly behind said rim, and hinges connecting said
toilet seat to said toilet bowl to permit movement of said toilet
seat from a lowered position in which said seat rests over said rim
to a raised position in which at least a portion of said rim is
exposed; and the toilet odor removal system of claim 12 mountable
on and detachable from said toilet.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system for the
removal of unpleasant odors from toilets, and more preferably a
toilet odor removal system designed to facilitate simplified
maintenance and cleaning of a toilet bowl.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Numerous devices have been proposed for the removal or
neutralization of objectionable and obnoxious odors generated in
the normal use of a toilet. While such devices are generally
intended for improving sanitation and air quality by permitting the
withdrawal of malodorous fumes for treatment or expulsion, the
devices are characterized by inattentiveness for fundamental
sanitary concerns raised by male urination. Males commonly urinate
from a standing position with the toilet seat in a raised position.
Urination from the standing position can result in splattering of
urine around the rim of the toilet bowl, creating an unsanitary and
objectionable environment for subsequent users of the toilet. The
unpleasant and frequent task of cleaning the toilet bowl and its
surrounding rim is required to maintain sanitary, healthy living
conditions.
[0003] Known ventilation devices located in close proximity to the
toilet bowl rim, such as resting on the bowl rim, are susceptible
to urine splatter. Urine, bacteria, and germs accumulate around the
device, especially in nooks defined by the outer surface of the
device and present between the device and the toilet bowl rim,
thereby complicating and making more arduous already laborious
cleaning efforts. Even if the device can be detached from the
toilet to facilitate cleaning of the toilet rim, many people are
repulsed by the idea of touching a urine-splattered device to
manually detach it from the toilet so that the toilet bowl and
device may be cleaned effectively. As a consequence, many people
choose either to clean around the device, allowing urine, bacteria
and germs to remain and build in non-exposed areas, or to
permanently detach and cease use of the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
toilet odor removal system that is positioned to reduce or
eliminate its exposure to urine, and is adapted for easy removal
from a toilet so as to facilitate cleaning of the toilet and odor
removal system.
[0005] To achieve the foregoing object, and in accordance with the
purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein,
according to a first aspect of this invention there is provided a
toilet odor removal system mountable on and detachable from a
toilet. The system is operable with toilets having, for example, a
toilet bowl with a rim possessing an inner edge, a toilet seat,
hinges connecting the toilet seat to the toilet bowl to permit
movement of the toilet seat from a lowered position in which the
seat rests over the rim to a raised position in which at least a
portion of the rim is exposed, and a rear apron extending
rearwardly behind the rim. The system features a collection
mouthpiece having an air intake port, a vent duct in communication
with the collection mouthpiece, and an aspiration unit operatively
connected to the vent duct for drawing malodorous air from the
toilet bowl through the air intake port and along the vent duct. A
support structure is mountable on the toilet for detachably
securing the mouthpiece over the rear apron and offset rearwardly
from the inner edge of the rim while positioning the air intake
port to face or extend into a space between the toilet seat and the
rim when the toilet seat is in the lowered position. The mouthpiece
is constructed and arranged to permit manual and tool-less
detachment from the support structure.
[0006] A second aspect of the invention provides a toilet assembly
comprising a toilet and a toilet odor removal system. The toilet
comprises a toilet bowl with a rim possessing an inner edge, a
toilet seat, hinges connecting the toilet seat to the toilet bowl
to permit movement of the toilet seat from a lowered position in
which the seat rests over the rim to a raised position in which at
least a portion of the rim is exposed, and a rear apron extending
rearwardly behind the rim. The toilet odor removal system features
a collection mouthpiece having an air intake port, a vent duct in
communication with the collection mouthpiece, and an aspiration
unit operatively connected to the vent duct for drawing malodorous
air from the toilet bowl through the air intake port and along the
vent duct. A support structure is mountable on the toilet for
detachably securing the mouthpiece over the rear apron and offset
rearwardly from the inner edge of the rim while positioning the air
intake port to face or extend into a space between the toilet seat
and the rim when the toilet seat is in the lowered position. The
mouthpiece is constructed and arranged to permit manual and
tool-less detachment from the support structure.
[0007] According to a third aspect of the invention, a toilet odor
removal system mountable on and detachable from a toilet is
provided. The toilet may have, for example, a toilet bowl with a
rim possessing an inner edge, a toilet seat, hinges connecting the
toilet seat to the toilet bowl to permit movement of the toilet
seat from a lowered position in which the seat rests over the rim
to a raised position in which at least a portion of the rim is
exposed, and a rear apron extending rearwardly behind the rim. The
system features a collection mouthpiece having an air intake port,
a vent duct in communication with the collection mouthpiece, an
aspiration unit operatively connected to the vent duct for drawing
malodorous air from the toilet bowl through the air intake port and
along the vent duct, a support structure, and a displacement
member. The support structure is mountable on the toilet and
operatively connected to the mouthpiece for positioning the
mouthpiece to face or extend into a space between the toilet seat
and the rim when the toilet seat is in the lowered position. The
displacement member is operatively connected to the mouthpiece to
automatically shift the mouthpiece away from the rim when the
toilet seat is moved from the lowered position to the raised
position.
[0008] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a toilet assembly
comprising a toilet and a toilet odor removal system. The toilet
comprises a toilet bowl with a rim possessing an inner edge, a
toilet seat, hinges connecting the toilet seat to the toilet bowl
to permit movement of the toilet seat from a lowered position in
which the seat rests over the rim to a raised position in which at
least a portion of the rim is exposed, and a rear apron extending
rearwardly behind the rim. The toilet odor removal system features
a collection mouthpiece having an air intake port, a vent duct in
communication with the collection mouthpiece, an aspiration unit
operatively connected to the vent duct for drawing malodorous air
from the toilet bowl through the air intake port and along the vent
duct, a support structure, and a displacement member. The support
structure is mountable on the toilet and operatively connected to
the mouthpiece for positioning the mouthpiece to face or extend
into a space between the toilet seat and the rim when the toilet
seat is in the lowered position. The displacement member is
operatively connected to the mouthpiece to automatically shift the
mouthpiece away from the rim when the toilet seat is moved from the
lowered position to the raised position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute
a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the
general description given above and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In such drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet odor removal system
according to an embodiment of the invention mounted on a standard
toilet;
[0011] FIG. 2 is top plan view of the toilet odor removal system of
FIG. 1 mounted on the standard toilet, wherein the seat, lid, and
hinges of the toilet have been removed for explanatory
purposes;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the toilet odor removal system of
FIG. 1 in a disassembled state;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a partially sectioned, partially phantom side view
of a toilet odor removal system according to another embodiment of
the invention mounted on a standard toilet, wherein the system
includes a mouthpiece depicted in a readied state with respect to a
lowered toilet seat; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned, partially phantom side view
of the toilet odor removal system of embodiment of FIG. 5,
depicting the mouthpiece in an inactive state with respect to a
raised toilet seat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND PREFERRED METHODS
OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to preferred
embodiments and methods of the invention as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be
noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not
limited to the specific details, representative devices and
methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in this
section in connection with the preferred embodiments and
methods.
[0017] Referring more particularly to the illustrated embodiments,
FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a toilet odor removal system,
generally designated by reference numeral 10, designed for
operation with a standard toilet 12. System 10 is mountable on
toilet 12 without requiring any removal, replacement, or
modification of toilet 12 or its components or existing
plumbing.
[0018] Toilet 12 includes a toilet bowl 14 bolted to the floor.
Toilet bowl 14 has a discharge passage connected to piping for
communication with a sewage line. Toilet bowl 14 has upwardly
extending walls terminating at an upward facing rim or ledge 16
that surrounds and contains a body of water. The rear region of rim
16 is integral with an apron 20 which extends rearward towards
flush tank or basin 22. Hinges 24 resting on rear apron 20
pivotally connect toilet bowl 14 to an annular toilet seat 26 and a
toilet lid or cover 28. Toilet seat 26 and lid 28 are pivotal about
hinges 24 independently of one another between a raised orientation
and a lowered orientation. Spacers (not shown) known in the art
typically protrude from or attached to the bottom surface of seat
26 to space the seat bottom surface from rim 16 when toilet seat 26
is oriented into its lowered position.
[0019] It should be understood that system 10 may be employed with
toilets having various other configurations, as well as toilets
having additional or fewer components than those described above.
For example, system 10 may be used with a toilet lacking a flush
tank or toilet lid. Further, while the accompanying drawings depict
system 10 mounted on the left side of toilet 12, system 10 may be
designed to permit mounting and operation from the opposite, right
side of toilet 12 or immediately behind toilet 12.
[0020] System 10 includes a collection mouthpiece 30 having a
forward-facing air intake port 32. When system 10 is mounted for
operation on toilet 12, collection mouthpiece 30 is situated over
rear apron 20, i.e., mouthpiece 30 either rests on or is suspended
above apron 20. Air intake port 32 faces a spatial area defined
between hinges 24, the bottom of lowered toilet seat 26, and rim
16. Optionally, mouthpiece 30 is sufficiently short in height to
allow its penetration into the spatial area between the bottom
surface of toilet seat 26 and the upper surface of rim 16 without
interfering with pivotal movement of seat 26 from its raised
position to its lowered position. Collection mouthpiece 30
optionally is positioned to extend forward of the rear edge of
toilet seat 26 and optionally partially overlaps with rim 16.
However, mouthpiece 30 preferably is spaced apart rearward from the
inner edge of rim 16 so as to lessen the likelihood that and degree
to which mouthpiece 30 may be splattered with urine. Preferably,
the front edge of mouthpiece 30 is at least one inch behind the
inner edge of rim 16, preferably as measured perpendicularly from a
rearmost point of the inner edge of rim 16. More preferably, the
front edge of mouthpiece 30 extends less than one-half (1/2) way
across the width of rim 16, and optionally mouthpiece 30 is
disposed completely behind and outside outer edge of rim 16 to
further reduce the exposure of mouthpiece 30 to urine splatter.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, mouthpiece 30 is relatively
large in width, especially compared to its height, so as to
increase the volume of air intake and allow system 10 to perform
its intended function of withdrawing malodorous air and fumes from
toilet bowl 14. Mouthpiece 30 is illustrated as having a tapering
shape with a generally concave free end which matches the curvature
of the outer edge of rim 16. It should be understood, however, that
mouthpiece 30 may possess other configurations and front edge
profiles. Mouthpiece may be made of a plastic, such as PVC, or any
other material compatible with the invention.
[0022] A mouthpiece 30a according to an alternative embodiment is
depicted in FIG. 4, where mouthpiece 30a has a bottomless structure
with an open bottom in facing relationship with toilet apron 20. A
benefit to bottomless mouthpiece 30a is that lesser surface contact
area between mouthpiece 30a and toilet rear apron 20, making
bottomless mouthpiece 30a easier to clean than mouthpiece 30, which
has a bottom wall contacting or closely spaced from apron 20 and/or
rim 16. When bottomless mouthpiece 30a is properly adjusted under
lowered toilet seat 26, seat 26 provides a small amount of downward
pressure to bottomless mouthpiece 30a, establishing a sufficient
seal against apron 20 and/or rim 16 to permit bottomless mouthpiece
30a to collect obnoxious fumes and air from toilet bowl 14.
[0023] Mouthpiece 30 is connected to a vent duct 34, which in the
drawings is embodied as featuring a PVC straight pipe segment 34c
with PVC elbows 34b, 34d slip fitted over the opposite ends of the
pipe segment 34c. Elbow 34b includes a fitting 34a for mating with
mouthpiece 30. Elbow 34d includes a fitting 34e for mating with
entry port 38 of an aspiration unit or pump 36, which also contains
an exhaust port 40. Preferably, fittings 34a, 34e and pipe segment
34c are telescopic or otherwise adjustable in length (e.g., slip
fittings) to facilitate alignment of mouthpiece 30 with the opening
between rim 16 and toilet seat 26 for different size toilets 12 and
aprons 20.
[0024] Aspiration unit 36 may comprise, for example, a fan and a
motor for driving the fan at a sufficient speed to create a vacuum
force for drawing air within and around toilet bowl 14 through
mouthpiece 30. The motor may be battery operated or electric, e.g.,
plugged into a common wall socket or hard-wired into a building
electrical grid. It should be understood that various types of fans
may be used, as may other blowing and aspirating devices.
[0025] Aspiration unit 36 includes a manual on/off switch 37 which,
when activated, starts aspiration unit 36 to generate a vacuum for
drawing air in the toilet bowl 14 through mouthpiece 30. Switch 37
preferably is reversible to permit easy access to switch 37
irrespective of the side of toilet 12 on which system 10 is
mounted.
[0026] It should be understood that switch 37 may be replaced or
supplemented with an automatic switch, such as a pressure-actuated
switch or a sensor. Pressure-actuated switches may be designed to
activate when either the seat is pivoted into its lowered position
or the user sits on toilet seat 26, e.g., depending upon the amount
of weight that must be applied to the automatic switch to overcome
the spring force biasing automatic switch into its off position.
The pressure-actuated switch may be mounted to the bottom surface
of toilet seat 26, thereby placing the switch reasonably far above
and away from toilet rim 16 and distanced from a urine stream when
seat 26 is raised. Manual on/off switch 37 can be used in
combination with an automatic switch to turn system 10 on or off
irrespective of whether the automatic switch is pressure activated.
Alternatively, switch 37 may function as an override for an
automatic switch. Examples of automatic switches are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,253,371.
[0027] Exhaust port 40 is joined to and communicates with an
exhaust duct 42, which in the drawings is embodied as a PVC pipe
with a PVC elbow at its upstream end and an adapter connector at
its downstream end. It should be understood that materials other
than PVC and conduits other than piping may be selected for
establishing vent duct 34 and exhaust duct 42. Although in the
illustrated embodiment rigid piping is employed for suspending
collection mouthpiece 30 above rear apron 20, it should be
understood that flexible and extensible conduits may be used,
optionally with additional rigid support brackets for holding
mouthpiece 30 and vent duct 34 in place.
[0028] The downstream end of exhaust duct 42 mates with a filter
assembly 44 having an odor removing filter. Filter assembly 44 can
contain activated carbon or charcoal, as is known in the art, for
reducing or eliminating odor. Filter assembly 44 can include
additional or alternative agents, such as zeolites. It should be
understood that filter assembly 44 may be replaceable, and/or
substituted or supplemented with other ventilation and/or air
purifications devices and systems. For example, system 10 may
incorporate a flagrance application device in addition to or in
place of filter assembly 44 for masking odors. As another option,
system 10 may include a ventilation system, such as ducts or piping
in communication with an exterior vent, e.g., in the ceiling or
wall of the bathroom, for expelling malodorous air from the room.
Filter assembly 44 and the ventilation system may be used in
combination with one another to filter the air before it is
expelled from the room.
[0029] System 10 further features a support structure 46 featuring
a C-clamp for mounting to rear apron 20 of toilet 12, although it
should be understood that system 10 may be mounted to other regions
of rear apron 20 than shown and/or to other parts of toilet 12.
Support structure 46 is preferably at least partially hidden from
view behind toilet seat 26 and lid 28. A slotted bracket arm 48
extends generally horizontally to establish a support base on which
aspiration unit 36 is seated. A thumbscrew 47 disposed at the
bottom of aspiration unit 36 may be loosened to adjust the position
of aspiration unit 36 along the length of slotted bracket arm 48,
and tightened for securing aspiration unit 36 to slotted bracket
arm 48. Another thumbscrew 49 may be loosened to permit pivotal
movement of slotted bracket arm 48 relative to support structure
46. Preferably, when thumbscrew 49 is loosened, slotted bracket arm
48 is pivotable by at least approximately 180 degrees, more
preferably 360 degrees, to permit repositioning of aspiration unit
36 if support structure 46 is mounted on the opposite side of
toilet 12. Tightening thumbscrew 49 sets the pivotal position of
slotted bracket arm 48 relative to support structure 46.
[0030] Preferably, support structure 46 suspends aspiration unit 36
and the remainder of system 10 above the floor so as to permit
cleaning, mopping or polishing of the floor without requiring
removal or relocation of system 10, although it should be
understood that one or more parts of system 10 may be mounted on
the floor.
[0031] In operation, activation of manual on/off switch 37 or an
automatic switch, if present, connects an electric circuit and
causes power to be supplied to and drive the motor of aspiration
unit 36. The motor rotates the fan of aspiration unit 36 at a
sufficient speed to create a vacuum within vent duct 34 and
mouthpiece 30. The vacuum draws air proximal to air intake port 32,
e.g., air from within and proximal to toilet bowl 14, through
mouthpiece 30 and vent duct 34, and into aspiration unit 36. The
air exits exhaust port 40 and passes through exhaust vent 42 to
filter assembly 44, where the air is filtered to remove obnoxious
smells and then discharged back into the bathroom environment. In
the event that system 10 includes a ventilation exhaust system, the
air is expelled outside through a vent, optionally but not
necessarily after being subjected to filtering treatment. System 10
is deactivated by either turning manual on/off switch 37 to the off
position or, in the event an automatic switch is present, by
pivoting the seat to the up position or removing the user's weight
from the seat.
[0032] Cleaning of system 10 and toilet 12, including the area
about rear apron 20, is facilitated according to the above
embodiment because mouthpiece 30 and vent duct 34 may be detached
from aspiration unit 36 manually and without the need for tools.
Support structure 46 likewise may be adjusted, mounted, and removed
from toilet 12 manually and without the need for tools.
[0033] A cleaning implement 50 is optionally removably mounted on
support structure 46 or another part of system 10. For example, a
magnet 52 is adhesively attached to support structure 46 to provide
a magnetic base for magnetic coupling with a ferromagnetic part of
cleaning implement 50. The magnetic coupling allows for easy
mounting and dismounting of cleaning implement 50.
[0034] One of the main advantages of odor removal system 10 is the
simple detachability of system 10 components, such as collection
mouthpiece 30 and vent duct 34, from toilet 12 and the separability
of the components from one another for facilitating cleaning of
system 10 and toilet 12, e.g., with cleaning implement 50. Another
advantage of odor removal system 10 is the ability to retrofit
system 10 inconspicuously on an existing toilet 12 without
requiring the removal, replacement, or modification of existing
toilet hardware or modification to existing plumbing. Other
advantages of odor removal system 10 include its portability, low
cost of manufacture, and simplicity of assembly and attachment to
an existing toilet 12.
[0035] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a modification to the embodiment
described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4. Various redundant
features, operation, and advantages described above with regard to
FIGS. 1-4 will not be repeated below in the interest of brevity,
but should be considered as incorporated by reference. Like
reference numerals are used to designate like parts.
[0036] The modified embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6
includes a displacement member in the form of a wire spring 60
operatively connected to mouthpiece 30. Any suitable mechanical
fastener, bond, or other device or technique may be selected for
connecting the upper portion of wire spring 60 to mouthpiece 30. A
lower surface of wire spring 60 rests on rear apron 20, and is
preferably generally centered behind hinges 24. The front end of
mouthpiece 30 protrudes under the rear edge of toilet seat 28,
preferably about 0.25 inch under the rear edge of seat 28. As
mentioned above, telescopic connections, slidable fittings, etc.
may be used to situate mouthpiece 30 in proper position for various
sized toilets.
[0037] When toilet seat 28 is in a lowered position shown in FIG.
5, the weight of seat 28 compresses wire spring 60 and urges
mouthpiece 30 downward against rear apron 20. In the event that
bottomless mouthpiece 30a is selected, seat 26 preferably provides
sufficient downward pressure to establish a seal against rear apron
20, as described above. Mouthpiece 30/30a is thereby placed in its
readied state for odor withdrawal.
[0038] When toilet seat 28 is raised into the position shown in
FIG. 6, the spatial area between the rear edge of toilet seat 28
and rim 16 is increased for most standard toilets. The generation
of this increased spatial area permits biasing force of wire spring
60 to automatically urge mouthpiece 30 upward into spaced
relationship with rear apron 20. The upward pivotal path followed
by mouthpiece 30 is accomplished, for example, by creating a
rotational joint at the interface of elbow 34b and straight pipe
segment 34c. Advantageously, the shifting of mouthpiece 30 upward
away from rear apron 20 reduces the exposure of mouthpiece 30 to
urine splatter, and preferably creates sufficient space between
mouthpiece 30 and apron 20 to permit insertion of cleaning
implement 50 or another cleaning tool. Lowering of toilet seat 28
automatically pivots mouthpiece 30 downward, returning mouthpiece
30 to its readied state and compressing spring 60.
[0039] It should be understood that various modifications may be
implemented to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6. For example, the
displacement member, e.g., 60, may be connected directly to a part
of the system other than mouthpiece 30, such as duct 34. It is also
within the scope of the invention to replace wire spring 60 with an
alternative spring, such as a compression spring, flat spring, or
other spring or alternative device capable of performing the
intended mouthpiece-shifting result of the displacement member. The
displacement member may be situated in a position other than shown
in the drawings. By way of example, the displacement member may
comprise a torsion spring placed at the mating interface of elbow
34b and straight pipe segment 34c. It is also within the scope of
the present invention construct and arrange the displacement member
to cause mouthpiece 30 to move rearward upon raising of seat 28,
and forward upon lowering of seat 28. These are just a few examples
of possible displacement members, arrangements, and operations that
may be employed by the present invention.
[0040] The foregoing detailed description of the certain preferred
embodiments of the invention has been provided for the purpose of
explaining the principles of the invention and its practical
application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to
understand the invention for various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. Modifications and
equivalents will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art
and are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims and their appropriate equivalents.
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