U.S. patent application number 11/893757 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for self-ventilating toilet.
Invention is credited to Hani A. Abunameh.
Application Number | 20090044320 11/893757 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40361787 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090044320 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abunameh; Hani A. |
February 19, 2009 |
Self-ventilating toilet
Abstract
An improvement to standard toilet bowls implemented during
manufacturing at almost no additional cost, whereby malodor can be
vented directly from the toilet bowl into the drainage system. A
dedicated auxiliary duct is incorporated in the toilet bowl
connecting a circular opening at its top behind the seat with the
inside air pocket behind and above the siphon. The opening is
blocked with a replaceable tight-fitting plastic plug if the
self-venting feature is not required. A low voltage electric fan
(6-12V) is retrofitted behind the toilet seat and secured thereto
at the seat anchor holes, with a flat intake nozzle fitting under
the rear end of the toilet seat, and a discharge tube connected to
the aforementioned opening behind the toilet seat. Malodors are
sucked by the air fan directly from the toilet bowl through the
intake nozzle, and are vented through the discharge tube into the
drain system behind the siphon. A biased one way flapper and a mesh
system insect screen are deployed inside the exhaust duct (or
alternatively a secondary water trap is deployed inside the
auxiliary duct) to prevent ingress of malodor and insects from the
drains when the air fan is dormant. A switch to actuate the air fan
(either manual, or self actuating/de-actuating) and a timing device
are incorporated in the system.
Inventors: |
Abunameh; Hani A.; (Amman,
JO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ABELMAN, FRAYNE & SCHWAB
666 THIRD AVENUE, 10TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
40361787 |
Appl. No.: |
11/893757 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/05 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/213 |
International
Class: |
E03D 9/052 20060101
E03D009/052 |
Claims
1. A self ventilating toilet bowl (pedestal or cantilever) made
homogeneously of any suitable material, with a rim, a siphon, flush
water supply system, toilet seat and cover, and connection to the
drainage system, the toilet bowl incorporating an auxiliary
cylindrical air duct connecting a circular opening in the toilet
bowl's top behind the seat to one side, either left or right, of
the flush water duct, causing no obstruction thereto, with another
circular opening of the same diameter in the top side of the air
chamber inside the toilet bowl behind and above the siphon.
2. The self ventilating toilet bowl as defined in claim 1, wherein
the auxiliary cylindrical air duct and the circular opening in the
toilet bowl's top are omitted, connection with the air chamber
inside the toilet bowl behind and above the siphon being maintained
directly through the second circular opening deployed on the upper
rear side of the toilet bowl below the rim.
3. The self ventilating toilet bowl as defined in claim 1, wherein
a replaceable plastic plug with a rounded top and a 25 mm-long
shank and a rubber sleeve is provided to fit perfectly and securely
into the external circular openings.
4. A centrifugal air suction fan driven by a low voltage DC
electric motor (6-12V battery or mains operated through a
transformer) contained within a robust waterproof casing (plastic
or metal) of measurements suitable to fit between the rear end of
the toilet seat and the flush tank, and to provide low-noise and
efficient venting of the toilet bowl, the casing being
homogeneously provided with a circular inlet opening near its front
centre; a discharge tube at its upper tangent; a plastic grating
which fits securely at the inlet opening of the air fan to protect
the air fan impeller; and an indented tongue and a threaded hole at
its rear center for aligning and attaching the unit to a base
plate.
5. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4, further
comprising a detachable hollow intake nozzle made of plastic or
metal with a flat end of maximum dimensions to fit between the
toilet bowl rim and the toilet seat and between the toilet seat
anchor holes, the other end being circular to fit securely onto the
air fan's inlet opening.
6. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4, further
comprising an L-shaped robust plate with one side (vertical) having
a hole, and a groove indentation matching substantially with the
tongue, and the threaded hole for the positioning and attachment of
the air fan casing, the other side being provided with anchor holes
for attaching the assembled air fan to the toilet bowl at the
seat's anchor holes.
7. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4, further
comprising a replaceable biased, in the closed position, air
flapper which fits perfectly and securely into the air fan's
discharge tube to stop the ingress of foul gases from the drains
when the air fan is dormant.
8. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4, further
comprising an elbow duct, plastic or metal, connecting to the air
fan's discharge tube.
9. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4, further
comprising a first straight duct, connected at one end to the elbow
duct, and with another duct which fits inside the exhaust opening
in the toilet bowl.
10. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4,
further comprising a second a straight duct connecting with the
first straight duct, with an integral external ring collar to limit
penetration, and a rubber sleeve at the other end, fitting
perfectly and firmly into the second air exhaust opening in the
toilet bowl.
11. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 10,
further comprising a replaceable plastic mesh insect screen which
fits perfectly and securely into the second straight duct.
12. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4,
further comprising an accessible waterproof manual electric switch
which sends an "on" or "off" signal to the air fan's timing
device.
13. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4,
further comprising a waterproof pressure-sensitive electric switch
which fits under the toilet seat and sends an "on" or "off" signal
to the air fan's timing device according to the application or
removal of the user's weight to and from the toilet seat.
14. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4,
further comprising a motion-sensitive electric switch integrated
into the electric fan's casing which sends an "on" or "off" signal
to the air fan's timing device according to the approach or
departure of the user.
15. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4,
further comprising an integrated timing device connected to the air
fan's electric motor which activates it upon receiving the "on"
signal from the electric switch, and deactivates it 30 seconds
after receiving the "off" signal.
16. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4,
further comprising a toilet seat cover shaped in the vicinity of
the hinges, so as not to obstruct the detection of the user by the
motion (or heat) sensitive switch when the seat cover is in the
vertical position.
17. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4,
further comprising a first straight duct which incorporates on its
inside wall, a down-pointing water nozzle, which connects on the
outside to a water supply through a solenoid valve.
18. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 17,
further comprising an electric solenoid water valve integrated into
the air fan assembly and controlled by its timing mechanism, with
its inlet connecting through a standard flexible hose to the water
supply tap under the water tank, and its outlet connecting to the
water nozzle.
19. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 17,
further comprising a second straight duct connecting with the first
straight duct in, with an integral external ring collar to limit
penetration, and a rubber sleeve approximately 25 mm in width,
fitting perfectly and firmly into the air exhaust opening in the
toilet bowl, and reaching to within about 10 mm from the bottom of
the auxiliary air duct, thus forming a water bottle trap
system.
20. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 18,
further comprising an integrated timing device connected to the air
fan's electric motor and to the solenoid valve, the timing device
activates the air fan upon receiving the "on" signal from the
electric switch, and deactivates it 30 seconds after receiving the
"off" signal, the timing device then opens up the solenoid water
valve for 5 seconds, and then closes it up.
21. The self ventilating toilet bowl as defined in claim 2, wherein
a replaceable plastic plug with a rounded top and a 25 mm-long
shank and a rubber sleeve is provided to fit perfectly and securely
into the external circular openings.
22. The centrifugal air suction fan unit defined in claim 4,
further comprising a heat sensitive electric switch integrated into
the electric fan's casing which sends an "on" or "off" signal to
the air fan's timing device according to the approach or departure
of the user.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The history of the art of ventilating foul air from toilet
rooms goes back to the time when domestic and communal toilet
facilities were first introduced. Venting of malodors directly from
toilet bowls before they pervade in toilet rooms had been tackled
in recent years by many in different ways and to different degrees
of practicability, but with very limited commercial success.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] One common approach is whereby malodors are sucked by an
electric fan directly from the toilet bowl through a flat intake
nozzle placed between the toilet rim and the toilet seat, or
through holes and a cavity incorporated into the toilet seat
itself. The gases are re-circulated into the toilet room after
passing through filters and deodorants, or alternatively are
directly exhausted through a vent duct to the outside.
[0005] Practical testing of suction methods of malodor directly
from toilet bowls by the inventor have confirmed that the single
intake nozzle solution (even with a 24 VA electric fan) is
sufficient to achieve the necessary venting of the toilet bowl
without causing discomfort to the user, or allowing any of the
malodor to spill out into the toilet room.
[0006] Suction through holes and a cavity in the toilet seat itself
will also provide the necessary ventilation, but at a higher cost
to the consumer. Such systems also incur technical difficulties at
the toilet seat hinges with the suction and/or exhaust pipes which
are normally addressed by the deployment of flexible piping, or
hollowed hinges which double up as exhaust pipes. Since hinges are
subject to continuous movement during use and cleaning, both such
solutions can lead to early deterioration which will require
maintenance or replacement of parts to avoid gas leaks. (Patents
JP, 2004-209192; JP, 2005-163512; U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,449, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,795,980, U.S. Pat. No. 7,103,925.)
[0007] The use of the single nozzle intake method is also strewn
with shortcomings if attention to detail is not meticulously
observed. If the nozzle is not fixed to the toilet assembly, the
use of such a system will be limited to domestic toilets, and even
there might still be subject to mishandling. (Patents JP,
2006-144519; U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,192; U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,072). If
the intake nozzle is positioned below the toilet bowl rim level,
the air pump might be damaged due to suction of contaminated water
if the toilet bowl is clogged and it is flushed while the air pump
is operating (Patents JP, 2006-152553; JP, 2003-096874; JP
2002-004382; U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,150). The said damage will be
further aggravated due to flooding of the air fan if it is placed
at a level below that of the toilet bowl rim.
[0008] Venting systems which use filtration and/or deodorizing of
malodor and then re-circulating the treated gases into toilet rooms
have been known to cause allergies and discomfort to many people.
Such systems also rely in their operation on replaceable consumable
parts, which require continuous financing and maintenance, and are
an additional burden on the environment.
[0009] Systems whereby malodor is exhausted to the outside either
through a special duct directed to a ceiling extraction fan, or
through a special hole in the toilet wall or ceiling can be
efficient from a functional point of view. However the installation
of ventilation ducts inside tidy toilet rooms is considered an
unsightly proposition which most people would decline. Ventilation
ducts in some cases can be obstructive to the user or to the
cleaner. Making special holes in toilet room walls and ceilings in
addition to being aesthetically damaging to buildings, is generally
not allowed in rented property or in apartment buildings.
[0010] Systems whereby malodor is vented directly from the toilet
bowl and exhausted into the drainage system has been described by
others, but none was found to cover the numerous and important
details which, without being addressed meticulously, would place
limitations on the practicability, function or reliability of such
systems.
[0011] In Patents JP 2002-047715 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,103,925, the
inventors have not addressed the conflict of the exhaust
ventilation duct with the water duct connecting the water tank with
the toilet bowl. Drilling a hole into the toilet bowl behind the
toilet seat to a "spot above the water level in the inverted
U-section of the trap" would pierce the flush water duct which
supplies water to flush the toilet bowl, thus damaging the toilet
bowl completely.
[0012] In patents JP 2003-096874 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,150, the
intake nozzles and air fan units are positioned below the toilet
bowl rim level, which will cause flooding of and damage to the
electric air fans due to suction of contaminated water if the
toilet is clogged and it is flushed while the air fan is operating.
The air fan units are also placed behind the toilet bowl and under
the water tank, which complicates accessibility for maintenance and
replacement purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention illustrated herein is an improvement to
standard toilet bowls which provide the user with a self
ventilating toilet bowl without the shortcomings of the
aforementioned systems.
[0014] The invention comprises a system whereby fowl air is sucked
directly from the toilet bowl before it contaminates the toilet
room, and is discharged (via the toilet bowl itself) to the outside
through the drain's vent which is normally installed at the highest
point in the building.
[0015] The special feature comprises the integration into the
toilet bowl of a dedicated auxiliary duct connecting an external
circular opening in the toilet bowl's top behind the seat to one
side (either left or right) of the flush water duct (causing no
obstruction thereto) with another opening in the top side of the
air chamber inside the toilet bowl behind and above the siphon. The
subject auxiliary duct (and the two circular openings) will be
included homogeneously with the toilet bowl during the
manufacturing stage without the introduction of any foreign
material to the product, or the requirement of any additional
special equipment to the production line. A special removable
plastic plug with a rounded top and a 25 mm-long shank of a colour
blending with that of the toilet bowl is provided to fit securely
into the external circular opening behind the toilet seat thus
blocking it completely.
[0016] The toilet bowl can then be installed into any standard
toilet room without requirement of special preparations or
accessories or special expertise (apart from the provision of an
electric socket close to the toilet bowl for power option from the
mains).
[0017] If required by the owner, the special air fan can be
retrofitted to the toilet bowl to convert it into a self
ventilating toilet bowl.
[0018] The fan comprises a damp-proof, low-noise and low voltage
(6-12V) electrically driven centrifugal (or other) air fan within a
water-proof and sturdy casing of a suitable colour. The casing is
pivoted at its rear centre to the vertical part of a sturdy
L-shaped plate base which has a horizontal part that fits below the
toilet seat and is fixed to the toilet bowl at the toilet seat's
anchor holes. Air suction from the toilet bowl is secured through a
flat-shaped replaceable (for cleaning) nozzle which reaches under
the back of the toilet seat, but does not extend into the bowl or
below the bowl's rim. Exhaust is provided through a pipe outlet
which connects securely with the special external circular opening
in the toilet bowl. A biased (in the closed position) one way
flapper and a mesh insect screen are deployed inside the exhaust
duct to prevent the ingress of malodor and insects from the drains
when the system is dormant.
[0019] The air pump is actuated either manually: by a
pressure-sensitive water proof switch located on the base plate
under the toilet seat, or through an optical or heat sensor. The
air pump is actuated upon the application of the user's weight (or
approach) to the toilet seat.
[0020] The electric air fan causes a mild draft within the toilet
bowl in the direction of the intake nozzle. Malodor is directed
through the air fan, and out through the exhaust outlet. Upon the
actuation of the electric fan, the one way flapper is pushed into
the open position allowing the sucked malodor to go through the
dedicated auxiliary duct in the toilet bowl, to be vented out
through the drain's vent at the top of the building.
[0021] A timing device integrated into the electric air fan
switches it off 30 seconds after receiving a signal from the
operating switch that the user has finished use of the toilet bowl.
The (biased) one-way flapper goes back to its normal closed
position. Any backflow of gases from the drain will push the
flapper further into the closed position thus stopping the ingress
of foul gases into the toilet room.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the biased
one way flapper and the mesh insect screen are replaced by the
deployment of a secondary water "bottle" trap configuration in the
auxiliary duct to prevent the ingress of malodor and insects from
the drains when the system is dormant. Upon the actuation of the
air fan, the water in the secondary water trap is pushed out by the
exhaust gases into the drain, and the foul gases are vented out as
explained above.
[0023] A water supply nozzle (pointing in a downward direction) is
deployed inside the exhaust pipe. A flexible water pipe connects
the water nozzle through a solenoid valve to the water supply tap
under the water tank. The solenoid valve is controlled by the
timing device inside the air fan assembly whereby it opens up for 5
seconds after the air fan stops, and then closes. Water thus
supplied will replace the water in the "bottle" trap which was
pushed out into the drain upon the actuation of the air fan.
[0024] The versatility, simplicity and homogeneous construction of
both toilet bowl and air pump makes manufacturing and recycling
economical and environmentally friendly. The system is totally
fixed to the toilet assembly and is therefore suitable for
installation in domestic and public toilets, and does not require
any consumable material or special servicing. The installation of
the system and the eventual replacement of the electric pump does
not require any special training. There will be almost no
mentionable additional cost in the manufacturing of the toilet
bowl, and the electric air fan is simple, versatile and economical.
The special features of the invention do not in any way impair or
impede the function or the aesthetic looks of the other standard
components of the toilet assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The invention described herein is best described in
conjunction with the following attached drawings and
illustrations:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the improved
toilet bowl (with the external circular opening behind the toilet
seat; the specially supplied plastic plug for blocking it if
required, and the dedicated built-in auxiliary duct connecting it
to the opening in the top side of the air chamber inside the toilet
bowl behind and above the siphon).
[0027] FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic perspective side view of an
alternative form of the design where access to the air chamber
inside the toilet bowl behind and above the siphon is made directly
through an external circular opening from the rear side of the
toilet bowl. This alternative embodiment of the invention can be
applied to toilet bowls where design considerations do not allow
the installment of the exhaust opening behind the toilet seat.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the improved toilet
assembly illustrating the various elements which contribute to the
self-ventilating quality of the invention, and explains the process
through which malodor is vented out of the toilet bowl directly to
the outside.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the improved toilet bowl
illustrating its various elements.
[0030] FIG. 3A is a blown-up illustration of FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the improved toilet
bowl illustrating the built-in dedicated auxiliary ventilating
openings and ducts in relation to the flush water duct and the air
pocket behind and above the siphon.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the air fan
assembly with the air intake nozzle in place.
[0033] FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic perspective view of the air fan
with the intake air nozzle detached, exposing the inlet opening and
the impeller protection grating.
[0034] FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic view of a detached air intake
nozzle.
[0035] FIGS. 4C and 4D are diagrammatic views of the air fan
assembly illustrating details of the attachment of the air fan
casing to the base plate.
[0036] FIGS. 4E and 4F are diagrammatic views illustrating the two
alternative settings of the air fan with the exhaust outlet
pointing to the left or to the right (as required).
[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the air fan assembly
installed in place showing the various external elements and
anchoring to the toilet bowl.
[0038] FIG. 5A is a cross sectional view of the air fan assembly
showing the various elements of the exhaust air duct.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative
embodiment of the design where a secondary water trap is deployed
inside the auxiliary duct (acting as a bottle trap) to prevent the
ingress of malodor and insects from the drains when the air pump is
dormant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The invention illustrated herein discloses an improvement to
standard toilet bowls whereby ventilation is effected directly from
the toilet bowl itself without the requirement of any special
preparations or installations inside the toilet room, or the use of
consumable filters and deodorants.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 1, the apparatus consists of a toilet
bowl 1 (pedestal or cantilever) made homogeneously of any suitable
material (vitreous china, plastic, metal etc.) with seat anchor
holes 16 and flush water inlet 15. A circular hole 9 in the toilet
bowl behind the seat to one side (either left or right of the flush
water duct); a dedicated auxiliary air duct 10 connecting opening 9
with another circular opening 8 in the top side of the air chamber
inside the toilet bowl behind and above the siphon. All elements
are homogeneously integrated into the toilet bowl during the
manufacturing stage. Plug 17 is a removable plastic plug with a
rounded top and a 25 mm-long shank of a colour blending in with
that of the toilet, and a rubber sleeve 18. Plug 17 fits securely
into opening 9 thus blocking it completely if the self ventilating
feature of the toilet bowl is not required for any reason.
[0042] FIG. 1A is an alternative embodiment of the apparatus where
both opening 9 and auxiliary air duct 10 are omitted, and opening 8
is factory-installed in the outer side of the toilet bowl thus
connecting its outer side with its inside behind and above the
siphon. Plug 17 with rubber sleeve 18 is intended to fit securely
into opening 8 if the self ventilating feature of the toilet bowl
is not required for any reason.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet assembly
illustrating the self-ventilating process within the toilet bowl.
With electric air fan 105 installed to toilet bowl 1 with its inlet
nozzle 102 extending between toilet seat 2 and the bowl rim 1a (in
the space formed by padded spacers 5), but not extending beyond or
below the bowl's rim. An air draft in the direction of air intake
nozzle 102 is created inside toilet bowl 1 upon actuating the air
pump. Malodor is drawn into nozzle 102, through air fan 105, into
opening 9 and duct 10, through opening 8 and into air pocket 20
behind and above siphon 3, through drain 6, and up to the top of
the building into the open air through drain vent 7.
[0044] FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B are illustrations of the toilet bowl. The
distance between water tank 4 and anchor holes 16/bowl rim 1a is to
be sufficient to accommodate the installation of the electric air
fan. Circular opening 9 and air duct 10 are located as such to
avoid conflict with flush water duct 19, reach the top of air
pocket 20 (behind siphon 3), and provide sufficient distance from
water tank 4 for the installation of the electric air fan.
Auxiliary air duct 10 extends 30 mm below the bottom of opening 8
to allow for the deployment of the (bottle) water trap alternative,
if required.
[0045] FIGS. 4-4B are illustrations of the electric suction air fan
100. A low voltage (6-12V battery, or mains powered through a
transformer) electrically driven centrifugal (or of other
configuration) air fan contained within a robust and waterproof
plastic (or metal) casing 105. The dimensions of casing 105 are to
be as small as is sufficient to provide efficient low-noise suction
of malodors from the toilet bowl, and to fit between toilet seat
anchor holes 16 and water tank 4. Casing 105 is provided
homogeneously with a circular inlet opening 108 near its front
centre, and a discharge tube 107 at its upper tangent. A protection
grating 109 is deployed at the inlet to protect the air fan
impeller 114 from accidental damage. A detachable (for cleaning)
hollow air intake nozzle 102, circular at the upper end to fit
securely onto inlet opening 108, and flat at the lower end to fit
between toilet seat 2 and toilet bowl rim 1a.
[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 4C-F, casing 105 is fitted to the
vertical part of an L-shaped robust base plate 104 at its rear
centre. During assembly, an indented "tongue" 122 in the rear
center of casing 105 is aligned into a perfectly matching "groove"
121 indentation in plate 104, with discharge tube 107 pointing
either to the left or to the right (as required). Bolt 123 is then
threaded into position through 120 and tightened into threaded hole
124 thus fixing casing 105 to base plate 104. Anchor holes 116 are
provided in base plate 104 to overlap perfectly with the toilet
bowl's seat anchor holes 16 for securing the assembled air fan to
the toilet bowl.
[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4E and 4F, base plate 104 is
shaped to allow extra depth (the thickness of the plate) to the
intake nozzle opening thus providing better and quieter air suction
from under the toilet seat.
[0048] The air fan is actuated either manually through a dedicated
switch; by a pressure-sensitive water proof switch located on the
base plate under the toilet seat, or through an optical or heat
sensor 106 located on casing 105. Obstruction of sensor 106 shall
be avoided by proper shaping (or removal) of the toilet seat cover.
The air pump is actuated manually, or upon the application of the
user's weight to the toilet seat (or his approach to sensor 106),
and through a built-in timing device, switches off 30 seconds after
receiving a signal from the operating switch that the user has
moved away from the toilet bowl.
[0049] FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrate air suction fan 100 fitted in
place on toilet bowl 1. Base plate 104 is placed on toilet rim 1a
with anchor holes 116 aligned perfectly on top of anchor holes 16
on the toilet bowl, and under toilet seat 2. Anchor bolts 126 are
then threaded through and tightened thus anchoring base plate 104
and toilet seat 2 to toilet bowl 1. Discharge tube 107 is fitted
with elbow duct 108, duct 109, and duct 110, which is fitted with
rubber sleeve 18 to fit perfectly and securely into opening 9 in
the toilet bowl. Discharge tube 107 is fitted with a replaceable
biased (in the closed position) one way flapper 112, which remains
closed until pushed open upon actuating air fan 100. Duct 110 is
fitted with an internal replaceable plastic mesh inset screen 113,
and an external integral ring collar 115 to control penetration
into opening 9.
[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates the alternative embodiment of the
apparatus where a (bottle) water trap concept is deployed inside
auxiliary air duct 10 to prevent the ingress of foul gases and
insects from the drain when the air fan is dormant. Exhaust air
pipe's bottom end 110a is immersed into a water trough at the
bottom of auxiliary air duct 10. Upon actuating the air fan,
exhausted foul gases push the water out of the secondary water
trap, and through opening 8. The foul gases are then ventilated out
as explained above. When the air fan is de-actuated (30 seconds
after the user moves away from the toilet bowl), the timing device
opens up a solenoid valve (for about 5 seconds only) which supplies
water through nozzle 121 into exhaust pipes 109a, then 110a into
the water (bottle) trap at the bottom of auxiliary air duct 10.
[0051] In the alternative embodiment of the invention as
illustrated in diagram 1A, discharge duct 110 (with rubber sleeve
18) is placed securely into opening 8, and is connected by a
(flexible or rigid) duct to an air fan which can be installed on
the wall behind the toilet bowl above the toilet rim level. Malodor
suction is effected through a special detachable nozzle which is
fitted between the toilet seat rim 1a and toilet seat 2. This
embodiment of the design can also be fitted with an external
secondary water trap if required as an alternative method to
prevent the ingress of foul gases and insects from the drainage
system when the air fan is dormant.
[0052] The above illustrations and descriptions are not to be
construed as limiting to the scope, spirit or details of the
invention. Variations thereof, omissions therefrom or additions
thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention.
* * * * *