U.S. patent application number 12/740096 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-25 for apparatus and method for treating objectionable odors in toilet bowls and the like.
Invention is credited to Christopher L. Brown.
Application Number | 20110203040 12/740096 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40591417 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110203040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Christopher L. |
August 25, 2011 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING OBJECTIONABLE ODORS IN TOILET
BOWLS AND THE LIKE
Abstract
An apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl,
the toilet bowl including a seat positioned above the toilet bowl
includes a main body having an inlet opening and an airflow exit
opening; means for mounting the main body proximal to the toilet
bowl with the inlet opening positioned substantially between the
bowl and the seat; a drawer removably securable to the main body;
an air treatment chamber defined by at least one of the main body,
the drawer, and a combination of the main body and the drawer; fan
means for drawing gas in the inlet opening, through the air
treatment chamber and out the air flow exit opening; a power
source; light sensitive control assembly means connected with the
fan means and the power means for detecting the presence of a
person sitting on the seat and activating the fan means; and, air
treatment means positioned within the air treatment chamber for
removing odiferous particulates at least when the fan means is
drawing gas through the air treatment chamber.
Inventors: |
Brown; Christopher L.;
(Bethel Park, PA) |
Family ID: |
40591417 |
Appl. No.: |
12/740096 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 27, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/81322 |
371 Date: |
April 27, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61000829 |
Oct 29, 2007 |
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60983820 |
Oct 30, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/209R |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/04 20130101; A61L
9/122 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/209.R |
International
Class: |
E03D 9/04 20060101
E03D009/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl,
the toilet bowl including a seat positioned above the toilet bowl,
the apparatus comprising: a main body having an inlet opening and
an airflow exit opening; means for mounting said main body proximal
to the toilet bowl with the inlet opening positioned substantially
between the bowl and the seat; a drawer removably securable to said
main body; an air treatment chamber defined by at least one of said
main body, said drawer, and a combination of said main body and
said drawer; fan means for drawing gas in the inlet opening,
through the air treatment chamber and out the air flow exit
opening; a power source; light sensitive control assembly means
connected with said fan means and said power means for detecting
the presence of a person sitting on the seat and activating said
fan means; and, air treatment means positioned within the air
treatment chamber for removing odiferous particulates at least when
said fan means is drawing gas through said air treatment
chamber.
2. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 1 wherein said drawer includes a closed condition securing
said air treatment means within said air treatment chamber, and an
open condition exposing and enabling removal of said air treatment
means.
3. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 1 wherein said air treatment means includes a primary
filter and a secondary filter.
4. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 3 wherein the primary filter is operable in the path of
flowing gases therethrough to remove odiferous particulates from
such flowing gases.
5. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 4 wherein the primary filter is a charcoal-based, fibrous
material.
6. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 4 wherein the secondary filter is an antibacterial filter
for removing at least one of bacteria, viruses, and poisonous
substances from gases flowing through it.
7. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 6 wherein the secondary filter is a nano silver
antibacterial filter.
8. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 6 wherein the secondary filter has a size of about O74*30
mm with a density of about 35 ppi.
9. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 1 wherein said control assembly includes a sensor assembly
operable to detect changes in light passing between the toilet bowl
and toilet seat.
10. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 9 wherein the sensor assembly includes an IR emitter and
receiver aimed between the toilet bowl and toilet seat.
11. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 10 wherein said control assembly further includes input
means for manually activating and/or deactivating said fan
means.
12. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 9 wherein said control assembly further includes
microprocessor means for controlling the activation and/or
deactivation of said fan means in response to input from the sensor
assembly.
13. The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl
of claim 12 wherein said control assembly further includes input
means for manually activating and/or deactivating said fan means.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of air treatment
devices, and particularly to devices for eradicating objectionable
odors from toilet bowls and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Until the early 1800's, Europeans and Americans alike
relieved themselves in chamber pots, outhouses and alleyways.
Eventually, however, indoor plumbing became the standard. In
America, the first city with modern waterworks was Philadelphia in
1820; the first city with a modern sewage system was Boston in
1823; and, the first toilet installed in the White House was in
1825 for John Quincy Adams.
[0003] A major contributor to the advancement of indoor toilet
technology was an Englishman named Thomas Crapper. Through his
plumbing fixture company, T. Crapper & Co, Chelsea, London,
founded 1861, Mr. Crapper produced many improvements in the
fixtures he manufactured. Crapper's name was stenciled on all the
cisterns--and later, toilets--that he manufactured. It is likely
because of his contributions that he is often accredited with the
invention of the toilet. However, it was another Englishman named
Alexander Cumming who in 1775 made perhaps the most significant
improvement to the indoor toilet. While toilets to that day had
emptied directly into a pipe which carried the waste to a cesspool,
Cumming improved the device by adding a "stink trap" that kept
water in the pipe, thus blocking the backflow of sewage gases.
Absent the constant foul-smelling stench of sewer gases wafting
through pipes and up into the house, the indoor toilet became an
acceptable, and welcomed improvement.
[0004] While Cumming's invention addressed foul smelling gases
downstream of the stink trap, treating objectionable odors
developed in the toilet bowl itself has proven to be a formidable
challenge. Many methods have been employed for treating and/or
eliminating such odors, such as opening a window, lighting a match,
spraying an aerosol deodorizer, and using a range of powered
devices. The most common of such devices, the ceiling fan, is often
difficult to install, requires ducting to the outside or attic, and
has a flow rate that is generally too low to evacuate the odors as
fast as most users would like.
[0005] One line of development for bathroom odor treatment devices
encompasses devices mounted proximal to the toilet bowl and
activated to draw the objectionable gases into a chamber, treat
them and then exhaust them back to the bathroom area. A number of
these and similar devices are disclosed in the following U.S. Pat.
Nos.:
TABLE-US-00001 Pat. No. Inventor 5,727,262 Littlejohn 5,555,572
Hunnicutt, Jr. 5,519,897 DeSimone 5,488,741 Hunnicutt, Jr.
5,416,930 Waldner, et al. 5,403,548 Aibe, et al. 5,240,653
Ramkissoon 5,161,262 Quaintance, Sr. 4,876,748 Chun 4,748,698 Kao
4,472,841 Faulkner 4,317,242 Stamper 4,099,047 Kirkland, Jr.
3,857,119 Hunnicutt, Jr. 2,846,696 J. R. Herriott
[0006] While devices disclosed in these patents exhibit a variety
of beneficial features for treating and/or evacuating foul odors
from a bathroom facility, they also suffer from a variety of
drawbacks. For example, the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,876,748 and 5,727,262 are quite large and unsightly. Other of
these patents describe devices that appear to draw the malodorous
gases through some type of filter (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,317,242,
5,488,741 and 5,555,572) or that draw the gases over a heating
device before expelling them back into the air (U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,099,047 and 5,519,897). Further, many of such devices are fairly
complex and therefore costly. It is believed that none of these
devices achieves an acceptable balance among low consumer cost,
ease of use, ease of maintenance, and most importantly, speed and
effectiveness of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Generally speaking, there is provided an apparatus for
treating and eradicating objectionable odors from toilet bowls and
the like. The device is small, easy to use and maintain, and
operates in a fast and efficient manner. Moreover, it may be used
with a variety of commercially available products to treat and
replace the objectionable odors with a wide range of pleasant
aromas.
[0008] An apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet
bowl, the toilet bowl including a seat positioned above the toilet
bowl includes a main body having an inlet opening and an airflow
exit opening; means for mounting the main body proximal to the
toilet bowl with the inlet opening positioned substantially between
the bowl and the seat; a drawer removably securable to the main
body; an air treatment chamber defined by at least one of the main
body, the drawer, and a combination of the main body and the
drawer; fan means for drawing gas in the inlet opening, through the
air treatment chamber and out the air flow exit opening; a power
source; light sensitive control assembly means connected with the
fan means and the power means for detecting the presence of a
person sitting on the seat and activating the fan means; and, air
treatment means positioned within the air treatment chamber for
removing odiferous particulates at least when the fan means is
drawing gas through the air treatment chamber.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus 10 for treating
objectionable odors in toilet bowls and the like in accordance with
the present invention, apparatus 10 shown mounted to a standard
toilet 11.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front and side, perspective view of the
apparatus 10 of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear and side, perspective view of the apparatus
10 of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top view of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a front view of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of the apparatus 10
of FIG. 5 taken along the lines 10-10 and viewed in the direction
of the arrows, and with drawer 16 in the removed condition.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a side, elevational view of a sponge tree 17 of
FIG. 10 and of a sponge 97 partially applied to sponge tree 17.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a side, cross sectional view of drawer 16 of FIG.
10 and of sponge tree 17 and sponge 97 partially mounted to drawer
16.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of drawer 16 of FIG. 10.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of sponge tree 17 of FIG.
11.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the sponge tree 17 and
sponge 97 of FIG. 11 taken along the lines 15-15 and viewed in the
direction of the arrows.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 and of
mounting bracket 14.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an apparatus 200 for
treating objectionable odors in toilet bowls and the like in
accordance with the another embodiment of the present invention
[0026] FIG. 18 is rear and side, perspective view of the apparatus
200 of FIG. 17
[0027] FIG. 19 is a side view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 17.
[0028] FIG. 20 is a top view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 17.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a side view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 17.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a rear view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 17.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a front view of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 17.
[0032] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the apparatus 200 of FIG.
17.
[0033] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the apparatus 200 of FIG.
17.
[0034] FIGS. 26a and 26b are circuit diagrams for the control
assembly 210 of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 17.
[0035] FIG. 27 is a flow chart of the operation of apparatus 200 of
FIG. 17.
[0036] FIG. 28 is cross-sectional view of the apparatus 200 of FIG.
21 taken along the lines 28-28 and viewed in the direction of the
arrows.
[0037] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the apparatus 200 of FIG.
17, with portions removed for clarity.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0038] 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, and any alterations or modifications in the illustrated
device, and any further applications of the principles of the
invention as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally
occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an apparatus 10 for
treating and eradicating objectionable odors from toilet bowls and
the like in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Apparatus 10 is designed to be positioned proximal to
the toilet bowl 11 of a standard toilet 12 so that odors may be
pulled from with toilet bowl 11 and treated accordingly. A variety
of methods may be used to support apparatus 10 in the proper
position relative to bowl 11. In the present embodiment a support
arm 14 is connectable with bowl 11 and is engageable with apparatus
10 to support apparatus 10 in a desired position. Referring to FIG.
1, there is shown an apparatus 10 for treating and eradicating
objectionable odors from toilet bowls and the like in accordance
with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus
10 is shown in use mounted to a standard toilet 11 by a mounting
arm 14 to draw gases from within the toilet bowl 12, between the
toilet bowl 12 and its seat 13, and to treat such gases, as
described herein.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2-10, and with particular reference to
FIG. 10, apparatus 10 is shown from a variety of angles and
generally includes a main body 15, a drawer 16, a sponge tree 17
and a fan 18. Drawer 16 is configured to slide laterally from a
closed condition (FIGS. 2-9) out and away from body 15 to an open
or removed condition (FIG. 10). Body 15 is integrally molded into
two mating body halves 19 and 20 that are minor images of each
other. Each half 19 includes structures 21 which defines holes that
align with corresponding holes in the mating other half 20 when the
two halves 19 and 20 are brought together. Pins 22 extend from
within the holes of one half 19 and into the corresponding, aligned
holes of the other half 20 to fix halves 19 and 20 in the desired
mutual alignment to form main body 15, substantially as shown in
FIGS. 2-9. Similarly, mutually aligned structures 23 in both halves
19 and 20 receive an appropriate securing member such as a nut and
bolt combination 24 to fix the halves 19 and 20 together. Although
the present embodiment describes main body 15 comprising two
mirrored halves, the present invention contemplates manufacturing
main body in a variety of different ways including, but not limited
to, a unibody construction or two or more parts connected with each
other in any appropriate manner, so long as the resulting structure
includes the primary elements described herein. As halves 19 and 20
of the present embodiment are mirror images of each other, the
following description may be made with reference to only body half
19, it being understood to apply equally to body half 20, unless
otherwise stated.
[0041] Main body 15 includes an upper inlet spout 26, a battery
shelf 27, a filter shelf 28, a drawer compartment shelf 29,
opposing front and back fan support ledges 30 and 31, respectively,
bottom wall 32, front wall 33, opposing side walls 34 and 35, and
rear wall 36. Upper inlet spout 26 extends forwardly from front
wall 33, and itself has top and bottom walls 39 and 40 that define
a generally low profile inlet spout that diverges as it extends
forwardly from front wall 33 to its wide and low-profile opening
42. Apparatus 10 is to be positioned at toilet bowl 12 with the
widening, low profile spout structure positioned at or between the
top 41 of bowl 12 and the corresponding toilet seat 13. The widened
inlet opening 42 facilitates an unrestricted draw of gases from
bowl 12.
[0042] An electrical switch 44 is mounted by appropriate means such
as screws (not shown) to body 15. A spring metal activation arm 45
extends from switch 44, through spout 26, out opening 42, and
forwardly of spout 26. With apparatus 10 in its inactivated and
rest condition (as shown in FIG. 10), a hump 46 defined at the
forward end of activation arm 45 extends a predetermined amount
above top wall 39, as shown. As discussed herein, when weight is
applied to seat 13, seat 13 will move downwardly slightly, toward
toilet bowl 12, just enough to depress activation arm 45 at hump
46, which action will pivot arm 45 at switch 44 to activate switch
44. Battery shelf 27 is sized to receive a battery 48 thereon.
Extending rearwardly of battery shelf 27 and at the lateral center
thereof is a shaped, vertically extending flange 50 which defines a
hole 51 therein.
[0043] Filter shelf 28 is juxtaposed a sufficient distance below
battery shelf 27, flange 50 and switch 44 to receive a filter 54
thereon. Filter 54 has a wafer shape and is made of any appropriate
material that removes odiferous particulates from a gas that flows
through such material. In one embodiment, filter 54 is made of a
charcoal-based, fibrous material. Filter 54 may be positioned, and
thus changed from time to time, simply by sliding it in and onto
shelf 28 from the rear of main body 15 when drawer 16 is removed
from main body 15 (FIG. 10). Filter shelf 28 is not a solid sheet,
but rather defines one or more openings 55 therein to minimize any
restriction to fluid flow therethrough. The number and size of such
openings 55 may vary as desired, but it is desired to minimize
obstruction to fluid flow from one side of filter shelf 28 to the
other, and it is therefore desired to maximize the total lateral
area of openings 55 while simultaneously providing a stable
platform for supporting filter 54. Likewise, drawer compartment
shelf 29 defines one or more openings 56 therein to permit
unrestricted fluid flow from one side of shelf 29 to the other, and
it is similarly desired to minimize obstruction to such fluid flow,
and therefore desired to maximize the total lateral area of
openings 56. Drawer compartment shelf 29 contributes to the support
of drawer 16 and, together with filter shelf 28, front wall 33,
side walls 34 and 35, and drawer 16, defines sponge chamber 59.
[0044] Extending inwardly from front and rear walls 33 and 36 are
fan support ledges 30 and 31, respectively. A fan 18 is supported
upon ledges 30 and 31 within fan chamber 62, fan chamber 62 being
defined by drawer compartment shelf 29, bottom wall 32, and front,
side and rear walls 33-36. A series of vent slots 61 are defined in
bottom wall 32 and extend slightly upward along side walls 34 and
35. Fan 18 is any appropriate fan unit which preferably provides a
high fluid flow rate is efficiently powered by battery 48, and is
relatively quiet. Fan 18 has an upwardly disposed flow inlet to
communicate with the openings 56 in drawer compartment shelf 29 and
has a downwardly disposed flow exhaust to communicate with vent
slots 61. In the present embodiment, fan 18 is positioned upon
ledges 30 and 31 of one body half 19 and is secured within fan
chamber 62 upon securing body halves 19 and 20 together. In the
assembled condition, with body halves 19 and 20 secured together,
battery shelf 27, filter shelf 28, drawer compartment shelf 29 and
ledges 30 and 31 extend all the way across main body 15, side wall
34 to side wall 35. An arcuate projection 64 juts inwardly from
side wall 34 a similar projection (not shown) juts inwardly from
mating side wall 35. Projection 64 is sized to register with a
complementary shaped recess in drawer 16.
[0045] A thumb switch 65 slides within a slot 66 defined in spout
26 between a forward "on" position (shown in phantom at 69) and a
rearward "off" position 70. A downwardly projecting lug 71,
extending downwardly from switch 65, moves in and out of engagement
with activation arm 45 when thumb switch 65 is moved between the on
and off positions. That is, when switch 65 is slid forward to the
on position 69, projection 71 engages and pushes arm 45 downwardly
at a point close to the connection of arm 45 to switch 44. Further
pivoting of arm 45, as by weight being applied to seat 13, will
apply sufficient additional torque to arm 45 to close switch 44.
Conversely, sliding switch 65 to the off position releases the
downward bias to arm 45 at switch 44 which disengages switch 44.
That is, because activation arm 45 is made of spring metal or a
similar material which allows it to bend somewhat over its length,
pivoting of activation arm 45 by applying downward pressure to hump
46 will not transmit sufficient torque through arm 45 to switch 44
to close switch 44 and turn on fan 18 when thumb switch 65 is in
the off position. The present invention contemplates the use of any
appropriate switch arrangement where a switch may be closed by the
slight movement of a member like activation arm 45, but where
closure of the switch may be overridden by another switch such as
thumb switch 65. Wires 65 extend among switch 44, battery 48 and
fan 18 to complete the circuit and power fan 18 when switch 44 is
closed.
[0046] An alternative embodiment is contemplated wherein thumb
switch 65 acts to turn on fan 18 even where there is no input from
activation arm 45. That is, when switch 65 is in the "off"
position, activation arm 45 may operate as described to engage
switch 44 and activate fan 18. However, where a child or very
lightweight person is too light, perhaps, to activate arm 45, in
view of the composition of seat 13 when sitting on seat 13, thumb
switch 65 may be slid to the "on" position to activate switch 44
and turn on fan 18. Another embodiment is contemplated wherein
thumb switch 65 may be connected with switch 44 and/or arm 45 to
move from an "off" position, completely disabling fan 18, an "on"
position, turning on fan 18 and overriding activation arm 45, and
an intermediate or "seat" position whereby activation arm 45 is
operable through switch 44, to activate fan 18 between on and off
positions.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 2-15, and particularly to FIGS. 2, 3
and 10-15, drawer 16 includes rear wall 75, opposing side walls 76
and 77 and sponge shelf 78. The forwardly facing edge 80 of drawer
16 has a contour that is complementary with the rearwardly facing
edge 81 of main body 15, and the lower edge 82 of rear wall 75 has
a contour that is complementary with upper edge 83 of rear wall 36
of main body 15. Drawer 16 may therefore be slidingly received by
main body 15 from the open or removed condition (FIG. 10) to the
closed condition (FIGS. 2-9), whereby edges 80 and 81 and edges 82
and 83 come into complete abutting alignment and sponge shelf 78
slides along and atop drawer compartment shelf 29.
[0048] Sponge tree 17 has the configuration as generally shown in
FIG. 14 with an upper retaining wall 86 and a central post 87
depending downwardly from the center thereof. Retaining wall 86
comprises a central spine 88 and a series of spaced apart legs 89
extending outwardly therefrom. Spine 88 and legs 89 together define
both an upper retaining wall for a sponge and a compression
platform that may be used to assist in rinsing out such sponge, as
will be described herein. Spine 88 and legs 89 have a generally
circular cross section in plan view which is approximately equal to
or slightly smaller than the dimensions of filter shelf 28 so that
retaining wall 86 will fit within sponge chamber 59 just below
filter shelf 28. Spine 88 and outwardly extending legs 89 define a
series of gaps 90 therebetween which permits fluid flow
therethrough. As with filter shelf 28 and drawer compartment shelf
29, spine 88 and legs 89 are configured to maximize the fluid flow
rate through gaps 90 while still providing sufficient strength to
withstand a downwardly applied compression force for assembling
apparatus 10 and changing or cleaning the corresponding sponge.
[0049] Central post 87 has a generally flat, rectangular
configuration in cross-section with arcuate longitudinal humps 91
and 92 extending outwardly from opposing sides of post 87 and all
along the length of post 87, from upper retaining wall 86 and down
to the base 93 of post 87, except for a small gap 95 where humps 91
and 92 are absent. That is the absence of a section of each hump 91
and 92 on opposing sides of post 87 defines one gap of 95 at the
lower section of each hump 91 and 92. The gaps 95 are located the
same distance up from base 93. Base 93 has a generally circular
cross section with a diameter that is approximately equal to the
width of central post 87. Arcuate, longitudinal humps 91 and 92 are
together generally circular in cross-section. They may have other
cross-sectional shapes, whereby the shape of the corresponding
combined enlarged opening (at 109 and 110 in slot 106 as described
herein) will be complementary.
[0050] A sponge 97 (FIGS. 11, 12 and 15) has a generally circular
cross section in plan view with a diameter that is approximately
equal to the diametrical dimensions of upper retaining wall 86.
Sponge 97 has a height which is approximately equal to or slightly
less than the height of central post 87. Sponge 97 defines a
central hole 98, the diameter of which is preferably slightly less
than the width of central post 87. Sponges are available in a wide
variety of configurations, construction and degrees of porosity.
Typically, the more porous the sponge, the lower its capacity to
retain fluids. Although because of its inherent porosity, sponges
will typically permit fluid flow, and specifically gas flow
therethrough, sponge 97 is provided with a plurality of additional
recesses 99 and holes 100 along its height to enhance fluid flow
from its top surface 101 to its bottom surface 102. These recesses
99 and holes 100 may be defined in sponge 97 in a variety of ways
including, but not limited to mechanical and chemical means.
Likewise, sponge 97 may be selected from a class of sponges that
inherently have a high number of both large and small openings
which will facilitate a high rate of fluid flow and a sufficiently
high degree of material surface area. A high degree of surface area
is desirable to enable sponge 97 to be impregnated with substances
having particular aromas.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, sponge shelf 78 includes a
raised central, and laterally extending platform. Platform 105
defines a slot 106 which originates somewhat rearwardly of the
center of sponge shelf 78 and extends therefrom along a
longitudinal axis 107 to the forward edge 108 of shelf 78. At the
center of sponge shelf 78, slot 106 has a shape that is
substantially identical to the cross sectional shape of central
post 87 as is viewed in FIG. 15. That is, slot 106, at the center
of shelf 78, bulges outwardly, in opposing directions, at 109 and
110, to define a central, enlarged opening 104. From enlarged
opening 104, slot 106 extends a short distance rearwardly at and
diverges as it extends toward forward edge 108. Also, platform 105
is raised slightly above the level of the rest of sponge shelf 78,
thereby creating a generally rectangular shaped, lateral slot at
112 the width 113 of such slot 112 is approximately equal to or
slightly greater than the diameter of base 93 of sponge tree 17. As
with filter shelf 28, drawer compartment 29 and upper retaining
wall 86, sponge shelf 78 is provided with openings 114 to permit
fluid flow therethrough, the total area defined by such openings
being maximized to minimizing any restriction to such fluid
flow.
[0052] Sponge shelf 78 further defines a pair of inwardly extending
recesses 115 on opposing sides thereof and slightly rearwardly of
forward edge 108. Recesses 115 are sized and positioned to register
with the mating projections 64 in main body 15. Thus, when drawer
16 is moved into its closed condition (FIGS. 2-9), sponge shelf 78
snaps into registry with projections 64 at recesses 115. Such
registration between recesses 115 and projections 64 firmly holds
drawer 16 in the closed position relative to main body 15.
[0053] If desired, drawer 16 may be more firmly secured to main
body 16, and even locked thereto to prevent unauthorized opening of
drawer 16. This is accomplished by registration between flange 50
and a complementary shaped and positioned slot 116 (FIG. 13)
defined in the upper portion of rear wall 75 of drawer 16. Further,
drawer 16 defines a pair of curved and generally laterally
extending recesses 118 and 119 and defines a bridge 120 that
follows the overall contour of rear wall 75, separates recesses 118
and 119 and is in substantial planar alignment with slot 116. When
drawer 16 is moved to its closed condition, flange 50 extends
through slot 116, between recesses 118 and 119 and up against the
forwardly facing, underside of bridge 120. Hole 51 is exposed by
virtue of recesses 118 and 119, and an appropriate locking member
such as a padlock may be positioned through hole 51 and around
bridge 120, thus preventing the removal of drawer 16 from main body
15.
[0054] Indentations 123 are provided on opposing sides of drawer 16
to facilitate the movement of drawer 16 relative to main body
15.
[0055] In use, sponge 97, is provided either pre-scented at
purchase or may be conditioned by applying a desired scent with a
commercial product such as an aerosol or pump-spray, auto or room
air freshener. Sponge 97 is then applied to sponge tree 17 (FIG.
11) by inserting central post 87 through central hole 98 until the
top surface 101 of the sponge 97 rests against the underside of
upper retaining wall 86. Sponge 97 is then manually compressed
(shown at 123 in FIG. 12) up against upper retaining wall 86, as
shown in FIG. 12, so that gaps 95 in humps 91 and 92 are exposed.
Sponge and sponge tree combination 97/17 is then mounted to drawer
16 by sliding central post 87 through slot 106 whereby the opposing
edges 121 of slot 106 are aligned within gaps 95. When sponge and
sponge tree combination 97/17 reaches the center of sponge shelf
78, and arcuate humps 91 and 92 are vertically aligned with
enlarged opening 104, sponge 97 may be released from its compressed
position 123, which action causes the bottom surface 102 of sponge
97 to press against sponge shelf 78. Because humps 91 and 92 are
aligned with complementary shaped, enlarged opening 104, sponge
tree 17 may rise relative to platform 105 until base 93 engages the
underside of platform 105 and within lateral slot 112. In this
configuration, the lowermost portions of are nested within
complementary shaped enlarged opening 104, and sponge tree 17 may
be slid vertically through opening 104 and relative to platform
105. However, because the combined lateral dimension of humps 91
and 92 is greater than the width of slot 106 adjacent to enlarged
opening, sponge tree 17 is constrained from moving laterally. To
remove sponge tree 17, it must be moved vertically until gaps 95
align with the edges 121 of slot 106, and then sponge tree 17 may
be slid forwardly out of slot 106. With this configuration, sponge
tree 17 and sponge 97 are firmly mounted within drawer 16. With an
appropriate filter 54 positioned atop filter shelf 28, the drawer
can now be joined with main body 15, as described herein, until
edges 80 and 81 and edges 92 and 93 mate, and whereby sponge 97
will be securely positioned within sponge chamber 59, below filter
shelf 28 and above drawer compartment shelf 29. Apparatus 10 is now
ready for operation. Upon activation of fan 18, gases are drawn in
through opening 42, through filter 54, through scented sponge 79,
through fan 18, and out through vent slots 61, the ejected gases
now devoid of some or much of the original objectionable odors and
having a desired aroma picked up from the treated sponge 97.
[0056] The sponge tree and sponge combination 17/97 also cooperates
with drawer 16 to facilitate rinsing or cleaning of the sponge and
related components. Upon removal of drawer 16, and without removing
sponge tree 17 from drawer 16, the drawer, sponge tree, and sponge
combination 16/17/97 may be positioned appropriately under a stream
of water or in a container with cleaning solution or water and
appropriately cleaned or rinsed. Upon removal from such water or
cleaning solution, the user may compress upper retaining wall 86
toward sponge shelf 78, whereby post 87 slides through
complementary shaped slot 106 and enlarged opening 104, and sponge
97 is compressed therebetween, which action squeezes the majority
of fluid from sponge 97. This procedure may be repeated as many
times as necessary to clean and/or rinse sponge 97. This
configuration thereby generally permits the user to clean and/or
rinse sponge 97 without requiring sponge 97 to be removed from
sponge tree 17 and drawer 16, and further minimizing the amount of
direct contact between the user's hands and sponge 97. This
procedure further permits the sponge to be cleaned and/or rinsed
and then for a different fragrance to be applied to sponge 97. If
desired, sponge 97 may be replaced with a new sponge simply by
reversing the steps for installing the sponge.
[0057] Referring not to FIGS. 1 and 16, there is shown a support
arm 14 suitable for mounting apparatus 10 to a standard toilet bowl
12. Apparatus 14 includes at one end an inboard mounting section
130 and extends through a pair of bends to an outboard mounting
section 131 at the opposite end. Inboard mounting section 130 is
provided with an elongate slot 133 that is sized to receive a
standard toilet seat mounting bolt 134. An L-shaped bracket 135
depends down from the bottom of upper inlet spout 26 (FIGS. 8-10)
and over to front wall 33 to create, in conjunction with the
underside of spout 26, an opening 137 sized to receive outboard
mounting section 131 of support arm 14 therethrough. Support arm 14
is connected to toilet bowl 12 simply by removing one of the toilet
seat mounting bolts 134 (and its corresponding wing nut or similar
structure (not shown)) from its connection to toilet bowl 12,
positioning support arm 14 atop toilet bowl 12, between toilet seat
13 and tank 136 substantially as shown in FIG. 1, and with slot 133
in alignment over the toilet seat mounting hole (not shown) of
toilet bowl 12, and then extending toilet seat mounting bolt 134
through slot 133 and back through the toilet seat mounting hole.
Bolt 134 is secured thereto with the corresponding wing nut (not
shown). Apparatus 10 is then moved into position whereby outboard
mounting section 131 extends through the opening 137 of L-shaped
bracket 135. A set screw 140 extends up through bracket 135 to
tighten against outboard mounting section 131, thereby firmly
securing apparatus 10 to support arm 14.
[0058] Because toilets come in a variety of sizes and shapes, the
slot 133 in support arm 14 allows support arm 14 to be adjusted to
a variety of positions, and apparatus 10 may be slid along outboard
mounting section 131, until apparatus 10 is in the desired position
relative to bowl 12. Such desired position is substantially shown
in FIG. 10 where inlet opening 42 is just above and to the outside
of the top surface 41 of bowl 12. Because support arm 14 has a
thickness and will raise one side of toilet seat 13 relative to
bowl 12 when apparatus 10 is applied thereto, a washer (not shown)
made of the same material as support arm 14 and having the same
relative thickness as support arm 14 is contemplated for insertion
between toilet bowl 12 and the other toilet seat mounting bolt (not
shown) to raise that side to level. While standard toilet seats
generally have cushion members (not shown) that are mounted to the
underside of seat 13 to cushion the contact between seat 13 and
bowl 12 when seat 13 is lowered, application of apparatus 10 to
bowl 12 will still raise the rear of seat 13 from an otherwise
level conditioned, and seat 13 will tilt forward. The present
invention contemplates inclusion of replacement cushion members
(not shown) to replace the standard cushion members, the
replacement cushion members having a thickness that is sufficiently
greater than the original cushion members to level out seat 13.
[0059] Support arm 14 and its companion washer, along with main
body 15, drawer 16, sponge tree 17 and other components herein are
made of any appropriate material such as plastic which can be
easily cleaned by the user.
[0060] Alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein sponge 97
comprises other materials in other configurations, such other
materials and configurations being capable of holding a scented
material, or comprising a scented material, which can be released
into a surrounding gaseous atmosphere. For example, such other
materials and configurations include, but are not limited to, the
wide variety of solid air fresheners currently available or to be
available in the future. Thus, while the present embodiment
describes the scent delivering apparatus as a sponge 97, such scent
delivering apparatus is intending to include any material that
releases a desired scent into the fan-induced air flow. Where
sponge 97 is to be replaced by a solid air freshener, sponge tree
17 is removed from drawer 16 and the solid air freshener is placed
directly atop sponge shelf 78. Alternative embodiments are
contemplated wherein a solid air freshener is provided with a
central tree similar to sponge tree 17 with an appropriate lower
shape and configuration that mates with a complementary
configuration in sponge shelf 78 to facilitate the insertion of
such solid air freshener into drawer 16 without the user having to
physically touch the air freshener material.
[0061] The present invention contemplates alternative means for
mounting apparatus 10 proximal to toilet bowl 12. Support arm 14 is
believed to be preferable since it is simple, cost-efficient, easy
to use, and incorporates the structure of the standard toilet bowl.
However, alternative structures are contemplated so long as inlet
opening 42 is positioned as close to the gap between bowl 12 and
seat 13 as possible to maximize the draw of gases from within bowl
12. That is, apparatus 10 will naturally draw gases from both
inside bowl 12 and from the atmosphere outside of bowl 12 (unless
the gap between bowl 12 and seat 13 is completely sealed off except
for apparatus 10). The farther that apparatus 10 is positioned from
bowl 12 and seat 13, the lower the percentage of toilet bowl gases
that will be drawn through apparatus 10 and the less effective
apparatus 10 will be. Support arm 14 permits a varied adjustment of
the position of apparatus 10 relative to the bowl/seat gap, thereby
enabling maximum effectiveness of apparatus 10.
[0062] Alternative embodiments are also contemplated wherein
apparatus 10, having a generally flat bottom wall 32, may be used
at locations other than the bathroom toilet merely by sitting
apparatus 10 upon an appropriate surface.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown an apparatus 200 for
treating and eradicating objectionable odors from toilet bowls and
the like in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. Like apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1-16, apparatus 200 is
designed to be positioned proximal to the toilet bowl of a standard
toilet so that odors may be pulled from with toilet bowl and
treated accordingly. Apparatus 200 has a main body 201 and an
extendable mounting arm 202 to enable apparatus 200 to fit a
variety toilet bowl widths.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 17-25, and with particular reference to
FIG. 25, apparatus 200 is shown from a variety of angles and
generally includes the main body 201, a drawer 206, an air
treatment assembly 207, a fan assembly 208, a power source 209 and
a control assembly 210. Drawer 206 is configured to slide laterally
from a closed condition 211 (FIGS. 17-24) to an open and removed
condition (as shown in FIG. 10 for apparatus 10) out and away from
body 201. Body 201 is integrally molded into two mating body halves
213 and 214 that are minor images of each other. Screws 215 fix
halves 213 and 214 together to form main body 201, as shown in
FIGS. 17-24. Although the present embodiment describes main body
201 comprising two mirrored halves, the present invention
contemplates manufacturing main body in a variety of different ways
including, but not limited to, a unibody construction or two or
more parts connected with each other in any appropriate manner, so
long as the resulting structure includes the primary elements
described herein.
[0065] Referring to the exploded view of FIG. 25, the body halves
213 and 214 together define and include an upper inlet spout 218, a
drawer compartment shelf 219, a battery compartment shelf 220, fan
support members 221, bottom wall 222, front wall 223, opposing side
walls 224 and 225, rear wall 226 (FIG. 19), and control assembly
shelf 227.
[0066] Upper inlet spout 218 extends forwardly from front wall 223
and, like apparatus 10, defines a profile shaped to aim its airflow
exit opening 228 between the top of the toilet bowl and the lid
when mounted to the toilet bowl and to facilitate an unrestricted
draw of gases from the bowl. Below inlet spout 218, halves 213 and
214 define a recess 230 configured to receive an outside mounting
cushion 231, which is made of any appropriate foam or similar
material to provide a cushioned, secure, vibration, and noise
dampened mounting of apparatus 200 to the toilet bowl 12. Mounting
cushion 231 is affixed to recess 320 by adhesive.
[0067] Fan assembly 208 is held by fan support members 221 of body
201 between bottom wall 222 and drawer compartment shelf 219 and
operates to draw air through vent slots 233 (inlet opening) defined
in bottom wall 222 and up through vent slots 234 defined in drawer
compartment shelf 219.
[0068] Like drawer 16, drawer 206 includes rear wall 237, opposing
side walls 238 and 239 and a filter shelf 240, and its
configuration is contoured to mate in the closed position 211 with
the contoured forward edges 241 and 242 of side walls 238 and 239
mating with the rearwardly facing edges 244 and 245, respectively,
of main body 201. Drawer 206 may thus be slidingly received by main
body 201 from the open or removed condition (as shown in FIG. 10
for apparatus 10) to the closed condition 211 (FIGS. 17-24),
whereby the mating edges come into complete abutting alignment and
filter shelf 240 slides along and atop drawer compartment shelf
219. The filter shelf 240 and surrounding walls of main body 201
and drawer 206 combine to form an air treatment chamber for holding
an air treatment assembly therein. The structure of main body 201
and drawer 206 may be modified so that the air treatment chamber is
defined entirely by the main body 201 or the drawer 206 or by any
appropriate combination of the two, so long as the chamber is
configured to receive and hold the air treatment assembly in the
path of the air flow drawn through apparatus 200.
[0069] Air treatment assembly includes a primary filter 247 and a
secondary filter 248. Primary filter 247 is like filter 54 of
apparatus 10, made of any appropriate material that removes
odiferous particulates from a gas that flows through such material,
such as a charcoal-based, fibrous material. And like filter 54,
filter 247 is intended to be positioned, and thus changed from time
to time, simply by positioning it onto filter shelf 240 and sliding
it and drawer 206 into the rear opening of main body 201. Secondary
filter 248 is an antibacterial filter, designed to remove bacteria,
viruses, and other harmful and/or poisonous substances from the
air. In the present embodiment, secondary filter 248 is a nano
silver antibacterial filter, size O74*30 mm with a density of 35
ppi commercially available from Dongguan UniClear New-material Col,
Ltd., Huangzhuyuan Industrial Estate, Changping, Dongguan,
Guangdong, P.R.C. under the name "Nano-Silver Coated Filter".
Filter 248 uses a 35 ppi sponge produced with Nano-silver
technology. It is a high-performance filter material with
disinfection, antisepsis and antibacterial properties in the range
of 98.8%. Like filter 247, secondary filter 248, is also intended
to be positioned, and thus changed from time to time, simply by
sliding it and filter 247 onto filter shelf 240 and sliding the
resulting filter-loaded drawer into main body 201.
[0070] The porous material or carrier of the nano silver and carbon
filter is contemplated to comprise a porous `bio-degradable`
material and/or carrier that, after its life, can be discarded
without concern for the environment. Such material may include, but
is not limited to any natural material such as coconut shell,
bamboo and/or any suitable biodegradable, natural or man made
material and the like. The nano silver is contemplated to be
applied to the biodegradable/natural material. Control assembly 210
includes a microprocessor board 251, an input button assembly 252,
an LED status light 253, and a sensor assembly 254. Sensor assembly
includes standard IR emitter 258 and receiver 259, which are housed
within windowed housing 260. In its assembled condition (FIGS.
17-24) housing 260 is held by halves 213 and 214 so that the
windows 261 and 262 are aimed so that, as mounted to toilet bowl 12
(as described herein the beam of IR emitter 258 is directed just
above the closed seat 13 (as in FIG. 1). That is, IR emitter 258
and receiver 259 are aimed to just above a closed seat 13 to
detect, by virtue of the IR beam bouncing off of the person sitting
on the seat and then being detected by the receiver 259, when a
person sits or rises from the seat 13. In one embodiment,
microprocessor board 251 contains the circuitry and components
shown in FIGS. 26a and 26b, and the microprocessor 263 of board 251
is programmed to operate as shown in the flowchart 264 of FIG. 27.
Button assembly 252 includes a button interface member 266 and a
pushbutton 267. Pushbutton 267 is spring mounted above button
interface member 266, which is mounted atop microprocessor board
251 to transmit button presses of pushbutton 267 directly to board
251. LED status light 253 is likewise mounted atop microprocessor
board 251 and is powered and controlled thereby. In assembly,
pushbutton 267 is exposed for access through an opening 268 defined
in the top of main body 201, and LED status light 253 is likewise
mounted for view through another opening 269 defined in the top of
main body 201.
[0071] Power source 209 is a simple battery assembly (also referred
to as 209) held in position primarily by battery compartment shelf
220 and a forward battery slot bracket 272 of halves 213 and 214.
Battery assembly 209 includes a battery holding bracket 273, which
includes a forward battery mounting plate 274 and which holds four
batteries 275. Battery mounting plate 274 is received and held by
forward battery slot bracket 272. Alternative embodiments are
contemplated wherein power source 209 is external as opposed to
internal and/or is AC instead of DC. For example, power source 209
may be an external battery pack connected by an appropriate cable.
Or, power source 209 may be a standard AC wall outlet connected to
apparatus 200 by a standard power cord with an appropriate adapter
voltage adapter. Any appropriate power source is contemplated so
long as it provides a reliable source of power to run fan assembly
208 and control assembly 210. Various wires (not shown) are
provided as appropriate to interconnect fan assembly 208, power
source 209 and control assembly 210.
[0072] Mounting arm 202 includes an arcuate mounting plate 279 and
opposing, parallel and rearwardly extending legs 281 and 282.
Mounting plate 279 has a radius of curvature to generally mate with
the radius of curvature of a standard toilet bowl at the area of
intended mounting (as shown in FIG. 1). On its inside surface (not
shown), mounting plate 279 defines a recess configured to receive
an inside mounting cushion 283, which is made of the same material
as outside mounting cushion 231. Referring to FIGS. 25, 28 and 29,
legs 281 and 282 are provided at their distal ends with one or more
outwardly extending teeth 288. Main body halves 213 and 214 further
include opposing arm guide members 290 and 291, which are each held
by their respective body half 213 and 214 at posts (one shown at
292) by appropriate means such as screws. Each body half 213 and
214 further defines an arm guide surface 293 and 294, respectively,
which each defines a series of indentations 295 and 296,
respectively. The relative positionment of indentations 295 and 296
and of arm guide members 290 and 291 permits legs 281 and 282 to be
inserted through airflow exit opening 228 and between arm guide
surfaces 293 and 294 on their outsides and arm guide members 290
and 291 on their insides, as shown in FIG. 28. Although shown with
just one tooth 288, each leg 281 and 282 is contemplated to have
five or six teeth to enhance the resulting detent function between
mounting arm 202 and main body 201. Body halves 213 and 214 are
also provided with leg slide plates and release stubs (one each
shown at 299 and 300, FIG. 29). Slide plates 299 are juxtaposed
relative to the top 301 of main body 201 to receive and guide legs
281 and 282 as they enter opening 228. The distal ends of leg 281
include upwardly extending catches 303 and 304 sized and positioned
to engage with release stubs 300 and prevent mounting arm 202 from
sliding directly out of opening 228. Instead, mounting arm 202 is
resilient enough to permit legs 281 and 282 to be slightly squeezed
together and, when so squeezed, catches 303 and 304 clear stubs
300, and mounting arm 202 can be pulled completely free of main
body 201. Insertion of mounting arm 202 is accomplished in reverse
fashion by first squeezing legs 281 and 282 together, then pushing
it into opening 228. Teeth 288 and indentations 294 and 296 permit
mounting arm 202 to be positioned at a variety of different widths
to accommodate different sized toilet bowls.
[0073] In use, apparatus 200 is mounted to a toilet bowl 12 by
positioning inner cushion 231 against the outside of the bowl and
then pushing mounting arm 202 into opening 228 until inner cushion
283 contacts and compresses the outside of the bowl. The teeth 288
and indention detent system will hold mounting arm 202, and
apparatus 200, in position.
[0074] In operation, with apparatus 200 mounted to bowl 12 and
powered with power source 209 (thus in the on condition), sitting
on the seat 13 will be sensed by the IR receiver 259, and control
assembly 210 will turn on the fan, pulling air in the bowl 12
through filters 247 and 248 and out exit opening 228. Control
assembly 210 will continue sending out signals through emitter 258
(every 2 seconds) until the person stand up, whereupon the IR
receiver 259 will detect the absence of mass formally on seat 13,
and control assembly 210 will shift into a one minute mode, whereby
it will shut off the fan in one minute. The additional one minute
of fan operation is to keep the fan running while the toilet is
being flushed. Studies have shown that toxins, bacteria, viruses,
and/or poisons (collectively, "toxins") are released into the air
during and after use of the toilet. The Nano-silver filter operates
to remove up to 98.8% of such toxins from air passed therethrough,
thereby reducing the amount of such toxins being inhaled by persons
nearby and thus reducing the exposure to and action by such
person's autoimmune system. The button may be manually pressed at
any time to turn on the fan and it will automatically shut off one
minute later. A person may also press the button and turn off a
running fan, but upon standing up, the fan will be started again
(by virtue of the IR sensor 258 and emitter 259), and stay on for
one minute. The times may be adjustable by programming, and
alternative embodiments are contemplated wherein the additional
switches or button are provided to change the timing and permit a
full off mode to save battery life.
[0075] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrated and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown
and described and that all changes and modifications that come
within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
* * * * *