U.S. patent application number 13/471027 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-27 for air ventilation device.
The applicant listed for this patent is John E. Conley. Invention is credited to John E. Conley.
Application Number | 20130160197 13/471027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48653139 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130160197 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conley; John E. |
June 27, 2013 |
AIR VENTILATION DEVICE
Abstract
An air ventilation apparatus for controlling foul odors around a
toilet, the apparatus including a plurality of ducts disposed about
the toilet for receiving air and a motorized means coupled to the
ducts for directing foul air and airborne feces through said ducts.
One duct carries water and solids into a sewage drain while air
flow rises naturally and/or is pulled into an elongated vent by a
motorized device (e.g., fan). The elongated vent runs substantially
parallel to the duct and includes an opening in communication with
the duct. A spring-based flapper valve prevents gases, water and/or
solids from backing up into the toilet from duct.
Inventors: |
Conley; John E.; (Stow,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Conley; John E. |
Stow |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48653139 |
Appl. No.: |
13/471027 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12123291 |
May 19, 2008 |
|
|
|
13471027 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/347 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/065 20130101;
E03D 7/00 20130101; F24F 2007/001 20130101; E03D 9/052 20130101;
F24F 2221/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/347 |
International
Class: |
E03D 9/04 20060101
E03D009/04 |
Claims
1. A toilet comprising: a first duct for directing water and solids
to a sewer line; an elongated vent in communication with said first
duct, said elongated vent positioned for directing air into a
second duct; said second duct containing a motorized device for
exhausting air from said toilet.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said motorized device is
selected from the group consisting of: a fan, blower or suction
device.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more filters
integrated within said second duct or elongated vent.
4. A toilet comprising: a first duct for directing water and solids
to a sewer line; an elongated vent running substantially parallel
to said first duct, said elongated vent having an opening in
communication with said first duct, said elongated vent extending
into a second duct for directing air to a second duct; and said
second duct containing a motorized device for exhausting air from
said toilet.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said motorized device is
selected from the group consisting of: a fan, blower or suction
device.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising one or more filters
integrated within said second duct or elongated vent.
7. A toilet comprising: a first duct for directing water and solids
to a sewer line; an elongated vent running substantially parallel
to said first duct, said elongated vent having an opening in
communication with said first duct, said elongated vent extending
into a second duct for directing air to a second duct; said second
duct containing a motorized device for exhausting air from said
toilet; and a spring-biased flapper valve positioned within said
first duct and configured to prevent water and solids to back up
into said first duct.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said motorized device is
selected from the group consisting of: a fan, blower or suction
device.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising one or more filters
integrated within said second duct or elongated vent.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/123,291 filed May 19, 2008 which is
incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The embodiments of the present invention relate to air
circulation systems, more specifically, to an air ventilation
device for controlling odors and airborne feces near a toilet.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various systems and devices have been proposed to treat foul
odors associated with a conventional toilet. Although generally
effective in operation, such systems and devices have relatively
complex structures or cannot be easily and properly attached to the
toilet. Moreover, such systems and devices may not effectively
address the foul air surrounding the toilet when the toilet is in
use. Other systems are also ineffective handling airborne feces
which can accumulate in and around toilets including accompanying
rooms.
[0004] As such, there exists a need for an air ventilation device
for use with a toilet to effectively control odors and airborne
feces near a toilet.
SUMMARY
[0005] Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention is
an air ventilation apparatus comprising: one or more ducts disposed
about a toilet, said ducts configured to receive one or more gases
and airborne feces; and a motorized means, said motorized means
operable to direct said one or more gases and airborne feces
through said one or more ducts. In one embodiment, the one or more
ducts are integrated within said toilet's under rim and pan
regions. The motorized means may include a fan, blower or suction
devices, wherein the one or more gases include, but are not limited
to air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and ammonia.
[0006] A second embodiment of the present invention discloses an
air ventilation system comprising: a toilet having under rim and
pan regions; one or more ducts integrated within said under rim and
pan regions, said ducts configured to receive one or more gases and
airborne feces; and a motor operable to direct one or more gases
and airborne feces near said toilet through said one or more
ducts.
[0007] The motorized means may include a fan, blower or suction
devices, wherein the one or more gases include, but are not limited
to, air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and ammonia.
[0008] Another embodiment may further include a pressurized means
coupled to said motorized means, said pressurized means operable to
actuate said motorized means. The pressurized means can include an
on/off switch or a pressurized switch disposed about a toilet seat
of said toilet. Depending on the embodiment, one or more filters
may be disposed about said one or more ducts, said filters
adaptable to control the odor and capture airborne feces around
said toilet.
[0009] Other variations, embodiments and features of the present
invention will become evident from the following detailed
description, drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an upper view of a toilet rim having a
plurality of apertures and openings;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a toilet incorporating an
air ventilation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the toilet of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates another side view of the toilet of FIG.
2;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of an urinal incorporating
an air ventilation apparatus according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0015] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate front and rear views of a portable
toilet incorporating an air ventilation apparatus according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate two different types of vent tubes for
the portable toilet of FIGS. 6A-6B;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section view of the vent tubes of
FIGS. 7A-7B;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section view of a filter for the
vent tubes of FIGS. 7A-7B;
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a toilet with
a fan and air vents according to the embodiments of the present
invention; and
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates another cross-sectional view of a toilet
with a fan and air vents according to the embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The
presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all
respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a toilet bowl 10 including
an under rim region 12 having a plurality of apertures 14 and
openings 16 disposed thereabout. The apertures 14 and openings 16
can be uniformly or randomly situated about the under rim region 12
as desired. In one instance, the apertures 14 are capable of
serving as drain holes or water outlets 14, which allow water to be
released into a body 18 of the toilet bowl 10 during
flushing/rinsing. Additionally, the apertures 14 can also prevent
the unit 10 from overflowing. The openings 16 are capable of
serving as input holes or air inlets 16 that are capable of
receiving air, and other gases, and airborne feces around the
toilet bowl 10 as represented by the arrows. The types of gas
include oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and ammonia. The purposes
of the apertures 14 and openings will become more apparent in
subsequent figures and discussion. It will be appreciated that the
apertures 14 and openings 16 can be formed by drilling, boring or
milling techniques as known by one skilled in the art. In the
alternative, the apertures 14 and openings 16 may be formed by
molding said apertures 14 and openings 16 into the toilet bowl 10
during the manufacturing process.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a toilet 40 incorporating
an air ventilation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the
present invention. The toilet 40 includes a toilet bowl 10 similar
to that shown in FIG. 1, the toilet bowl 10 having a central body
18 that can be coupled to a toilet pan 20 for passing waste and
other materials collected by said central body 18. The waste
byproduct can accordingly be expelled from the toilet pan 20 via a
central duct 22 out to a drain pipe 24 as commonly understood. Like
above, the toilet bowl 10 includes a plurality of water outlets 14
and air inlets 16 for dispensing water and receiving air and other
gases and airborne feces, respectively, as described above.
Although the plurality of apertures 14 and openings 16 are
integrated within the under rim region 12 of the toilet bowl 10, it
will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the apertures 14
and openings 16 can be fabricated as extensions and externally
coupled to the toilet bowl 10. In other words, external pipes and
ducts (not shown) having corresponding apertures 14 and openings 16
may be coupled to the sides of the toilet bowl 10 for serving the
same functions as those described above.
[0024] In this embodiment, one or more channels 26 can be
fabricated within the toilet pan 20 by drilling, boring or other
techniques similar to those described above. The plurality of
channels 26 correspond to the plurality of air inlets 16 such that
a left channel 26a leads to a left air inlet 16a, a right channel
26b leads to a right air inlet 16b, and front/back channels 26c,
26d lead to front/back air inlets 16c, 16d, respectively. The
channels 26 and inlets 16 can be configured with more or fewer
channels 26 and inlets 16 as desired. In other instances, the
channels 26 and inlets 16 may be integrated or coupled as separate
standalone components. In one example, the channels 26 converge on
a central duct 22 such that any material that enters the inlets 16,
e.g., air or other gases and airborne feces, can be expelled out of
the central duct 22. The channels 26 may wrap around or be offset
from the central duct 22 as necessary. It will be understood by one
skilled in the art that the channels 26 can be configured or
oriented as necessary within the toilet pan 20.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the toilet 40 of FIG. 2.
As shown from this angle, the flow of air or other gases and
airborne feces through the openings 16 and channels 26 can be
facilitated by a motorized means 28 encased within a housing 30
fabricated of ceramic, metal or plastic. Although the motorized
means 28 can be situated within a pathway of the central duct 22 as
illustrated, it is understood that the motorized means 28 and
associated housing 30 can be disposed about other areas of the
toilet pan 20 as feasible. The type of motorized means 28 can
include fans, blowers and air suction devices capable of being
powered by an external source. The fan, blower or suction device 28
can also be powered by batteries. Other mechanical devices 28
capable of air suction or air discharge can also be incorporated.
The housing 30 helps to ensure that the motorized means 28 does not
come in contact with water or other waste byproduct as such
material travels down the central duct 22. Additionally, a
hingeable door 32 can be positioned adjacent to the housing 30 to
allow access to the motorized means 28 and to also ensure that
water and other waste byproduct do not make contact with the
motorized means 28 should such material back up within the central
duct 22.
[0026] In another embodiment, the housing 30 may not be necessary
and a recess or cavity may be molded within the toilet pan 20 for
housing said motorized means 28. In another example, an access
panel (not shown) can be situated on the side of the toilet pan 20
as to provide access to the motorized unit 28 for repair,
replacement or other diagnostic work when needed.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates another side view of the toilet 40 of
FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the motorized means 28 is coupled to a
pressurized means 44, the pressurized means 44 being integrated
about a toilet seat 42 of the toilet 40. In one example, the
pressurized means 44 is coupled to the rim of the toilet seat 42.
In another example, the pressurized means 44 is a pressurized
switch (e.g., pressurized springing means) disposed about the
bottom of the toilet seat 42 such that when a person sits on the
toilet seat 42, the weight of the user on the toilet seat 42
actuates the pressurized means 44 thereby activating the air
suction device 28. When the user raises off of the toilet seat and
the corresponding weight is removed from the toilet seat 42, the
pressurized means 44 is accordingly released thereby deactivating
the air suction device 28. In the alternative, the pressurized
means 44 can be an on/off switch (not shown) for manually turning
on and off the motorized means 28, the on/off switch 44 being
situated on the toilet 40 or a wall of the restroom. In other
embodiments, motion sensors (not shown) can be incorporated about
the restroom or surrounding areas of the toilet 40 for activating
the motorized means 28.
[0028] In operation, the air ventilation apparatus of the present
invention provides a down draft that pulls air from around the
toilet bowl 10 into the channels 26. The air, including air having
bad odor associated with waste, and airborne feces, enter the one
or more openings 16 disposed about an under rim region 12 of the
toilet bowl 10, into the channels 26, out the central duct 22 and
subsequently the external sewer line 24. The ventilation process
can be further facilitated by the air suction device 28, which
provides additional suction power and can be automatically or
manually triggered as described above. The air ventilation
apparatus is able to keep the bathroom area smelling clean without
the use of chemicals, which are considered by many to be harmful to
persons and pets with respiratory problems, as well as to the
environment. It also protects persons against the accumulation of
unhealthy airborne feces. Although described as a down draft
system, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the
air ventilation apparatus can also be an up draft system such that
an air blower can be incorporated as a motorized means 28 for
dissipating any foul odor and airborne feces that may linger around
the toilet bowl 10, the air being blown and discharged from the one
or more openings 16 disposed about the under rim region 12 in a
reverse manner as described above.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a urinal 50 incorporating
another embodiment of the air ventilation apparatus according to
the present invention. The urinal 50 includes a body 52 for
depositing urine, water and other byproducts. A plurality of air
inlet apertures 54 are disposed about the border of the body 52 for
the passage of air and other gases similar to those described
above. Although airborne feces is not necessarily generated at the
urinal, the system and filter may still be employed to capture any
airborne feces which may escape the toilet area. The apertures 54
can be interconnected via a plurality of internal passageways 56
that are formed within the body 52 using molding techniques as can
be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The inner passageways 56
can also be formed via drilling, milling or boring methods. Air and
other gases and airborne feces are drawn toward the bottom of the
urinal 50 via a motorized means 58 in a similar fashion as that
described above. In other instances, the motorized means 58 can be
situated elsewhere about the urinal 50 as desired or feasible to
control the odor about the urinal 50. The captured air is then
directed through the sewer line associated with the urinal 50.
[0030] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate perspective and side internal
views of the system according to the embodiments of the present
invention. Fan housing cover 90 provides access to the fan 88 for
maintenance if required. Wire 99 provides power to the fan 88. As
shown, a fan 88 is installed in the exhaust duct 89 positioned and
configured to force the air received from openings 16 into the
exhaust duct 89 which carries the air from the area in which the
toilet is installed. Duct 91 carries water and solids into a sewage
drain 92 while air flow, represented by arrows A, rises naturally
and/or is pulled into elongated vent 95 by the fan 88 (or blower or
suction device). The elongated vent 95 runs substantially parallel
to the duct 91 and includes an opening in communication with the
duct 91. The vent 95 may incorporate one or more filters to capture
particulates. An electronic eye switch 93 as known in the art is
shown installed on a wall proximate the toilet and acts to
automatically flush the toilet. Thus, the fan 88 is the only moving
part in one embodiment. IN another embodiment, a spring-based
flapper valve 97 (movable in direction B) prevents gases, water
and/or solids from backing up into the toilet from duct 91.
Advantageously, the toilet may be molded as a single unit with the
ducts 89 and 91 and vent 95 in place.
[0031] In one embodiment, the system uses a 12V fan with a supply
line that runs under the floor up through the wall to a GFI outlet,
where a 110V converter supplies 12V power to the 12V fan. In one
embodiment, the GFI outlet and converter be placed under a sink or
counter top proximate the toilet. In this embodiment, repair or
replacement of the GFI outlet and converter is simplified.
[0032] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate front and rear views of a portable
toilet 60 (also known as a port-apotty) incorporating another
embodiment of the air ventilation apparatus according to the
present invention. The portable toilet 60 may be found at sporting
events, music concerts, auto races, political rallies, construction
sites and other events/venues. The port-apotty 60 includes a
housing 62 that can be accessed via a door 64, the housing 62 being
configured to house a toilet (not shown) similar to that described
above. Because of its portability, the toilet within the
port-apotty 60 usually does not have a sophisticated plumbing
system. As such, to facilitate circulation of the foul air or odor
and airborne feces surrounding the port-apotty 60, a motorized
means 82 (best shown in FIG. 8) can be situated within a vent tube
70 of the port-apotty 60. In other examples, the motorized means 82
can also be disposed about the roof of the housing 62 or the door
64. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the
motorized means 82 can be situated elsewhere about the port-apotty
60 as feasible and convenient. In this embodiment, the motorized
means 82 can be powered by a battery situated within a compartment
66 near the base of the port-apotty 60. Solar power may also be
utilized to drive the motorized means 82 as port-apotties are
situated outside.
[0033] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate two different types of vent tubes 70
for the port-apotty 60 of FIGS. 6A-6B. In general, the vent tube 70
includes a pipe 72 that extends away from the housing 62 of the
portable toilet 60, the apex of the pipe 72 terminating with a
weather guard cap having two openings 76 for allowing air or other
gases and airborne feces to be exchanged between the atmosphere
within the housing 62 and outside ambient atmosphere. In one
embodiment, the motorized means 82 (best shown in FIG. 8) is housed
within the pipe 72 and accessed via a door panel 74. In another
example, the pipe 72 includes a filter 78 to facilitate filtration
of the foul air or odor and airborne feces.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vent tubes
70 of FIGS. 7A-7B. As discussed above, the motorized means 82 can
be situated within a pipe 72 of the vent tube 70 to facilitate
circulation of air or foul odor within the housing 62. When
activated, the motorized means 82 is able to draw air or other odor
and airborne feces within the housing 62 upward and out to ambient
atmosphere as shown by the arrows (best illustrated in FIGS.
7A-7B). In this example, the motorized means 82 may be sandwiched
by a pair of filters 78. The types of filters 78 that can be used
include charcoal fiber filters or crystal filters with impregnated
fragrances. The filter 78 may incorporate paper-like fibers with
webbing for greater air flow. It will be understood by one skilled
in the art that other suitable types of filters 78 may be
incorporated. By venting through these filters 78, the surrounding
area within the housing 62 of the port-apotty 60 will smell fresher
and be more sanitary without the airborne feces. Although two
filter stacks 78 are shown, there can be more or fewer filters 78
as desired.
[0035] In operation, when the motorized means 82 is activated, a
suction force is provided within the vent tube 70 such that any
foul air or odor and airborne feces are drawn upward from the
housing 62 and into the pipe 72 of the vent tube 70 as best shown
by the arrows in FIGS. 7A-7B. The air or foul odor and airborne
feces continue to be drawn upward by the motorized means 82 until
it exits the housing 62 and dissipates into the external
environment via the external openings 76 of the weather guard cap,
once again best shown by the arrows in FIGS. 7A-7B. The filter 78,
generally situated within the pipe 72 adjacent the motorized means
82, can facilitate the circulation process by providing fragrance
and improving the smell within the housing 62 as desired. The
motorized means 82 can be manually activated by a switching means
located within the housing 62 or automatically by a motion sensor
(not shown). In another embodiment, a pressurized means (not shown)
may be disposed about the door 64 of the port-apotty 60 such that
the motorized means 82 is automatically triggered when the door 64
opens and closes and remains activated for the duration of a user's
presence within the port-apotty 60. The motorized means 82 can
subsequently be automatically deactivated when the door 64 of the
port-apotty 60 opens and closes once again when the user exits the
port-apotty 60.
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a filter 78
having a plurality of openings 92 for allowing air or other gases
and airborne feces to freely flow through the filter 78. It will be
appreciated by one skilled in the art that the function of a filter
78 is commonly understood and will not be discussed in further
detail.
[0037] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to several embodiments, additional variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *