BR112021004151A2 - filtration assembly to reduce airborne foul odors and aerosolized bathroom waste - Google Patents

Abstract

FILTER SET TO REDUCE BAD ODOURS IN THE AIR AND AEROSOLIZED BATHROOM WASTE invention refers to a set to filter toilet odors which includes a first housing respectively arranged in relation spaced a and in fluid communication with the toilet. a conduit connects the interiors of the first and second accommodations in communication of fluid with each other. A fan assembly is mounted inside. of the first housing in fluid communication relationship with the second accommodation, through the conduit, and is arranged and structured for define a fluid flow path that extends from an inlet of the said second housing, through said conduit and a set of filter, arranged in the first housing and/or second housing, for the exterior of said first housing, concurrent with the activation of the fan assembly.

Description

Invention Patent Descriptive Report for "CON-

FILTERING TOGETHER TO REDUCE BAD ODORS IN THE AIR AND AEROSOLIZED BATHROOM WASTE". BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION PRIORITY CLAIM

[001] The present application claims priority from the previously filed US Patent Application which has Serial Number 16/362,063, filed March 22, 2019, which claims priority to a Continuation Application in Part of the previous application. filed, now pending which has US Order Number 15/909344, which was filed March 1, 2018, to which a claim of priority is made under 35 USC Section 119(e) for an Order Patent Application which has US Application Number 62/465,963, which was filed March 2, 2017, and which are incorporated herein by reference.

[002] An additional patent claim is made under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) for a Provisional Patent Application which is currently pending in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, namely, which has U.S. Application Number. 62/726,624, which was filed on September 4, 2018, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[003] The present invention relates to an assembly for filtering and other processing of air and aerosolized fluid emitted from the interior of a toilet.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNIQUE

[004] The odor of human waste released by people into a toilet may enter the general surrounding area and remain suspended during toilet use and for periods of after toilet use. This can be unpleasant for the ba-

present, for others located nearby, or for others who enter the area later to use the same bathroom.

[005] Air purifiers and air filters are widely used in indoor spaces such as homes and offices to minimize the amount of dust, allergens, and microorganisms that are present in the air. These systems typically include a fan to circulate air and a mechanical filter disposed in an air path to filter or purify the air flowing through it. Fans, air purifiers and/or larger air filters tend to be more effective because of the large volume of air they can remove, filter and/or purify in a given time. However, larger units of this type are usually intrusive and take up a considerable amount of space in the home or office. Also, these larger systems may require more electricity and are often noisy due to the size of the fans included in the system.

[006] Although fans, air purifiers and air filters can provide a solution to combat the presence of contaminants such as dust, allergens and microorganisms, they may not have the means to effectively remove odors from the air. Individuals are well aware of the offensive odors that can be released by flatulence, feces or urine. These odors can be disturbing and unpleasant to individuals located in the vicinity of such odors. When unpleasant odors are present in the air, individuals often use deodorizing sprays, plugging in air fresheners, or the like, to "mask" the unpleasant odor with a more pleasant scent. However, this tactic merely masks the presence of the unpleasant odor and does nothing to actually remove the odor.

[007] Furthermore, the use of air fresheners or sprays presents an unfortunate problem because the individual must first come into contact with the unpleasant odor before these devices can be used to mask the odor. Even more so, while the smell of deodorants, sprays, etc. can provide a more pleasant odor compared to odors released from flatulence, feces or urine, some individuals may not yet enjoy or even be able to tolerate such fragrances.

[008] Consequently, there is a need for an air filter and/or odor processing assembly and/or operative system to remove, filter and otherwise treat or process odors, specifically including those that emanate from flatulence, defecation and/or urination, directly from a toilet air space. Treating such odors thereby eliminates or significantly reduces their release into the surrounding air space. Such processing and/or treatment of such odors may include passing air or aerosolized fluid containing such odors through an operably structured filter assembly to absorb the odors. In addition, the proposed assembly and/or system of the aforementioned type may also include a filter assembly capable of removing aerosolized particles contained in a "toilet plume".

[009] Furthermore, the treatment or processing of fluid removed from the interior of a toilet may also include operable sterilizing capabilities to remove germs, bacteria, etc., before reaching the air or space surrounding the bathroom. Furthermore, modification of certain structural and operative characteristics can serve to improve the versatility of an improved odor suppression assembly and/or system, thereby allowing its use in both domestic and commercial environments. Finally, a proposed and improved bathroom odor processing assembly and/or system which overcomes the known disadvantages of the type presented above, should be designed to be economical, easy to maintain, and convenient enough to change installation and layout. maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is directed to a set to filter/remove odors emanating from a toilet. In addition, one or more preferred embodiments of the filter assembly are operative to filter/remove odors from the air as well as process aerosolized fluid, which results from a "toilet plume" that may develop when flushing is performed. . As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, different from a possible plurality of modalities of the filter assembly may be structurally and operatively adapted for use in either a domestic or commercial environment and/or both.

[0011] Accordingly, at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a first housing disposed in spaced relationship with the toilet and having a fan assembly disposed therein. A second housing is disposed in relation adjacent to the toilet and includes an inlet disposed in fluid communication with the interior of the toilet. The second housing includes a filter segment and a connector segment detachably connected together, wherein a filter is fixedly disposed and retained within the filter segment. Furthermore, the fixedly retained filter is disposed adjacent and/or otherwise downstream of the inlet, in receiving relationship for fluid passing into the filter segment of the second housing through the inlet.

[0012] An elongated conduit is disposed in interconnecting relationship, fluid communication between the interiors of the first and second housings. The elongated conduit is arranged and structured to direct fluid flow entering the second housing through the filter inlet retained in the filter segment, through the interior of the connecting segment and along the length of the conduit into the first housing. Consequently, a fluid flow path is established from the inlet, through the filter in the filter segment of the second housing, through the connector segment along the length of the conduit and into and through the interior of the first housing, concurrent with activation of the aforementioned fan assembly inside the first housing.

[0013] Furthermore, the fan assembly is arranged and structured, when activated, to direct the fluid flow from the interior of the first housing outwards to an exterior thereof. As a result, the air/fluid passing into the second housing, via the aforementioned inlet, will be sufficiently processed, at least in terms of removing or significantly eliminating the odor contained therein, for subsequent inlet back to the space or area that surrounds the bathroom.

[0014] Additional structural and operative features of at least one mode of filtration assembly includes the aforementioned fan assembly, being arranged in the first housing and comprising at least one or alternatively a plurality of fan units. As such, when activated, the one or more fan units are individually and/or collectively arranged to direct fluid flow along the travel path from inside the second housing, through the duct, and through and out of the interior of the first housing.

[0015] As indicated, the filter segment and the connector segment collectively and at least partially defining the second housing are detachably connected to each other so that their interiors are in direct fluid communication. The detachable connection between these preferably comprises, but is not limited to, an inner end of both the filter segment and the connector segment being cooperatively structured to perform detachable attachment to each other. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment the cooperative structural features of the inner ends of the filter segments and connectors of the second housing facilitate a telescopic connection between these as well as a "plug-in" attachment. This allows for quick and easy detachment from each other.

[0016] In association with this, another practical advantage of this filter assembly mod includes the filter segment and the filter fixedly retained therein being collectively detached from the connector segment and structured for disposal after a predetermined period of use. A new included filter and filter segment can then be connected to the existing connector segment and/or the same for continued and extended use of the rest of the filter assembly.

[0017] In order to facilitate the packaging, transport, installation and maintenance of the filter assembly, the elongated conduit can be secured removable in both the first housing and the second housing, the latter through the connector segment.

[0018] Still further features may include the inclusion of a secondary filter disposed within the first housing and further disposed upstream of the fluid entering the first housing through the duct and downstream of the fan assembly. As a result, further filtration of the fluid passing into the filter segment inlet of the second housing and from there along the conduit into the first housing will be further filtered to further facilitate odor removal. A perfume delivery frame or device may also be included, preferably, but not necessarily, within the first housing.

[0019] The above-noted modality of the filter assembly for home use, in a home environment, may include a manual on/off user interface. Such an interface may preferably be arranged at an exposed location outside the first housing. An additional control circuit may be contained in the first housing, in the form of a printed circuit board or other suitable control circuit. In addition, the control circuit may include time delay capabilities that facilitate automatic shutdown of the fan assembly upon expiration of a predetermined period of time from its manual activation. Alternatively, and/or in addition to this, the manual on/off user interface can be manipulated to extend the activation of the fan assembly or to cease its activation before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. In cooperation with this, this mode can preferably be operated by and suitably powered by a battery pack, in order to facilitate quick and easy installation, maintenance, etc.

[0020] One or more additional embodiments of the filter assembly of the present invention may be structurally and operatively similar to the embodiment described above, but may be more adapted for use in a commercial environment. As such, the one or more additional embodiments of the filter assembly include a first housing disposed in spaced relationship with the toilet and including a filter assembly contained therein. A second housing is disposed adjacent to the toilet and includes an inlet disposed in fluid communication relationship with the interior of the toilet. An elongated conduit may be disposed in interconnecting relationship, fluid communication between the interiors of the first and second housings.

[0021] Further, a fan assembly is mounted within the first housing in fluid communication with the duct and through the duct in fluid communication with the interior of the second housing and the inlet associated therewith. Therefore, the fan assembly is arranged and structured to direct fluid flow from the conduit through the interior of the first housing and out of it to an exterior of the first housing, subsequent to being processed. Consequently, an activation of the aforementioned fan assembly within the first housing defines or establishes a fluid flow path extending from said inlet of the second housing, through the duct and into the first housing, through the filter assembly, out of the first housing and back into the space, area or environment surrounding the bathroom.

[0022] Still further features of the one or more additional modes of the filter assembly, which may make it more adaptable for use in a commercial environment, comprise the filter assembly including a first filter unit and a sec- tor. second filter unit, both located upstream of the duct and downstream of the fan assembly. The first filter unit may be a carbon-based filter primarily operative to remove odors from air/gas passing therethrough. The second filter unit of the filter assembly is preferably structured to process aerosolized fluid and any particulate material contained therein and may comprise a HEPA filter. As indicated, the aerosolized fluid can result from flushing the toilet and creating a "toilet plume", possibly containing specific odor-causing waste material.

[0023] In addition to the filter assembly, which includes the first and second filter unit, a fluid sterilization assembly may be disposed within the first housing, upstream of the duct and downstream of the fan assembly. The sterilization assembly may comprise at least one or alternatively a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights disposed in the fluid flow path exiting the aforementioned filter assembly, or otherwise passing through the interior of the first housing.

[0024] A possible installation and use of this additional modality of the filter assembly of the present invention may include the inclusion of a sensor assembly such as, but not limited to, a motion sensor. The sensor array may preferably be mounted in the first housing and be positioned/oriented to detect the presence of an individual using the bathroom. The sensor assembly may be further structured to activate the fan assembly while an individual remains in a pre-terminated detection zone. An automatic shutdown of the fan assembly will result when an individual is absent from the aforementioned detection area. Power to the fan assembly can best be accomplished by a direct wired connection to a conventional AC power source typically associated with most commercial locations that include restrooms and/or semi-public restrooms.

[0025] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into account.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For a more complete understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the assembly of the present invention in an assembled form.

[0028] Figure 2A is a schematic representation of the assembly of the embodiment of Figure 1 in an operative position.

[0029] Figure 2B is a schematic representation of the set of the modality of Figure 1 in a different operative position from that represented in Figure 2A.

[0030] Figure 3 is an internal perspective view of a first housing of the assembly modality as shown in Figure

1.

[0031] Figure 4A is an external perspective view of a second housing of the assembly modality as shown in Figure 1

[0032] Figure 4B is a longitudinal sectional view in perspective of the interior of the embodiment of Figure 4A.

[0033] Figure 4C is a perspective cross-sectional view of the interior of the embodiment of Figures 4A and 4B.

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic front elevation view of an operative position of the embodiment of Figures 4A-4C.

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the assembly of the present invention operatively positioned in different bathroom structures.

[0036] Figure 7 is a front perspective view in partial section of a portion of the modality of the assembly as shown in Figure 6.

[0037] Figure 8 is an internal view in schematic form of the modality of the assembly as shown in Figure 6.

[0038] Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the interior of the schematic representation of the modality of Figure 8.

[0039] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout all the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY

[0040] The present invention is directed to a set to filter odors emitted from a toilet, including one or more modalities which are operative to filter/remove odors from the air and/or aerosolized fluid or "bathroom plume", resulting from Flushing the toilet. As hereinafter described in more detail, different from a possible plurality of modalities of the filter assembly can be structurally and operatively adapted for use in either a domestic environment or a commercial environment and/or both.

Therefore, with primary reference to Figures 1-5, at least one preferred embodiment of the filter assembly is generally indicated as 10 and comprises a first housing 12 and a second housing 14. As schematically depicted in Figures 2A -2B, the first housing 12 is disposed in spaced relationship with the toilet 100, such as being mounted to the water tank 102 operatively associated with the toilet 100. Furthermore, the second housing 14 is adapted to be detachably mounted. and/or supported on an outer peripheral edge 100' of the toilet bowl 100 in an immediately adjacent relationship, in fluid communication with the interior 103 of the toilet bowl 100. The operative position of the second housing 14 may vary, such as being mounted to a side portion of the toilet bowl 100, as depicted in Figure 2A and/or a rear portion of the toilet bowl 100, substantially adjacent to the connection area 105 of a seat. toilet device 106 (see Figure 5), as depicted in Figure 2B.

[0042] The filter assembly 10 further includes an elongated conduit preferably of flexible material 16 disposed in an interconnecting relationship, fluid communication with the interiors of both the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. As demonstrated -

The length and flexibility of the conduit 16 may also vary in order to facilitate the selective disposition and assembly of the second housing 14 in different operative locations on the outer/upper periphery 100' of the toilet bowl 100, as shown in Figs. - figures 2A-2B. In order to facilitate transport, storage, installation, maintenance, etc. of the filter assembly 10, conduit 16 is detachably connected to both the first and second housing 12 and 14 respectively.

[0043] Also, the first and second housings 12 and 14 may be removable but fixedly disposed in different operative positions on the toilet bowl 100 and water tank 102 using an adhesive, or other suitable connecting structure. Such adhesive or other connecting structure is preferably disposed on or directly associated with the lower or rear surface portions of the first and second housings 12 and 14 which couple water tank 102 and toilet periphery 100' , respectively.

[0044] With primary reference to Figure 3, structural and operative features of the first housing 12 include an at least partially hollow interior appropriately sized to contain a plurality of operative components. More specifically, the first housing 12 includes a fan assembly generally denoted 18 that comprises at least one, but alternatively a plurality of fan units 20. As shown, the one or more fan units 20 are operatively distant. posed to direct fluid from the interior of the first housing 12 and the duct 16 outwardly to an exterior of the first housing 12 in the area or space surrounding the toilet 100. As indicated, the duct 16 is detachably connected to the first housing 12 by a suitable fit 16' so that the interior of the conduit 16 is disposed in direct fluid communication with the interior of the first housing 12.

[0045] Additional structural components within the first housing 12 include a control circuit generally indicated as 24 which may be in the form of a printed circuit board or other suitable circuit, which in turn may be powered by a battery 26 or alternatively by an AC power source (not shown). Due to the structural and operative versatility of the filter assembly 10, including, but not limited to, it being battery powered as well as its ease of use, installation, maintenance, etc., as shown above, the filter assembly 10 may be suitable for use in a residential and/or domestic environment.

[0046] Also, in order to ensure adequate and effective filtration of fluid passing from the interior of the toilet bowl 100 through the filter assembly 10, the first housing 12 may also include a secondary filter 22 to be used in conjunction with a filter primer 36, both of which may be of activated carbon, associated with the second housing 14, as hereinafter explained in greater detail.

[0047] Consequently, as primarily depicted in Figures 4A-4C, the second housing 14 comprises a filter segment 30 and a connector segment 32 detachably connected to each other so that their interiors are disposed in direct fluid communication together. Furthermore, the filter segment 30 includes an air/fluid inlet 34 formed in and at least partially defining an outer end of the filter segment 30. Also, a primary filter structure 36 is fixedly disposed within the segment. filter 30 in direct fluid communication with fluid passing into the filter segment 30 through inlet 34.

[0048] The connector segment 32 includes a fitting fitting as at 16" which facilitates a removable connection to a mating end of conduit 16. As such, when the filter assembly 10 is mounted as shown in at least in Figures 1 and 2A-2B, the interior of the elongated conduit 16 is disposed in direct fluid communication with the interior of the second housing 14 including the interiors of both the removable connected filter segment 30 and the connector segment 32 and the interior of the first housing

12.

[0049] Furthermore, the detachable connection between the filter segment 30 and the connector segment 32 of the second housing 14 can be defined by a substantially telescopic and/or snap-in connection, as shown in both Figures 4A-4B. As such, the inner end of the filter segment 14 may be at least partially flexible so as to at least partially pass into the open inner end 32' of the connector segment 32. Furthermore, the inner end of the filter segment 30 includes securing ribs or similar structures 38 disposed, sized and configured to be removable received within correspondingly disposed openings or recesses 38' formed adjacent the inner end 32' of the connector segment 32. Flexibility of at least the inner end portion of the filter segment 14 will result in the one or more clamping ribs 38 being "snapped" into the one or more correspondingly disposed recesses 38'.

The detachable connection of the filter segment 30 of the connector segment 32 facilitates the connector segment 14 and the filter 36 contained therein being precisely described as a "one-time use" replaceable filter media. More specifically, after a predetermined period of use, filter 36 may require replacement in order to operate efficiently. Replacement of filter 36 is accomplished by removing second housing 14 from its operative position (see Figures 2A-2B) and subsequent detachment of filter segment 30 from connector segment 32. Once detached, filter segment 30 and the filter 36 fixedly retained therein are collectively structured for disposal. Thereafter, a new or replacement filter segment 30 and the fixedly retained filter 36 can be re-attached to the connector segment 32 for continued use of the filter assembly 10, once the second housing 14 is disposed in the desired operative position.

[0051] Consequently, once fully assembled and disposed in the intended operative position as depicted in Figure 2A or Figure 2B, a fluid flow path is defined and/or established from the inlet 34 of the filter segment 30 of the second loop. - jetting 14 through the filter 36, from the interior of the connector segment 32, along the length of the interior of the conduit 16, into and through the first housing 12, through the secondary filter 28 and out of the first housing 12, through the fan assembly 18, comprising one or more fan units 20.

[0052] Additive features of the filter assembly 10 may comprise the inclusion of additional fragrances or aromatic materials 40 disposed in one or both of the required first and second 12 and 14 as clearly depicted in at least Figures 4B and 4C.

[0053] In order to ensure a proper operative placement of the second housing 14 in a direct fluid communication relationship with the interior 103 of the toilet bowl 100, an outer end 14' of the filter segment 14 is appropriately sized and configured to mount within a clearance 109 under an enclosed seat 106 associated with the toilet bowl 100, as schematically depicted in Figure 5. For purposes of clarity, the filter assembly 10, specifically including the second housing 14, is not precisely oriented so as to appropriately represent the spacing 109 between the toilet seat 106 and the upper or outer periphery 100'.

[0054] As commonly structured and used, the toilet seat 106 is spaced above the periphery 100' due to the provision of one or more stops 107, typically attached to the bottom surface of the toilet seat 106. In cooperation with this and with reference to Figure 4 The outer end 14' of the filter segment 14 in the area contiguous and/or adjacent to the inlet 34 has a "height" 14", preferably in the range of approximately 13 mm. As such the height The reduced portion of the outer end 14' of the filter segment 14 is sufficiently sized and configured to mount within the space 109 between the toilet seat 106 and the outer periphery 100', in direct fluid communication with the interior 103 of the vessel. sanitary 100, as schematically represented by the directional arrow 111.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6-9, one or more additional embodiments of the present invention may include a filter assembly 10', structurally and operatively similar to the above-described embodiment of filter assembly 10, but may be further adapted to use in a commercial environment, as depicted in Figure 6. As such, the at least one additional embodiment of the present invention includes filter assembly 10' having a first housing 50 disposed relative to toilet bowl 100 and also in spaced relation to a second housing 52. When in a commercial environment, the first housing 50 may be mounted on an exposed surface of a wall 110 adjacent to the toilet bowl 100. Also, due to its arrangement Operating in a commercial environment the 10' filter assembly can be powered by a power source.

conventional AC connection via a wire connection 112. As also shown in Figure 6, the filter assembly 10' includes an elongated conduit 54 disposed in interconnecting, fluid communication relationship between the interiors of the first housing 50 and the second housing 52. As such, elongated conduit 54 may be operatively similar to conduit 16 of filter assembly 10 described above.

[0056] With primary reference to Figure 7, the second housing 52 includes an inlet 56 operatively disposed immediately adjacent an interior 103 of the toilet bowl 100 such that the inlet 56 is in fluid receiving, communicating relationship. of fluid with the interior 103 of the toilet bowl 100. In order to provide stability, the second housing 52 may be connected to or otherwise supported by a water pipe and/or plumbing equipment 114 associated with the toilet 100 is operative to facilitate flushing.

[0057] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first housing 50 includes a filter assembly generally indicated as 58, contained therein. Furthermore, a fan assembly generally denoted 60 is mounted within the first housing 50 in fluid communication with the duct 54 and through the duct 50, in fluid communication with the interior of the second housing 52 and the inlet. 56 associated with this. Therefore, fan assembly 58, when activated, is arranged and structured to direct fluid flow 120 exiting conduit 54, through the interior of the first housing 50 and outwardly therefrom to an exterior of the first housing 50, as schematically represented by directional arrows 120' subsequent to being filtered by filter assembly 58. Consequently, an activation of fan assembly 60 within first housing 50 defines or establishes a fluid flow path

120 extending from said inlet 56 of second housing 52, through conduit 54 and into first housing 50, through filter assembly 58, out of first housing 50 and back into space, area or environment surrounding the toilet

100.

[0058] Still further features of the one or more additional modes of filter assembly 10', which may make it more adaptable for use in a commercial environment, comprise a filter assembly 58 that includes a first unit filter unit 64 and a second filter unit 66, both located in fluid flow path 120, upstream of duct 54 and downstream of fan assembly 60. First filter unit 64 may be a carbon-based filter and/or activated carbon, primarily operative to remove odors from the air/gas passing through it. The second filter unit 66 of filter assembly 58 is preferably structured to process aerosolized fluid and any particulate material contained therein. As such, the second filter unit 66 can comprise a HEPA filter. As indicated, the aerosolized fluid may result from flushing the toilet and creating a "toilet plume", possibly containing odor causing particulate waste material.

[0059] It is also noted and recognized that the inlet 56 of the second housing 52 is disposed immediately adjacent to and preferably externally to the interior 103 of the toilet bowl 100. Consequently, the fan assembly 60 is adequately powered. and otherwise structured to expose the interior 103 of the toilet bowl 100 to fluid flow strong enough to "aspirate" and/or collect aerosolized fluid along the fluid flow path 120 of the interior 103 of the toilet 100, through inlet 56 and through conduit 54, into the first housing 50,

through the filter assembly 58 and out of the exterior of the first housing 50.

[0060] In addition to the filter assembly 58 including the first and second filter units 64 and 66, respectively, a fluid sterilization assembly 70 may be disposed along the fluid flow path 120, within the first housing 50, an upstream of duct 54 and downstream of fan assembly 60. Sterilization assembly 70 may comprise at least one or, alternatively, a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights 72 disposed in the path of aforementioned fluid flow 120 exiting the filter assembly 58, or otherwise passing through the interior of the first housing 50.

[0061] A possible installation and use of this additional modality of the filter assembly 10' of the present invention may include a sensor assembly 74, such as, but not limited to, a motion sensor. The sensor assembly 74 may preferably be mounted over at an at least partially exposed location of the first housing 50 that faces a front portion of the toilet bowl 100 and be so positioned/oriented to detect the presence of an individual using the toilet. toilet 100. Sensor assembly 74 may be further structured to activate fan assembly 60 while an individual remains in a predetermined detection zone associated with the use of toilet 100. An automatic shut-off in fan assembly 60 will result when an individual is absent from the aforementioned detection zone. Powering the fan assembly 60 can best be accomplished by connecting a direct wire 112 to the conventional AC power source, typically associated with most commercial locations, which include bathrooms and/or semi-public toilets. The interconnection of fan assembly 60, sensor assembly 74, one or more light units 72, and other electrical structures.

Powered from filter assembly 10' can be performed by a suitable control circuit, such as, but not limited to, printed circuit 24, as described above with reference to filter assembly 10.

[0062] As a possible additive feature, a fragrance or perfume delivery device or structure 40' may be included within the first housing 50 similar to the fragrance or perfume delivery structure 40 of the embodiment of Figures 4B and 4C.

[0063] As many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made in the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (27)

1. Assembly for filtering toilet odors, characterized in that it comprises: a first housing arranged in spaced relationship with the toilet, a fan assembly disposed within said first housing in communication relation with an exterior thereof a second housing including an inlet, said inlet disposed in fluid communication with an interior of the toilet bowl, said second housing including a filter segment and a connector segment detachably connected to each other; said filter segment disposed in retaining relationship with a filter, an elongated conduit disposed in interconnecting relationship, fluid communication between the interiors of said first and second housings, a fluid flow path from said inlet, through said filter , along the length of said conduit, into and through said first housing to the outside thereof, concurrent with activation of said fan assembly, and said filter segment and said filter structured for disposal upon detachment of said connector segment. 2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said fan assembly includes at least one fan unit arranged to direct fluid flow along said displacement path. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said fan assembly includes a plurality of fan units collectively arranged to direct fluid flow along said displacement path. 4. Assembly, according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a secondary filter disposed within said first housing downstream of said fan assembly and upstream of said conduit; said fluid flow path including said secondary filter. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said connector segment is disposed in interconnecting, fluid communication relationship between said filter segment, including said filter, and said conduit. 6. Assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that said conduit is detachably connected to said second housing through said connector segment. 7. Assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that said conduit is removable connected to said first housing. 8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said filter segment includes a cooperatively structured inner end with a correspondingly disposed portion of said connector segment to define a removable, telescopic coupling. like this. 9. Assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that said removable, telescopic coupling further comprises a substantially snap-in connection; said plug-in connection at least partially defined by at least one clamping rib mounted in said filter segment and arranged and sized to be removable received within a recess formed in said connector segment. 10. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that said filter segment comprises an outer end contiguous to said input; said outer end sized and configured for operative disposition in a removable relation, supported on an edge of the toilet, under a closed seat of the same. 11. Assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that a portion of said outer end contiguous to said inlet includes a height not greater than approximately 13 mm. 12. Assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that said first housing is disposed on an exterior of a water tank operatively associated with the toilet in interconnected relationship with said second housing, through of said conduit. 13. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said filter is fixedly mounted in closed relationship within said filter segment, downstream of said inlet. 14. Assembly for filtering toilet odors, characterized in that it comprises: a first housing arranged in spaced relation to the toilet and including a filter assembly, a second housing disposed adjacent to the toilet and including an inlet disposed in fluid communication relationship with an interior of the toilet, a conduit disposed in interconnecting relationship, fluid communication between the interiors of said first and second housings, a fan assembly mounted within said first housing in fluid communicating relationship with said conduit, said fan assembly arranged to direct fluid flow from said conduit through said interior of said first housing and outwardly thereof to an exterior of said first housing, and a fluid flow path extending from said inlet, through said conduit and said filter assembly to the exterior of said first housing, concurrent with activation of said fan assembly. 15. Assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that said filter assembly includes a first filter unit structured to process odor from the fluid passing through it. 16. Assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that said first filter unit comprises a carbon-based filter. 17. Assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that said filter assembly further comprises a second filter unit structured to process particulates in the aerosolized fluid passing through it. 18. Assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that said second filter unit comprises a HEPA filter. 19. Assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises a fluid sterilization assembly disposed within said first housing, upstream of said conduit and downstream of said fan assembly. 20. Set according to claim 19, characterized in that said fluid sterilization set comprises at least one UV light unit. 21. An assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that said first filter unit, said second filter unit and said fluid sterilization assembly are disposed within said fluid flow path. fluid. 22. Assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises a fluid sterilization assembly, which includes at least one UV light unit, disposed within said first housing upstream of said conduit and downstream of said fan assembly. 23. Set according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises a sensor assembly mounted in said first housing and structured and arranged to determine the use of the toilet by an individual. 24. Set according to claim 23, characterized in that said sensor set comprises a motion sensor. 25. Assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that said first housing is structurally adapted for wall mounting in an operative position, spaced in relation to the toilet. 26. An assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that said spaced, operative position comprises said first housing and said sensor assembly facing outward from a support wall to said first housing, in an exposed relationship to a substantially front portion of the toilet. 27. Assembly, according to claim 25, characterized in that said operative position, spaced apart, further comprises said first housing connected to said second housing through said conduit, concurrent with said input disposed in a rear portion of the toilet adjacent to a toilet seat connection on the toilet.