US20020073482A1

US20020073482A1 - Toilet system with a ventilation apparatus and an automatic flushing mechanism

Info

Publication number: US20020073482A1
Application number: US09/742,771
Authority: US
Inventors: Amin Hashemi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-12-20
Filing date: 2000-12-20
Publication date: 2002-06-20

Abstract

A toilet system comprises a ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet bowl. The ventilation apparatus includes a ventilation pipe directly or indirectly connected to a hose, which is attached to a suction device. The ventilation apparatus may include a draining device for draining overflow water into the toilet bowl. The toilet system may further comprises an automatic flushing mechanism, which includes a sensing device capable of detecting the presence of a user, a motion device being activatable by the sensing device, and a lever connected to a flapper for opening and closing a flush valve.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a toilet system, and particularly, to a ventilation system for removing odorous air from the toilet bowl. Additionally, the present invention further relates to a toilet system comprising an automatic flushing mechanism that can be retrofitted on a traditional flush toilet.

Various types of toilet assemblies living an odor mitigation system are known in the art. An efficient way for odor removal from a water closet is by drawing odorous air from the toilet bowl through the flush rim. Ventilation systems utilizing this air passage have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,703,010, 4,165,544, 4,583,250, 4,989,276, 5,321,856, and 5,617,590.

The system described in '010 patent includes a suction means in air communication with the airspace between the water within the water tank and the lid of the tank. The suction device is capable of withdrawing the odorous air that moves from the toilet rim through an overflow pipe into the airspace, and subsequently disposing it away from the water closet through an exhaust pipe. Withdrawing the air from the airspace in a tightly closed water tank may create suction pressure especially when the toilet is flushed. Thus, the '010 system requires a regulating valve to reduce suction in the water tank.

Similarly, the flush toilet exhaust systems disclosed in the '856 and '590 patents are also designed to withdraw the odorous air from the airspace above the water level inside the water tank. These systems include a sealing means ('856 patent) or a flexible strip of the '590 patent that can be installed at the upper edge of the water tank. The sealing means of the '856 patent is a hollow strip being in air communication with a hose connector and a blower. The sealing means defines holes facing the interior of the water tank for receiving the odorous air from the airspace. After the odorous air enters the sealing means, it is pulled into the hose connector for remote exhaust. The flexible strip of the '590 patent seals the lid of the tank to create an airtight space from which the odorous air is withdrawn. Both systems require a vent device to reduce the problem of undesirable suction when the toilet is flushed.

Unlike the patents described earlier, the '544 patent describes a system that is designed to withdraw the odorous air from the upper end of the overflow pipe. This system includes a hollow, open bottom, vertical sleeve that is positioned over the upper end of the overflow pipe. The lower end of the sleeve terminates below the water level in the water tank so that a water seal is achieved to provide closed communication between the overflow passageway and the sleeve. The system also includes a means for creating low air pressure connected to the sleeve so that odorous air is drawn from the sleeve for remote exhaust. The inefficiency in withdrawing the odorous air from the sleeve into the exhaust pipe can be a drawback with this system, because only low air pressure can be applied so that the water within the sleeve is not also withdrawn.

The '250 patent discloses a self-contained system for removal of foul air from above the overflow pipe. This system comprises a powered exhaust fan attached directly above the overflow pipe, twin charcoal filters for filtering the air, and a modified overflow pipe that retains the function of the conventional overflow pipe and also allows for the recycling of previously filtered air. A drawback in this system rests on the efficiency of the system, which in turn, is limited by the volume of odorous air that can be filtered through the system. In addition, like other charcoal filter, the filter of this invention will require replacement periodically.

Yet another system disclosed in the '276 patent shows a toilet system that includes vent channels formed along the base and the back inside of the water tank. The system also includes a vent adapter mounted inside of the passage that directs the flow of ventilating air along the vent channels to an exhaust fan to the outside atmosphere. One drawback of this system is the requirement of a special designed toilet bowl and water tank.

Similar to the ventilated toilet systems, several patents have disclosed different types of toilet system that include automatic flushing mechanisms. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,831,670, and 5,369,816 disclose toilet systems having a weight activated flushing mechanism. This type of mechanism includes an electric motor that is activated by the weight of the user sitting on and then leaving the seat. When the motor is activated, the tripping mechanism trips the flush valve open to allow the water to flush. A major drawback for the weight activating flushing mechanism is that it does not operate when the user does not sit down on the seat. Therefore, when people who normally do not sit down on the seat for a urinal purpose use the toilet, the toilet will need to be flushed manually.

A different flushing mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,384. This mechanism comprises a motion-sensing device positioned in the water tank and aligned with a window in the toilet cover when the cover is in a raised position. The motion-sensing device is operatively connected to a motor that drives an L-shaped lever that is connected to a flapper valve. The flushing system operates when the motion-sensing device is activated when the user uses the toilet and then moves away from the toilet. The motion sensing device charges electric current to the motor which drives the lever upward such that the flapper is lifted to open the valve for the water to flush.

A similar flushing system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,091. This system comprises three functional blocks: an input sensor or switch, a logic control circuit and an Electro-mechanically operated liquid dispenser or flusher. The whole assembly, which is attached to the inner side of the water tank, is hermetically sealed in order to protect the actuator against moisture and possible corrosion. The movable end of the plunger is with a chain or wire connected to the flush handle and drain valve. In the flushing system of '384 and '091 patents, most of the components have to be fitted inside the water tank. Possible concerns of these systems are in the limitation of fitting all the parts into an existing toilet system and the need to modify the water tank and the toilet lid for positioning the motion-sensing device.

A need has remained for a toilet system that efficiently ventilates the odorous air out of the toilet room to be conveyed to a remote location without creating a negative pressure within the water tank.

A need has also remained for a toilet system that has an automatic flushing mechanism that can be fitted or connected to an existing flush toilet.

Another need has also remained for a toilet system that has both an efficient ventilation system and an automatic flushing mechanism that can easily be fitted into an existing flush toilet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to address the unresolved detriments of prior toilet systems, the present invention contemplates a toilet system having a ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet bowl without creating a negative pressure in the water tank. The toilet system includes a toilet bowl with a rim defining a plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, a discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank, the conduit and the rim. A flush valve is disposed above the conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank to the discharge conduit and the passageway.

In one embodiment, the ventilation apparatus comprises a ventilation pipe, a hose, a suction device, and a draining device. In this embodiment, the ventilation pipe has a lower end open into the conduit, and an upper end connected to a first end of the hose. A second end of the hose is connected to the suction device. The suction device provides sufficient suction force to pull air from the bowl, through the passageway, into the ventilation pipe, and subsequently into the hose to be discharged at a remote location.

In this embodiment, the draining device includes a first tube and a second tube, one connected to each side of the ventilation pipe. Each tube has an inlet end disposed under the water level in the tank, and an outlet end connected to a tubular connector for connecting the tubes to the ventilation pipe. The tubular connector in one aspect has four connecting ends. First and second connecting ends are each attached to the outlet end of one of the two tubes. A third connecting end is attached to the upper end of the ventilation pipe and a fourth connecting end is attached to the first end of the hose. The connecting outlet ends and the tubular connector are positioned above the water level in the tank. The tubes are in communication with the tubular connector, the ventilation pipe and the discharge conduit.

In a stationary mode, each tube of the draining device maintains the same water level as that outside the tube. In a draining mode, when excess water rises above the level of the tubular connector, there is an increased water pressure that pushes the excess water into the tube through the inlet end such that the water moves out at the outlet end, passing the tubular connector into the ventilation pipe and drains into the discharge conduit.

In another embodiment, the ventilation apparatus comprises a draining device having an upside-down U-shaped hollow tube.

The tube has a first leg defining an inlet end disposed under the water in the tank for receiving the overflow water, and a second leg defining an outlet end being open directly to the conduit. The tube has a bend portion disposed above the water level in the tank. In a non-draining mode, the first leg of the hollow tube maintains the same water level as that in the tank. In a draining mode, when there is excess water above the level of the bend portion, the increased water pressure inside the tank pushes the excess water into the first leg, through the inlet end such that the water moves through the bend portion to the second leg and out the outlet end into the conduit.

In yet another embodiment, the ventilation apparatus comprises a ventilation pipe, a hose, a suction device, a draining device, and a vacuum ring that is positioned around the discharge conduit and below the flush valve. The vacuum ring defines a plurality of openings for air communication with the discharge conduit. In this embodiment, the ventilation pipe has a lower end open into the vacuum ring, and an upper end connected to a first end of the hose. A second end of the hose is connected to the suction device. The suction device provides sufficient suction to pull air from the bowl, through the passageway, into the vacuum ring passing the ventilation pipe, and the hose to be discharged at a distant location.

In this embodiment, the draining device has an upside down U-shaped hollow tube. The tube has a first leg having an inlet end disposed under the water in the tank for receiving the overflow water, and a second leg having an outlet end being connected directly to the conduit. The tube has a bend portion disposed above the water in the tank. In a non-draining mode, the first leg of the hollow tube maintains the same water level as that in the tank. In a draining mode, there is an increased water pressure inside the tank that pushes the excess water into the first leg through the inlet end such that the water moves through the bend portion to the second leg and out the outlet end into the discharge conduit.

Alternatively, the draining device includes a U-shaped-hollow tube which defines a hook-shaped tube and an L-shaped tube. The hook-shaped tube defines a first leg having an inlet end facing the bottom of the sink, and a bend portion having a hook end. The L-shaped tube defines a second leg having a top end connected to the hook end of the bend portion, and a base having the outlet end open into the discharged conduit. The top end of the second leg can be connected to the hook end of the bend portion by a lock mechanism or a tight swivel.

In the embodiments described above, the upper end of the ventilation pipe may flexibly extend through an opening in the back, side, or lid of the tank to be connected to the first end of the hose. Preferably, the hose extends substantially behind the wall of the toilet room. In addition, the suction device can include any fan such as an exhaust fan or a vent fan. The suction device can also include any kind of vacuum system such as a vacuum pump.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ventilation apparatus includes an air conduit connected to a ventilation pipe at one end and to a hose at the other end. The air conduit may include a male air conduit and a female air conduit. The male air conduit defines a ventilation pipe-connecting end that can be tightly connectable to a ventilation pipe by a locking mechanism or a tight swivel, and a first flat portion defining a first flat end that extends outside the water tank through a space between the tank and the lid. The space can be an existing space in certain type of tanks or can be created by the placement of the first flat portion between the tank and the lid.

Furthermore, the female air conduit defines a hose connecting end that can be tightly connected to the hose and a second flat portion defining a second flat end. The hose connecting end can be connected to the hose by a locking mechanism or by a tight swivel. The second flat end has an opening that is slightly larger than the outer perimeter of the first flat end of the male air conduit. The first flat end can be snugly inserted into the opening of the second flat end.

It is preferable that the hose and a substantial portion of the female air conduit are positioned behind the wall of the water closet. It is also preferable that the second flat end of the female air conduit extends from behind the wall through a hole in the wall of the water closet to be connected to the first end of the male air conduit. The hole is shaped and sized to allow the second flat end to be snugly inserted therethrough.

In this embodiment, the ventilation apparatus may further include a wall bracket affixed on the wall behind the tank. The wall bracket defines a slot, which is shaped and sized to allow the second flat end of the female air conduit to be snugly inserted therethrough. The slot is placed in alignment with the hole. The first flat end of the male air conduit is inserted into the opening of the second flat end, preferably passing the slot into the wall area. Additionally, the wall bracket can define a lower flange and an upper flange for pressing the flat ends tightly together and to minimize any air leakage. Alternatively, the perimeter of the slot can be sealed with any suitable caulking material.

Optionally, the air conduit may be a one-piece elbow shaped unit that defines a hose connecting end connectable to a hose, and a flat portion disposed between the tank and the lid. The flat portion defines an inlet end open into an airspace between the water level and the lid of the tank. The inlet end receives the odorous air that moves from the bowl into the airspace in the tank through an overflow pipe. The air moves passing the air conduit into the hose to be discharged.

In another preferred embodiment, a toilet system comprises a toilet bowl with a rim, a water tank with a top, an overflow pipe having a lower end open in to a discharged conduit, and an upper end for receiving overflow water. The ventilation apparatus includes a cylinder disposed around the overflow pipe forming an annular space around the overflow pipe. The cylinder defines a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of the cylinder is disposed under the water, but slightly above the bottom of the tank to allow the water to flow from the tank into the annular space. The ventilation apparatus further includes a plug and a hose. The plug defines a pipe-connecting end snugly fitted onto the upper end of the overflow pipe, and a hose-connecting end snugly fitted onto a first end of the hose. The plug further defines a plurality of holes for water communication between the annular space and the overflow pipe, and for air communication between the overflow pipe and the hose. The bottom end of the cylinder may be fastened on to the overflow pipe and the top end of the cylinder may be fastened and sealed onto the first end of the hose. A second end of the hose is connected to a suction device.

In another aspect, the present invention contemplates a hose box for shielding a ventilation hose. The box is used in a situation in which the hose has to be extended outside the wall into the bathroom and reenter the ceiling when the space inside the wall does not allow the ventilation hose to be threaded therethrough. The hose box comprises a back wall, a top wall, a first side wall, or second side wall, and a front cover. The back wall defines a top end, a bottom end, and a first hole sized to receive the ventilation hose therethrough. The back wall is attachable to the bathroom wall over an inlet opening, which is also sized to receive the hose. The first hole is in alignment with the inlet opening. The top wall defines a first end or bottom end, and a second hole sized to receive the hose. The top wall is attachable to the ceiling of the bathroom. The second hole is in alignment with an outlet opening in the ceiling. The first end of the back wall is attached to the first end of the top wall at a right angle. The second end of the back wall and the second end of the top wall each defines at least one supporting ledge.

Furthermore, the first side wall and the second side wall are right-angled triangular. Each side wall is attached to each side of the back wall and the top wall forming an open box. Moreover, the front cover is sized to fit between the ledge of the back wall and the ledge of the top wall.

In addition, the present invention further includes a toilet system comprising an automatic flushing mechanism. The toilet system includes a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl and a water tank, a discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank and the discharge conduit. The system also includes a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit and a flapper for opening and closing the flush valve to allow the water to move from the tank to the passageway into the bowl.

Another preferred embodiment of the flushing mechanism comprises a lever, a motion device and a sensing device. The lever can include an L-shaped bar member, an attachment member, a cable member, and a flapper cord. The bar member preferably defines a long arm connected to a first end of the flapper cord, and a short arm pivotably connected to the attachment member. The short arm defines a first bore. The attachment member has a first end attachable to the water tank, and a second end defining a second bore being in alignment with the first bore. The cable member defines a first end portion and a second end, the first end portion being threaded through the second bore and the first bore, and slidingly secured to the short arm of the bar member. The second end of the cable member is connectable to the motion device. The flapper cord has the second end attached to the flapper.

The lever has a rest position and a flushing position. In the rest position, the long arm of the lever points downward to relax the flapper cord, and thus allows the flapper to close the flush valve. In the flushing position, the long arm moves upward such that the flapper cord pulls on the flapper causing the flapper to move upward and open the flush valve to allow the water to flush. After the water flushes, the long arm of the lever returns to the rest position.

In this embodiment, the sensing device which is operatively connected to the motion device, and is capable of detecting the presence or movement of a toilet user. The motion device can include a movable elongated shaft that has a cable end connected to the second end of the cable member. When the sensing device is activated, it can actuate the motion of the shaft such that it pulls on the cable member and thus lifts the long arm of the bar member upward in the flushing position. After the flush, the shaft of the motion device moves back to its original position and the cable member is relaxed. Consequently, the long arm of the bar member points downward so that the flapper cord is relaxed and the flapper sits back to close the valve. The sensing device can be a motion detector, which is activated by user movement in the target area. Alternatively, the sensing device can be a noise-activated device. The sensing device can generate an electrical signal that operates the motion device. Preferably, both the sensing device and the motion device are affixed to a wall of the toilet room such that the sensing device can detect the movement of the user.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a toilet system having a ventilation apparatus for removing odorous air from the toilet bowl without creating negative pressure in the water tank. Another objective is to provide an automatic flushing mechanism that can be retrofitted to a traditional flush toilet system.

Significant benefits are achieved by features of the invention that permit removing of odorous air directly from the air passageway in the toilet bowl into the ventilation pipe, and fitting of the lever in the water tank while having the automatic motion device affixed on the wall. These and other objects and benefits of the invention will be made clear upon consideration of the following written description and accompanying figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective partial sectional view of a toilet system having a water tank fitted with a ventilation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0038]
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a ventilation apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention. [0039]
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the ventilation apparatus according to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1. [0040]
FIG. 4 is a top view of the ventilation apparatus according to further embodiment of the present invention. [0041]
FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the ventilation apparatus according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. [0042]
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the ventilation apparatus depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. [0043]
FIG. 7 is a front partial sectional view of a toilet system with the water tank fitted with a flushing mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. [0044]
FIG. 8 is a front view of the lever of the flushing mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7, with the lever in the non-operative position. [0045]
FIG. 9 is a front view of the lever shown in FIG. 8, with the lever in the flushing position. [0046]
FIG. 10 is a side view of the lever of the embodiment shown in FIGS. [0047] 7-9.
FIG. 11 is a front partial sectional view of a toilet system with the water tank fitted with a ventilation apparatus of the embodiment of FIGS. [0048] 4-6, and the flushing mechanism of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-10.
FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an aspect of the U-shaped hollow tube depicted in FIGS. [0049] 4-6.
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a male air conduit and a female air conduit in one embodiment of the ventilation apparatus. [0050]
FIG. 14 is a front view of a male air conduit as shown in FIG. 13. [0051]
FIG. 15 is a front view of a wall bracket. [0052]
FIG. 16 is a front partial sectional view of another embodiment of a ventilation apparatus. [0053]
FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of a plug. [0054]
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a ventilation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [0055]
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a hose box for shielding a ventilation hose according to one aspect of the invention. [0056]
FIG. 20 is a side view of a hose box according to the embodiment in FIG. 19. [0057]
FIG. 21 is a front view of a back wall of a hose box according to the embodiment in FIGS. [0058] 19-20.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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. The invention includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. [0059]
As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention contemplates a [0060] ventilation apparatus 10 for eliminating the odor from a traditional flush toilet 11. The toilet 11 generally includes a toilet bowl 12 with a rim 13 defining a plurality of holes 13A, a water tank 14 with a top, a discharge conduit 15 connecting the bowl 12 and the tank 14, and a passageway 16 providing communication between the tank 14, the discharge conduit 15, and the rim 13. The toilet includes a flush valve 17 disposed above the discharge conduit 15, the flush valve 17 having a flapper 18 for opening and closing the passageway 16 to allow the movement of water from the tank 14 into the discharge conduit 15, water in the conduit 15 is distributed along the passageway 16 within the rim 13 and into the bowl 12 through the plurality of holes 13A.
According to one aspect of the present invention the [0061] ventilation apparatus 20 has a ventilation pipe 21, as shown in FIG. 2 having a lower end 22 and an upper end 23, the lower end 22 being open into the discharge conduit 24. The ventilation apparatus includes a hose 25 having a first end 26 and a second end 27, the first end 26 being connected to the upper end 23 of the ventilation pipe 21. The hose 25 is in air communication with the ventilation pipe 21. The second end 27 of the hose 25 is connected to a suction device 28. The suction device 28 is capable of pulling air from the bowl through the passageway 16 into the ventilation pipe 21 and subsequently into the hose 25 to be discharged at a remote location, preferably outside the building. The upper end 23 of the ventilation pipe can extend through an opening 149 in the back (see FIG. 1), or on the side of the tank 14 or on the top of the lid for connecting to the first end 26 of the hose 25. Preferably, the hose 25 is substantially hidden in the wall of the toilet room. The suction device 28 can be an exhaust fan, a vent fan or any suitable vacuum system or system for drawing air.
The ventilation apparatus can further include a draining device, which includes at least one hollow tube for receiving and draining the overflow water. As illustrated in FIG. 3, another feature of the [0062] ventilation apparatus 30 incorporates a draining device 31 having a first elongated hollow tube 32 and a second elongated hollow tube 33. Each of the tubes 32 and 33 has an inlet end 34 and 35 below the normal water level in the tank for receiving the overflow water. In addition, each of the tubes 32 and 33 has an outlet end 36 and 37 connected to a tubular connector 38 for connecting the tubes to the ventilation pipe 39. The outlet ends 36 and 37 and the tubular connector 38 are positioned above the normal water level in the tank.
In one embodiment, the [0063] tubular connector 38 has four connecting ends. A first connecting end 41 and a second connecting end 42 are attached to one of the outlet ends 36 and 37 of the tubes 32 and 33. A third connecting end 43 is attached over the upper end 44 of the ventilation pipe 49. A fourth connecting end 45 of the connector 38 is attached to the first end 46 of the hose 47. Thus, the tubes 32 and 33 are in fluid communication with the tubular connector 38, the ventilation pipe 39 and the discharge conduit 40. The hose 47 is in air communication with the tubular connector 38, the ventilation pipe 39 and the discharge conduit 40. The air movement is in the direction indicated by the solid arrows A shown in FIG. 3.
In a non-draining mode, the [0064] tubes 32 and 33 retain water at the same level as the water level in the tank outside the tubes 32 and 33 due to the water pressure inside the water tank. In a draining mode, when there is excess water that rises above the level of the tubular connector 38, the increased water pressure inside the tank pushes the excess water into the tubes 32 and 33 through the inlet ends 34 and 35 such that the water moves further out of the tubes 32 and 33 at the outlet ends 36 and 37. The overflow water then passes through the tubular connector 38 into the ventilation pipe 39 and drains through the lower end 48 of the ventilation pipe 39 that is open into the discharge conduit 40 below the flapper 49. The water movement is in the direction indicated by the broken arrows w in FIG. 3.
It is contemplated that the ventilation apparatus of the present invention is sized to fit in a water tank of a traditional flush toilet system without much modification. The ventilation apparatus replaces the overflow pipe in the traditional system to facilitate both the ventilation of the odorous air and the draining of the overflow water. As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation apparatus of the present invention can be fitted sealingly onto the discharge conduit. Also as shown in FIG. 1, it is necessary to cut an [0065] opening 149 through a wall of the tank or the lid to allow the ventilation pipe 151 to extend outside the tank in order to be connected to the vacuum hose 150.
In yet another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. [0066] 4-6, the ventilation apparatus 50 includes a draining device 51 that has an upside-down U-shaped hollow tube 52. The tube has a first leg 53 having an inlet end 54 for receiving the overflow water disposed below the normal water level in the tank, and a second leg 55 having an outlet end 56 being connected directly to the discharge conduit 58. The tube has a bend portion 57 disposed above the normal water level in the tank.
Alternatively, the draining device as depicted in FIG. 12 comprises a U-shaped-[0067] hollow tube 200, which includes a hook-shaped tube 201 and an L-shaped tube 206. The hook-shaped tube 201 defines a first leg 202 having an inlet end 210 facing the bottom of the sink, and a bend portion 203 having a hook end 207. The L-shaped tube 206 defines a second leg 204 having a top end 209 connected to the hook end 207 of the bend portion 203, and a base 205 having the outlet end 208 open into the discharged conduit (not shown). The top end 209 of the second leg 204 can be connected to the hook end 207 of the bend portion 203 by a lock mechanism or a tight swivel.
Turning again to FIGS. [0068] 4-6, in a non-draining mode, the first leg 53 of the hollow tube 52 maintains the same water level as the normal water level in the tank. In a draining mode, when there is excess water above the level of the bend portion 57, the increased water pressure inside the tank pushes the excess water into the first leg 53, through the inlet end 54 such that the water moves through the bend portion 57 to the second leg 55 and through the outlet end 56 into the discharge conduit 58.
The [0069] inlet end 54 is positioned closed to the bottom of the tank in order to maximize the water pressure at the inlet end 54 to push the water inside the hollow tube 52. The inlet end of the first leg can be between ½ and ¾ above the bottom of the tank. The inlet end may define a plurality of openings 59 to increase the water movement from the tank into the tube 52 for draining. Each opening can be about ¼″ in diameter.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. [0070] 4-6, the ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet bowl 50 can include a vacuum ring 60 disposed around the discharge conduit 58 and below the flush valve 61, the vacuum ring 60 defines a circular tube 60A having a plurality of openings for air communication with the discharge conduit 58. The circular tube 60A can be of any suitable diameter. Preferably, however, the circular tube should be about three-quarters of an inch in diameter. The ventilation apparatus further comprises a ventilation pipe 63 having a lower end 64 and an upper end 65. The lower end 64 is open into the vacuum ring 60 while the upper end 65 is connected to one end of a hose. The second end of the hose is connected to a suction device as previously described, which is capable of pulling air from the bowl through the passageway into the ventilation pipe and subsequently into the hose to be discharged at a remote location.
In one preferred embodiment, the [0071] ventilation apparatus 230 depicted partially in FIG. 13 may include an air conduit 230A connecting an upper end 247 of a ventilation pipe 231 and a first end 248 of a hose 242. The air conduit 230A may include a male air conduit 232 and a female air conduit 240. The male air conduit 232 defines a ventilation pipe connecting end 233 and a flat portion 234, which defines a first flat end 238. The pipe connecting end 233 can be tightly connectable to the upper end 247 of the ventilation pipe 231 by a locking mechanism or a tight swivel. The male air conduit 232 defines a gradually increasing width from the pipe connecting end 233 to the first flat portion 234. (see FIG. 14). The first flat portion 234 maintains a uniform width of about three inches. In addition, the first flat portion 234 extends outside the water tank 236 through a space 235 between the tank 236 and the lid 237. The thickness of the first flat portion 234 between the tank 236 and the lid 237 is about ¼ inch. The male air conduit 232 defines a passageway 246 in air communication with the ventilation pipe 231. The space 235 can be an existing space in certain type of tanks or can be created by the placement of the first flat portion 234 between the tank 236 and the lid 237.
Furthermore, the female air conduit [0072] 240 defines a hose-connecting end 241 and a second flat portion 243 defining a second flat end 244. The hose-connecting end 241 can be connected to the first end 248 of the hose 242 by a locking mechanism or by a tight swivel. The female air conduit 240 defines a gradually increasing width from the hose connecting end 241 to the second flat portion 243. The flat portion 243 defines a uniform width of about three inches. In addition, the female air conduit 240 defines a passageway in air communication with the hose 242. The second flat end 244 defines an opening 245 that is slightly larger than the outer perimeter of the first flat end 238 of the male air conduit 232. The first flat end 238 can be snugly inserted into the opening 245 of the second flat end 244.
It is preferable that the [0073] hose 242 and the female air conduit 240 are positioned behind the wall W of the water closet. It is also preferable that the second flat end 244 of the female air conduit 240 extends from behind the wall W through a hole H into the water closet to be connected to the first flat end 238 of the male air conduit 232. The hole H is shaped and sized to allow the second flat end 244 to be snugly inserted therethrough. Alternatively, the hole H can be shaped and sized to allow the first flat end 238 to be snugly inserted therethrough to be connected to the second flat end 244 behind the wall W. The male air conduit 232 may be made of substantially rigid material to support the weight of the lid 237, whereas, the female air conduit 240 may be made of a flexible material.
In this embodiment, the [0074] ventilation apparatus 230 may further include a wall bracket 250 (shown in FIG. 15) affixed on the wall W behind the tank 236 as shown in FIG. 13. The wall bracket 250 defines a slot 251, which is shaped and sized to allow the second flat end 244 of the female air conduit 240 to be snugly inserted therethrough. The second flat end 244 can slightly extend from the slot 251 to receive the first flat end 238 of the male air conduit 232. The first flat end is inserted into the opening 245 of the second flat end 244, preferably further through the slot into the wall W area. Additionally, the wall bracket 250 can define a lower flange 252 and an upper flange 253 for holding the flat ends tightly together and to minimize any air leakage. Alternatively, the slot 250 can be sealed with any suitable caulking material.
As shown in FIG. 13, once the [0075] male air conduit 232 is connected to the ventilation pipe 231, the female air conduit 240 is connected to the hose 242, and the male air conduit 232 is connected to the female air conduit 240, the odorous air can be drawn from the ventilation pipe 231 into the hose 242 to be disposed as described herein above.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a toilet system comprises a [0076] ventilation apparatus 260 shown in FIGS. 16-17. The ventilation apparatus 260 fits in a toilet system that includes a toilet bowl with a rim defining a plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, an overflow pipe 261 connecting to a discharge conduit (not shown), which connects the bowl and the tank (not shown). The ventilation apparatus 260 comprises a cylinder 262, a plug 263, a hose 264, and a suction device (not shown). The cylinder 262 is slightly larger and longer than the overflow pipe 261. Preferably, the cylinder 262 has a diameter of 1¼″ longer than that of the overflow pipe 261. The cylinder 262 has a top end 265 covering a first end 266 of the hose 264, and a bottom end 267 disposed under the water in the tank. The cylinder 262 is disposed over the overflow pipe 261 such that an annular space s is formed between an outside wall 268 of the overflow pipe 261 and an inside wall 269 of the cylinder 262. The plug 263 defines a pipe-connecting end 270 snugly fitted onto an upper end of the overflow pipe 261; and a hose-connecting end 271 snugly fitted onto the first end 266 of the hose 264. The plug 263 also defines a plurality of holes 272 for providing water communication between the annular space s and the overflow pipe 261 (see arrow w), and air communication between the ventilation pipe 261 and the hose 264 (see arrow A). The bottom end 267 of the cylinder 262 is disposed slightly above the bottom of the tank (not shown) to allow the water to flow into the space s (see arrow w). The lower end 267 of the cylinder 262 may be fastened on to the overflow pipe 261 and the top end 265 of the cylinder 262 may be fastened to the hose 264. The second end 274 of the hose 264 is connected to the suction device (not shown).
In one aspect of the above embodiment, the plug can be of any shape as long as it fits the first end of the [0077] hose 264 and the top end of the overflow pipe 261, and includes a plurality of holes 272. The plug 263 can be spherical, like a whiffle ball (as shown in FIG. 17, or cylindrical, like a hollow disk.
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16, the ventilation occurs when the odorous air is drawn (see arrow A) from the toilet bowl (not shown) through the discharged conduit (not shown). The air the moves from the discharged conduit into the [0078] overflow pipe 261, passing the plug 263 into the hose 264, to be discharged at a remote location. On the other hand, when there is excess water, the excess water flows into the annular space s between the overflow pipe 261 and the cylinder 262 from the bottom of the tank. The water in the annular space s is pushed towards the plurality of holes 272 on the plug 263, and drained into the overflow pipe 261, to be discharged into the discharged conduit (not shown).
In yet another embodiment as shown in FIG. 18, the ventilation apparatus [0079] 280 is connected to an airtight water tank 285 with a lid 286. The ventilation apparatus 280 comprises an elbow-shaped air conduit 281 that defines a hose connecting end 282 and an air inlet end 283. It is preferable that the air conduit 281 extends substantially behind the wall to be connected to a hose 288, and the hose 288 is connected to a suction device (not shown). The air inlet end 283 is inserted through a space sp between the water tank 285 and the lid 286. The lid 286 is tightly sealed to the tank 285 to create an airtight tank.
The [0080] air conduit 281 is substantially flat, having a width of about three inches and a thickness of about ¼ inch. The air conduit 281 further defines a passageway 287 providing an air communication between the airspace sp above the water level in the tank and the hose 288.
In this embodiment, the odorous air (see arrow A) moves from the toilet bowl (not shown) into an [0081] overflow pipe 289 and released into the airspace sp above the water. The odorous air within the airspace is simultaneously drawn into the air inlet end 283 of the air conduit 281, passing through the passageway 287 and into the hose 288 to be discharged elsewhere.
Another aspect of the present invention includes a [0082] hose box 300 as shown in FIGS. 19-21. This box may be used to hide from view the ventilation hose v that extends outside a bathroom wall to the ceiling in order to bypass any difficult corner between the wall and the ceiling. The box 300 comprises a back wall 301 and a top wall 302. The back wall 301 defines a top end 303, a bottom end 304, and a first hole 305 suitable for receiving the hose v. The top wall 302 defines a first end 306, a second end 307, a second hole 308 suitable for receiving the hose v. The top end 303 of the back wall 301 is attached to the first end 306 of the top wall at a right angle r. The bottom end 304 of the back wall 301 defines at least one supporting ledge 309, and the second end 307 of the top wall 302 defines at least one supporting ledge 310.
The box further comprises a [0083] first side wall 311, and a second side wall 312, each being a right triangle. Each of the first side wall 311 and the second side wall 312 is attached to each side of the back wall 301 and the top wall 302 forming an open triangular box (see FIG. 19).
Additionally, the [0084] box 300 comprises a front cover 313 sized to fit on the supporting ledge 310 of the top wall 302 and the ledge 309 of the back wall 301. The box is affixed to a bathroom wall such that the back wall 301 is against the bathroom wall and the top wall 302 is against the ceiling. The bathroom wall defines an in let opening not shown being in alignment to the first hole 305 of the back wall 301. In addition, the ceiling defines an outlet opening (not shown) being in alignment to the second hole 308.
The [0085] hose shielding box 300 may be used in a situation in which the ventilation hose v has to be threaded outside the bathroom wall to avoid any sharp corner between the wall and the ceiling. The hose v can be inserted through the inlet opening of the wall in to the box 300 through a first hole 305 and outside the box 300 through the second hole 308 and back up into the ceiling through the outlet opening.
Another aspect of the invention is shown in FIGS. [0086] 7-10. A toilet system comprises an automatic flushing mechanism 69 for a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl and a water tank, a discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank, and the discharge conduit, a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank to the passageway. The automatic flushing mechanism 69 comprises a lever 70 which includes an L-shaped bar member 71, an attachment member 72, a cable member 73, and a flapper cord 74. The bar member defines a long arm 75 connected to the flapper cord 74 which is connected to a flapper 76, and a short arm 77 having a first bore 78 (see FIG. 8). The attachment member 72 is pivotably connected to the short arm 77. The attachment member 72 and the short arm 77 of the bar member 71 may be pivotably secured together by a two-headed pin 86. The attachment member 72 has a first end 79 connectable to or supported on the water tank, and a second end 80 defining a second bore 81 in alignment with the first bore 78.
The cable member defines a [0087] first end portion 82 and a second end portion 83, the first end portion 82 is threaded through the second bore 81 and the first bore 78, and is slidingly secured to the short arm 77 of the bar member 71. The second end 83 is connectable to an automatic motion device 84. The lever can assume a rest position as shown in FIG. 8 and a flushing position as shown in FIG. 9. In the rest position FIG. 8, the long arm 75 of the bar member 71 points downward to relax the flapper cord 74, and allow the flapper 76 to close the flush valve 85 (see FIG. 7). In the flushing position FIG. 9, the long arm 75 of the bar member 71 moves upward such that the flapper cord 74 pulls on the flapper 76 causing the flapper 76 to move upward to open the flush valve 85 (see FIG. 7) and allow the water to flush. After the flushing is complete, the long arm 75 of the bar member 71 returns to the rest position. The flapper cord 74 for connecting the long arm 75 to the flapper 76 can be a metal chain, a rubber string or other suitable material such as durable nylon cord. The bar member 71 and the attachment member 72 may be made of any suitable material such as metal or durable plastic.
Returning to FIG. 7, the present invention further contemplates a toilet system having a flushing mechanism [0088] 69 that includes the lever 70 of the present invention connected to a motion device 84 that is operatively connected to a sensing device 88. As described above, the second end 83 of the cable member 73 is connected the motion device 84. The motion device 84 in one embodiment can have a movable elongated shaft 86 that has a cable end 87 connected to the second end 83 of the cable member 73.
The [0089] sensing device 88 is operatively connected to the motion device 84. The sensing device 88 is capable of detecting the presence or movement of a toilet user. When the sensing device 88 is activated, it can actuate the motion device 84 to pull on the cable member 73. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 86 retracts to pull the cable member 73. The cable member 73 subsequently slides backward so that the first end portion 82 pulls on the short arm 77 toward the attachment member 72 and thus lifts the long arm 75 of the bar member 71 upward in the flushing position. The long arm 75 pulls on the flapper cord 74 and thus lifts the flapper 76 to open the flush valve 85. The water then moves from the tank 90 through the flush valve 85 into the discharge conduit of the toilet bowl. After the flushing is completed, the shaft of the motion device 84 moves back to its original position and the cable member is relaxed. Consequently, the long arm 71 of the bar member points downward so that the flapper cord 74 is relaxed and the flapper 76 re-seats to close the flush valve 85. The long arm 75 may have a weight 75A in it to facilitate its downward movement.
As shown in FIG. 7, the automatic flushing mechanism [0090] 69 can be installed onto a traditional flush toilet that has a manual flushing mechanism. The original flush lever can be retained or removed. As shown in FIG. 1, the manual flushing mechanism 140 comprises a manual lever 141 that has an end 142 attached to a stem 143 of a flushing handle 144, and a second end 145 having a flapper line 146 attached to the flapper 18. The flushing handle 144 is pivotably disposed on a wall 147 of the tank 14. The stem 143 of the flushing handle 144 is inserted through a wall bore 148 to be attached to the manual lever 141. This manual mechanism 140 can be connected to the flapper 76 by line 146 to serve as a “fail safe” mechanism should the automatic system 69 fail to operate.
Return again to FIG. 7, to install the automatic flushing mechanism [0091] 69, the attachment member 72 is hung on a rim of the tank or secured to a side of the tank by a fastener such as a set screw or a bolt. The second end 83 of the cable member 73 is threaded through a bore 89 defined on a wall of the tank 91 to be connected to the elongated shaft 86 of the motion device 84. And finally, the flapper cord 74 is connected to the flapper 76. If the manual flushing mechanism is removed prior to the installation of the automatic flushing mechanism, the bore 89 can be the same bore that holds the flushing handle for the manual flushing mechanism. If the manual flushing mechanism is not removed, the bore 89 is separate from the bore that holds the flushing handle for the manual flushing mechanism. The flapper 76 can be connected to both the flapper cord of the present invention and the flapper line of the manual flushing mechanism. In this way, the flapper can optionally be lifted open or closed by either the automatic flushing mechanism 69 or the manual flushing mechanism.
Further, both the [0092] sensing device 88 and the motion device 84 preferably are affixed to a wall of the toilet room such that the sensing device 88 can detect the movement of the user. The sensing device 88 can be a motion detector, which is activated by the user present in the target area, or the user leaving the area. Alternatively, the sensing device 88 can be a noise-activated device which recognizes certain sound such as or a heat sensing apparatus. The sensing device can generate an electrical signal that operates the motion device 84. The motion device 84 can be a solenoid, having a shaft 86 suspended in a movable manner within a magnetic coil. If the coil is energized by the application of electrical current, the shaft will move according to the polarity and current through the coil, and will operate on the lever for opening or closing the flush valve. The motion device 84 may include a time delay control that allows the shaft 86 to move back to its original position only after flushing is complete. The device 84 can be spring biased to return the shaft to its neutral position.
Another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 11 includes a [0093] toilet system 100 comprising a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl (not shown) and a water tank 101, a discharge conduit 102 connecting the bowl and the tank 101, a passageway providing communication between the tank 101, and the discharge conduit 102, a flush valve 103 disposed above the discharge conduit 102, the flush valve 103 having a flapper 104 for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank 101 to the passageway. The toilet system 100 further comprises a ventilation apparatus 105 which includes a ventilation pipe 106 having a lower end 110 open into the discharge conduit 102 and an upper end 111 connected to a first end 112 of a hose 107, a vacuum ring 108 positioned around the discharge conduit 102 below the flush valve 103, and a draining device 120. An opening 121 can be situated in the back on the side, or on the lid of the 101 tank to receive the upper end 111 of the ventilation pipe 106 that extends outside the tank to be connected to a first end 112 of the hose 107, which preferably is disposed behind the wall 122 of the room.
The ventilation apparatus includes a [0094] suction device 109, which is connected to a second end 113 of the hose 107. The suction device 109 can be positioned at a distant location, providing that the suction device 109 has sufficient suction force to pull the air from the toilet bowl into the passageway and further into the ventilation pipe 106 and the hose 107 to be disposed at a distant location, preferably outside the building. The draining device 120 includes an upside down U-shape hollow tube 123 having an inlet end 124 and an outlet end 125 as previously shown in FIGS. 4-6, and as described herein above. Alternatively, the draining device may include two elongated hollow tubes connected to the ventilation pipe by a tubular connector as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The toilet system 100 as shown in FIG. 11 further comprises an automatic flushing mechanism 130. The flushing mechanism 130 includes a lever 131, a sensing device 133, and a motion device 132. The lever 131 includes a bar member, an attachment member, a cable member, and a flapper cord, as shown in FIGS. 7-10 and as described herein above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It should be understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. [0095]
For example, the draining device of the ventilation apparatus of the present invention may include at least an elongated tube having the inlet end being above the water level, and the outlet end open into the discharge conduit below the flush valve. The inlet end receives the overflow water that rises above the inlet end and drains it through the elongated tube into the discharge conduit. [0096]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl with a rim defining a plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, a discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank, the discharge conduit and the rim, a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank to the discharge conduit and the passageway, comprising:

a ventilation pipe having a lower end and an upper end, said lower end being open into the discharge conduit;

a hose having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to said upper end of said ventilation pipe, said hose being in air communication with said ventilation pipe;

a suction device connected to said second end of said hose, said suction device capable of pulling air from the bowl through the passageway into said ventilation pipe and subsequently into said hose to be discharged at a location remote from the toilet bowl; and

a draining device for draining overflow water from the tank into the discharge conduit.

2. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper end of said ventilation pipe extends through an opening in the back of the tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.

3. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper end of said ventilation pipe extends through an opening on the lid of the tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.

4. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper end of said ventilation pipe extends through an opening on a side of the tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.

5. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said hose is substantially behind the wall of the toilet room.

6. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said suction device is an exhaust fan.

7. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said draining device includes at least one hollow tube having an inlet end for receiving the overflow water, and an outlet end connecting to the discharge conduit below the flush valve.

8. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said draining device includes two hollow tubes, each tube having an inlet end for receiving the overflow water disposed under the water level in the tank, and an outlet end connected to a tubular connector for connecting said tubes to said ventilation pipe, said outlet ends and said tubular connector being disposed above the water level in the tank, and said tubes being in communication with said tubular connector, said ventilation pipe and the discharge conduit.

9. The ventilation apparatus of claim 1 wherein said draining device includes an upside down U-shaped hollow tube, said tube having a first leg defining an inlet end for receiving the overflow water, said inlet end being disposed under the water level in the tank, a second leg defining an outlet end being open into the discharge conduit, and a bend portion connecting said first leg with said second leg, said bend portion being disposed above the water level in the tank.

10. The ventilation apparatus of claim 9 wherein said inlet end is disposed at one half inch above the bottom of the water tank.

11. The ventilation apparatus of claim 10 wherein said inlet end defines a plurality of openings for water communication with the tank.

12. The ventilation apparatus of claim 9 wherein said upside down u-shaped hollow tube defines an L-shaped tube connected to a hook-shaped tube.

13. A ventilation apparatus for eliminating odor from a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl with a rim defining a plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, a discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank, the discharge conduit and the rim, a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank to the passageway, comprising:

a vacuum ring disposed around the discharge conduit and below the flush valve, said vacuum ring defining a plurality of openings for air communication with the discharge conduit;

a ventilation pipe having a lower end and an upper end, said lower end being open into said vacuum ring;

a suction device connected to said second end of said hose, said suction device capable of pulling air from the bowl through the passageway into said ventilation pipe and subsequently into said hose to be discharged at a remote location; and

14. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said upper end of said ventilation pipe extends through an opening in the back of the tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.

15. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said upper end of said ventilation pipe extends through an opening on the lid of the tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.

16. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said upper end of said ventilation pipe extends through an opening on a side of the tank to be connected to said first end of said hose.

17. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said hose is substantially behind the wall of the toilet room.

18. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said suction device is an exhaust fan.

19. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said draining device includes at least one hollow tube having an inlet end for receiving the overflow water, and an outlet end connecting to the discharge conduit.

20. The ventilation apparatus of claim 13 wherein said draining device includes an upside down U-shaped hollow tube, said tube having a first leg defining an inlet end for receiving the overflow water, said inlet end being disposed under the water level in the tank, a second leg defining an outlet end being open into the discharge conduit, and a bend portion connecting said first leg with said second leg, said bend portion being disposed above the water level in the tank.

21. The ventilation apparatus of claim 20 wherein said inlet end is disposed at one half inch above the bottom of the water tank.

22. The ventilation apparatus of claim 21 wherein said inlet end defines a plurality of openings.

23. A ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl with a rim defining a plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, an overflow pipe having a lower end connected to a discharge conduit and an upper end for receiving the overflow water, the discharged conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank, the discharge conduit and the rim, a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank to the discharge conduit and the passageway, comprising:

a suction device;

a hose having a first end and a second end, said second end connected to said suction device;

a cylinder sized slightly larger than said overflow pipe, said cylinder defines a top end and a bottom end, said cylinder being disposed over said overflow pipe and said bottom end disposed slightly above the bottom of the tank creating an annular space between said overflow pipe and said cylinder for water communication from the tank; and

a plug snugly fitted between said first end of said hose and said upper end of said overflow pipe, said plug defining a plurality of holes for providing air communication between said overflow pipe and said hose, and providing water communication between said annular space and said overflow pipe.

24. The ventilation apparatus of claim 23 wherein said plug is spherical.

25. The ventilation apparatus of claim 23 wherein said plug is a hollow disk, having a pipe connecting end snugly connected to said upper end of said overflow pipe, and a hose connecting end snugly connected to said hose.

26. A ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl with a rim defining a plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, a discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank, the discharge conduit and the rim, a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank to the discharge conduit and the passageway, comprising:

a draining device having an inlet end for receiving overflow water and an outlet end open into the discharge conduit;

a suction device;

a ventilation pipe having a lower end open into the discharged conduit and an upper end; and

an air conduit connectable to said first end of said hose and said upper end of said ventilation pipe, said air conduit having a flat portion disposed between the tank and the lid and extending outside the tank to be connected to said hose, said air conduit defining a passageway in air communication with said hose and said ventilation pipe.

27. The ventilation apparatus of claim 26 wherein said air conduit includes,

a male air conduit defining a pipe connecting end connectable to said upper end of said ventilation pipe, and a first flat portion defining a first flat end extending outside the tank through a space between the tank and the lid, and

a female air conduit defining a hose connecting end connectable to said first end of said hose, and a second flat portion defining an opening for receiving said first flat end, said first flat end being tightly insertable into said opening,

said male air conduit and said female air conduit each defining a passageway in air communication with one another, and with said hose and said ventilation pipe.

28. The ventilation apparatus of claim 27 includes a wall bracket being affixed to a wall of the water closet covering a hole sized to allow said second flat end of said female air conduit to insert therethrough, said bracket having a slot sized to allow said second flat end to be snugly inserted therethrough to receive said first flat end of said male air conduit.

29. The ventilation apparatus of claim 28 wherein said slot defines a top flange and a bottom flange for keeping said second flat end and said first flat end connected tightly together within said slot.

30. A ventilation apparatus for eliminating the odor from a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl with a rim defining a plurality of holes, a water tank with a top, an overflow pipe having a bottom end open into a discharged conduit and a top end for receiving overflow water, the discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank, the discharge conduit and the rim, a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank to the discharge conduit and the passageway, comprising:

a suction device;

an air conduit having a hose connecting end connectable to said hose, and an air inlet end open into an airspace above the water level in the tank, said air conduit being substantially flat and being disposed between the tank and the lid such that the lid can be tightly sealed above said air conduit and around the tank.

31. The ventilation apparatus of claim 30 wherein said air conduit has an elbow shape.

32. The ventilation apparatus of claim 30 wherein said air inlet end of said air conduit is made of a rigid material to withstand the weight of the lid.

33. The ventilation apparatus of claim 30 said air conduit has an accordion configuration such that it can be extended or receded for proper fitting.

34. A hose box for shielding a ventilation hose comprising: p1 a back wall defining a top end, a bottom end, and a first hole sized to receive the ventilation hose therethrough, said back wall attachable to a bathroom wall defining an inlet opening, said first hole being aligned to said inlet opening, said bottom end including at least one supporting ledge;

a top wall defining a first end, a second end, and a second hole sized to receive the ventilation hose therethrough, said top wall attachable to the bathroom ceiling over an outlet opening of the ceiling, said second hole being in alignment with the outlet opening, said second end including at least one supporting ledge,

said first end of said top wall being attached at a right angle to said top end of said back wall;

a first side wall and a second side wall, each being triangular and each being attached to each side of said top wall and said back wall; and

a front cover sized to fit on said supporting ledge of said top wall and said back wall.

35. A lever for an automatic flushing mechanism for a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl and a water tank, a discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank, and the discharge conduit, a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank to the passageway comprising:

an L-shaped bar member defining a long arm connected to the flapper of the flush valve, and a short arm having a first bore;

an attachment member pivotably connected to said short arm, said attachment member having a first end attachable to the water tank, and a second end defining a second bore being in alignment with said first bore;

a cable member defining a first end portion and a second end, said first end portion being threaded through said second bore and said first bore, and slidingly secured to said short arm of said bar member, and said second end being connectable to an automatic motion device; and

a flapper cord for connecting said long arm to the flapper.

36. The lever for an automatic flushing mechanism of claim 35 wherein said lever has a rest position and a flushing position, in said rest position, said long arm pointing downward to relax said flapper cord and cause the flapper to close the flush valve, in said flushing position, said long arm moving upward such that said flapper cord pulls on the flapper causing the flapper to move upward to open the flush valve and allow the water to flush.

37. The lever for an automatic flushing mechanism of claim 36 wherein said long arm of the lever returns to said rest position after the water flushes.

38. The lever for an automatic flushing mechanism of claim 35 wherein said long arm of the lever has a weight.

39. The lever for an automatic flushing mechanism of claim 35 wherein said flapper cord for connecting said long arm to the flapper is a metal chain.

40. The lever for an automatic flushing mechanism of claim 35 wherein said flapper cord for connecting said long arm to the flapper is a rubber string.

41. An automatic flushing mechanism for a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl and a water tank, a discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank, and the discharge conduit, a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank to the passageway comprising:

a sensing device capable of detecting the presence of a toilet user;

a motion device being activatable by said sensing device;

a lever having

an L-shaped bar member defining a long arm connected to the flapper of the flush valve, and a short arm having a first bore,

an attachment member pivotably connected to said short arm, said attachment member having a first end attachable to the water tank, and a second end defining a second bore being in alignment with said first bore,

a cable member defining a first end portion and a second end, said first end portion being threaded through said second bore and said first bore, and smilingly secured to said short arm of said bar member, said second end being connectable to said automatic motion device; and

a flapper cord for connecting said long arm to the flapper.

42. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said lever has a rest position and a flushing position, in said rest position, said long arm pointing downward to relax said flapper cord and allow the flapper to close the flush valve, in said flushing position, said long arm moving upward such that said flapper cord pulls on the flapper causing the flapper to move upward to open the flush valve.

43. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said sensing device is a motion detector, said sensing device being activated by the user leaving the toilet area.

44. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said sensing device is affixed to a wall of the toilet room such that it can detect a user.

45. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said sensing device electrically activates the motion device.

46. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said motion device is a solenoid.

47. The automatic flushing mechanism of claim 41 wherein said motion device is affixed to a wall of the toilet room.

48. A toilet system having a ventilation apparatus for eliminating odor and an automatic flushing mechanism comprising:

a toilet bowl of the type having a toilet bowl and a water tank, a discharge conduit connecting the bowl and the tank, a passageway providing communication between the tank, and the discharge conduit, a flush valve disposed above the discharge conduit, the flush valve having a flapper for opening and closing the passageway to allow the movement of water from the tank to the passageway;

a ventilation apparatus having,

a ventilation pipe having a lower end and an upper end, said lower end being open into the discharge conduit,

a hose having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to said upper end of said ventilation pipe, said hose being in air communication with said ventilation pipe,

a suction device connected to said second end of said hose, said suction device capable of pulling air from the bowl through the passageway into said ventilation pipe and subsequently into said hose to be discharged at a location remote from the toilet bowl, and

a draining device for draining overflow water from the tank into the discharge conduit; and

an automatic flushing mechanism having,

a sensing device capable of detecting the presence of a toilet user,

a motion device being activatable by said sensing device,

a lever having,

a cable member defining a first end portion and a second end, said first end portion being threaded through said second bore and said first bore, and slidingly secured to said short arm of said bar member, said second end being connectable to said automatic motion device, and

a flapper cord for connecting said long arm to the flapper.