US20070113327A1 - Toilet bowl odor eliminator - Google Patents
Toilet bowl odor eliminator Download PDFInfo
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- US20070113327A1 US20070113327A1 US11/374,792 US37479206A US2007113327A1 US 20070113327 A1 US20070113327 A1 US 20070113327A1 US 37479206 A US37479206 A US 37479206A US 2007113327 A1 US2007113327 A1 US 2007113327A1
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- Prior art keywords
- air
- plenum
- toilet bowl
- water
- toilet
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
- E03D9/04—Special arrangement or operation of ventilating devices
- E03D9/05—Special arrangement or operation of ventilating devices ventilating the bowl
- E03D9/052—Special arrangement or operation of ventilating devices ventilating the bowl using incorporated fans
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
- A61L9/18—Radiation
- A61L9/20—Ultra-violet radiation
Definitions
- the present invention relates to apparatus for removing odors from toilet bowls and, more particularly, to apparatus for subjecting gases attendant a toilet bowl to ultraviolet radiation and ozone.
- mist or aerosol When a conventional toilet is flushed. A fine mist or aerosol is often created. Such a mist or aerosol will contain potentially harmful bacteria and viruses that will migrate throughout the adjacent area. This creates a potential health hazard to a subsequent occupant entering or within the adjacent area. Test results indicate that such a mist or aerosol may be present for up to two hours.
- a conventional flush toilet incorporating the present invention
- air is drawn through a stand pipe within a water tank and irradiated by an ultraviolet lamp.
- Such irradiation has the beneficial effect of killing bacteria/viruses and producing ozone which has a tendency to oxidize organic material. Thereby, odors generated will be essentially destroyed.
- the flushing water flows through a venturi into the stand pipe and toilet bowl; a cartridge containing silver and/or copper ions or other water treatment element may also be incorporated.
- the air is drawn from the toilet bowl and passed across the ultraviolet lamp with the above-noted beneficial effects.
- a tube connected to the venturi includes an inlet for drawing irradiated air and entraining such ozone enriched air into the water flowing into the stand pipe and to the toilet bowl.
- the air flow past the ultraviolet lamp is reversed to inject ozone enriched air into the toilet bowl to oxidize organic elements that may be present during a sanitizing phase.
- the ozone may also be injected into the water flowing into the toilet bowl.
- it may be mounted within the toilet tank and elements thereof are battery operated to avoid any electrical hazard.
- a control panel may be used to initiate operation and thereafter function automatically or each step may be manually energized and de-energized.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus that can be totally contained within a conventional tank of a flush toilet that eliminates odors emanating from the toilet bowl.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjunct to a conventional flush toilet that eliminates odors.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to treat the water going into the bowl of the toilet.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus mounted within a conventional tank of a flush toilet that irradiates and ozonates gases drawn from a toilet bowl.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide an add on apparatus for any conventional flush toilet that will eliminate odors generated during use of the toilet.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for treating water flowing into a toilet bowl.
- a yet further object of the present invention is to provide a method for eliminating odors emanating from a toilet bowl.
- a still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for irradiating and ozonating gases generated within a toilet bowl during use with apparatus contained within a toilet tank.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a representative and functional view of the present invention mounted within the water tank of a conventional flush toilet during an initial phase;
- FIG. 2 illustrates operation of the present invention during the flush phase of the toilet
- FIG. 3 illustrates the operational phase of the present invention subsequent to refill of the tank
- FIGS. 4, 4A , 4 B, 4 C and 4 D illustrate representatively the apparatus mountable within a toilet tank and incorporating the present invention
- FIG. 5 illustrates a representative side view of the apparatus embodying the present invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates suspension of the present invention within a conventional water tank of a flush toilet.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a functional representation of apparatus 10 embodying the present invention.
- the apparatus is intended for use with a conventional flush toilet having a toilet bowl and a water tank 12 for providing water to flush the toilet bowl.
- a float operated valve mechanism 14 is mounted at bottom 16 of tank 12 and a nipple 18 , or the like, extends outside of the tank for interconnection with a source of water under pressure.
- Float 20 is vertically responsive to the water level within tank 12 . During a flushing operation, the water level will drop and so will the float. The resulting movement of the float will open a valve 22 interconnected with the float through linkages 24 .
- a flapper valve 30 is mounted within aperture 32 in bottom 16 of tank 12 and controls outflow of water through a fitting 34 in fluid communication with the water distribution system within the toilet bowl.
- the flapper valve includes a valve 36 which is raised by a handle exterior of tank 12 and interconnected with the valve by a chain, cord or the like. Thus, to flush the toilet, the handle is partially rotated which results in the raising of valve 36 . Thereafter, water will flow through the flapper valve into the toilet bowl. As the water level drops, valve 36 will reseat itself and seal the flapper valve against further outflow. Water flow from valve mechanism 14 to flapper valve 30 is directed through a conduit 26 having an outlet 28 within a stand pipe 36 . Additionally, water will flow through an outlet of the valve mechanism to fill the tank in the conventional manner.
- Tank 12 includes a loosely fitting lid 40 , as is conventional. Because of the loose fit, air may flow out between the upper edges of tank 12 and the lid, as represented by arrows 42 .
- Apparatus 10 operates in each of three phases. Such operation may be initiated and terminated by push buttons electrically connected to appropriate circuitry. Alternatively, the apparatus may transition through the three phases by use of a timer or sensing device(s) which sense flushing and filling of tank 12 .
- Apparatus 10 includes a plenum 50 , which may be a folded tube, as illustrated.
- a conduit 52 extends from the plenum and includes a shroud 54 that loosely fits over the upper end of stand pipe 38 , as illustrated.
- the stand pipe serves the standard function of preventing overflow of the tank.
- Conduit 26 may be penetrably mounted through conduit 52 , as illustrated.
- An electrically operated fan 56 is disposed within plenum 50 to cause air flow in one direction or the other through the plenum.
- the fan draws air from the stand pipe, as represented by arrows 58 , into conduit 52 , as represented by arrow 60 , and through the plenum, as represented by arrows 62 .
- the air drawn through the stand pipe will cause a low pressure within the toilet bowl and air is drawn from within the toilet bowl into the stand pipe, as represented by arrows 64 .
- an ultraviolet lamp 70 Downstream of fan 54 within plenum 50 there is disposed an ultraviolet lamp 70 .
- radiation Upon energization of the lamp, it will provide radiation in the ultraviolet range.
- Such radiation is well known to be a germicide and virucide.
- the air flowing about the lamp, as represented by arrows 72 will convey bacteria and other living organisms that may have been within the air within the toilet bowl past lamp 70 and become irradiated with ultraviolet radiation.
- the ultraviolet radiation may be in a wavelength range to cause conversion of oxygen molecules present in the air into ozone molecules and/or in a wavelength range which will kill bacteria.
- the presence of ozone within the air flowing through plenum 50 will have an oxidizing effect upon organic material conveyed by the air. Thus, any malodor caused by the bacteria and/or organic compounds will be eliminated by destruction of the bacteria and organic compounds.
- the air flowing out of plenum 50 as represented by arrows 74 , will be essentially odorless.
- the air discharged from the plenum into the top of tank 12 will be exhausted through the spaces between lid 40 and the tank as represented by arrows 42 .
- valve 36 of flapper valve 30 to open and water from within tank 12 will flow through fitting 34 into the toilet bowl.
- valve 22 opens and water begins to flow through conduit 26 through outlet 28 in stand pipe 38 and ultimately into the toilet bowl as depicted by arrows 76 .
- the normal outlet of valve mechanism 14 will discharge water into tank 12 to fill it.
- fan 56 is energized to draw air from the toilet bowl, as depicted by arrows 78 , and into stand pipe 38 , as depicted by arrow 58 , and conduit 52 , as depicted by arrow 60 ; this may reduce the aerosol normally migrating into the room.
- the air flowing through plenum 50 as represented by arrow 62 , will be irradiated by ultraviolet radiation from lamp 70 . Thereby, the germicidal and virucidal effect of the ultraviolet radiation and the oxidizing effect of the ozone generated will be undertaken.
- a venturi 80 or other entrainment device is disposed in conduit 26 .
- a conduit 82 is connected to the venturi and includes an inlet 84 disposed within plenum 50 .
- the low pressure within venturi 80 will draw ozone enriched air from within plenum 50 into conduit 26 for entrainment within the water therein.
- the ozone entrained water will be discharged therefrom, as represented by dashed lines 86 into stand pipe 38 and ultimately into the toilet bowl, as represented by arrow 76 .
- the entrained ozone that ultimately enters the toilet bowl will have the effect of oxidizing organic matter within the toilet bowl and with which it comes in contact.
- a cartridge 88 containing silver/copper ions or other elements may be mounted in conduit 26 to dispense any of these elements into the water flowing through the conduit.
- Such elements have the potential for continuous bacterial and viral inactivation.
- apparatus 10 On completion of the flush phase, apparatus 10 operates in a sanitizing phase.
- the purpose of this phase is that of eliminating any odors that still may be present in the toilet bowl and to attempt to sanitize the surfaces of the toilet bowl, seat and lid.
- fan 56 reverses direction. With such reverse direction, the relatively clean air within tank 12 is drawn into plenum 50 , as represented by arrows 90 . This air passes across lamp 72 and is irradiated with ultraviolet light which serves as a germicide and virucide to destroy bacteria that may be present. Additionally, some of the oxygen molecules in the air flowing past lamp 70 are converted to ozone molecules.
- the air flowing through plenum 50 is ozone enriched air.
- the ozone enriched air flows through conduit 52 into stand pipe 38 , as represented by arrows 94 .
- the ozone enriched air enters the toilet bowl, as represented by arrows 96 . Because of the oxidative effect of ozone, it will have the tendency to oxidize organic material that may be present within the air in the toilet bowl and upon any surfaces of the toilet bowl, the seat and the lid. Thus, any malodor produced during use of the flush toilet will have been destroyed prior to a subsequent user using the flush toilet.
- FIGS. 4, 4A , 4 B, 4 C, 4 D and 5 there is illustrated an embodiment of apparatus 10 suitable for suspension within the water tank of a flush toilet.
- a platform 100 support the various components discussed above.
- UV lamp 70 is mounted upon the platform in the conventional manner.
- fan 56 is so mounted along with electric motor 102 and its rotating shaft 104 driving the fan.
- a compartment 106 houses circuitry and various electrical and electronic components for controlling operation of apparatus 10 .
- a shroud 108 extend upwardly from platform 100 to house the various components; this shroud, in combination with platform 100 , are functionally equivalent to plenum 50 described above.
- a carbon filter 110 and/or a scented air freshener may be located at outlet 112 .
- a passageway 114 functionally equivalent to conduit 52 described above, is pivotally connected to shroud 108 , as depicted by arrow 116 .
- the passageway is positionally adaptable to engage stand pipe 38 (see previous discussion and figures).
- the purpose of passageway 114 is to interconnect the space interior of shroud 108 with the interior of the stand pipe; alternatively, the stand pipe may be an integral part of any of the embodiments of the present invention.
- passageway 114 includes a vertical section 118 extending downwardly and pivotally connected to shroud 108 , as depicted by arrow 116 .
- Section 118 is in fluid communication with horizontal section 120 , which section is dimensioned to extend to stand pipe 38 .
- a further vertical section 122 extends downwardly to establish fluid communication with the upper end of stand pipe 38 .
- annular seal 124 may be incorporated.
- Conduit 26 extending from valve mechanism 14 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 ) may be of a flexible type to engage nipple 126 .
- the nipple is in fluid communication with a tube 128 , which tube extends into stand pipe 38 , as described above with respect to conduit 26 .
- Venturi 80 may be supported by tube 128 , as illustrated, to introduce and entrain ozone enriched air in the water flowing through the tube.
- Electrical power for operating apparatus 10 may be provided by batteries 130 disposed within a compartment 132 depending from platform 100 . Alternatively, these batteries may be mounted on the platform.
- apparatus 10 is mounted within tank 12 (see FIG. 1 ).
- Such mounting may be effected by straps 140 , 142 extending from opposed sides of platform 100 to rest upon the corresponding upper edges of the water tank, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4 C.
- the straps may be bent downwardly at the ends to engage the exterior surfaces of the respective walls of the tank.
- flanges 144 , 146 may be located at the terminal ends of the straps.
- a further strap 148 may extend from platform 100 to rest upon the upper edge of the side of the water tank opposite to the side wherein valve mechanism 14 is located. This strap may also be terminated by a flange 150 .
- a control panel 152 may be attached to strap 140 instead of a flange 144 .
- Such control panel would include the requisite switches, push buttons, displays, etc., to initiate, control and/or terminate operation of apparatus 10 .
- FIG. 6 is a top view of a conventional flush toilet having apparatus 10 mounted therein.
- a toilet bowl 160 hingedly supporting a seat 162 and a lid 164 .
- Water tank 166 includes upper edges normally covered by a lid 40 (see FIG. 1 ).
- a lid loosely fits upon the upper edge of the water tank, it is feasible and practical to attach straps 168 , 170 to apparatus 10 and permit such straps to rest upon edges 172 , 174 of the tank.
- these straps may include downwardly extending flanges to prevent fore and aft sliding movement and possible disengagement of the straps from the edges of the water tank.
- one or more straps may extend orthogonally to rest upon edge 180 of the water tank. Straps 176 , 178 would also include flanges at the terminal ends to engage the adjacent exterior surface of the water tank.
- apparatus 10 is totally self contained and requires no interaction with any elements, parts or other structure external of the water tank. Furthermore, when in place, apparatus 10 is essentially not visible to a user except to the extent that a control panel for operating the apparatus is available for tactile engagement to operate the various switches and/or pushbuttons.
Abstract
Description
- The present application is related to and claims priority of a provisional application entitled “TOILET BOWL ODOR ELIMINATOR”, filed Nov. 23, 2005, and assigned Ser. No. 60/739,123, disclosing an invention by the present inventors.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to apparatus for removing odors from toilet bowls and, more particularly, to apparatus for subjecting gases attendant a toilet bowl to ultraviolet radiation and ozone.
- 2. Description of Related Prior Art
- Conventional flushing toilet bowls used throughout the world release odorous gases into the room upon use. A common solution to this problem is actuation of an exhaust fan to exhaust air and gases from the room through a ceiling mounted exhaust fan. Such exhaust fans may also be located in the walls or ceiling of the room. These exhaust fans cause odorous gases to flow around and about an occupant and his/her clothing and some of the gases may permeate such clothing and hair of the user with socially unacceptable results. Moreover, the odorous gases are almost never exhausted completely by the time a user opens the door and some of the gases migrate therethrough into an adjoining area.
- One of the most unpleasant effects of odorous gases is that a subsequent user of a toilet is often subjected to the presence of the gases which emanated from a previous user.
- When a conventional toilet is flushed. A fine mist or aerosol is often created. Such a mist or aerosol will contain potentially harmful bacteria and viruses that will migrate throughout the adjacent area. This creates a potential health hazard to a subsequent occupant entering or within the adjacent area. Test results indicate that such a mist or aerosol may be present for up to two hours.
- In an initial phase of use of a conventional flush toilet incorporating the present invention, air is drawn through a stand pipe within a water tank and irradiated by an ultraviolet lamp. Such irradiation has the beneficial effect of killing bacteria/viruses and producing ozone which has a tendency to oxidize organic material. Thereby, odors generated will be essentially destroyed. During the flush phase, the flushing water flows through a venturi into the stand pipe and toilet bowl; a cartridge containing silver and/or copper ions or other water treatment element may also be incorporated. Simultaneously, the air is drawn from the toilet bowl and passed across the ultraviolet lamp with the above-noted beneficial effects. Additionally, a tube connected to the venturi includes an inlet for drawing irradiated air and entraining such ozone enriched air into the water flowing into the stand pipe and to the toilet bowl. Upon fill of the tank, the air flow past the ultraviolet lamp is reversed to inject ozone enriched air into the toilet bowl to oxidize organic elements that may be present during a sanitizing phase. The ozone may also be injected into the water flowing into the toilet bowl. To render the apparatus essentially self contained, it may be mounted within the toilet tank and elements thereof are battery operated to avoid any electrical hazard. A control panel may be used to initiate operation and thereafter function automatically or each step may be manually energized and de-energized.
- It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a self contained apparatus for eliminating odors attendant a toilet bowl.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus that can be totally contained within a conventional tank of a flush toilet that eliminates odors emanating from the toilet bowl.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjunct to a conventional flush toilet that eliminates odors.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to treat the water going into the bowl of the toilet.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus mounted within a conventional tank of a flush toilet that irradiates and ozonates gases drawn from a toilet bowl.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide an add on apparatus for any conventional flush toilet that will eliminate odors generated during use of the toilet.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for treating water flowing into a toilet bowl.
- A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a method for eliminating odors emanating from a toilet bowl.
- A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for irradiating and ozonating gases generated within a toilet bowl during use with apparatus contained within a toilet tank.
- These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.
- The present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a representative and functional view of the present invention mounted within the water tank of a conventional flush toilet during an initial phase; -
FIG. 2 illustrates operation of the present invention during the flush phase of the toilet; -
FIG. 3 illustrates the operational phase of the present invention subsequent to refill of the tank; -
FIGS. 4, 4A , 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate representatively the apparatus mountable within a toilet tank and incorporating the present invention; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a representative side view of the apparatus embodying the present invention; and -
FIG. 6 illustrates suspension of the present invention within a conventional water tank of a flush toilet. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a functional representation ofapparatus 10 embodying the present invention. The apparatus is intended for use with a conventional flush toilet having a toilet bowl and awater tank 12 for providing water to flush the toilet bowl. As is conventional, a float operatedvalve mechanism 14 is mounted atbottom 16 oftank 12 and anipple 18, or the like, extends outside of the tank for interconnection with a source of water under pressure.Float 20 is vertically responsive to the water level withintank 12. During a flushing operation, the water level will drop and so will the float. The resulting movement of the float will open avalve 22 interconnected with the float throughlinkages 24. Aflapper valve 30 is mounted withinaperture 32 inbottom 16 oftank 12 and controls outflow of water through a fitting 34 in fluid communication with the water distribution system within the toilet bowl. The flapper valve includes avalve 36 which is raised by a handle exterior oftank 12 and interconnected with the valve by a chain, cord or the like. Thus, to flush the toilet, the handle is partially rotated which results in the raising ofvalve 36. Thereafter, water will flow through the flapper valve into the toilet bowl. As the water level drops,valve 36 will reseat itself and seal the flapper valve against further outflow. Water flow fromvalve mechanism 14 toflapper valve 30 is directed through aconduit 26 having anoutlet 28 within astand pipe 36. Additionally, water will flow through an outlet of the valve mechanism to fill the tank in the conventional manner.Tank 12 includes a looselyfitting lid 40, as is conventional. Because of the loose fit, air may flow out between the upper edges oftank 12 and the lid, as represented byarrows 42. -
Apparatus 10 operates in each of three phases. Such operation may be initiated and terminated by push buttons electrically connected to appropriate circuitry. Alternatively, the apparatus may transition through the three phases by use of a timer or sensing device(s) which sense flushing and filling oftank 12. -
Apparatus 10 includes aplenum 50, which may be a folded tube, as illustrated. Aconduit 52 extends from the plenum and includes ashroud 54 that loosely fits over the upper end ofstand pipe 38, as illustrated. The stand pipe serves the standard function of preventing overflow of the tank.Conduit 26 may be penetrably mounted throughconduit 52, as illustrated. An electrically operatedfan 56 is disposed withinplenum 50 to cause air flow in one direction or the other through the plenum. - In the initial phase illustrated, the fan draws air from the stand pipe, as represented by
arrows 58, intoconduit 52, as represented byarrow 60, and through the plenum, as represented byarrows 62. The air drawn through the stand pipe will cause a low pressure within the toilet bowl and air is drawn from within the toilet bowl into the stand pipe, as represented byarrows 64. - Downstream of
fan 54 withinplenum 50 there is disposed anultraviolet lamp 70. Upon energization of the lamp, it will provide radiation in the ultraviolet range. Such radiation is well known to be a germicide and virucide. Thus, the air flowing about the lamp, as represented byarrows 72, will convey bacteria and other living organisms that may have been within the air within the toilet bowl pastlamp 70 and become irradiated with ultraviolet radiation. As is well know that such radiation will have a germicidal and virucidal effect upon irradiated bacteria. Additionally, the ultraviolet radiation may be in a wavelength range to cause conversion of oxygen molecules present in the air into ozone molecules and/or in a wavelength range which will kill bacteria. The presence of ozone within the air flowing throughplenum 50 will have an oxidizing effect upon organic material conveyed by the air. Thus, any malodor caused by the bacteria and/or organic compounds will be eliminated by destruction of the bacteria and organic compounds. The air flowing out ofplenum 50, as represented byarrows 74, will be essentially odorless. The air discharged from the plenum into the top oftank 12 will be exhausted through the spaces betweenlid 40 and the tank as represented byarrows 42. - The operation of
apparatus 10 during the flush phase will be described with reference toFIG. 2 . During the flush phase, the conventional handle external oftank 12 is pivoted causingvalve 36 offlapper valve 30 to open and water from withintank 12 will flow through fitting 34 into the toilet bowl. Asfloat 20 ofvalve mechanism 14 moves downwardly in response to the water evacuation fromtank 12,valve 22 opens and water begins to flow throughconduit 26 throughoutlet 28 instand pipe 38 and ultimately into the toilet bowl as depicted byarrows 76. Additionally, the normal outlet ofvalve mechanism 14 will discharge water intotank 12 to fill it. During the flush mode,fan 56 is energized to draw air from the toilet bowl, as depicted byarrows 78, and intostand pipe 38, as depicted byarrow 58, andconduit 52, as depicted byarrow 60; this may reduce the aerosol normally migrating into the room. The air flowing throughplenum 50, as represented byarrow 62, will be irradiated by ultraviolet radiation fromlamp 70. Thereby, the germicidal and virucidal effect of the ultraviolet radiation and the oxidizing effect of the ozone generated will be undertaken. - Preferably, a
venturi 80 or other entrainment device is disposed inconduit 26. Aconduit 82 is connected to the venturi and includes aninlet 84 disposed withinplenum 50. The low pressure withinventuri 80 will draw ozone enriched air from withinplenum 50 intoconduit 26 for entrainment within the water therein. The ozone entrained water will be discharged therefrom, as represented by dashedlines 86 intostand pipe 38 and ultimately into the toilet bowl, as represented byarrow 76. The entrained ozone that ultimately enters the toilet bowl will have the effect of oxidizing organic matter within the toilet bowl and with which it comes in contact. - As an option, a
cartridge 88 containing silver/copper ions or other elements may be mounted inconduit 26 to dispense any of these elements into the water flowing through the conduit. Such elements have the potential for continuous bacterial and viral inactivation. - On completion of the flush phase,
apparatus 10 operates in a sanitizing phase. The purpose of this phase is that of eliminating any odors that still may be present in the toilet bowl and to attempt to sanitize the surfaces of the toilet bowl, seat and lid. Aftertank 12 has filled, as illustrated inFIG. 3 ,fan 56 reverses direction. With such reverse direction, the relatively clean air withintank 12 is drawn intoplenum 50, as represented byarrows 90. This air passes acrosslamp 72 and is irradiated with ultraviolet light which serves as a germicide and virucide to destroy bacteria that may be present. Additionally, some of the oxygen molecules in the air flowingpast lamp 70 are converted to ozone molecules. As a result, the air flowing throughplenum 50, as represented byarrows 92, is ozone enriched air. The ozone enriched air flows throughconduit 52 intostand pipe 38, as represented byarrows 94. As the stand pipe is in fluid communication with the interior of the toilet bowl, the ozone enriched air enters the toilet bowl, as represented byarrows 96. Because of the oxidative effect of ozone, it will have the tendency to oxidize organic material that may be present within the air in the toilet bowl and upon any surfaces of the toilet bowl, the seat and the lid. Thus, any malodor produced during use of the flush toilet will have been destroyed prior to a subsequent user using the flush toilet. - Referring jointly to
FIGS. 4, 4A , 4B, 4C, 4D and 5, there is illustrated an embodiment ofapparatus 10 suitable for suspension within the water tank of a flush toilet. Aplatform 100 support the various components discussed above. In particular,UV lamp 70 is mounted upon the platform in the conventional manner. Similarly,fan 56 is so mounted along withelectric motor 102 and itsrotating shaft 104 driving the fan. Acompartment 106 houses circuitry and various electrical and electronic components for controlling operation ofapparatus 10. As schematically depicted inFIG. 5 , ashroud 108 extend upwardly fromplatform 100 to house the various components; this shroud, in combination withplatform 100, are functionally equivalent toplenum 50 described above. To help purify air exhausting from within shroud 108 (plenum 50) acarbon filter 110 and/or a scented air freshener may be located atoutlet 112. Thereby, during the initial phase and the flush phase, the air/gas exhausted will be purified by the carbon filter to further insure an odorless environment. Apassageway 114, functionally equivalent toconduit 52 described above, is pivotally connected toshroud 108, as depicted byarrow 116. Thereby, the passageway is positionally adaptable to engage stand pipe 38 (see previous discussion and figures). The purpose ofpassageway 114 is to interconnect the space interior ofshroud 108 with the interior of the stand pipe; alternatively, the stand pipe may be an integral part of any of the embodiments of the present invention. Thus,passageway 114 includes avertical section 118 extending downwardly and pivotally connected toshroud 108, as depicted byarrow 116.Section 118 is in fluid communication withhorizontal section 120, which section is dimensioned to extend to standpipe 38. A further vertical section 122 extends downwardly to establish fluid communication with the upper end ofstand pipe 38. To minimize flow of gas into the space surrounding the junction between the stand pipe and section 122, anannular seal 124 may be incorporated.Conduit 26, extending from valve mechanism 14 (seeFIGS. 1, 2 and 3) may be of a flexible type to engagenipple 126. The nipple is in fluid communication with atube 128, which tube extends intostand pipe 38, as described above with respect toconduit 26.Venturi 80 may be supported bytube 128, as illustrated, to introduce and entrain ozone enriched air in the water flowing through the tube. Electrical power for operatingapparatus 10 may be provided bybatteries 130 disposed within acompartment 132 depending fromplatform 100. Alternatively, these batteries may be mounted on the platform. - Preferably,
apparatus 10 is mounted within tank 12 (seeFIG. 1 ). Such mounting may be effected bystraps platform 100 to rest upon the corresponding upper edges of the water tank, as shown inFIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. To prevent disengagement of the straps with the upper edge of the water tank, the straps may be bent downwardly at the ends to engage the exterior surfaces of the respective walls of the tank. Alternatively, as shownflanges further strap 148 may extend fromplatform 100 to rest upon the upper edge of the side of the water tank opposite to the side whereinvalve mechanism 14 is located. This strap may also be terminated by aflange 150. As it is anticipated thatapparatus 10 will be primarily user operated, acontrol panel 152 may be attached to strap 140 instead of aflange 144. Such control panel would include the requisite switches, push buttons, displays, etc., to initiate, control and/or terminate operation ofapparatus 10. -
FIG. 6 is a top view of a conventional flushtoilet having apparatus 10 mounted therein. As is conventional, it includes atoilet bowl 160 hingedly supporting aseat 162 and alid 164.Water tank 166 includes upper edges normally covered by a lid 40 (seeFIG. 1 ). As such a lid loosely fits upon the upper edge of the water tank, it is feasible and practical to attachstraps apparatus 10 and permit such straps to rest uponedges edge 180 of the water tank.Straps apparatus 10,lid 40 may be put in place in a conventional manner. - From the above description, it is apparent that
apparatus 10 is totally self contained and requires no interaction with any elements, parts or other structure external of the water tank. Furthermore, when in place,apparatus 10 is essentially not visible to a user except to the extent that a control panel for operating the apparatus is available for tactile engagement to operate the various switches and/or pushbuttons.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/374,792 US20070113327A1 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2006-03-14 | Toilet bowl odor eliminator |
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US73912305P | 2005-11-23 | 2005-11-23 | |
US11/374,792 US20070113327A1 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2006-03-14 | Toilet bowl odor eliminator |
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US20070113327A1 true US20070113327A1 (en) | 2007-05-24 |
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US11/374,792 Abandoned US20070113327A1 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2006-03-14 | Toilet bowl odor eliminator |
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US (1) | US20070113327A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20090265842A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Gary Higgins | Toilet deodorizer device |
US20100101606A1 (en) * | 2007-04-03 | 2010-04-29 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method and device for cleaning a component, particulary of a vaporizer of a condenser device and a washer or washer/dryer comprising such a device |
US20100212369A1 (en) * | 2007-10-12 | 2010-08-26 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method and device for cleaning a component, particularly an evaporator of a condenser device, and washer/dryer or dryer having such a device |
EP2295652A1 (en) * | 2009-07-29 | 2011-03-16 | Klaus Prof.Dipl.-Ing. Nonnenmacher | Method and device for disinfecting a toilet device |
WO2011029236A1 (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2011-03-17 | Rht Limited | Method and apparatus for disinfecting and deodorizing toilet system |
US20110302967A1 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2011-12-15 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Laundry drying unit having a lint screen arranged within a process air circuit and a method for operating said laundry drying unit |
US20120311775A1 (en) * | 2010-02-26 | 2012-12-13 | Hui Li | Part of toilet bowl for removing foul odor of excrement |
US20150354189A1 (en) * | 2013-02-19 | 2015-12-10 | Sang-Gu Kim | Sanitary toilet |
US20160312454A1 (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2016-10-27 | Duravit Aktiengesellschaft | Water closet |
US9512554B2 (en) | 2008-07-11 | 2016-12-06 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Device for cleaning a component, in particular an evaporator of a condenser device |
US10208469B2 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2019-02-19 | Aero Engineering, S.L. | Sterilizing device and method for a toilet |
US10480169B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2019-11-19 | Evan Schneider | Device and method for toilet odor shielding |
US10704140B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2020-07-07 | International Business Machines Corporation | Substrate holder for graphene film synthesis, and uses thereof |
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Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100101606A1 (en) * | 2007-04-03 | 2010-04-29 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method and device for cleaning a component, particulary of a vaporizer of a condenser device and a washer or washer/dryer comprising such a device |
US10145056B2 (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2018-12-04 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Device for cleaning a component, particularly of a vaporizer of a condenser device and a washer or washer/dryer comprising such a device |
US20100212369A1 (en) * | 2007-10-12 | 2010-08-26 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method and device for cleaning a component, particularly an evaporator of a condenser device, and washer/dryer or dryer having such a device |
US9347171B2 (en) | 2007-10-12 | 2016-05-24 | BSH Haugeräte GmbH | Method and device for cleaning a component, particularly an evaporator of a condenser device, and washer/dryer or dryer having such a device |
US20090265842A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Gary Higgins | Toilet deodorizer device |
US9512554B2 (en) | 2008-07-11 | 2016-12-06 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Device for cleaning a component, in particular an evaporator of a condenser device |
US8984767B2 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2015-03-24 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Laundry drying unit having a lint screen arranged within a process air circuit and a method for operating said laundry drying unit |
US20110302967A1 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2011-12-15 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Laundry drying unit having a lint screen arranged within a process air circuit and a method for operating said laundry drying unit |
EP2295652A1 (en) * | 2009-07-29 | 2011-03-16 | Klaus Prof.Dipl.-Ing. Nonnenmacher | Method and device for disinfecting a toilet device |
EP2475404A4 (en) * | 2009-09-11 | 2014-12-03 | Rht Ltd | Method and apparatus for disinfecting and deodorizing toilet system |
EP2475404A1 (en) * | 2009-09-11 | 2012-07-18 | Win Union Development Limited | Method and apparatus for disinfecting and deodorizing toilet system |
WO2011029236A1 (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2011-03-17 | Rht Limited | Method and apparatus for disinfecting and deodorizing toilet system |
US20120311775A1 (en) * | 2010-02-26 | 2012-12-13 | Hui Li | Part of toilet bowl for removing foul odor of excrement |
US10704140B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2020-07-07 | International Business Machines Corporation | Substrate holder for graphene film synthesis, and uses thereof |
US20150354189A1 (en) * | 2013-02-19 | 2015-12-10 | Sang-Gu Kim | Sanitary toilet |
US9890529B2 (en) * | 2013-02-19 | 2018-02-13 | Sang-Gu Kim | Sanitary toilet |
US10208469B2 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2019-02-19 | Aero Engineering, S.L. | Sterilizing device and method for a toilet |
EP3085840A3 (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2017-01-18 | Duravit Aktiengesellschaft | Toilet with water flushing device and additional supply of sterilizing gas |
US20160312454A1 (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2016-10-27 | Duravit Aktiengesellschaft | Water closet |
US10480169B2 (en) | 2017-02-20 | 2019-11-19 | Evan Schneider | Device and method for toilet odor shielding |
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