US20190093327A1

US20190093327A1 - Removable ventilation apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: US20190093327A1
Application number: US16/015,970
Authority: US
Inventors: James R. Gianelloni
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-09-25
Filing date: 2018-06-22
Publication date: 2019-03-28

Abstract

A removable ventilation and filtration apparatus for a conventional flushing toilet having a rim and a seat secured to said rim. The configuration allows for the intake of malodorous gases and the elimination of such odors by means of an elongated opening, situated between a gap commonly found between a toilet seat and rim, and a down-flow active filtration assembly utilizing a pressure-based air treatment and flow configuration by encompassing a switch-activated exhaust fan on at least one side of a deodorizing filter, thereby creating a space of negative pressure that intakes foul air through the elongated opening. The foul air is thereafter pulled into and through the deodorizing filter and an anti-microbial filter, and subsequently cleansed air is pulled therefrom. The cleansed air is then released into the immediate vicinity through an exhaust-opening. The apparatus is secured to the toilet bowl by use of an adjustable hanging bracket.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application Ser. No. 15/713,930 filed on Sep. 25, 2017, the full disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein and priority of which is hereby claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a removable all-in-one ventilation and microbial filtration apparatus for a conventional flushing toilet having a rim and a toilet seat secured to said rim. The configuration of the apparatus allows for the intake of malodorous gases and the subsequent elimination of such odors by means of an elongated opening, situated between a gap commonly found between a toilet seat and rim, and a down-flow active filtration assembly utilizing a pressure-based air treatment and flow configuration by encompassing a switch-activated exhaust fan on at least one side of an air treatment filter, thereby creating a space of negative pressure that drives the intake of foul air through the elongated opening. The received foul air is thereafter pulled into and through a deodorizing filter, as well as an anti-microbial filter, and subsequently, the newly cleaned air is pulled therefrom. The cleansed air is then released into the immediate vicinity through an exhaust-opening. The entirety of the apparatus is secured to the toilet bowl by use of an adjustable hanging bracket.
The natural accumulation of objectionable odors is a common and seemingly inescapable problem associated with the use of a toilet before it is flushed. Much to the dismay of bathroom occupants, and any innocent bystanders in adjacent areas, conventional flushing toilet assemblies release malodorous gases into the bathroom upon its use, such that an objectionable odor will inevitably result, as well as potentially harmful bacteria and viruses, all of which may migrate throughout the area adjacent the toilet. Various products were developed and are found throughout the marketplace to remove, or at least attempt to mask, these resulting odors.
Exhaust fans are commonly installed into the ceiling or wall of a bathroom for the purposes of ventilation and removal of damp air and malodorous gases from the bathroom. This common method of removing the unpleasant air is, however, most inefficient, as the air in the room must become contaminated before it can be expelled by the exhaust fan. This means that the malodorous gases may linger for a considerable amount of time after an occupant used the toilet, yet well before any successful ventilation thereof. Some of these gases may consequently linger long enough to discomfort subsequent bathroom occupants or bystanders in adjacent areas. Some of these gases may also consequently permeate the clothing and hair of any occupant or bystander with socially unacceptable results. Moreover, the malodorous gases are almost never exhausted completely by the time the occupant opens the bathroom door, and some of the gases may migrate into adjoining areas.
The importance of properly ventilating and filtering gases is deeper than preventing smells and is further understood in the context of microbes: on average, two-thirds of the dry weight of a fecal stool is bacteria. The bacteria inhabiting the stool varies from the relatively harmless fecal bacteria Acinetobacter johnsonii to the more infamous Escherichia coli commonly referred to as E. coli. Other potential bacteria, microbes, and viruses include those responsible for hepatitis, typhoid fever, cholera, rotavirus, giardia, and many more diseases which all are directly the result of a pathogen or parasite that spreads along a fecal-oral route. Many of these microbes are known to enter the air as parts of fecal matter, where they can be breathed in by humans. Further because of the high number of bacteria in a stool, they are directly responsible for the classic fecal smell. This smell, unless contained, will permeate a restroom, being noted when the microbes reach a nose, which is directly adjacent the mouth. In the enclosed space of a bathroom, it likely the chances for exposure to microbial pathogens is highly increased unless steps are taken to either contain or filter, or preferably do both, to the microbial pathogens. This will potentially lower the risk of infection of a restroom occupant.
Therefore, in the ventilation system, the present invention includes a filter with anti-microbial properties capable of eliminating and killing the microbial pathogens. There are many effective synthetic anti-microbial materials and coating available; for instance, a common material is silicone wherein the molecular structure is further formed to have anti-microbial properties. In the present invention, this anti-microbial filtration occurs as the exhaust fan and ventilation system keep the microbial contaminated air contained within the toilet, so that the anti-microbial filter will be able to work to kill and remove the microbes before the air escapes. Thus, working in conjunction with the broader ventilation system, the microbial filter works to further reduce both the smell and health risks which permeate the restroom air after use of a toilet.
Other means were also developed and utilized with varying degrees of success in response to said problems. Described below are examples of toilet ventilation apparatuses devised primarily to expel such odor-producing gases from conventional flushing toilet assemblies.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,484, as issued to Robert Lee, III on Sep. 30, 1997, teaches an apparatus for the ventilation of a toilet bowl, drawing air containing odor away from the toilet bowl. In the '484 Patent, a toilet seat incorporates an odor collection channel with odor collection vents and an evacuation nozzle. A vacuum is coupled to the evacuation nozzle for transferring odor contained within the air in the vicinity of the toilet bowl through the toilet seat to a location remote from the toilet bowl via a fan when energized. Further provided is a scenting mechanism for masking the odor contained in the evacuated air.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,324, as issued to Ronnie D. Bianco on Oct. 13, 1998, teaches a device for the ventilation of a standard toilet assembly commonly found in a household bathroom, and includes a base that is mounted on the rim portion of said toilet assembly. The inner periphery of this base incorporates a hollow interior and a plurality of superimposed apertures, forming the vacuum member that is integrally formed with a handle, which also incorporates the hollow interior and is coupled with a connecting pipe at its free end. Also provided are suction devices that are operatively coupled to the connecting pipe to draw odors from the toilet bowl, via the hollow interior and connecting pipe, and direct the odors to a remote location. The device may be used with multiple toilet assemblies using a common exhaust line.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,678,900, as issued to Derrick Ware on Jan. 20, 2004, teaches an apparatus for the ventilation of a toilet bowl, removing odors specifically from the area immediately proximal to the toilet bowl. This apparatus can be mounted on or incorporated within the structure of a toilet bowl, and includes an intake duct proximal to the toilet bowl and a dispensing unit with a filter for treating air received from a connecting hose and its fan unit. Specifically, the apparatus' fan unit draws air from the toilet bowl region by creating a vacuum through the intake duct and the connecting hose.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,797,766, as issued to Robert W. Ellinger on Sep. 21, 2010, teaches a device for exhausting odor from a toilet assembly having a toilet bowl with a rim portion and a hinged seat. This device comprises an air intake nozzle, a vacuum filtering unit, and a conduit that connects the air intake nozzle to the vacuum filtering unit. Further provided is a means for removably attaching the vacuum filtering unit to the rim portion of the toilet bowl, so that the air intake nozzle will fit between the rim portion of the toilet bowl and the seat. Additionally, the device incorporates a means to activate the vacuum filtering unit when a person sits upon the seat on the toilet bowl. Upon activation, the vacuum filtering unit will cause foul air in the toilet bowl to be sucked through the air intake nozzle and the conduit and then into the vacuum filtering unit, in which clean air will thereafter exit from the vacuum filtering unit.
Given the aforementioned problems naturally associated with the use of the toilet, and in light of the above attempts to solve those problems, it can be appreciated that there remains a need for a removable, all-in-one apparatus for the ventilation of a conventional flushing toilet assembly, where the apparatus is able to actively intake the malodorous gases and treat the foul odor, and then exhaust the cleansed air into the immediate vicinity of the apparatus well before substantial contamination of the air surrounding the occupant. The present invention substantially fulfills this need, avoiding disadvantages found in the prior art described above.
The present invention contemplates the provision of a removable all-in-one ventilation apparatus incorporating an elongated opening for the intake of malodorous gases from the commode before said gases are released into the immediate area and beyond, and the elimination of said odors by means of a down-flow active filtration assembly utilizing a negative pressure-based air treatment and flow configuration, whereupon cleansed air can be released into the immediate vicinity of the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a ventilation apparatus for a conventional flushing toilet assembly that avoids the disadvantages found throughout the prior art.
It is further an objective of the present invention to provide a ventilation apparatus that is configured to actively intake malodorous gases from a conventional flushing toilet assembly.
It is further an objective of the present invention to provide a ventilation apparatus that is configured to actively treat the received foul air from a conventional flushing toilet assembly.
It is further an objective of the present invention to eliminate and filter microbial pathogens from the air within the toilet, further reducing restroom smell and health risks.
It is further an objective of the present invention to provide a ventilation apparatus that is configured to actively exhaust the cleansed air into the immediate vicinity of the apparatus.
It is further an objective of the present invention to provide a ventilation apparatus that can be easily installed onto various conventional flushing toilet assemblies without permanently altering the toilet nor the bathroom space in general.
It is further an objective of the present invention to provide a ventilation apparatus that can be easily dismounted upon demand of the user without altering the toilet, nor the bathroom space in general.
It is further an objective of the present invention to provide a ventilation apparatus that is simple and compact, therefore minimizing any potential inconvenience of its presence during use.
These and other objects of the invention are achieved through a provision of a ventilation apparatus for use in connection with a conventional flushing toilet assembly having a toilet bowl with a rim and a toilet seat secured to said rim. Conventionally, a gap is formed between the bottom of an attached toilet seat and the toilet bowl rim. The ventilation apparatus takes advantage of this gap as its overall configuration is designed for detachable mounting onto the rim of the toilet bowl as well as efficient ventilation of the malodorous gases.
The configuration of the ventilation apparatus specifically incorporates an elongated opening. The elongated opening allows for the admittance of malodorous gases from the toilet bowl and is specially configured to fit into the gap between the rim of the toilet bowl and the bottom of the attached toilet seat.
The configuration of the ventilation apparatus further provides an adjustable hanging bracket at the end of the apparatus, specifically attached to the bottom of the elongated opening. This bracket allows for securing the entirety of the apparatus to the toilet bowl and may be adjusted so that the bracket may rest just inside the toilet bowl on its rim while the remainder of the apparatus rests just outside the toilet bowl aside from the elongated opening that rests on the top of the rim.
The configuration of the ventilation apparatus further incorporates a down-flow active filtration assembly utilizing a pressure-based air treatment and flow configuration by encompassing a switch-activated fan on at least one side of an air treatment filter, and thereby creating a negative pressure zone capable of driving air intake of the foul air through the elongated opening and thereafter into and from an anti-microbial filter and through the deodorizing filter for anti-microbial treatment and air treatment; and subsequently exhausting the newly cleansed air therefrom into the immediate vicinity through an exhaust-opening.
The culmination of the elongated opening, active filtration assembly, and exhaust-opening allow for efficient ventilation and filtration of malodorous gases as foul air will actively flow from the commode of the toilet bowl into the elongated opening and then through the air treatment filters, including the deodorizing filter and anti-microbial filter, whereby cleansed air will then be expelled from the apparatus.
The configuration of the chassis of the apparatus coupled with the adjustable hanging bracket allows the entirety of the apparatus to secure around the rim of the toilet bowl without permanency.
The fan of the apparatus is activated by a pressure switch assembly that is mounted on top of the elongated opening, resting just below the toilet seat. Furthermore, these switch-activated fans can be powered by a multitude of means, such as those utilizing a rechargeable battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention installed on a conventional flushing toilet;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the apparatus of the present invention, illustrating the various assemblies of the apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic overhead view, illustrating the position of the apparatus of the present invention in relation to the conventional flushing toilet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10 designates the ventilation apparatus of the present invention. Said apparatus 10 comprises of an elongated opening 40 and an active filtration assembly 50, incorporated within a single chassis 12 featuring an adjustable hanging bracket 14, exhaust-opening 60, and a pressure switch-activation assembly 70, and is designed for use in connection with a conventional flushing toilet assembly.
Most conventional flushing toilets share common features. A commode 20, as shown in FIG. 1, is an integrated body (i.e., a cast single piece) that includes a bowl 22 and its rim 24. Water, either from a tank 26 or a pipe (not shown) is piped through the tank 26 to outlets 28 beneath the rim 24 when the conventional toilet is flushed. A drain pipe (not shown) is formed in the body of the commode 20 and leads from the bowl 22 to a sewer line (not shown). A seat 30 is hingedly secured to the bowl 22 such that a gap 32 is formed between the rim 24 of the commode 20 and the bottom surface 34 of the toilet seat 30.
The position of the apparatus 10 in relation to the commode 20 is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3. Such positioning allows the apparatus 10 to utilize the rim 24 of the commode 20 in conjunction with the bottom surface 34 of the toilet seat 30, thereby securing itself within the formed gap 32, for the dual purposes of detachable mounting and efficient ventilation of malodorous gases.
Turning to FIG. 2, the chassis 12 of the apparatus 10 includes an elongated opening 40 that is configured to fit in the formed gap 32, allowing for admittance of malodorous gases from the interior of the commode 20. As such, the elongated opening 40 rests above the rim 24 of the commode 20 and below the bottom surface 34 of the toilet seat 30. The elongated opening 40 is as wide as the fans and other components described hereafter as further visualized in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the length of the elongated opening 40 covers at least the entire width of the rim 24 of a conventional commode 20 as also visualized in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The chassis 12 of the apparatus 10 also includes an active filtration assembly 50 that is positioned down-flow from the elongated opening 40. Said active filtration assembly 50 features a deodorizing filter 54, which may be a charcoal filter able to filter and deodorize foul air, and extends transversely to the flow of malodorous gases traveling through the apparatus 10. The contact area of the deodorizing filter 54 extends the entire width of the apparatus 10, causing the malodorous gases to come into contact with the deodorizing filter 54 during the course of the air flow. The active filtration assembly 50 further includes an anti-microbial filter which is able to eliminate and kill microbial pathogens. Said anti-microbial filter may be made of or coated with a resilient anti-microbial material, preferably of synthetic antimicrobial material such as, but not limited to, a silicone of anti-microbial grade, and may also include a UV light to kill microbes.
The active filtration assembly 50, via the rotation of the exhaust fan 56, drives air through the active filtration system 50 by continually creating negative pressure within active filtration assembly 50. The order of the deodorizing filter 54 and the anti-microbial filter 52 may be interchangeable. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the exhaust fan 56 is positioned adjacent the deodorizing filter 54 and the anti-microbial filter 52, as shown in FIG. 2, and thereby allowing the fan to exhaust cleansed and filtered air while also creating negative air pressure to drive unclean air into the elongated opening 40 and through the deodorizing filter 54 and the anti-microbial filter 52. Thus, the exhaust fan 56, is specially positioned so as to allow its blade configuration and rotation to pull the flow of now-cleansed air from the deodorizing filter 54 and anti-microbial filter assembly 52 while functioning to simultaneously expel the cleansed air into the immediate vicinity through the adjacent exhaust-opening 60 of the chassis 12. However, alternate embodiments of the invention may further include additional fans placed along other points of the active filter system 50 to increase the rate of air flow.
The exhaust-opening 60 of the chassis 12 may provide an overlying protective barrier 62, such as a mesh, filter, cover, grill, or the like, configured to allow the flow of air and to prevent foreign objects (e.g., fingers) from coming into contact with the blades of the adjacent exhaust fan 56.
The combination of the elongated opening 40 and active filtration assembly 50 within a single chassis 12 with an exhaust-opening 60 allows for an efficient flow of air from the interior of the commode 20, through the chassis 12, and into the immediate vicinity of the apparatus 10, resulting in an effective air treatment of the lingering malodorous gases often found in the interior of a commode 20. Specifically, upon activation, any potential electronic component of the anti-microbial filter 52 of the active filtration assembly 50 is activated. The exhaust fan 56 will also activate upon activation, and the exhaust fan 56 will expel the stagnant air in the active filtration system 50, creating negative pressure within the active filtration system 50. The exhaust fan 56 will continually thereafter expel air from the active filtration system 50 while activated. The exhaust fan is thus responsible for driving the flow of air. The air flow will fill the space of negative pressure as the malodorous gases encounter the negative zone of pressure in the flow configuration of the active filtration assembly 50. In other words, the exhaust fan 56 will thereafter pull the air through the active filtration assembly 50, and subsequently, expel the received cleansed air into the immediate vicinity through the adjacent exhaust-opening 60 of the chassis 12.
This desired flow of air and treatment is only allowable upon activation of the exhaust fan 56. Said fan is activated by a pressure switch assembly 70. The pressure switch assembly 70 is centrally mounted on top of the elongated opening 40, and consists of a pressure switch 72 and a spring 74 on the left and right of the pressure switch 72, as shown in FIG. 3. The pressure switch 72 is operationally connected to the anti-microbial filter 52 and exhaust fan 56 by an electrical circuit 76. When a user is seated on the toilet seat 30, the pressure switch 72 (and each spring 74) is depressed, causing an electrical circuit 76 to close and thereby activate the exhaust fan 56, and if necessary, the anti-microbial filter 52. The pressure switch 72, and each spring 74, will resiliently return to its original position when the user gets up from the toilet seat 30, causing the electrical circuit 76 to open and thereby deactivating the anti-microbial filter 52 and exhaust fan 56. These components may be powered by a multitude of means, such as a rechargeable battery 78.
An alternative embodiment may forego the general deodorizing filter 54 of the active filtration assembly 50 yet maintain the anti-microbial filter assembly 52 and exhaust fan 56, relying on the anti-microbial filter 52 to maintain the necessary filtration for the desired results.
A hanging bracket 14 is attached to the chassis 12 and is positioned to hang from the bottom of the elongated opening 40 at its opposite end relative to the remainder of the chassis 12 as described herein. The hanging bracket 14 is adjustable so that it may rest just inside the bowl 22 on the rim 24 while the remainder of the apparatus 10 rests just outside the bowl 22 aside from the elongated opening 40 that rests on the top of the rim 24. Such positioning, and the adjustability of the hanging bracket 14, allows for securing the entirety of the apparatus 10 around the rim 24 without permanency.
If desired, several modifications may be implemented. For instance, a timer may be incorporated with the electrical circuit 76 of the present invention, so that the exhaust fan 56 operates for a pre-determined period of time to conserve the rechargeable battery 78. The deodorizing filter 54 and/or anti-microbial filter 52 may be detachably positioned in the active filtration assembly 50, allowing the user to change filters once it becomes ineffective. Similarly, the rechargeable battery 78 can also be easily exchanged once it can no longer hold an adequate charge. Additionally, one or more suction cups (not shown) may be provided to the bottom surface of the elongated opening 40 to help retain the apparatus 10 in a desired position relative to the rim 24.
Many other changes and modifications can be made in the apparatus and method of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. I, therefore, pray that my rights to the present invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A ventilation apparatus for use in connection with a toilet, said toilet having a bowl with a rim and a seat secured to said rim of the bowl, said ventilation apparatus comprising:

(i) an elongated opening for admitting air from the toilet bowl, said elongated opening being configured to fit into a gap found between the rim of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat;

(ii) a filtration assembly positioned down-flow from said elongated opening, said filtration assembly comprising a deodorizing filter for air treatment and a fan mounted upon said deodorizing filter, said fan configured for directing air into and through said deodorizing filter for air treatment and air flow; and

(iii) an exhaust opening positioned adjacent said filtration assembly, wherefrom cleansed air may be exhausted;

where said ventilation apparatus is configured into a single chassis.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, where said apparatus further comprises an adjustable hanging bracket for detachable mounting of said apparatus onto said rim of said toilet bowl.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said deodorizing filter is detachably mountable.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a means for powering the fan.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said means for powering said fan comprises a mounted, rechargeable battery.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a means for activating the fan.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said means for activating the fan comprises a pressure switch assembly consisting of a pressure switch and at least one spring, said pressure switch assembly configured for positioning above the rim of the toilet bowl and below the toilet seat, and for activating said fan of the apparatus when a person applies pressure to said toilet seat.

8. A ventilation apparatus for use in connection with a toilet, said toilet having a bowl with a rim and a seat secured to said rim of the bowl, said ventilation apparatus comprising:

(ii) a filtration assembly positioned down-flow from said elongated opening, said filtration assembly comprising a deodorizing filter for air treatment, an anti-microbial filter for anti-microbial treatment, and a fan mounted upon said deodorizing filter, said fan configured for directing air into and from the anti-microbial filter and through the deodorizing filter for anti-microbial treatment, air treatment, and air flow; and

where said ventilation apparatus is configured into a single chassis.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, where said apparatus further comprises an adjustable hanging bracket for detachable mounting of said apparatus onto said rim of said toilet bowl.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said deodorizing filter and said anti-microbial filter are detachably mountable.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said apparatus further comprises a means for powering the fan.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said means for powering said fan comprises a mounted, rechargeable battery.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said apparatus further comprises a means for activating the fan.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said means for activating the fan comprises a pressure switch assembly consisting of a pressure switch and at least one spring, said pressure switch assembly configured for positioning above the rim of the toilet bowl and below the toilet seat, and for activating said fan of the apparatus when a person applies pressure to said toilet seat.

15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said anti-microbial filter includes a UV-light and a means for powering said UV-light, said means for powering the UV-light comprises a mounted, rechargeable battery.

16. A method of ventilating odors from a toilet bowl, said toilet bowl having a rim and a seat secured to said rim of said toilet bowl, said method comprising:

(i) providing a ventilation apparatus, said ventilation apparatus comprising:

(a) an elongated opening for admitting air from the toilet bowl, said elongated opening being configured to fit into a gap found between the rim of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat;

(b) a filtration assembly positioned down-flow from said elongated opening, said filtration assembly comprising a deodorizing filter for air treatment, an anti-microbial filter for anti-microbial treatment, and a fan mounted upon said deodorizing filter, said fan configured for directing air into and from the anti-microbial filter and through the deodorizing filter for anti-microbial treatment, air treatment, and air flow; and

(c) an exhaust opening positioned adjacent said filtration assembly,

wherefrom cleansed air may be exhausted;

wherein said ventilation apparatus is configured into a single chassis;

(ii) detachably mounting said chassis onto said rim of said toilet bowl;

(iii) powering said fan;

(iv) activating said fan;

(v) operatively intaking air from said toilet bowl and subsequently directing said air into and from said anti-microbial filter and through said deodorizing filter; and

(vi) operatively exhausting cleansed air.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein detachably mounting said chassis on said rim of the toilet bowl comprises attaching an adjustable hanging bracket to said rim.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said deodorizing filter and said anti-microbial filter are detachably mountable.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein said powering of said fan comprises providing a mounted rechargeable battery configured to provide power to the fan.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said activating said fan comprises providing a pressure switch assembly, said pressure switch assembly consisting of a pressure switch and at least one spring, said pressure switch assembly configured for positioning above the rim of the toilet bowl and below the toilet seat, and for activating said fan of the apparatus when a person applies pressure to said toilet seat.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein said anti-microbial filter includes a UV-light and a means for powering said UV-light, said means for powering the UV-light comprises a mounted, rechargeable battery.