US20230110943A1 - Active ventilation system for toilet bowls - Google Patents

Active ventilation system for toilet bowls Download PDF

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Publication number
US20230110943A1
US20230110943A1 US17/450,510 US202117450510A US2023110943A1 US 20230110943 A1 US20230110943 A1 US 20230110943A1 US 202117450510 A US202117450510 A US 202117450510A US 2023110943 A1 US2023110943 A1 US 2023110943A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
toilet bowl
airflow conduit
cavity
fluid communication
ventilation system
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Abandoned
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US17/450,510
Inventor
Charles Newton Stevens
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to US17/450,510 priority Critical patent/US20230110943A1/en
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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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to bathroom fixtures, and more particularly to toilet bowls and improvements to the same.
  • the standard toilet bowl has remained relatively unchanged over time. Apart from modifications to reduce water consumption or improve the flush performance. However, these modifications do little to reduce the emission of odors and the spread of bacteria.
  • an active ventilation system for a toilet bowl includes a cavity, an upper airflow conduit having a first end and a second end.
  • the first end is in fluid communication with a plurality of apertures disposed in a spaced apart relation in at least a portion of a rim of the toilet bowl.
  • the second end is in fluid communication with the cavity.
  • a lower airflow conduit has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the cavity, the outlet is configured for fluid communication with a sewer line connected with a drainpipe of the toilet.
  • a ventilation fan is contained within the cavity, wherein, when activated, the ventilation fan imparts an airflow that is drawn into the plurality of apertures and ejected into the sewer line.
  • the cavity is contained within a base of the toilet bowl.
  • the upper airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
  • the lower airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
  • the outlet of the lower airflow conduit is in communication with the drainpipe of the toilet in a downstream position from an S-trap in the base of the toilet bowl.
  • a toilet bowl adapted for an active ventilation system includes a cavity dimensioned to contain a ventilation fan.
  • An upper airflow conduit has a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with a plurality of apertures disposed in a spaced apart relation in at least a portion of a rim of the toilet bowl. The second end is in fluid communication with the cavity.
  • a lower airflow conduit has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the cavity and the outlet is configured for fluid communication with a sewer line connected with a drainpipe of the toilet.
  • the upper airflow conduit, the cavity, and the lower airflow conduit are configured to communicate an airflow drawn into the plurality of apertures and ejected into the sewer line.
  • the cavity is contained within a base of the toilet bowl.
  • the upper airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
  • the lower airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
  • the outlet of the lower airflow conduit is in communication with the drainpipe of the toilet in a downstream position from an S-trap in the base of the toilet bowl.
  • each of the cavity, the upper airflow conduit, and the lower airflow conduit are cast with the base of the toilet bowl.
  • an active ventilation system for a toilet bowl includes an upper airflow conduit having a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with one or more air inlet apertures disposed in at least a portion of a rim of the toilet bowl.
  • a lower airflow conduit has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with second end of the upper airflow conduit. The outlet configured for fluid communication with a drain line servicing the toilet at a downstream position from an S-trap of the toilet.
  • a ventilation fan imparts an airflow that is drawn into the one or more apertures, carried through the upper airflow conduit, the lower airflow conduit, and ejected into the drain line at the downstream position from the S-trap.
  • the ventilation fan is interposed between the upper airflow conduit and the lower airflow conduit.
  • the ventilation fan is an axial fan.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of the active ventilation system for toilet bowls.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic section view taken from line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the active ventilation system for toilet bowls with parts broken away.
  • FIG. 4 is a detail view taken from line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 5 is a detail view showing the sleeve broken away.
  • embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for providing active toilet bowl ventilation to reduce the incidence of odors and reduce bacterial spread.
  • an active ventilation system 10 for a toilet bowl is shown.
  • the active ventilation system for toilet bowls 10 may be provided as an adaptation of the conventional toilet bowl to reduce odors and contain the spread of bacterial.
  • the toilet includes a lower toilet assembly 12 that is operatively coupled with a tank 16 or water reservoir.
  • the lower toilet assembly includes a bowl 12 b with a rim 12 a surrounding an upper periphery of the bowl 12 b .
  • a volume of water 14 is carried within the bowl 12 b and is retained therein by an S-trap 20 .
  • Water contained within the tank 16 is carried through a water conduit 22 where it is dispensed into the bowl 12 b .
  • a water conduit 22 where it is dispensed into the bowl 12 b .
  • at least a portion of the dispensed tank water is distributed about the rim 12 a and is delivered to the toilet bowl 12 b through a plurality of water apertures to facilitate rinsing an interior surface of the bowl 12 b and flushing of the toilet 12 .
  • the water 14 level in the bowl 12 b increases until the water 14 is flushed through the S-trap 20 and a drainpipe 28 and carried into a sewer system.
  • the active ventilation system 10 of the present invention includes an upper airflow conduit 26 a that is in communication with the rim 12 a and one or more inlet apertures 32 disposed about the rim 12 a .
  • a fan 24 is contained within a cavity 24 a that is in communication with the upper airflow conduit 26 a and draws an airflow 30 inwardly from the interior of the bowl 12 b .
  • a lower airflow conduit 26 b is connected with the cavity 24 a to allow the airflow 30 to be expelled by the fan 24 into the drainpipe 28 .
  • the lower airflow conduit 26 b is connected with the drainpipe 28 aft, or in a downstream position of the S-trap 20 .
  • Each of the upper airflow conduit 26 a , the lower airflow conduit 26 b , and the cavity 24 a may be cast with the base 12 of the toilet bowl.
  • components of the active ventilation system may be applied to an existing toilet bowl as a modification.
  • communication of the lower airflow conduit 26 b with the drainpipe 28 may be with a mounting flange supporting the toilet or in a downstream position of the drainpipe 28 .
  • the upper airflow conduit 26 a may be routed around the water conduit 22 carrying water from the tank 16 to the rim 12 a , such as seen in reference to FIG. 2 .
  • the upper airflow conduit 26 a may be coupled with the cavity 24 a containing the fan 24 via a sleeve 34 .
  • a gasket 36 may be disposed on opposed sides of the fan 24 to provide an airtight airflow pathway 30 .
  • the ventilation fan 24 may be connected with a power source, such as a solar panel 24 b .
  • the ventilation fan 24 is an axial fan, such as an MS1238-H, manufactured by Mechatronics Inc. of Preston, Washington.
  • the gaskets 36 and sleeve 34 would couple with a housing surrounding the fan to provide the airtight airflow pathway 30 .
  • the cavity 24 a would include the space occupied by the housing and the ventilation fan 24 .
  • the ventilation fan 24 is selectively operable to draw the airflow 30 from the space overlying the water level 14 carried within the bowl 12 b .
  • the airflow 30 is carried through the cavity 24 b and ejected into the sewer line connecting with the drainpipe 28 of the base 12 of the toilet 12 . Because the airflow 30 is ejected at a downstream position from the S-trap, the odors and bacterial contained within the airspace overlying the water level 14 of the bowl 12 b can be carried away into the sewer system.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

An active ventilation system for a toilet bowl is disclosed. The active ventilation system imparts an airflow to suction the air overlying the water level within the toilet bowl and carries the airflow where it is ejected into the sewer line servicing the toilet bowl. The active ventilation system includes a cavity, an upper airflow conduit having in fluid communication with a rim of the toilet bowl and the cavity, and a lower airflow conduit having an inlet at the cavity and an outlet configured for ejecting the airflow into the sewer line. A ventilation fan contained within the cavity, imparts an airflow that is drawn into the upper airflow conduit and ejected into the sewer line. Each of the cavity, the upper airflow conduit, lower airflow conduit may be cast with a base element of the toilet.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to bathroom fixtures, and more particularly to toilet bowls and improvements to the same.
  • The standard toilet bowl has remained relatively unchanged over time. Apart from modifications to reduce water consumption or improve the flush performance. However, these modifications do little to reduce the emission of odors and the spread of bacteria.
  • As can be seen, there is a need for improved apparatus and method for toiled bowl ventilation for the reduction of odors and contain the spread of bacteria.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In one aspect of the present invention, an active ventilation system for a toilet bowl is disclosed. The active ventilation system includes a cavity, an upper airflow conduit having a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with a plurality of apertures disposed in a spaced apart relation in at least a portion of a rim of the toilet bowl. The second end is in fluid communication with the cavity. A lower airflow conduit has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the cavity, the outlet is configured for fluid communication with a sewer line connected with a drainpipe of the toilet. A ventilation fan is contained within the cavity, wherein, when activated, the ventilation fan imparts an airflow that is drawn into the plurality of apertures and ejected into the sewer line.
  • In some embodiments, the cavity is contained within a base of the toilet bowl.
  • In some embodiments, the upper airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
  • In some embodiments, the lower airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
  • In some embodiments, the outlet of the lower airflow conduit is in communication with the drainpipe of the toilet in a downstream position from an S-trap in the base of the toilet bowl.
  • In other aspects of the invention, a toilet bowl adapted for an active ventilation system is disclosed. The toilet bowl includes a cavity dimensioned to contain a ventilation fan. An upper airflow conduit has a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with a plurality of apertures disposed in a spaced apart relation in at least a portion of a rim of the toilet bowl. The second end is in fluid communication with the cavity. A lower airflow conduit has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the cavity and the outlet is configured for fluid communication with a sewer line connected with a drainpipe of the toilet. The upper airflow conduit, the cavity, and the lower airflow conduit are configured to communicate an airflow drawn into the plurality of apertures and ejected into the sewer line.
  • In some embodiments, the cavity is contained within a base of the toilet bowl.
  • In some embodiments, the upper airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
  • In some embodiments, the lower airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
  • In some embodiments, the outlet of the lower airflow conduit is in communication with the drainpipe of the toilet in a downstream position from an S-trap in the base of the toilet bowl.
  • In some embodiments, each of the cavity, the upper airflow conduit, and the lower airflow conduit are cast with the base of the toilet bowl.
  • In yet other aspects of the invention, an active ventilation system for a toilet bowl is disclosed. The active ventilation system includes an upper airflow conduit having a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with one or more air inlet apertures disposed in at least a portion of a rim of the toilet bowl. A lower airflow conduit has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with second end of the upper airflow conduit. The outlet configured for fluid communication with a drain line servicing the toilet at a downstream position from an S-trap of the toilet. A ventilation fan imparts an airflow that is drawn into the one or more apertures, carried through the upper airflow conduit, the lower airflow conduit, and ejected into the drain line at the downstream position from the S-trap.
  • In some embodiments, the ventilation fan is interposed between the upper airflow conduit and the lower airflow conduit.
  • In other embodiments, the ventilation fan is an axial fan.
  • These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of the active ventilation system for toilet bowls.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic section view taken from line 2-2 of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the active ventilation system for toilet bowls with parts broken away.
  • FIG. 4 is a detail view taken from line 4-4 of FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 5 is a detail view showing the sleeve broken away.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.
  • Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for providing active toilet bowl ventilation to reduce the incidence of odors and reduce bacterial spread.
  • As seen in reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1-5 , an active ventilation system 10 for a toilet bowl is shown. The active ventilation system for toilet bowls 10 may be provided as an adaptation of the conventional toilet bowl to reduce odors and contain the spread of bacterial. The toilet includes a lower toilet assembly 12 that is operatively coupled with a tank 16 or water reservoir. The lower toilet assembly includes a bowl 12 b with a rim 12 a surrounding an upper periphery of the bowl 12 b. A volume of water 14 is carried within the bowl 12 b and is retained therein by an S-trap 20.
  • Water contained within the tank 16 is carried through a water conduit 22 where it is dispensed into the bowl 12 b. Typically, at least a portion of the dispensed tank water is distributed about the rim 12 a and is delivered to the toilet bowl 12 b through a plurality of water apertures to facilitate rinsing an interior surface of the bowl 12 b and flushing of the toilet 12. When flushed, the water 14 level in the bowl 12 b increases until the water 14 is flushed through the S-trap 20 and a drainpipe 28 and carried into a sewer system.
  • The active ventilation system 10 of the present invention includes an upper airflow conduit 26 a that is in communication with the rim 12 a and one or more inlet apertures 32 disposed about the rim 12 a. A fan 24 is contained within a cavity 24 a that is in communication with the upper airflow conduit 26 a and draws an airflow 30 inwardly from the interior of the bowl 12 b. A lower airflow conduit 26 b is connected with the cavity 24 a to allow the airflow 30 to be expelled by the fan 24 into the drainpipe 28. The lower airflow conduit 26 b is connected with the drainpipe 28 aft, or in a downstream position of the S-trap 20. Each of the upper airflow conduit 26 a, the lower airflow conduit 26 b, and the cavity 24 a may be cast with the base 12 of the toilet bowl. Alternatively, components of the active ventilation system may be applied to an existing toilet bowl as a modification. In this event, communication of the lower airflow conduit 26 b with the drainpipe 28 may be with a mounting flange supporting the toilet or in a downstream position of the drainpipe 28.
  • In some embodiments, the upper airflow conduit 26 a may be routed around the water conduit 22 carrying water from the tank 16 to the rim 12 a, such as seen in reference to FIG. 2 . As seen in reference to FIG. 5 , in some embodiments the upper airflow conduit 26 a may be coupled with the cavity 24 a containing the fan 24 via a sleeve 34. A gasket 36 may be disposed on opposed sides of the fan 24 to provide an airtight airflow pathway 30.
  • The ventilation fan 24 may be connected with a power source, such as a solar panel 24 b. Preferably, the ventilation fan 24 is an axial fan, such as an MS1238-H, manufactured by Mechatronics Inc. of Preston, Washington. The gaskets 36 and sleeve 34 would couple with a housing surrounding the fan to provide the airtight airflow pathway 30. In this case, the cavity 24 a would include the space occupied by the housing and the ventilation fan 24.
  • In operation, the ventilation fan 24 is selectively operable to draw the airflow 30 from the space overlying the water level 14 carried within the bowl 12 b. The airflow 30 is carried through the cavity 24 b and ejected into the sewer line connecting with the drainpipe 28 of the base 12 of the toilet 12. Because the airflow 30 is ejected at a downstream position from the S-trap, the odors and bacterial contained within the airspace overlying the water level 14 of the bowl 12 b can be carried away into the sewer system.
  • It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (14)

What is claimed is:
1. An active ventilation system for a toilet bowl, comprising:
a cavity;
an upper airflow conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end in fluid communication with a plurality of apertures disposed in a spaced apart relation in at least a portion of a rim of the toilet bowl, the second end in fluid communication with the cavity;
a lower airflow conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in fluid communication with the cavity, the outlet configured for fluid communication with a sewer line connected with a drainpipe of the toilet bowl; and
a ventilation fan contained within the cavity, wherein, when activated, the ventilation fan imparts an airflow that is drawn into the plurality of apertures and ejected into the sewer line.
2. The active ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the cavity is contained within a base of the toilet bowl.
3. The active ventilation system of claim 2, wherein the upper airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
4. The active ventilation system of claim 3, wherein the lower airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
5. The active ventilation system of claim 4, wherein the outlet of the lower airflow conduit is in communication with the drainpipe of the toilet bowl in a downstream position from an S-trap in the base of the toilet bowl.
6. A toilet bowl adapted for an active ventilation system, comprising:
a cavity dimensioned to contain a ventilation fan;
an upper airflow conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end in fluid communication with a plurality of apertures disposed in a spaced apart relation in at least a portion of a rim of the toilet bowl, the second end in fluid communication with the cavity; and
a lower airflow conduit carried with a base of the toilet bowl having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in fluid communication with the cavity, the outlet configured for fluid communication with a sewer line connected with a drainpipe of the toilet bowl; and
wherein the upper airflow conduit, the cavity, and the lower airflow conduit are configured to communicate an airflow drawn into the plurality of apertures and ejected into the sewer line.
7. The toilet bowl of claim 6, wherein the cavity is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
8. The toilet bowl of claim 6, wherein the upper airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
9. The toilet bowl of claim 6, wherein the lower airflow conduit is contained within the base of the toilet bowl.
10. The toilet bowl of claim 6, wherein the outlet of the lower airflow conduit is in communication with the drainpipe of the toilet bowl in a downstream position from an S-trap in the base of the toilet bowl.
11. The toilet bowl of claim 6, wherein each of the cavity, the upper airflow conduit, and the lower airflow conduit are cast with the base of the toilet bowl.
12. An active ventilation system for a toilet bowl, comprising:
an upper airflow conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end in fluid communication with one or more air inlet apertures disposed in at least a portion of a rim of the toilet bowl,
a lower airflow conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in fluid communication with second end of the upper airflow conduit, the outlet configured for fluid communication with a drain line servicing the toilet bowl at a downstream position from an S-trap of the toilet bowl; and
a ventilation fan wherein, when activated, the ventilation fan imparts an airflow that is drawn into the one or more air inlet apertures, carried through the upper airflow conduit, the lower airflow conduit, and ejected into the drain line at the downstream position from the S-trap.
13. The active ventilation system of claim 12, wherein the ventilation fan is interposed between the upper airflow conduit and the lower airflow conduit.
14. The active ventilation system of claim 12, wherein the ventilation fan is an axial fan.
US17/450,510 2021-10-11 2021-10-11 Active ventilation system for toilet bowls Abandoned US20230110943A1 (en)

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