WO2009063436A1

WO2009063436A1 - Extraction system

Info

Publication number: WO2009063436A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/054802
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Hendrik Tesner
Original assignee: Jan Hendrik Tesner
Priority date: 2007-11-16
Filing date: 2008-11-17
Publication date: 2009-05-22

Abstract

This invention relates to an extraction system, in particular suitable for removing stale air and odours from toilets. The extraction system includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in use being in flow communication with a bowl of a toilet. A fluid moving apparatus is located in the flow passage for inducing fluid movement into the inlet, through the flow passage and towards the outlet; and at least one fluid treatment device is located in the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet.

Description

EXTRACTION SYSTEM

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

THIS invention relates to an extraction system. In particular the invention is concerned with an extraction system for removing stale air and odours from toilets.

Various deodorising systems have over the years been proposed for removing, or at least masking, the unpleasant odours often found in toilets. One such deodorising system commonly used comprises that a fragrant substance be dispensed from an aerosol canister for masking any unpleasant odours. Although aerosol fragrances are relatively inexpensive, they have also proven to be rather ineffective.

In recent times a wide range of toilet extractor fans have been developed for extracting unpleasant odours emanating from toilets and venting them outdoors. A disadvantage of existing toilet extractor fans is that it is a labour intensive exercise to install them due to the fact that a hole has to be made in an existing wall and that ducting is to be constructed for feeding the odours away from the toilet. Once the extractor fan and its associated ducting have been installed, the hole is to be repaired and the wall made to have a neat finish.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative extraction system for removing unwanted odours from toilets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided an extraction system including: a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being in flow communication with a bowl of a toilet; a fluid moving apparatus located in the flow passage for inducing fluid movement into the inlet, through the flow passage and towards the outlet; and an air treatment device located in the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet.

Preferably the extraction system includes more than one air treatment device.

A first fluid treatment device may be in the form of a receptacle containing an odour neutralizing agent, and a second fluid treatment device may be in the form of a receptacle containing a fragrant agent.

The fluid moving apparatus may be in the form of an extractor fan.

The fluid moving apparatus may be activated by way of a motion detection sensor.

There is also provided for the extraction system to include a fluid inlet member, and for the inlet of the flow passage to be located in the fluid inlet member.

The fluid inlet member may have an attachment formation for securing the fluid inlet member to the bowl of the toilet.

In an embodiment of the invention the attachment formation includes a pair of prongs which define a slit which can hold a fastener which secures the seat of the toilet to its bowl.

Typically the fluid inlet member includes at least one guide for guiding the flow of air being drawn into the fluid channel arrangement.

Preferably the fluid inlet member includes a plurality of guides. In an embodiment of the invention the odour neutralising agent comprises activated charcoal.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a fluid inlet member, suitable for use in the extraction system as described above, the fluid inlet member including a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, and a securing means for securing the fluid inlet member to a bowl of a toilet.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of removing unwanted odours from a toilet comprising the steps of (i) causing odour laden air to be drawn from the bowl of the toilet, (ii) passing the air through an odour neutralising agent to remove odours from the air and (iii) causing the air to be mixed with a fragrant agent.

The air may be caused to be drawn from the bowl of the toilet by way of an extraction fan.

The invention extends to a kit for constructing an extraction system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of an extraction system in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a fluid inlet member for use in the extraction system of the invention. -A-

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

Figure 1 shows an extraction system in accordance with the present invention, generally indicated with the reference numeral 10, installed on a conventional toilet 12. The toilet 12 comprises a bowl 14 and a seat 16 which is pivotally secured to the bowl 14. As persons familiar with the installation of toilets will appreciate, the seat 16 generally includes two hinges 18 between which a rod 20 extends. The rod 20 is secured in position with two connector members 22 which in turn are each secured to the bowl 14 with the use of a threaded fastener 24 which passes though a neck portion 26 of the bowl 14 and are each secured on the opposite side of the neck portion 26 with the use of a nut 28.

The extraction system 10 firstly comprises a flow passage or fluid channel arrangement 30 for providing fluid communication between the bowl 14 and a receptacle 32 holding an odour neutralising agent and a fragrance container 34 holding a fragrant agent. The extraction system 10 also includes an extractor fan 36 for drawing air from the bowl 14 of the toilet 12 into the fluid channel arrangement 30 via a fluid inlet member 38.

A perspective view of the fluid inlet member 38 is provided in Figure 2 of the drawings. The fluid inlet member 38 is shaped as shown and includes an open mouth 40 having a plurality guides 42 for, in use, guiding air being drawn into the fluid inlet member 38 towards its outlet 44 and from there into the extractor fan 36. The fluid inlet member 38 is further provided with an attachment formation 46 whereby it can be secured to the bowl 14 of the toilet 12. In this embodiment of the invention the attachment formation 46 is provided in the form of two prongs 48 which define a slot 50.

In order to secure the fluid inlet member 38 to the bowl 14, the nuts 28 of the toilet 12 are loosened in order to open a suitable gap between the connector member 22 and the neck portion 26 of the bowl 14, such that the prongs 48 of the attachment formation 46 can be located in the gap with one of the fasteners 24 located inside the slot 50. The relevant nut 28 can now be fastened.

It will, however, be appreciated that the above arrangement would cause the seat 16 to be uneven. For this reason a spacer 52 which is shaped as shown is provided which can be secured about the other fastener 24.

The odour neutralizing agent, which in this embodiment of the invention is held inside the receptacle 32, is provided in the form of activated charcoal granules. It will, however, be appreciated that other substances exist which could be used as an odour neutralizing agent and the invention is, therefore, not limited to the use of activated charcoal.

The fragrant agent, which is held inside the fragrance container 34 is provided in the form of a liquid essence. A user can elect the flavour of the essence which he would prefer to be released by the extraction system 10 and can simply fill the fragrance container 34 with an amount thereof.

It is envisaged that the extraction system 10 can include an activation system for activating and deactivating the extractor fan 36. The activation system is shown in broken lines and is generally indicated with the reference numeral 54. Typically the activation system 54 will incorporate a motion detection sensor and will activate the extractor fan 36 upon detecting movement of a user proximate the toilet 12.

It is pointed out that the fan can be powered either by a chemical cell or by electricity obtained from the electricity supply of a building.

The operation of the extraction system 10 can be summarised as follows: when a person approaches a toilet the activation system 54 will cause the extractor fan 36 to be activated. While the toilet is in use, odour laden air will be drawn from the bowl 14 into the fluid channel arrangement via the fluid inlet member 38. From here the air is caused to pass through the receptacle 32 holding the odour neutralising agent such that unwanted odours are removed from the air. Finally, air exiting the receptacle 32 will pass across the fragrance container 34 such that it can pick-up the pleasant fragrance of the fragrant agent whereafter it is released into the area surrounding the toilet.

The extraction system as described above addresses the problems highlighted in the background portion of the specification. In particular, it is also important to note that the extraction unit of this invention is a compact and stand-alone unit, which is easy to install, and does not require a large amount if labour. The compact and stand-alone unit includes the fluid displacement device, the fluid inlet member and the fluid treatment member(s), which are all securable to one another to form one small and easy to install extraction system.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An extraction system, suitable for use in extracting air from a toilet bowl, including: a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in use being in flow communication with a bowl of a toilet; a fluid moving apparatus located in the flow passage for inducing fluid movement into the inlet, through the flow passage and towards the outlet; and at least one fluid treatment device located in the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet

2. The extraction system of claim 1 wherein the fluid treatment device is in the form of a receptacle containing an odour neutralizing agent.

3. The extraction system of claim 1 wherein the fluid treatment device is in the form of a receptacle containing a fragrant agent.

4. The extraction system of claim 1 including at least two fluid treatment devices.

5. The extraction system of claim 1 or claim two including a first fluid treatment device is in the form of a receptacle containing an odour neutralizing agent, and a second fluid treatment device is in the form of a receptacle containing a fragrant agent.

6. The extraction system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid moving apparatus is in the form of an extractor fan.

7. The extraction system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid moving apparatus is activated by way of a motion detection sensor.

8. The extraction system of any one of the preceding claims including a fluid inlet member, wherein the inlet of the flow passage is located in the fluid inlet member.

9. The extraction system of claim 8 wherein the fluid inlet member includes an attachment formation for securing the fluid inlet member to the bowl of the toilet.

10. The extraction system of claim 9 wherein the attachment formation includes a pair of prongs defining a slit for engaging a fastener which secures a seat of the toilet to its bowl.

11. The extraction system of claim 8 wherein the fluid inlet member includes at least one guide for guiding the flow of air being drawn into the fluid channel arrangement.

12. The extraction system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the odour neutralising agent comprises activated charcoal.

13. A fluid inlet member, suitable for use in the extraction system as claimed in claims 1 to 12, including a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, and an attachment formation for securing the fluid inlet member relative to a bowl of a toilet.

14. A method of removing unwanted odours from a toilet including the steps of:

(i) causing odour laden air to be drawn from the bowl of the toilet; (ii) passing the air through an odour neutralising agent to remove odours from the air; and (iii)causing the air to be mixed with a fragrant agent.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the air is caused to be drawn from the bowl of the toilet by way of an extraction fan.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the air is displaced via the extraction system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.