WO2011037666A1

WO2011037666A1 - Vented toilet

Info

Publication number: WO2011037666A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/040771
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tim C. Long; Co H. Giang
Original assignee: Long Tim C; Giang Co H
Priority date: 2009-09-28
Filing date: 2010-07-01
Publication date: 2011-03-31

Abstract

Various embodiments provide a vented toilet system. An example embodiment includes a vented toilet system comprising: a bowl having a plurality of openings disposed about its rim, a holding tank, a vented toilet adapter disposed between the bowl and the holding tank, the vented toilet adapter for venting air out of the bowl, an exhaust pipe having an input end for coupling with the vented toilet adapter, and a fan to create a suction force within the exhaust pipe to bias air flow out of the bowl and into the exhaust pipe.

Description

VENTED TOILET

PRIORITY APPLICATION

[0001] This is a non-provisional patent application that claims priority to a provisional patent application, serial no. 61/246,455; filed on September 28, 2009; by a common inventor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosed subject matter relates to the field of toilets, and particularly to vented toilets.

COPYRIGHT

[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data as described below and in the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright 2009-2010 Tim C. Long and Co H. Giang, All Rights Reserved.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Bathroom odors are unavoidable and consumers need a simple and effective way to abolish foul smelling odors from their bathroom without using harsh chemicals. Existing methods to remedy the problem are insufficient. Exhaust fans attempt to suck the odorous air from the room and into the ceiling. In doing so, the odor passes through an individual's clothes, nose, and under the door. Due to the high volume of air in the room, it takes quite awhile to completely exhaust the foul odors. Deodorizing sprays often mask the smell, but do not eliminate the odors. For many, the scent of masking sprays may be intolerable and may cause negative reactions in some. [0005] U.S. Patent No. 5,029,346 describes system for venting odors from a toilet having a bowl with a plurality of openings disposed about its rim and a tank to store water with a bowl fill tube interconnected with the openings. A vent is positioned above the level of maximum water storage in the tank. A low pressure region within the vent is established bias air flow through bowl rim openings in the toilet and also through a bowl fill tube in the toilet tank and into the vent. Finally, an exhaust outlet is located at a remote point from the toilet in order to output the air flow from the toilet. To improve venting of air flow between the vent and the fill tube, the tank lid may include a seal positioned between the lid and the tank. The system may also include a valve with dampers that allow air flow to enter the tank during flushing and allow air flow to exit the tank during venting, but that limits air flow when the system is inoperative.

[0006] However, the system described in the U.S. Patent No. 5,029,346 requires modification of the toilet and may require repositioning of a toilet within a bathroom relative to an adjacent wall.

[0007] Thus, a vented toilet system is needed.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a front/top view of an example embodiment of the vented toilet system;

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a detailed view of the exhaust fan of an example embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates how an exhaust pipe is attached to the back of the toilet in an example embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates how the vented toilet system of an example embodiment removes the odors from the toilet bowl;

[0014] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate how the vented toilet system of an example embodiment removes the odors from a room in which a toilet is installed;

[0015] Figure 7 illustrates a detail how the vented toilet system of an example embodiment removes the odors from a toilet bowl;

[0016] Figure 8 illustrates a vented toilet adapter of an example embodiment;

[0017] Figure 9 illustrates how the vented toilet adapter system of an example embodiment removes the odors from a room in which a toilet is installed; and

[0018] Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate a detail of how the vented toilet adapter system of an example embodiment removes the odors from a toilet bowl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter can be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter. [0020] According to various example embodiments of the disclosed subject matter as described herein, there is described and claimed a vented toilet system. The various embodiments described herein offer users an easy method and system to draw away undesirable odors from a toilet as it is used. The various embodiments can assist individuals in keeping their restrooms smelling clean and free of unpleasant odors. The various embodiments are ideal for use in private residences as well as commercial establishments to effectively remove bathroom odors caused by use of a toilet.

[0021] Referring now to Figure 1 , the diagram illustrates a front/top view of an example embodiment of the vented toilet system 10. The vented toilet system 10 of an example embodiment includes a toilet bowl 100, a holding tank 120, an exhaust pipe 130, an inline fan 810, and a fan 140. The toilet bowl 100 and holding tank 120 can be a conventional toilet as well known in the art. Such conventional toilets typically also include a lid 1 12. In example embodiment 10, the exhaust pipe 130 can be coupled to the rear portion of the bowl 100 as shown in Figure 3. As described in more detail below, the coupling of the exhaust pipe 130 to the bowl 100 enables the vented toilet system 10 to draw odors from the bowl 100 as a result of the suction force within the exhaust pipe 130 created by inline fan 810.

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a detailed view of the inline fan 810 and exhaust fan 140 of an example embodiment. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure that a variety of different types of inline fans 810 and/or exhaust fans 140 can be used in various embodiments. Any type of inline fan 810 that can create suction force within the exhaust pipe 130 can be used. In an example embodiment, the inline fan 810 can be driven by a standard electrical source. An electrical switch can be provided in a bathroom in which the system 10 is installed to enable a user to activate/deactivate the inline fan 810. Typically, a bathroom exhaust fan, such as exhaust fan 140, is already provided in most bathroom installations. Particular embodiments can use an existing fan and exhaust venting by coupling the output end of exhaust pipe 130 to an existing vent pipe or hood on the output side of fan 140. In many cases, the exhaust pipe 130 can be installed in the interior of the walls and ceiling of a bathroom. In other cases, the exhaust pipe 130 can be installed on the exterior of the walls and ceiling of a bathroom. In one embodiment, the exhaust pipe 130 can be a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) type of conventional pipe of an outside dimension of one inch. In other embodiments, exhaust pipes of other dimensions or materials can be used.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates how an exhaust pipe is attached to the back of the toilet bowl 100 in an example embodiment. In one embodiment, the bowl 100 can be manufactured to include a vent to which the exhaust pipe 130 can be coupled. This embodiment is described in more detail below in connection with Figure 7. As described in more detail below, the toilet with a manufactured vent can draw odors from the interior of the bowl 100 through vent holes in the interior of bowl 100, through internal channels within bowl 100, and out through exhaust pipe 130. This airflow, as enabled by the suction provided by inline fan 810, is illustrated in more detail in Figure 4.

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates how the vented toilet system 10 of an example embodiment removes the odors from the toilet bowl 100. A conventional toilet bowl is typically manufactured to include a series of vent holes 1 14 around the interior rim of the bowl 100. These vent holes 1 14 fill with water from a holding tank 120 during a flush cycle to clean the bowl 100 from the top. The conventional toilet bowl 100 also provides a water reservoir 102 within the bowl. This water reservoir 102 is expelled down a drain 104 during the flush cycle and subsequently refilled from the contents of the holding tank 120. Except during the flush cycle, the vent holes 1 14 enable air 1 16 to enter internal channels within bowl 100 as shown in Figure 4. Much of this air 1 16 resides within bowl 100 and includes a repository of the foul odors to be eliminated. Given the suction provided by inline fan 810 via exhaust pipe 130, foul air 1 16 is drawn up from the bowl 100 and into the vent holes 1 14. The foul air 1 16 continues to travel within internal channels within bowl 100 toward an input opening of the exhaust pipe 130. The internal channels within bowl 100 are represented as channel area 150 in Figure 4. Most conventional toilets are manufactured with such an internal channel area. A hole can be cut or manufactured into the rear of the toilet to provide access for coupling the input opening of the exhaust pipe 130 to an output opening 310 of the internal channel area 150. This embodiment is described in more detail below in connection with Figure 7. A coupler 160 can also be provided to enable easy installation of the exhaust pipe 130 to the rear of the toilet as shown in Figure 4.

[0025] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate how the vented toilet system of an example embodiment removes the odors from a room in which a toilet is installed. In an example embodiment, the exhaust pipe 130 can be coupled to the rear portion of the bow] 100 as shown in Figures 5 through 7. As described in more detail herein, the coupling of the exhaust pipe 30 to the bowl 100 enables the vented toilet system to draw odors from the bowl 100 as a result of the suction force within the exhaust pipe 130 created by inline fan 810. Particular embodiments can use an existing fan and venting by coupling the output end of exhaust pipe 130 to an existing vent pipe or hood on the output side of fan 140. As a result, the inline fan 810 can draw air from the bowl 100 via exhaust pipe 130 and expel the air 142 into the venting on the output side of the fan 140. At the same time, fan 140 can draw room air 141 out of the room in which a toilet is installed. The room air 141 can be expelled from the room along with the air 142 expelled from the toilet bowl 100 into the venting on the output side of fan 140.

[0026] Figure 7 illustrates a detail how the vented toilet system of an example embodiment removes the odors from a toilet bowl. A conventional toilet bowl is typically manufactured to include a series of vent holes 1 14 around the interior rim of the bowl 100. The vent holes 1 14 enable air 1 16 to enter internal channels within bowl 100 as shown in Figure 7. Much of this air 1 16 resides within bowl 100 and includes a repository of the foul odors to be eliminated. Given the suction provided by inline fan 810 via exhaust pipe 130, foul air 1 16 is drawn up from the bowl 100 and into the vent holes 1 14. The foul air 1 16 continues to travel within internal channels within bowl 100 toward an input opening of the exhaust pipe 130. Most conventional toilets are manufactured with such an internal channel area 150. A hole can be cut or manufactured into the rear of the toilet, as shown in Figure 7, to provide access for coupling the input opening of the exhaust pipe 130 to an output opening 310 of the internal channel area 150. A coupler 160 can also be provided to enable easy installation of the exhaust pipe 130 to the rear of the toilet as shown in Figure 7.

[0027] Figure 8 illustrates a vented toilet adapter 700 of an example embodiment. In some circumstances, it may not be possible or convenient to manufacture a coupling for the exhaust pipe 130 into the toilet bowl 100. It would be desirable to provide a mechanism that can be used to retro-fit an existing toilet with a venting capability as described herein. The vented toilet adapter 700 is such a mechanism. As shown in Figure 8, the vented toilet adapter 700 includes a generally round portion 702 configured to define a hole or void 722 of a dimension corresponding to a hole 124 in the bottom of holding tank 120 of a conventional toilet. In a particular embodiment, the dimensions of adapter portion 702 are 5.5 inches at the span 710 and 3.5 inches at the span 712 as shown in Figure 8. The height of the adapter portion 702 is .75 inches. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the dimensions of a vented toilet adapter in an alternative embodiment can be different. Similarly, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the shape of the vented toilet adapter in an alternative embodiment can be different. For example, the vented toilet adapter in an alternative embodiment can include a square portion 702, an octagonal portion 702, or any other shape that enables a void 722 to be defined and configured to enable a watertight coupling with a hole 124 in the bottom of holding tank 120 of a conventional toilet. In a particular embodiment, vented toilet adapter 700 includes vent holes 720 to enable air to pass from the internal channel area of bowl 100 into the throat 704 of vented toilet adapter 700 and out through coupler 706. The coupler 706 is configured in a dimension suitable to receive the input end of the exhaust pipe 130. In a particular embodiment, the dimensions of throat portion 704 are 1 inch wide and 1 .5 inches at the span 714 as shown in Figure 8. In a particular embodiment, the dimensions of coupler portion 706 are 1 .25 inches at the span 716 and 1.5 inches at the span 718. The height of the coupler portion 706 is 1 .5 inches. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the dimensions of the throat portion 704 and the coupler portion 706 of the vented toilet adapter 700 in an alternative embodiment can be different. Similarly, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the shape of the vented toilet adapter in an alternative embodiment can be different. For example, the throat portion 704 and/or the coupler portion 706 of the vented toilet adapter 700 in an alternative embodiment can include a square portion, an octagonal portion, or any other shape that enables the coupler portion 706 to be defined and configured to enable a watertight coupling with the exhaust pipe 130. In various embodiments, the vented toilet adapter 700 can be fabricated from a plastic, rubber, composite, synthetic material, or the like of sufficient rigidity and strength to support the holding tank 120. The vented toilet adapter 700 can also include appropriate seals, sealants, or gaskets to provide a water-tight seal between the holding tank 120 and the bowl 100.

[0028] In a typical configuration as described in more detail below, the vented toilet adapter 700 is positioned between the rear of bowl 100 and the holding tank 120 of a conventional toilet as shown in Figures 9 through 1 1 . The input end of the exhaust pipe 130 is coupled to the vented toilet adapter 700 at the coupler 706. As so installed, the vented toilet adapter 700 enables the vented toilet system 1 1 to draw odors from the bowl 100 as a result of the suction force within the exhaust pipe 130 created by inline fan 810.

[0029] Figures 9 through 1 1 illustrate how the vented toilet adapter 700 system of an example embodiment removes the odors from a room in which a toilet is installed. As shown in Figure 9, the vented toilet adapter 700 is positioned between the rear of bowl 100 and the holding tank 120 of a conventional toilet. The hole 124 (see Figures 7, 10, and 1 1) at the bottom of holding tank 120 of the conventional toilet is positioned over (concentric with) the void 722 of the vented toilet adapter 700. The portion 702 of vented toilet adapter 700 provides a watertight seal against a lower surface of holding tank 120 and an upper surface of bowl 100. The input end of the exhaust pipe 130 is coupled to the vented toilet adapter 700 at the coupler 706. Once installed, the vented toilet adapter 700 enables the vented toilet system 1 1 to draw odors from the bowl 100 as a result of the suction force within the exhaust pipe 130 created by inline fan 810. The odors from the bowl 100 can be vented via exhaust pipe 130 and expelled air 142 to an outgoing vent or hood on the output side of fan 140. [0030] Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate a detail of how the vented toilet adapter system of an example embodiment removes the odors from the toilet bowl. As shown in Figures 9 through 1 1 , the vented toilet adapter 700 is positioned between the rear of bowl 100 and the holding tank 120 of a conventional toilet. The hole 124 at the bottom of holding tank 120 of the conventional toilet is positioned over (concentric with) the void 722 of the vented toilet adapter 700. Similarly, the void 722 of the vented toilet adapter 700 is positioned over (concentric with) a hole 1 19 (see Figure 1 1 ) at the top of the rear of bowl 100. The portion 702 of vented toilet adapter 700 provides a water-tight seal against a lower surface of holding tank 120 and an upper surface of bowl 100. The input end of the exhaust pipe 130 is coupled to the vented toilet adapter 700 at the coupler 706. Once installed, the vented toilet adapter 700 enables the vented toilet system 1 1 to draw odors from the bowl 100 as a result of the suction force within the exhaust pipe 130 created by inline fan 810 as shown in Figure 9. Similarly, Figure 1 1 shows how the vented toilet system 1 1 draws odors from the bowl 100 via the vented toilet adapter 700. In particular, the odors 1 16 within the interior of the bowl 100 are drawn through vent holes 1 14 at the top of bowl 100. The odors 1 16 are further drawn through internal channels 1 18 within bowl 100 and into the void 722 of vented toilet adapter 700. The odors 1 16 continue through the vents 720 of the vented toilet adapter 700 and into the throat 704 of vented toilet adapter 700. Finally, the odors 1 16 continue through the throat 704 of vented toilet adapter 700 and into the input end of the exhaust pipe 130 via the coupler 706 of vented toilet adapter 700. The odors 1 16 are expelled out through exhaust pipe 130 as enabled by the suction provided by inline fan 810.

[0031] The vented toilet of various embodiments is a system that can easily remove undesirable odors from a toilet. A particular embodiment may look like a standard toilet; but, the standard toilet can have a hole cut in the back of the bowl portion of the toilet adjacent to where the holding tank may be attached. In one embodiment, the hole can be a 1.5 inch hole. An exhaust pipe may then be inserted into the hole to allow foul odors to suction out and into the exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe may be built into the wall and run up to the fan venting or the exhaust pipe may remain visible if desired. There may be a rubber seal 121 (see Figures 7 and 1 1) around the top of the holding tank 120 to create a more forceful suction. In one embodiment, the unit may measure approximately 32.625 inches high, 30 inches long, and 20.4375 inches wide. Other sizes and configurations may also be produced. The exact dimensions, materials used for construction and method of operation of the vented toilet system may vary upon manufacturing.

[0032] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of components and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the description provided herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The figures herein are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0033] The description herein may include terms, such as "up", "down",

"upper", "lower", "first", "second", etc. that are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. The elements, materials, geometries, dimensions, and sequence of operations may all be varied to suit particular applications. Parts of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. While the foregoing examples of dimensions and ranges are considered typical, the various embodiments are not limited to such dimensions or ranges.

[0034] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.74(b) to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

[0035] In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments have more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

[0036] Thus, as described above, a vented toilet system is disclosed.

Although the disclosed subject matter has been described with reference to several example embodiments, it may be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed subject matter in all its aspects. Although the disclosed subject matter has been described with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the disclosed subject matter is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather, the subject matter extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A vented toilet system comprising:

a bowl having a plurality of openings disposed about its rim;

a holding tank;

a coupler disposed between the bowl and the holding tank, the coupler for venting air out of the bowl;

an exhaust pipe having an input end for coupling with the coupler; and a fan to create a suction force within the exhaust pipe to bias air flow out of the bowl and into the exhaust pipe.

2. The vented toilet system of claim 1 wherein the coupler is manufactured into the bowl.

3. The vented toilet system of claim 1 wherein the holding tank includes a seal around the top of the holding tank to improve suction.

4. The vented toilet system of claim 1 wherein the fan is an inline fan integrated into an output end of the exhaust pipe.

5. The vented toilet system of claim 1 wherein an output end of the exhaust pipe is coupled to an output side of a room fan.

6. The vented toilet system of claim 1 including an electrical switch to enable a user to activate/deactivate the fan.

7. A vented toilet system comprising:

a bowl having a plurality of openings disposed about its rim;

a holding tank; a vented toilet adapter disposed between the bowl and the holding tank, the vented toilet adapter for venting air out of the bowl;

an exhaust pipe having an input end for coupling with the vented toilet adapter; and

a fan to create a suction force within the exhaust pipe to bias air flow out of the bowl and into the exhaust pipe.

8. The vented toilet system of claim 7 wherein the vented toilet adapter is retro-fit to a previously manufactured bowl and holding tank.

9. The vented toilet system of claim 7 wherein the holding tank includes a seal around the top of the holding tank to improve suction.

10. The vented toilet system of claim 7 wherein the fan is an inline fan integrated into an output end of the exhaust pipe.

1 1. The vented toilet system of claim 7 wherein an output end of the exhaust pipe is coupled to an output side of a room fan.

12. The vented toilet system of claim 7 including an electrical switch to enable a user to activate/deactivate the fan.