Toilet bowl odor eliminator

Abstract

Battery energized apparatus mounted within the water tank for conventional flush toilet operates in any or all of three phases of operation to eliminate odors. During the initial phase, air from the toilet bowl is drawn from the toilet tank into a plenum to expose the air to UV radiation to produce ozone molecules that have an oxidizing effect on organic matter and the UV radiation serves as a germicide and a virucide. During the flush phase, ozone enriched air is entrained in the water flowing into the toilet bowl. During the sanitizing phase, ozone enriched air is channeled from the plenum into the toilet bowl.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims priority of a provisional application entitled “TOILET BOWL ODOR ELIMINATOR”, filed Nov. 23, 2005, and assigned Ser. No. 60/739,123, disclosing an invention by the present inventors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for removing odors from toilet bowls and, more particularly, to apparatus for subjecting gases attendant a toilet bowl to ultraviolet radiation and ozone.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

Conventional flushing toilet bowls used throughout the world release odorous gases into the room upon use. A common solution to this problem is actuation of an exhaust fan to exhaust air and gases from the room through a ceiling mounted exhaust fan. Such exhaust fans may also be located in the walls or ceiling of the room. These exhaust fans cause odorous gases to flow around and about an occupant and his/her clothing and some of the gases may permeate such clothing and hair of the user with socially unacceptable results. Moreover, the odorous gases are almost never exhausted completely by the time a user opens the door and some of the gases migrate therethrough into an adjoining area.

One of the most unpleasant effects of odorous gases is that a subsequent user of a toilet is often subjected to the presence of the gases which emanated from a previous user.

When a conventional toilet is flushed. A fine mist or aerosol is often created. Such a mist or aerosol will contain potentially harmful bacteria and viruses that will migrate throughout the adjacent area. This creates a potential health hazard to a subsequent occupant entering or within the adjacent area. Test results indicate that such a mist or aerosol may be present for up to two hours.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an initial phase of use of a conventional flush toilet incorporating the present invention, air is drawn through a stand pipe within a water tank and irradiated by an ultraviolet lamp. Such irradiation has the beneficial effect of killing bacteria/viruses and producing ozone which has a tendency to oxidize organic material. Thereby, odors generated will be essentially destroyed. During the flush phase, the flushing water flows through a venturi into the stand pipe and toilet bowl; a cartridge containing silver and/or copper ions or other water treatment element may also be incorporated. Simultaneously, the air is drawn from the toilet bowl and passed across the ultraviolet lamp with the above-noted beneficial effects. Additionally, a tube connected to the venturi includes an inlet for drawing irradiated air and entraining such ozone enriched air into the water flowing into the stand pipe and to the toilet bowl. Upon fill of the tank, the air flow past the ultraviolet lamp is reversed to inject ozone enriched air into the toilet bowl to oxidize organic elements that may be present during a sanitizing phase. The ozone may also be injected into the water flowing into the toilet bowl. To render the apparatus essentially self contained, it may be mounted within the toilet tank and elements thereof are battery operated to avoid any electrical hazard. A control panel may be used to initiate operation and thereafter function automatically or each step may be manually energized and de-energized.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a self contained apparatus for eliminating odors attendant a toilet bowl.

Another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus that can be totally contained within a conventional tank of a flush toilet that eliminates odors emanating from the toilet bowl.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjunct to a conventional flush toilet that eliminates odors.

Yet another object of the present invention is to treat the water going into the bowl of the toilet.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide apparatus mounted within a conventional tank of a flush toilet that irradiates and ozonates gases drawn from a toilet bowl.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an add on apparatus for any conventional flush toilet that will eliminate odors generated during use of the toilet.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for treating water flowing into a toilet bowl.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a method for eliminating odors emanating from a toilet bowl.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for irradiating and ozonating gases generated within a toilet bowl during use with apparatus contained within a toilet tank.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative and functional view of the present invention mounted within the water tank of a conventional flush toilet during an initial phase;

FIG. 2 illustrates operation of the present invention during the flush phase of the toilet;

FIG. 3 illustrates the operational phase of the present invention subsequent to refill of the tank;

FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate representatively the apparatus mountable within a toilet tank and incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a representative side view of the apparatus embodying the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates suspension of the present invention within a conventional water tank of a flush toilet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional representation of apparatus 10 embodying the present invention. The apparatus is intended for use with a conventional flush toilet having a toilet bowl and a water tank 12 for providing water to flush the toilet bowl. As is conventional, a float operated valve mechanism 14 is mounted at bottom 16 of tank 12 and a nipple 18, or the like, extends outside of the tank for interconnection with a source of water under pressure. Float 20 is vertically responsive to the water level within tank 12. During a flushing operation, the water level will drop and so will the float. The resulting movement of the float will open a valve 22 interconnected with the float through linkages 24. A flapper valve 30 is mounted within aperture 32 in bottom 16 of tank 12 and controls outflow of water through a fitting 34 in fluid communication with the water distribution system within the toilet bowl. The flapper valve includes a valve 36 which is raised by a handle exterior of tank 12 and interconnected with the valve by a chain, cord or the like. Thus, to flush the toilet, the handle is partially rotated which results in the raising of valve 36. Thereafter, water will flow through the flapper valve into the toilet bowl. As the water level drops, valve 36 will reseat itself and seal the flapper valve against further outflow. Water flow from valve mechanism 14 to flapper valve 30 is directed through a conduit 26 having an outlet 28 within a stand pipe 36. Additionally, water will flow through an outlet of the valve mechanism to fill the tank in the conventional manner. Tank 12 includes a loosely fitting lid 40, as is conventional. Because of the loose fit, air may flow out between the upper edges of tank 12 and the lid, as represented by arrows 42.

Apparatus 10 operates in each of three phases. Such operation may be initiated and terminated by push buttons electrically connected to appropriate circuitry. Alternatively, the apparatus may transition through the three phases by use of a timer or sensing device(s) which sense flushing and filling of tank 12.

Apparatus 10 includes a plenum 50, which may be a folded tube, as illustrated. A conduit 52 extends from the plenum and includes a shroud 54 that loosely fits over the upper end of stand pipe 38, as illustrated. The stand pipe serves the standard function of preventing overflow of the tank. Conduit 26 may be penetrably mounted through conduit 52, as illustrated. An electrically operated fan 56 is disposed within plenum 50 to cause air flow in one direction or the other through the plenum.

In the initial phase illustrated, the fan draws air from the stand pipe, as represented by arrows 58, into conduit 52, as represented by arrow 60, and through the plenum, as represented by arrows 62. The air drawn through the stand pipe will cause a low pressure within the toilet bowl and air is drawn from within the toilet bowl into the stand pipe, as represented by arrows 64.

Downstream of fan 54 within plenum 50 there is disposed an ultraviolet lamp 70. Upon energization of the lamp, it will provide radiation in the ultraviolet range. Such radiation is well known to be a germicide and virucide. Thus, the air flowing about the lamp, as represented by arrows 72, will convey bacteria and other living organisms that may have been within the air within the toilet bowl past lamp 70 and become irradiated with ultraviolet radiation. As is well know that such radiation will have a germicidal and virucidal effect upon irradiated bacteria. Additionally, the ultraviolet radiation may be in a wavelength range to cause conversion of oxygen molecules present in the air into ozone molecules and/or in a wavelength range which will kill bacteria. The presence of ozone within the air flowing through plenum 50 will have an oxidizing effect upon organic material conveyed by the air. Thus, any malodor caused by the bacteria and/or organic compounds will be eliminated by destruction of the bacteria and organic compounds. The air flowing out of plenum 50, as represented by arrows 74, will be essentially odorless. The air discharged from the plenum into the top of tank 12 will be exhausted through the spaces between lid 40 and the tank as represented by arrows 42.

The operation of apparatus 10 during the flush phase will be described with reference to FIG. 2. During the flush phase, the conventional handle external of tank 12 is pivoted causing valve 36 of flapper valve 30 to open and water from within tank 12 will flow through fitting 34 into the toilet bowl. As float 20 of valve mechanism 14 moves downwardly in response to the water evacuation from tank 12, valve 22 opens and water begins to flow through conduit 26 through outlet 28 in stand pipe 38 and ultimately into the toilet bowl as depicted by arrows 76. Additionally, the normal outlet of valve mechanism 14 will discharge water into tank 12 to fill it. During the flush mode, fan 56 is energized to draw air from the toilet bowl, as depicted by arrows 78, and into stand pipe 38, as depicted by arrow 58, and conduit 52, as depicted by arrow 60; this may reduce the aerosol normally migrating into the room. The air flowing through plenum 50, as represented by arrow 62, will be irradiated by ultraviolet radiation from lamp 70. Thereby, the germicidal and virucidal effect of the ultraviolet radiation and the oxidizing effect of the ozone generated will be undertaken.

Preferably, a venturi 80 or other entrainment device is disposed in conduit 26. A conduit 82 is connected to the venturi and includes an inlet 84 disposed within plenum 50. The low pressure within venturi 80 will draw ozone enriched air from within plenum 50 into conduit 26 for entrainment within the water therein. The ozone entrained water will be discharged therefrom, as represented by dashed lines 86 into stand pipe 38 and ultimately into the toilet bowl, as represented by arrow 76. The entrained ozone that ultimately enters the toilet bowl will have the effect of oxidizing organic matter within the toilet bowl and with which it comes in contact.

As an option, a cartridge 88 containing silver/copper ions or other elements may be mounted in conduit 26 to dispense any of these elements into the water flowing through the conduit. Such elements have the potential for continuous bacterial and viral inactivation.

On completion of the flush phase, apparatus 10 operates in a sanitizing phase. The purpose of this phase is that of eliminating any odors that still may be present in the toilet bowl and to attempt to sanitize the surfaces of the toilet bowl, seat and lid. After tank 12 has filled, as illustrated in FIG. 3, fan 56 reverses direction. With such reverse direction, the relatively clean air within tank 12 is drawn into plenum 50, as represented by arrows 90. This air passes across lamp 72 and is irradiated with ultraviolet light which serves as a germicide and virucide to destroy bacteria that may be present. Additionally, some of the oxygen molecules in the air flowing past lamp 70 are converted to ozone molecules. As a result, the air flowing through plenum 50, as represented by arrows 92, is ozone enriched air. The ozone enriched air flows through conduit 52 into stand pipe 38, as represented by arrows 94. As the stand pipe is in fluid communication with the interior of the toilet bowl, the ozone enriched air enters the toilet bowl, as represented by arrows 96. Because of the oxidative effect of ozone, it will have the tendency to oxidize organic material that may be present within the air in the toilet bowl and upon any surfaces of the toilet bowl, the seat and the lid. Thus, any malodor produced during use of the flush toilet will have been destroyed prior to a subsequent user using the flush toilet.

Referring jointly to FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 5, there is illustrated an embodiment of apparatus 10 suitable for suspension within the water tank of a flush toilet. A platform 100 support the various components discussed above. In particular, UV lamp 70 is mounted upon the platform in the conventional manner. Similarly, fan 56 is so mounted along with electric motor 102 and its rotating shaft 104 driving the fan. A compartment 106 houses circuitry and various electrical and electronic components for controlling operation of apparatus 10. As schematically depicted in FIG. 5, a shroud 108 extend upwardly from platform 100 to house the various components; this shroud, in combination with platform 100, are functionally equivalent to plenum 50 described above. To help purify air exhausting from within shroud 108 (plenum 50) a carbon filter 110 and/or a scented air freshener may be located at outlet 112. Thereby, during the initial phase and the flush phase, the air/gas exhausted will be purified by the carbon filter to further insure an odorless environment. A passageway 114, functionally equivalent to conduit 52 described above, is pivotally connected to shroud 108, as depicted by arrow 116. Thereby, the passageway is positionally adaptable to engage stand pipe 38 (see previous discussion and figures). The purpose of passageway 114 is to interconnect the space interior of shroud 108 with the interior of the stand pipe; alternatively, the stand pipe may be an integral part of any of the embodiments of the present invention. Thus, passageway 114 includes a vertical section 118 extending downwardly and pivotally connected to shroud 108, as depicted by arrow 116. Section 118 is in fluid communication with horizontal section 120, which section is dimensioned to extend to stand pipe 38. A further vertical section 122 extends downwardly to establish fluid communication with the upper end of stand pipe 38. To minimize flow of gas into the space surrounding the junction between the stand pipe and section 122, an annular seal 124 may be incorporated. Conduit 26, extending from valve mechanism 14 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) may be of a flexible type to engage nipple 126. The nipple is in fluid communication with a tube 128, which tube extends into stand pipe 38, as described above with respect to conduit 26. Venturi 80 may be supported by tube 128, as illustrated, to introduce and entrain ozone enriched air in the water flowing through the tube. Electrical power for operating apparatus 10 may be provided by batteries 130 disposed within a compartment 132 depending from platform 100. Alternatively, these batteries may be mounted on the platform.

Preferably, apparatus 10 is mounted within tank 12 (see FIG. 1). Such mounting may be effected by straps 140, 142 extending from opposed sides of platform 100 to rest upon the corresponding upper edges of the water tank, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. To prevent disengagement of the straps with the upper edge of the water tank, the straps may be bent downwardly at the ends to engage the exterior surfaces of the respective walls of the tank. Alternatively, as shown flanges 144, 146 may be located at the terminal ends of the straps. A further strap 148 may extend from platform 100 to rest upon the upper edge of the side of the water tank opposite to the side wherein valve mechanism 14 is located. This strap may also be terminated by a flange 150. As it is anticipated that apparatus 10 will be primarily user operated, a control panel 152 may be attached to strap 140 instead of a flange 144. Such control panel would include the requisite switches, push buttons, displays, etc., to initiate, control and/or terminate operation of apparatus 10.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a conventional flush toilet having apparatus 10 mounted therein. As is conventional, it includes a toilet bowl 160 hingedly supporting a seat 162 and a lid 164. Water tank 166 includes upper edges normally covered by a lid 40 (see FIG. 1). As such a lid loosely fits upon the upper edge of the water tank, it is feasible and practical to attach straps 168, 170 to apparatus 10 and permit such straps to rest upon edges 172, 174 of the tank. As discussed above, these straps may include downwardly extending flanges to prevent fore and aft sliding movement and possible disengagement of the straps from the edges of the water tank. Additionally, one or more straps may extend orthogonally to rest upon edge 180 of the water tank. Straps 176, 178 would also include flanges at the terminal ends to engage the adjacent exterior surface of the water tank. After mounting of apparatus 10, lid 40 may be put in place in a conventional manner.

From the above description, it is apparent that apparatus 10 is totally self contained and requires no interaction with any elements, parts or other structure external of the water tank. Furthermore, when in place, apparatus 10 is essentially not visible to a user except to the extent that a control panel for operating the apparatus is available for tactile engagement to operate the various switches and/or pushbuttons.

Claims

1. A toilet bowl odor eliminator mounted within a water tank of a conventional flush toilet having a standpipe in fluid communication with the toilet bowl, a flapper valve for passing water to the toilet bowl from the water tank and a water fill tube extending from a valve mechanism responsive to the water level in the water tank for filling the tank, said odor eliminator comprising in combination:

a) a plenum for accommodating a flow of air therethrough;

b) a UV lamp disposed in said plenum for irradiating air within said plenum to kill microorganisms and to selectively convert oxygen molecules into ozone molecules and produce ozone enriched air for oxidizing organic matter present in the air and to kill bacteria and viruses that may be present in the air;

c) a fan for urging a flow of air through said plenum; and

d) a conduit interconnecting the stand pipe with said plenum, whereby said fan draws air from the toilet bowl through the stand pipe into said plenum to subject the drawn air to radiation from said UV lamp.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including a venturi disposed in the fill tube and connected to said plenum to receive ozone enriched air from said plenum for ozonating the water flowing through the fill tube into the toilet bowl.

3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including a cartridge disposed in the fill tube for dispensing a selected element into the fill water.

4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for reversing flow of ozone enriched air through said plenum and urging the air into the standpipe.

5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for mounting said odor eliminator at the top of the water tank.

6. A toilet bowl odor eliminator mounted within a water tank of a conventional flush toilet having a standpipe in fluid communication with the toilet bowl, a flapper valve for passing water to the toilet bowl from the water tank and a water fill tube extending from a valve responsive to the water level in the water tank for filling the tank, said odor eliminator having three phases of operation and comprising in combination:

a) a plenum for accommodating a flow of air therethrough;

b) a UV lamp disposed in said plenum for irradiating air within said plenum to kill microorganisms and to selectively convert oxygen molecules into ozone molecules and produce ozone enriched air for oxidizing any organic matter than may be present in the air and for destroying bacteria and viruses that may be present in the air;

c) a fan for urging a flow of air through said plenum;

d) a conduit interconnecting the stand pipe with said plenum;

e) a venturi disposed in the fill tube and connected to said chamber to receive ozone enriched air from said and discharge it plenum into the fill tube;

f) said fan being energized in the initial and flush phase of operation to draw air from the toilet bowl through the stand pipe and into said plenum;

g) upon flow of water from the valve mechanism through said venturi in the flush phase of operation, said venturi draws ozone enriched air from said plenum into the water flowing into the stand pipe; and

h) said fan being energized in a reverse direction during the sanitizing phase of operation to cause ozone enriched air to flow through the stand pipe into the toilet bowl.

7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 including a cartridge disposed in the fill tube for dispensing an element into the fill water.

8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 including means for mounting said odor eliminator at the top of the water tank.

9. A method for eliminating odor attendant a conventional flush toilet having a stand pipe and a valve mechanism for injecting water into the toilet tank as a function of the water level in the toilet tank with apparatus mounted within the water tank of the toilet, said method comprising the steps of:

a) an initial phase of operation including drawing air from within the toilet bowl, through the stand pipe and through a plenum formed as part of the apparatus, exposing the air flowing through the plenum to a source of ultraviolet radiation to convert some of the oxygen molecules into ozone molecules and create ozone enriched air to promote oxidation of organic matter by the ozone molecules and to promote destroying any bacteria and viruses present in the air flowing through the plenum;

b) a flush phase of operation, including said steps undertaken during the initial phase and further including the step of entraining some of the ozone enriched air in the water flowing into the stand pipe from the valve mechanism; and

c) a sanitizing phase of operation, including reversing the flow of air within the plenum to cause ozone enriched air to flow through the stand pipe and into the toilet bowl.

10. The method as set forth in claim 9, including the step of injecting an element into the water flowing into the stand pipe during the flush phase of operation.

11. The method as set forth in claim 9, including the step of exhausting the ozone enriched air from the plenum into the toilet tank during the initial and flush phases of operation.

12. The method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the water tank includes a cover and wherein said step of exhausting includes the step of discharging ozone enriched air from the water tank between the water tank and the cover.

13. The method as set forth in claim 9, including a control unit for activating the initial phase, the flush phase and the sanitizing phase of operation.

14. The method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said step of activating is selectively manually controlled.

15. The method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said step of activating is automatically controlled.

16. The method as set forth in claim 9, including the step of suspending the apparatus from the top edges of the water tank.

17. The method as set forth in claim 9, including the step of providing electric power from batteries supported by the apparatus.

18. A method for eliminating odors attendant a conventional flush toilet with apparatus supported within the water tank of the toilet, said method comprising the steps of:

a) drawing air from within the toilet into a plenum formed as part of the apparatus;

b) irradiating the air within the plenum during exercise of said step of drawing with UV radiation to produce a stream of zone enriched air exhausting from the plenum and to serve as a germicide and a virucide;

c) entraining the ozone enriched air in water flowing into the toilet bowl;

d) reversing the flow of air subsequent to operation of said step of drawing; and

e) injecting ozone enriched air into the toilet bowl during exercise of said step of reversing.

19. The method as set forth in claim 18, including the step of injecting an element into the water flowing into the toilet bowl.

20. The method as set forth in claim 18, including the step of providing direct current electric power supported by the apparatus to operate the apparatus.