Bathroom odour elimination system

Abstract

A suctioning toilet seat system comprises a main toilet seat body and a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the main toilet seat body. The plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication with an outlet in the main toilet seat body. A hose connects the outlet in fluid communication with a fan. An optional filter means is connected in fluid communication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the fan.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems for ventilating bathrooms, and more particularly to systems for ventilating toilets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that often after using the toilet of a bathroom, is common to leave a bathroom malodorous for a period of time thereafter. This is highly undesirable, especially for a person using the same bathroom immediately thereafter. Further, germs and bacteria are present when such odour exists, which may spread illness. It is therefore highly desirable to eliminate such odors as quickly and fully as possible.

It is universally known to use bathroom fans mounted in the ceiling or in the wall of a bathroom, to remove such odors. It is well known, however, that such bathroom fans are only somewhat effective in clearing the malodorous air from an entire bathroom. This is largely due to the fact that the odour is not being eliminated at the source. Instead, it is first travelling through the entire room. Typically, it takes several minutes, and perhaps even close to half an hour, to clear an entire bathroom of malodorous air. This is unacceptable for a person using a bathroom immediately afterwards.

It is also common to use an air freshener in a bathroom after the bathroom has been made malodorous. This approach merely masks the odor and does not solve the problem. Further, in public or common areas, such as in a hospital or place of employment, using an air freshener is unacceptable since it would contain a perfume or the like that might cause an allergic reaction in some persons. Moreover, such air fresheners typically come in aerosol cans. Tens of millions of cans of air freshener are used every year just to eliminate odours in bathrooms, which is harmful to the environment.

Various patents illustrate a more useful means to try to overcome this problem, including having a suctioning device disposed at the toilet, even in the toilet seat itself.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,581 issued Apr. 29, 2003 to Lee discloses an Odour Exhausting Apparatus for Water Closet, wherein a toilet seat has a cavity and a plurality of odour suction ports, a tubular hinge joint and an odour outlet port. A connection pipe having an inlet port is set within the hinge joint. A seat cover is coupled to the connection pipe. A tubular shaft having an inlet port is rotatably set within the connection pipe and communicates with the atmosphere outside the house through a pipe line. When the cover is opened, the port communicates with the port of the seat through the port of the connection pipe; however, when the cover is closed, the port is closed by the side wall of the connection pipe. This is disadvantageous as it would be desirable to suction odour from a toilet even when the cover is closed.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,319 issued Oct. 7, 2003 to Simpson discloses an Air Ventilation System in a standard toilet seat. The filtration system is disposed within the rear half portion of the toilet seat and has a plurality of ventilation passageways connected to two primary ventilation pathways located in the rear of the toilet seat, which is in turn connected to a filtration system via a hose. This system would permit a significant amount of odour from within a toilet bowl to escape.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,638 issued Dec. 22, 1998 to Her discloses a Toilet Ventilation System, has a “C”-shaped ventilation housing that is disposed within a toilet seat. There are two multiple openings adjacent the front end of the toilet seat and two multiple openings adjacent the back end of the toilet seat, thus providing inferior ventilation coverage for the toilet bowl. Further, the electric air pump is hung on the toilet bowl, which is potentially dangerous.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,370 issued Aug. 1, 1978 to Arnold discloses an Odourless Water Closet, having an intake manifold interposed between the seat and a top periphery of the bowl. A suction blower is arranged to draw gases from the manifold and deliver them to sewer connection beyond the water trap. An electric motor is disposed within the toilet tank, which is potentially quite dangerous.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,023 issued Jun. 13, 1978 to Smith discloses a Ventilated Toilet Seat, having on its underside a suction tube having perforations. Air that is suctioned in through the perforations is discharged through a tube into the toilet discharge passage.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,563 issued Jan. 30, 2001 to Helfet discloses a Toilet Deodorizer, comprising a pump housing in the form of a cylinder and piston. The cylinder is mounted on the movable toilet seat of a conventional toilet. When a person sits on the toilet seat, the toilet seat moves thus causing the piston to be moved with the cylinder, thereby causing liquid to be dispensed from a pump chamber through an outlet valve.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a suctioning toilet seat system that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a suctioning toilet seat that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a suctioning toilet seat attachment that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a suctioning toilet bowl that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat system comprises a main toilet seat body having a front end, a back end, a top surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the main toilet seat body. The plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication with an outlet in the main toilet seat body. There are means for connecting the outlet in fluid communication with a source of air suction. An optional filter means is connected in fluid communication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the source of air suction.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat system comprises a main body, and a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the main body. The plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication with an outlet in the main body. There are means for connecting the outlet in fluid communication with a source of air suction. An optional filter means is connected in fluid communication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the source of air suction.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat system comprises a toilet bowl having a front end and a back end, and a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the toilet bowl. The plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication with an outlet in the toilet bowl. There are means for connecting the outlet in fluid communication with a source of air suction. An optional filter means is connected in fluid communication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the source of air suction.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat comprises a main toilet seat body having a front end, a back end, a top surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the main toilet seat body. The plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication with an outlet in the main toilet seat body.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat attachment comprises a main body, a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the main body. The plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication with an outlet in the main body.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat bowl comprises a toilet bowl having a front end and a back end, and a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the toilet bowl. The plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication with an outlet in the toilet bowl. There are means for connecting the outlet in fluid communication with a source of air suction. An optional filter means is connected in fluid communication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the source of air suction.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the suctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 1, with a portion of the suctioning toilet seat system shown in phantom for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the suctioning toilet seat of the suctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 1, with a portion of the suctioning toilet seat system shown in phantom for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the suctioning toilet seat of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partially cut away view of a “T”-joint of the suctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a second preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a third preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention, with a portion of the suctioning toilet seat system shown in phantom for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the suctioning toilet seat of the suctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 7, with a portion of the suctioning toilet seat system shown in phantom for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom, with a portion of the suctioning toilet seat system shown in phantom for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a suctioning toilet seat attachment that is part of a sixth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the suctioning toilet seat attachment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of the sixth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a seventh preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of a eighth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of a ninth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a tenth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the suctioning toilet bowl of the tenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a eleventh preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom;

FIG. 20 is a rear elevational view of a twelfth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the twelfth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a thirteenth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a fourteenth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention installed in a bathroom; and,

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the fourteenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 24 of the drawings, it will be noted that FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate the first preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 6 illustrates the second preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIGS. 7 through 8 illustrate the third preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 9 illustrates the fourth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIGS. 10 through 12 illustrate the fifth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 13 illustrates the sixth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 14 illustrates the seventh preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 15 illustrates the eighth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 16 illustrates the ninth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIGS. 17 through 18 illustrate the tenth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 19 illustrates the eleventh preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIGS. 20 through 21 illustrate the twelfth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 22 illustrates the thirteenth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, and FIGS. 23 through 24 illustrate the fourteenth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 5, which show a first preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20. The suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 20, comprises a main toilet seat body 30 having a front end 31, a back end 32, a top surface 33 and a bottom surface 34, and is otherwise conventionally shaped for placement onto standard toilet bowls.

A plurality of suctioning apertures 40 are preferably disposed in the main toilet seat body 30, preferably in the bottom surface of the main toilet seat body 30, in order to minimize the occurrence of foreign materials entering the suctioning apertures 40.

The plurality of suctioning apertures 40 are in fluid communication via an internal passageway 42 with at least one outlet in the main toilet seat body 30. In the first preferred as illustrated, the main toilet seat body 30 comprises a first outlet 44 and a second outlet 45 disposed at the back end 32 of the main toilet seat body 30.

The main toilet seat body 30 is preferably molded from a suitable plastic material, for purposes of ease of manufacture, cost effectiveness, structural strength, among others. The molded main toilet seat body 30 has a first molded portion 30a and a second molded portion 30b. In the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the first molded portion 30a is an inner molded portion and the second molded portion 30b is an outer molded portion. The plurality of suctioning apertures 40 and the internal passageway 42 are defined between the inner molded portion 30a and the outer molded portion 30b.

In order to maximize effectiveness of overall air removal, the plurality of suctioning apertures 40 are disposed substantially along substantially the entire curved length of the main toilet seat body 30. Further, in order to maximize suctioning effectiveness of the plurality of suctioning apertures 40, the plurality of suctioning apertures 40 are larger in cross-section adjacent the front of the main toilet seat body 30 and smaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of the main toilet seat body 30.

There is also means for connecting 50 the first outlet 44 and the second outlet 25 in fluid communication with a source of air suction 60. This means comprises a first length of hose 50a secured at one end in fluid communication to the first outlet 44 and secured at an opposite other end to a first arm of a “T”-joint 52. This means further comprises a second length of hose 50b secured at one end in fluid communication to the second outlet 45 and secured at an opposite other end to a second arm of the “T”-joint 52. The base of the “T”-joint 52 is connected in fluid communication to an optional filter means 70 that is in turn connected to a source of air suction 60. The source of air suction 60 preferably comprises an electrically powered extractor fan 60 mounted on the wall 82 of a bathroom 84. More specifically, the extractor fan 60 is mounted on a PVC pipe 80 that extends into the wall 82 of the bathroom 84 and connects to a main vertical PVC pipe 86 that is vented to the ambient atmosphere. Preferably the housing of the fan is narrow so as to readily fit onto the PVC pipe 80. The fan 70 and the filter 60 should be designed in terms of size, shape and structure, to fit together and fit onto a PVC pipe, and therefore be modular, thus saving on additional unnecessary manufacturing and development costs.

The extractor fan 60 should produce about five to ten cubic feet per minute (c.f.m.) of air flow and should be as quiet as reasonably possible.

As can be seen in the Figures, the filter means 70 is thereby connected in fluid communication with the first outlet 44 and the second outlet 45 for filtering air suctioned by the fan 60. The filter means 70 comprises a charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, or any other suitable type of filter.

There is also a pneumatic switch 88 mounted on the main toilet seat body 30, on the bottom surface thereof, such that the pneumatic switch 88 is operable when a person sits on the main toilet seat body 30. The pneumatic switch 88 operates a pneumatically actuated electrical switch (not specifically shown) on the fan.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 6, which shows a second preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. The second preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 220, is almost identical to the first preferred embodiment the suctioning toilet seat system 20, except that there is no filter. The base of the “T”-joint 252 is connected in fluid communication to a fan 260.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 7 and 8, which show a third preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. In this third preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 320, the main toilet seat body 330 comprises a first outlet 344 and a second outlet 345 each disposed in the hinge area of the main toilet seat body 330. In this manner, the raising and lowering of the main toilet seat body 330 does not actually move the ends of the hoses 350a,350b.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 9, which shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. The fourth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 420, is similar to the third preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system 20, except that the hoses 450a, 450b connect directly to the filter 470, thus eliminating the need for the “T”-joint. The filter 470 comprises a charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, or any other suitable type of filter.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 10, which shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. In this fifth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 520, the fan 570 is disposed within an independent housing 572 that exhausts to a bathroom 584. Accordingly, third preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system 520 is easier and less expensive to install than is the first preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system 20.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 11 through 13, which show a sixth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. In this sixth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 620, the suctioning toilet seat system 620 comprises a main body 630 that is in the form of a flexible plastic tube having opposed first and second ends 631,632. The main body includes an adhesive 634 thereon for adhering the main body to the underside of a conventional toilet seat 622. Preferably, the adhesive comprises double sided adhesive pads, but other forms are also suitable. The main body 630 is thereby removably mountable to the underside of a conventional toilet seat 622, and may be removed and disposed of, and replaced by another one of the same units.

There are a plurality of suctioning apertures 640 disposed in the main body 630, preferably disposed substantially along substantially the entire length of the tube. The plurality of suctioning apertures 640 are larger in cross-section adjacent the ends of the tube and smaller in the middle of the tube. The plurality of suctioning apertures 640 are in fluid communication via an internal passageway with a first outlet 644 disposed at the first end 631 of the main body 630 and with a second outlet 645 disposed at the second end 632 of the main body 630.

There is also means 650 for connecting the first outlet 644 and the second outlet 645 in fluid communication with a source of air suction 660 that preferably comprises an electrically powered extractor fan disposed within an independent housing that exhausts to a bathroom. This means comprises a “Y”-joint 652 connected in fluid communication to each of the first outlet 644 and the second outlet 645. A length of hose 646 secured at one end in fluid communication to the base of the “Y”-joint 652 and is secured at an opposite other end to the extractor fan 660, which is itself connected to a filter means 670. The filter means 670 is thereby connected in fluid communication with the first outlet 644 and the second outlet 645 for filtering air suctioned by the fan 670. The filter means 670 comprises a carbon filter, as illustrated, or any other suitable type of filter.

In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) it is contemplated that one end of the tube could be closed off and the other end of the tube could be connected in fluid communication with the filter and fan.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 14, which shows a seventh preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. The seventh preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 720, is similar to the sixth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system 620, except that the first end 731 of the main body 730 is connected in fluid communication via hose 750a to a nipple 759a on an attachment member 759 that is connected in fluid communication via hose 750b to the extractor fan 760, and the second end 732 of the main body 730 is connected to another nipple 759b on the attachment member 759. The filter means 770 comprises a charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, or any other suitable type of filter.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 15, which shows a eighth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. The eighth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 820, similar to the sixth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, except that the fan 860 is connected directly to a PVC pipe 885 projecting outwardly from the wall 882 whereat it is connected to a main vertical PVC pipe 886. The fan 860 (and the filter 760 in the seventh preferred embodiment) should be designed in terms of size, shape and structure, to fit together and fit onto a PVC pipe, and therefore be modular, thus saving on additional unnecessary manufacturing and development costs.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 16, which shows a ninth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. The ninth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 920, is similar to the sixth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system except that the second end 932 of the main body 930 is closed off, and the first end 931 of the main body has an intermediate hose 950a connected thereto, which intermediate hose 950a is connected in fluid communication to a main hose 950b. The main hose 950b is connected in fluid communication to the extractor fan 960 and the filter 970. The filter 970 comprises a charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, or any other suitable type of filter.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 17 and 18, which show a tenth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. In this tenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 1020, the suctioning toilet seat system 1020 comprises a toilet bowl 1030 having a front end 1031 and a back end 1032. A plurality of suctioning apertures 1040 are disposed in the toilet bowl 1030 above the waterline, and preferably as close to the top of the toilet bowl as possible, to be as near to the source of odour as reasonably practical. The plurality of suctioning apertures 1040 are in fluid communication via an internal passageway 1042 with an outlet 1044 in the toilet bowl 1030, preferably disposed at the back end of the toilet bowl 1030.

In order to maximize effectiveness of overall air removal, the plurality of suctioning apertures 1040 are disposed substantially along substantially the entire curved length of the toilet bowl 1030. Further, in order to maximize suctioning effectiveness of the plurality of suctioning apertures 1040, the plurality of suctioning apertures 1040 are larger in cross-section adjacent the front of the toilet bowl 1030 and smaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of the toilet bowl 1030.

There is also means 1050 for connecting the outlet 1044 in fluid communication with a source of air suction 1060 that preferably comprises an electrically powered fan 1060 mounted in the toilet bowl 1030 at the outlet thereof. This means comprises a length of hose 1050 secured at one end in fluid communication to the outlet 1044 and secured at an opposite other end to an optional filter means 1070 that preferably comprises a charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, or any other suitable type of filter. The filter means 1070 is thereby connected in fluid communication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the fan 1060. The carbon filter 1070 is mounted on a PVC pipe 1080 that extends into the wall 1082 of the bathroom 1084 and connects to a main PVC pipe 1086 that is vented to the ambient atmosphere.

An electrical switch 1088 mounted in the wall is used to control the electrically powered fan, as needed.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 19, which shows an eleventh preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. The eleventh preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 1120, except that one end of the hose 1150a is connected at one end to a nipple 1150a on the toilet bowl 1130 and the opposite other end of the hose 1150a is connected to a nipple 1159a on an attachment member 1159 that is itself connected to the extractor fan 1160, and one end of the hose 1150b is connected at one end to another nipple 1130b on the toilet bowl 1130 and the opposite other end of the hose 1150b is connected to another nipple 1159b on the attachment member 1159.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 20 and 21, which show a twelfth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. The twelfth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 1220, is similar to the tenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system except that the filter 1270 and the extractor fan 1260 are connected directly to the toilet bowl 1230. The filter 1270 is removable and replaceable and merely slides out of its housing through a side opening 1271, and comprises a charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, or any other suitable type of filter.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 22, which shows a thirteenth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. In this thirteenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 1320, the fan 1370 is disposed within an independent housing 1372 that exhausts to a bathroom 1384. Accordingly, thirteenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system 1320 is easier and less expensive to install than is the eleventh preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 23 and 24, which show a fourteenth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention. The fourteenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 1420, is installed in a portable bathroom (or outhouse) 1421, the suctioning toilet seat system 1420 comprises a main body 1430 that is in the form of a flexible plastic tube having opposed first and second ends 1431,1432. The main body includes an adhesive 1434 thereon for adhering the main body to the top surface of the seat platform of the portable bathroom 1421, immediately adjacent the conventional toilet seat 1422. Preferably, the adhesive comprises double sided adhesive pads, but other forms are also suitable. The main body 1430 is thereby removably mountable to the seat platform 1423 of the portable bathroom 1421, and may be removed and disposed of, and replaced by another one of the same units.

There is a plurality of suctioning apertures 1440 disposed in the main body 1430, preferably disposed substantially along substantially the entire length of the tube. The suctioning apertures 1440 are larger in cross-section adjacent the ends of the tube and smaller in the middle of the tube. The suctioning apertures 1440 are in fluid communication via an internal passageway with a first outlet 1444 of the main body 1430 and with a second outlet 1445 of the main body 1430.

There is also means 1450 for connecting the first outlet 1444 and the second outlet 1445 in fluid communication with a source of air suction 1460 that preferably comprises an electrically powered extractor fan disposed within an independent housing that exhausts to the exterior of the portable bathroom 1421 through a vent 1423 to the roof 1425. This means comprises a “T”-joint 1452 connected in fluid communication to each of the first outlet 1444 and the second outlet 1445. A length of hose 1446 secured at one end in fluid communication to the base of the “T”-joint 1452 and is secured at an opposite other end to the extractor fan 1460. The extractor fan 1460 is powered by a solar cell 1461 on the roof 1425 of the portable bathroom 1421 as connected by wires 1462. An optional filter means (not shown) which may be a charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, or any other suitable type of filter, may be connected in series with the extractor fan 1460.

As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a suctioning toilet seat system, a suctioning toilet seat, a suctioning toilet seat attachment, and a suctioning toilet bowl that overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, and that eliminates odours from bathrooms right at the source, controls germs and bacteria, significantly reduces the use of air fresheners, including those in aerosol cans, thus helping the environment.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For instance, in any of the above embodiments having both a filter and an extractor fan, the order of the filter and the extractor fan may be reversed. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A suctioning toilet seat system comprising:

a main toilet seat body having a front end, a back end, a top surface and a bottom surface;

a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in said main toilet seat body;

wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication via an internal passageway with an outlet in said main toilet seat body; and,

means for connecting said outlet in fluid communication with a source of air suction.

2. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said main toilet seat body is molded.

3. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said molded main toilet seat body has a first molded portion and a second molded portion, with said plurality of suctioning apertures and said internal passageway defined therebetween.

4. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 3, wherein said first molded portion is an inner molded portion and said second molded portion is an outer molded portion.

5. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are disposed substantially along substantially the entire curved length of said main toilet seat body.

6. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said outlet is disposed at the back end of said main toilet seat body.

7. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 6, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are larger in cross-section adjacent the front of said main toilet seat body and smaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of said main toilet seat body.

8. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, further comprising a pneumatic switch mounted on said main toilet seat body such that said pneumatic switch is operable when a person sits on said main toilet seat body.

9. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are disposed in the bottom surface of said main toilet seat body.

10. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said source of air suction comprises a fan.

11. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 10, wherein said fan is mounted on the wall of a bathroom.

12. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 10, wherein said fan is disposed within an independent housing that exhausts to a bathroom.

13. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said filter means comprises a carbon filter.

14. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said main toilet seat body further comprises a second outlet.

15. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, further comprising filter means connected in fluid communication with said outlet for filtering air suctioned by said source of air suction.

16. A suctioning toilet seat system comprising:

a main body;

a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in said main body;

wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication via an internal passageway with an outlet in said main body; and,

means for connecting said outlet in fluid communication with a source of air suction.

17. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 16, wherein said main body comprises a tube having opposed ends.

18. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 17, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are disposed substantially along substantially the entire length of said tube.

19. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 16, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are larger in cross-section adjacent the ends of the tube and smaller in the middle of the tube.

20. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 19, wherein said fan is disposed within an independent housing that exhausts to a bathroom.

21. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 16, wherein said filter means comprises a carbon filter.

22. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 16, wherein said main body is disposable.

23. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 16, wherein said main body includes an adhesive thereon for adhering said main body to the underside of a conventional toilet seat.

24. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 16, further comprising filter means connected in fluid communication with said outlet for filtering air suctioned by said source of air suction.

25. A suctioning toilet seat system comprising:

a toilet bowl having a front end and a back end;

a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in said toilet bowl;

wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication via an internal passageway with an outlet in said toilet bowl; and,

means for connecting said outlet in fluid communication with a source of air suction.

26. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 25, wherein said outlet is disposed at the back end of said toilet bowl.

27. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 26, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are larger in cross-section adjacent the front of said toilet bowl and smaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of said toilet bowl.

28. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 25, wherein said source of air suction comprises a fan.

29. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 28, wherein said fan is mounted in the toilet bowl.

30. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 28, wherein said fan is disposed within an independent housing that exhausts to a bathroom.

31. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 25, wherein said filter means comprises a carbon filter.

32. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 25, further comprising filter means connected in fluid communication with said outlet for filtering air suctioned by said source of air suction.

33. A suctioning toilet seat comprising:

a main toilet seat body having a front end, a back end, a top surface and a bottom surface; and,

a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in said main toilet seat body;

wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication via an internal passageway with an outlet in said main toilet seat body.

34. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 33, wherein said main toilet seat body is molded.

35. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 33, wherein said molded main toilet seat body has a first molded portion and a second molded portion, with said plurality of suctioning apertures and said internal passageway defined therebetween.

36. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 35, wherein said first molded portion is an inner molded portion and said second molded portion is an outer molded portion.

37. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 33, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are disposed substantially along substantially the entire curved length of said main toilet seat body.

38. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 33, wherein said outlet is disposed at the back end of said main toilet seat body.

39. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 38, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are larger in cross-section adjacent the front of said main toilet seat body and smaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of said main toilet seat body.

40. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 33, further comprising a pneumatic switch mounted on said main toilet seat body such that said pneumatic switch is operable when a person sits on said main toilet seat body.

41. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 33, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are disposed in the bottom surface of said main toilet seat body.

42. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 33, wherein said main toilet seat body further comprises a second outlet.

43. A suctioning toilet seat attachment comprising:

a main body; and,

a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in said main body;

wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication via an internal passageway with an outlet in said main body.

44. The suctioning toilet seat attachment of claim 43, wherein said main body comprises a tube having opposed ends.

45. The suctioning toilet seat attachment of claim 44, wherein said tube further comprises a second outlet.

46. The suctioning toilet seat attachment of claim 44, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are disposed substantially along substantially the entire length of said tube.

47. The suctioning toilet seat attachment of claim 46, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are larger in cross-section adjacent the ends of the tube and smaller in the middle of the tube.

48. The suctioning toilet seat attachment of claim 43, wherein said main body is disposable.

49. The suctioning toilet seat attachment of claim 43, wherein said main body includes an adhesive thereon for adhering said main body to the underside of a conventional toilet seat.

50. A suctioning toilet seat bowl comprising:

a toilet bowl having a front end and a back end; and,

a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in said toilet bowl;

wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication via an internal passageway with an outlet in said toilet bowl.

51. The suctioning toilet seat bowl of claim 50, wherein said outlet is disposed at the back end of said toilet bowl.

52. The suctioning toilet seat bowl of claim 50, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are larger in cross-section adjacent the front of said toilet bowl and smaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of said toilet bowl.