Bowl Patents (Class 4/348)
  • Patent number: 11641987
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly for expelling unwanted odors. The toilet seat includes a suction assembly associated with the toilet bowl. The toilet seat assembly includes a series of suction holes leading from the top surface and extending towards the bottom surface of the toilet seat a predetermined amount. The toilet seat assembly also includes a passageway underneath the series of holes which creates a path that leads towards the suction assembly exit for proper disposable of odors and fluids. The suction assembly leads unwanted odors away from the vicinity of the toilet bowl through a suction hose which permits suction from a vacuum to occur. The suction from the vacuum draws odors beginning from the series of holes found in the toilet seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Marcelo A. De Jesus
  • Patent number: 11149425
    Abstract: Please amend the abstract as follows: This invention relates to a ventilated toilet system for removing obnoxious odors from the toilet base and includes integral vent channels formed along the base and the back inside of the water tank, and a vent adapter mounted inside the passage that directs the flow of ventilating air along the vent channels to an exhaust pipe and discharges it by a remote in-line exhaust fan to the outside atmosphere. The adapter is attached to the base of the overflow flush valve pipe or, conversely, designed to be an integral part of the overflow flush value pipe, itself, and is positioned to connect the base vent channel of the water tank to the toilet water inlet chamber of the base for passage of ventilating air, and to connect the overflow flush valve pipe to the water inlet chamber for passage of flush water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Ventex Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: David Nelson
  • Patent number: 10767357
    Abstract: A toilet bowl sanitizer includes a flush activated sprayer. The sprayer creates a barrier for contaminants from leaving the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Erez Kazes
  • Patent number: 10000918
    Abstract: A toilet system for a lavatory of a vehicle comprises a toilet bowl, a cladding assembly for cladding the toilet bowl, forming a hollow space between the toilet bowl and cladding assembly, and a ventilation device with at least one suction line for extracting air. The cladding assembly extends from an exterior side of the toilet bowl over an edge of the toilet bowl, and thereby partially encases the edge. At least one of the at least one suction lines is fluidically connected with the hollow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Seibt, Joerg Cremers, Jens Wiebalck
  • Patent number: 9133611
    Abstract: Provided are toilet ventilation systems. A toilet ventilation system may use an air conduit to facilitate removal of air from a toilet bowl into a toilet tank via an overflow tube. The air conduit may connect the toilet tank and a ventilation fan. The toilet ventilation system may include a ventilation valve coupled to the air conduit and configured to open into a room environment. The ventilation valve may be coupled to a flush handle via a ventilation valve connector. Engaging the flush handle may open the ventilation valve into the room environment. The toilet ventilation system may also include a drainage connector configured to couple the flush handle to the overflow tube that may be connected to the toilet bowl via a drainage tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Yevgeniy Plugovoy
  • Publication number: 20150107009
    Abstract: A toilet (30) including a toilet pan (32), a toilet cistern (38), a cistern overflow pipe (44), a collar (10), a suction means (46) and a duct (48). Toilet pan (32) defines an interior (32a) with a flushing outlet (36). The toilet cistern (38) defines an interior (38a). Cistern overflow pipe (44) is in fluid and gas communication with toilet pan interior (32a). Collar (10) connects pan flushing outlet (36) to a sewer discharge pipe (50). Collar (10) includes a passage (18) therethrough with an exterior end (18c) and an interior end (18d). Suction means (46), which is within pan interior (32a), has an inlet and an outlet. Duct (48) is for gas communication from the outlet of suction means (46) to the passage exterior end (18c). Suction means (46) is adapted to draw gas from within toilet pan interior (32a) through overflow pipe (44) and then propel the gas into duct (48), through passage (18) and into sewer discharge pipe (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Geoffrey Charles Quick
  • Patent number: 8984676
    Abstract: An odor eliminating toilet with an air passage and enclosed ventilating fan is disclosed. Odors are removed from the toilet bowl during use by an air passage connecting the toilet bowl with the sewer outflow. The air passage contains a ventilating fan for removing said odors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Yuan Guang Zheng
  • Publication number: 20150013056
    Abstract: The present invention concerns technology relating to a sit-down toilet wherein the toilet is flushed using a dramatically reduced amount of flushing water, and relates to a water-saving sit-down toilet wherein the pressure of flushing water discharged from a cistern into the toilet is raised and a straight discharge pipe is used such that the toilet is flushed clean using a small amount of water, and, at the same time, excreta is smoothly discharged as the direct discharge tube is opened and closed automatically by means of the water pressure and a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, and an appropriate amount of residual water is supplied to the toilet bowl such that odors are blocked from rising from a foul-water port into the toilet, and an odor removing unit sucks in odors emanating from the excreta and discharges same through the foul-water port such that the user can use the sit-down toilet without feeling any embarrassment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Jae Mo LEE
  • Publication number: 20140373264
    Abstract: A flushing device (1) comprises an extraction device (2) for extracting odours from a sanitary device such as a toilet bowl or a urinal, a cistern (3) for holding flushing water, a fill valve (4) for filling the cistern (3) and a flush unit (5) for providing flushing water, wherein the flush unit (5) comprises a flush valve (6) with an overflow pipe (7) and an actuator element (8) for operating the flush valve (6). The extractor unit comprises a fan (9) for extracting air through an air duct (10), which extends at least partially through the cistern (3), and a filter element (11) for filtering the air, wherein the filter element (11) represents the end of the air duct (10). The actuator element (8), fan (9) and filter element (11) are mounted on a common housing (12), particularly arranged in a common housing (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: GEBERIT INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventor: Rolf KOSARNIG
  • Publication number: 20140165279
    Abstract: Provided are toilet ventilation systems. A toilet ventilation system may use an air conduit to facilitate removal of air from a toilet bowl into a toilet tank via an overflow tube. The air conduit may connect the toilet tank and a ventilation fan. The toilet ventilation system may include a ventilation valve coupled to the air conduit and configured to open into a room environment. The ventilation valve may be coupled to a flush handle via a ventilation valve connector. Engaging the flush handle may open the ventilation valve into the room environment. The toilet ventilation system may also include a drainage connector configured to couple the flush handle to the overflow tube that may be connected to the toilet bowl via a drainage tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Yevgeniy Plugovoy
  • Patent number: 8434170
    Abstract: A toilet ventilation system for removing unpleasant odors from a toilet efficiently. The toilet ventilation system has a manifold with an inlet that rests on an upper surface adjacent to the toilet bowl. The manifold has an outlet that is in communication with the inlet and the manifold has protrusions that extend from its sides. The protrusions are on cantilevered tabs. The toilet seat has hinges that have mounting portions being spaced apart and including mortices facing inward. The protrusions are designed to snap fit into the mortices and the tabs may be bent inwardly for easy removal of the manifold for cleaning. A fan is connected to the manifold to draw air through the inlet out of the manifold and exhaust the air to a remote location from the toilet and outside of the room where the toilet is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Ramon Ramos
  • Publication number: 20130086736
    Abstract: The toilet ventilation device is used for drawing air from inside a toilet bowl of a toilet having a toilet tank and having an overflow pipe located inside the toilet tank. The device includes an adaptor fitting over an opened top end of the over-flow pipe. The adaptor forms a first bottom- opened chamber and a second bottom-opened chamber that are in fluid communication with one another through a restricted flow passage. At least one among the first and the second chamber is configured and disposed to surround the top end of the overflow pipe and creates an oversized hood extending substantially parallel to an outer wall surface of the overflow pipe. The open bottom of the first and of the second chamber is located below a filled water level. The device also includes an air conduit network extending between the outlet of the adaptor to outside the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Rene Larouche
  • Publication number: 20120255110
    Abstract: A toilet seat ventilation system which includes a toilet bowl and a toilet seat pivotally secured to the toilet bowl. A ventilation device is interposed between the toilet bowl and the toilet seat with a built in vent. A tubing system connected to the vent is able to vent air directly into the outside or through a filter inside the room, avoiding any unpleasant odors remaining in the lavatory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Chi Kao
  • Publication number: 20120240321
    Abstract: A toilet bowl or urinal, or water trap has an outlet connected to a source of negative pressure such as an extraction fan, the outlet being located above the water trap in the bowl or urinal and unconnected to either the soil water pipe or the flush water pipe. The inlet to the trap includes a portion below and a portion above the level of the water in the trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Dylan Hugh Ross-Kent
  • Publication number: 20120054950
    Abstract: A standard fitting toilet commode made with a hardly-noticeable integrated elongated vertical auxiliary chamber located below and behind the seat. The chamber is with a plugged external top opening at the toilet bowl's rear rim behind the seat, and another internal upper side opening connecting with the commode's drain above and downstream of the water siphon. For optional conversion into a self-ventilating toilet, a compact electric fan unit is retrofitted behind the toilet seat and secured thereto at the seat anchor holes. A single intake nozzle sucks toilet bowl gases from under the rear of toilet seat, through the electric fan, and out into the auxiliary chamber's external opening through an exhaust pipe which converts the chamber into a bottle water trap. A built-in detection sensor, an electronic control unit, and a solenoid valve manage the electric fan's operation and the bottle water trap's replenishment with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Hani A. Abunameh
  • Publication number: 20110252553
    Abstract: Ventilated systems for toilets include extractor fan and pipe adopted for easy connection, to draw odour air from the toilet bowl. Ventilator draws odour directly from toilet bowl to air intake duck trough a pipe and outside the room. Could be connected to a soil pipe. Ventilator has build in a aperture so odour air can not go back—could go only in one direction. The pipe (FIG. 9) is created to flush water from a cistern and also ventilate air from the toilet. That air could be ventilated in the same time when we flush the toilet and that not affect ventilated process. First type of toilet (FIG. 1) is made to ventilate odour air from the toilet. Odour air go in the toilet bowl same way, which the water going out. Then to separate air intake duck, from there going through plastic pipe and through ventilator go outside. Second type of toilet (FIG. 5) is made to ventilate odour air from the toilet. There are visible holes are created to suck the air in to the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Mariusz Robert Kurtycz
  • Patent number: 8037553
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toilet and/or a toilet and bidet combination having immediate reflush capability. Preferred embodiments comprise a tankless toilet and/or toilet and bidet combination and a bowl ventilation apparatus integrated therein. The tankless nature of the invention saves space over conventional toilets, allowing closer mounting to the wall and a lower vertical profile. More specifically, certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a motorized flush mechanism with an infrared sensor having immediate reflush capability, a on-demand motorized water spray cleansing system integrated therein and an integrated bowl ventilation apparatus with a proximity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Derrick Ware
  • Publication number: 20110088156
    Abstract: An odourless toilet is provided. The toilet comprises a flush tank comprising a wet chamber, which comprises a flush assembly and a flush outlet. The toilet further comprises a ventilator inlet and a ventilator. The toilet also optionally comprises a toilet bowl, which comprises a basin and a basin access. In one aspect, the toilet comprises a diverter positioned between the flush tank and toilet bowl registering with the basin access. The diverter comprises a flush passage, which couples the flush outlet to a wet inlet of the basin access. The diverter also comprises an exhaust passage, which couples the ventilator inlet to a dry outlet of the basin access. A toilet assembly is also provided in which a fluid transfer passage passes between a basin portion and a storage portion including a wet chamber. A ventilator is operable to withdraw waste air through a waste air passage via the fluid transfer passage and an overflow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Nicholas James William White
  • Publication number: 20110078849
    Abstract: A vented toilet system for use in a residential or commercial building. The vented toilet system comprises a toilet bowl and a vent cavity arranged adjacent to a top surface of the bowl. The system also comprises a water cavity arranged adjacent to and directly below the vent cavity. The system comprises a seat arranged on a top surface of the bowl and a toilet tank connected to the bowl. The system also comprises a wireless motion detection unit arranged adjacent to the toilet bowl, such that the operation of the vacuum pump is automatic. The wireless motion sensor may allow the vacuum pump to turn on immediately and remain on during duration of use of the toilet by the user. The vented toilet system also comprises a pipe or tube connected to the vent cavity, the pipe passes through either an existing wall or other structure to a vacuum pump and then to the outside of the structure in which the toilet is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony Palazzola
  • Publication number: 20110047689
    Abstract: An odor evacuation system for use in connection with a toilet having a toilet bowl with a rim has an inlet assembly configured for detachable mounting on the rim of the toilet bowl. A nozzle of the inlet assembly has an opening for admitting air from the toilet bowl, the nozzle being configured to fit into a gap between the rim of the toilet bowl and a toilet seat. An outlet assembly is fluidly connected to the inlet assembly. The outlet assembly has an outlet opening, a suction fan positioned upstream from the outlet opening and a filter member mounted upstream of the suction fan for scrubbing air admitted through the inlet assembly of objectionable odors. A flexible conduit is mounted between the inlet assembly and an outlet assembly for directing air from the inlet assembly to the outlet assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: James R. Gianelloni
  • Patent number: 7849526
    Abstract: A toilet is provided which transports malodorous air from the bowl to the sewer line. The tank of the toilet is equipped with a fan which draws air from the bowl through the flush holes, located in the rim of the bowl, into a sealed fan box. An intake tube is used to channel air from the water inlet to the fan box, which leaves the overflow tube unobstructed. Air is diverted out of the fan box through an exit tube which attaches to the siphon at a point behind the water trap. A damper door disposed between the exit tube and intake tube prevents stale air from the siphon or sewer from entering the bowl or tank and escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Smith Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert I. Smith
  • Patent number: 7832030
    Abstract: A motorized toilet bowl cleaning device includes a main body having a frame that attaches to a rim of a toilet bowl; a container coupled to the main body capable of holding a cleaning solution; a dispenser coupled to the container to spray the cleaning solution; an electric motor coupled to the main body; at least one brushing arm attached to the main body, a power source for powering the electric motor; and at least one moving wheel driven by a motor such that when the main body is attached to the rim, the wheel is in engaging contact with a surface of the rim. The dispenser is positioned and angled in a manner to spray the cleaning solution onto an inside wall of the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Bolivar Nunez, Isabel Chavez
  • Publication number: 20100257668
    Abstract: During use of a traditional toilet off odours and air borne bacteria may enter the immediate atmosphere. A toilet (10) is provided comprising a flush tank (11) including a wet chamber (13), which comprises a flush assembly (15) and a flush outlet (17). The toilet (10) further comprises a ventilator inlet (21) and a ventilator (23). The toilet (10) also optionally comprises a toilet bowl (25), which comprises a basin (27) and a basin access (29). In one aspect, the toilet (10) comprises a diverter (35) positioned between the flush tank (11) and the toilet bowl (25) registering with the basin access (29). The diverter (35) comprises a flush passage (37), which couples the flush outlet (17) to a wet inlet (31) of the basin access (29). The diverter (35) also comprises an exhaust passage (39), which couples the ventilator inlet (21) to a dry outlet (33) of the basin access (29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Nicholas James William White
  • Publication number: 20100257667
    Abstract: A ventilated toilet includes a toilet bowl having flush holes disposed around a rim of the toilet bowl for discharging water into the toilet bowl, a holding tank for containing a volume of water sufficient to cause the toilet to flush when the volume of water is discharged into the toilet bowl, a flush and refill mechanism for flushing and then refilling the toilet, the flush mechanism controlling a flush valve that covers a drain in a bottom of the holding tank. The toilet also includes a water feed conduit connecting the drain to the holes around the rim of the bowl. A motion-sensitive switch is connected to a movable portion of the flush and refill mechanism for controlling an air ventilation fan that draws malodorous air from the toilet bowl through the flush holes and conduit and then through an air outlet in the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: James Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20100257669
    Abstract: A ventilated toilet includes a toilet bowl having flush holes disposed around a rim of the toilet bowl for discharging water into the toilet bowl, a holding tank for containing a volume of water sufficient to cause the toilet to flush when the volume of water is discharged into the toilet bowl, a flush and refill mechanism for flushing and then refilling the toilet, the flush mechanism controlling a flush valve that covers a drain in a bottom of the holding tank. The toilet also includes a water feed conduit connecting the drain to the holes around the rim of the bowl. A motion-sensitive switch is connected to a movable portion of the flush and refill mechanism for controlling an air ventilation fan that draws malodorous air from the toilet bowl through the flush holes and conduit and then through an air outlet in the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: HAVILAH HOLDINGS (THUNDER BAY) CORP.
    Inventors: James Kennedy, Ross Roderick Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20100077543
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exhaustible toilet and odor removal system with integrated components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Scott E. Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20100058525
    Abstract: A toilet (10) is provided which comprises a toilet bowl (12) and an odour extraction apparatus (13). The toilet bowl (12) has a flush water inlet (18) and an odour extraction outlet (20) communicable with the odour extraction apparatus (13). At least a portion of the odour extraction outlet (20) is located higher up the toilet bowl than the flush water inlet (18). In this way, the toilet (10) ensures that odoriferous gases are extracted from the toilet bowl (12) without a significant amount of flush water being extracted through the outlet (20) at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Alexander Aitchison
  • Publication number: 20090158515
    Abstract: A portable and adjustable reeled wire dispenser having a base platform with first and second side walls extending upwardly from the base platform and a plurality of adjustable rotatable members for accommodating various reel sizes to assist an individual in the installation of electric, cable wire or other material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Steve Bruno
  • Publication number: 20080022444
    Abstract: A toilet is provided which transports malodorous air from the bowl to the sewer line. The tank of the toilet is equipped with a fan which draws air from the bowl through the flush holes, located in the rim of the bowl, into a sealed fan box. An intake tube is used to channel air from the water inlet to the fan box, which leaves the overflow tube unobstructed. Air is diverted out of the fan box through an exit tube which attaches to the siphon at a point behind the water trap. A damper door disposed between the exit tube and intake tube prevents stale air from the siphon or sewer from entering the bowl or tank and escaping. The toilet is powered by a simple fan, such as a 12 v/DC fan connected to a power source. The load required to operate the fan is small and can be supplied by a battery to obviate the need for a hard-wired electrical connection. The fan is activated by a switch positioned to be activated when the flush handle is moved upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Robert I. Smith
  • Publication number: 20070294814
    Abstract: A ventilated toilet apparatus includes a toilet seat assembly, a pivot, a hinge assembly. The toilet seat assembly comprises a number of intake apertures, air passageways, and an exhaust conduit. The pivot is a hollow tube having a plurality of apertures in the middle section. The hinge assembly comprises a receptive opening and an axial post. The receptive opening receives the pivot, which is firmly attached to the toilet seat assembly. The axial post allows an airflow communication between the toilet seat assembly and the suction device. The toilet seat assembly, pivot, and hinge assembly are disposed in communication with a suction device to eliminate foul air. Addition of a heating unit to a toilet seat body provides a dual function apparatus which can be warmed to several temperature settings. Incorporation of ventilation and warm seat functions in a single unit would provide the bathroom users maximum comfort and enjoyment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Younghee Lee
  • Patent number: 7275271
    Abstract: A ventilation system for a toilet which functions by drawing air from around the bowl through the original flush holes into the existing overflow-pipe and then into a fan compartment. The fan is activated by manipulating the flush handle upward. Malodorous air is then forced through an exhaust pipe into the sewage line downstream of the gas trap. The fan is deactivated when the flush handle is pressed downward and the toilet is flushed. A water-trap between the fan and the toilet tank prevents the malodorous air from escaping into the tank. The water in the water trap is changed with each flush by redirecting the refill tube into the water trap. This prevents the water in the water trap from becoming stagnant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Robert I. Smith
  • Patent number: 6351855
    Abstract: A commode deodorizing filtering device for use in a commode water tank having an overflow tube operably disposed therein and communicating with a toilet bowl, and having refill device with refill tube and float operably disposed in the water tank, the device includes a housing having a first generally longitudinally disposed chamber extending inwardly from a first open surface in a bottom portion of the housing and of a size and configuration to removably receive the overflow tube and terminating into an upper interior surface portion. A second generally longitudinally is disposed chamber communicating with the upper interior surface portion and terminating into a lower interior surface portion of the housing and a third generally longitudinally is disposed chamber communicating with the lower interior surface portion and terminates into a second open surface in an upper portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Larry F. Allen
  • Patent number: 6158058
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle or boat toilet includes a bowl with a water ingress line to the bowl, and a flush mechanism for emptying the bowl after water from the ingress line has entered the bowl. The recreational vehicle or boat toilet also includes a ventilation apparatus including an odor vent line communicating with the water ingress line and with an exit line leading to the external environment. Additionally, a water overflow line communicates with the water ingress line, with the odor vent line and with the exit line. A vacuum apparatus communicates with the exit line such that the odor passes from the odor vent line, through the exit line and to the external environment, and such that overflow water passes through the water overflow line, through the exit line into the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Henry H. Martens
  • Patent number: 5560048
    Abstract: An exhaust collector comprising an underside intake secured within the interior of a toilet by a detachable and compressible mounting of the connecting conduit to the sidewall through which it extends to draw discharged odoriferous gases away from the person of the user by means of biased air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Donald F. Root
  • Patent number: 5539938
    Abstract: A toilet flushing apparatus. The toilet flushing apparatus includes a vacuum fan for generating a partial vacuum for transporting solid and liquid waste from a toilet bowl to a sewer drain, a sensor for detecting a level of flushing water in the toilet bowl, a selector for selecting a defecation flushing node and a urination flushing mode, and a control, including a solenoid, for controlling time operation of time vacuum fan. The solenoid is responsive to a signal from the selector for supplying a relatively large amount of flushing water in the defecation flushing mode, as well as responsive to a signal from the sensor for supplying a relatively small amount of flushing water in the urination flushing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Elton H. Tubbs
  • Patent number: 5499405
    Abstract: A urinal for capturing and directing urine into a drain line. The inventive device includes an adjustable mounting structure securable to a wall surface within a bathroom. A urinal is supported by the adjustable mounting structure and can be positioned at a desired height. A water conduit communicates with a water supply line of a nearby sink or the like to permit selective flushing of the urinal, and a drain conduit communicates with a sink drain line to receive and dispose of the urine and flush water. The device can be readily installed into existing bathroom structures to provide an alternative to a conventional toilet, thereby reducing flushing of the toilet and saving water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: William T. Collins
  • Patent number: 5351344
    Abstract: This invention is a fluid evacuation system used in conjunction with a standard water closet. A wet/dry evacuation motor is used to remove foul air not only from the immediate area of the water closet but from the entire room. Should a liquid overflow occur, part of that fluid can also be removed from the top of the water closet bowl and directed into the sewer system. Additionally, an attachment is provided to allow evacuation of water and other fluids from the floor adjacent to and around the water closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Rhudy F. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5341521
    Abstract: An environmentally controlled standard toilet designed to neutralize and confine contaminating agents such as bacteria, odors, vapors and other airborne particles inside the bowl by generating and maintaining a cyclone-type air circulation inside the existing bowl. A standard toilet bowl (70a) with a housing (20a), and an air-trapping cavity (88b) created inside the bowl (70a), by a seat (82b) having a seat-skirt (87b), confines the contaminating agents during toilet use and improves the efficiency of the air circulation. Sanitizer and odor conditioner cartridges are employed to neutralize the contaminating agents by releasing sanitizing and odor conditioning agents into the air flow circulated inside the bowl (70a). This invention is retrofitable to existing standard toilet bowls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel S. Redford
  • Patent number: 5333321
    Abstract: An environmentally controlled commercial/public toilet designed to neutralize and confine contaminating agents such as bacteria, odors, vapors and other airborne particles inside the bowl by generating and maintaining a cyclone-type air circulation inside the existing bowl. A standard bowl (70a) with a housing (20a), and an air-trapping cavity (76) created inside the bowl (70a) by a detachable bowl-skirt (73a), confines the contaminating agents during toilet use and improves the efficiency of the air circulation. Sanitizer and odor conditioner cartridges are employed to neutralize the contaminating agents by releasing sanitizing and odor conditioning agents into the air flow circulated inside the bowl (70a). This invention is retrofitable to existing commercial/public toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel S. Redford
  • Patent number: 5321856
    Abstract: An exhaust fixture adapted to be connected to a toilet, the toilet having a bowl, a water tank having a normal amount of water therein and an upper, peripheral edge, an overflow pipe located within the tank, and a lid adapted to fit about the peripheral edge of the tank; the exhaust fixture comprising a flexible hose for the passage of air therethrough, the flexible hose having first and second ends and a length proximate the perimeter of the peripheral edge of the tank, the flexible hose adapted to be configured about the peripheral edge of the tank and having a sealing member for sealing the flexible hose about the peripheral edge and a hose connection having an inlet for connecting and allowing air communication between the ends of the flexible hose and an outlet, the hose connection adapted to be configured about an upper edge of the tank and having a sealing member for sealing the hose connection about the upper edge, the exhaust fixture further adapted to be configured to receive the lid such that the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Ignacio Gastesi
  • Patent number: 5255395
    Abstract: The invention consists of a ventilating system and particularly a ventilating kit to be installed on a conventional toilet bowl at the rear of the toilet seat above the apertures used to anchor the toilet seat to the toilet bowl. The kit includes a parapet-like housing having a peripheral wall member adapted to be mounted over and in contact with the back apron of the toilet bowl and disposed to encircle both apertures vertically extending therethrough. A pair of hollow T-shaped couplings are adapted to be mounted below each of the apertures for providing an air passageway from the housing through the apertures and into a piping arrangement which projects into an adjacent wall of the toilet room wherein a suction device is located. A cover is fittingly mounted over the parapet-like housing and has a pending lip facing the seat cover and adjacent thereto for defining an air passageway extending between the rear of the bowl and inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Gilles L. Millette
  • Patent number: 5231705
    Abstract: A system for removing unpleasant gaseous odors in a toilet having a bowl, a tank, and an overflow tube is disclosed. The system includes an air intake port located in the toilet bowl. A battery powered suction pump assembly contained in the tank is connected to the air intake port by a suction tubing. A charcoal filter is connected to the suction pump assembly. The suction pump assembly passes the odoriferous air through the charcoal filter prior to exhausting the filtered air into an exhaust tubing which releases the filtered air into the overflow tube. Also disclosed is a method of deodorizing gaseous odors and recirculating the deodorized air in a toilet having a bowl, a tank, and an overflow tube. Odoriferous air is sucked in and removed from the toilet bowl and then filtered and deodorized. The filtered and deodorized air is released into the overflow tube in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Peter Ragusa
  • Patent number: 5210884
    Abstract: An environmentally controlled toilet designed to neutralize and confine contaminating agents such as bacteria, odors, vapors and other airborne particles inside the bowl by generating and maintaining a cyclone-type air circulation inside the bowl. A bowl (70) with a housing (20), and an air-trapping cavity (76) created inside the bowl (70) by a bowl-skirt (73), confines the contaminating agents during toilet use and improves the efficiency of the air circulation. Sanitizer and odor conditioner cartridges (31) are employed to neutralize the contaminating agents by releasing sanitizing and odor conditioning agents into the air flow circulated inside the bowl (70). A toilet seat (82) having an ergonomic design has a protective skirt (87) that accommodates a hygienic-shield (100). A solution to body heat loss and noise contamination during toilet use is also addressed. The invention is retrofitable to existing toilets, and is applicable to portable toilet systems including children's training toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel S. Redford
  • Patent number: 5161262
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing odors from toilets represents a new level of sophistication, adaptability, convenience, aesthetics and performance. The apparatus includes an adjustable housing having first and second sections, both with neck portions, one of which telescopes into the other to conveniently mount upon and adjust to various toilet sizes. Each section defines a wide, thin air inlet which is disposed adjacent the toilet bowl rim and which communicates with the hollow interior of the housing sections. In one section of the housing is a battery pack, timer circuit and on-off switches. In the other section is an activated charcoal filter and fan or blower which draws foul air from both air inlets, removes odors by drawing it over the charcoal filter and returning it to the ambient. The telescoping neck portions include a pair of sliding electric contacts which provide electricity to the fan motor from the battery pack and timer circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Edwin G. Quaintance, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5136729
    Abstract: An odor removing device for toilets includes an odor collector secured to the conventional hinge posts of a toliet bowl. The odor collector has a single inlet opening and is connected in communicating relation to a downwardly convex auxiliary venturi housing which overlays the conventional bathroom ceiling fan. An air stream is introduced centrally into the auxiliary venturi and produces a venturi effect to thereby cause rapid evacuation of the noxious gases, steam and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Vernon F. Ricard
  • Patent number: 5029346
    Abstract: A 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventor: Robert C. Fernald, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4800596
    Abstract: A toilet has a toilet bowl and a flushing tank which accommodates a supply of flushing liquid for the bowl. The bowl, which discharges into a waste line, is connected to the flushing tank by a flushing pipe. A second pipe for evacuating odors from the bowl likewise leads from the bowl to the tank. This evacuating pipe has an open end in the bottom of the bowl and a second end in the tank. An air duct hooked into the waste line also extends into the tank and can be caused to communicate with the evacuating pipe when the toilet is in use. The air duct is provided with a blower which functions to convey odors from the bowl to the waste line via the evacuating pipe, flushing tank and air duct. A liquid seal cuts off communication between the air duct and evacuating pipe when the toilet is not in use to prevent backflow of odors from the waste line to the bowl. The liquid seal is located in the flushing tank and is established using the flushing liquid accommodated by the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Heinrich Menge
  • Patent number: 4200940
    Abstract: The invention describes a system for removing the odors associated with the bodily discharge of odorous volatile gases associated with the use by the human body of the toilet stool. A hollow toilet seat having radial holes associated with the centermost portion is supported and communicates with a vacuum device for drawing air from the hollow portion through the radial holes through the ported toilet seat and through this vacuum device. An incinerating device such as a grid of tungsten wires or a glow plug is inserted in the passageway and connected to an electrical source, preferably one of low voltage, for incinerating and burning the odorous volatile body gases. The discharged by-products of combustion may either be discharged into the room or may be discharged through suitable wall fittings to the outside atmosphere. Incinerating the odorous volatile body gases destroys the odor allowing the by-products of combustion to be discharged back into the same bathroom atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Inventor: Wes Buchanan
  • Patent number: 4175293
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing odors from the bowls of conventional toilets inclues a hood adapted to be mounted to a toilet body, to overhang the toilet bowl and having a central plugged opening at the rear thereof; tubular spindles adapted to be coupled into opposite sides of the hood; a toilet seat pivotally mounted on the spindles; and plugs and a vent duct adapter that may be selectively connected to the tubular spindles and the central plugged opening. A suction fan disposed inside a wall adjacent the toilet is coupled to a duct for removing gases collected by the hood from within the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Inventors: Warren J. Stephens, Juan F. Nielson
  • Patent number: 4168553
    Abstract: A plate is dimensioned to fit atop the rear flange of a toilet bowl and has a pair of bores formed therethrough in correspondence with those of the bowl so that it is affixable to the bowl beneath the toilet seat. A plurality of rectangular tubular channels are formed on the plate extending from its front edge to its back edge. A main tubular channel is formed on the plate extending along the back edge and has spaced opposite open ends. All the rectangular channels open into the main channel. Hosing couples the open ends of the main tubular channel of the plate to piping, which has a blower incorporated therein, extending from the area of the rear of the bowl to an exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1979
    Inventor: Carl W. Studer