Ventilated toilet seat

Abstract

A ventilated toilet seat for removing noxious odors from within a toilet bowl. The ventilated toilet seat includes a toilet seat member that defines at least one odor evacuation channel which connects the inside of the toilet bowl and the outside of the toilet seat member in fluid communication. The toilet seat member also defines at least one liquid evacuation channel adapted to enable liquids in the odor evacuation channel to be diverted into the liquid evacuation channel. The seat member defines a convex bottom face. A conduit is defined between the bottom face and the toilet, and may serve to evacuate odors. A hinge post assembly includes a body having a convex bottom surface. As the bottom surface is compressed to conform to the configuration of the surface of the toilet, the body is biased away from the nut to prohibit it from unselected loosening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention pertains to the field of toilet ventilation. More particularly, this invention relates to a toilet seat adapted to evacuate odors from within a toilet bowl, while also preventing liquids from entering odor evacuation conduits.

2. Description of the Related Art

The need for ventilating a toilet bowl has long been recognized. Accordingly, many devices have been developed to provide such a function. These devices include toilet bowls which have integrally formed vents, tanks with integrally formed vents, vented seats, suction devices for pumping air out, filters for cleaning the air and replacing it into the atmosphere or the toilet bowl, and many others. Typical of the art are those devices disclosed in the following U.S. patents and foreign patent documents:

Patent No.	Inventor(s)/Country	Issue Date
2,072,780	F. L. Turner	Mar. 2, 1937
2,099,875	C. J. Weaver	Nov. 23, 1937
2,286,555	W. Long	Jun. 16, 1942
3,192,539	W. L. Martz	Jul. 6, 1965
3,416,167	W. R. Klemme	Dec. 17, 1968
3,733,619	F. D. Smith	May 22, 1973
3,763,505	J. P. Zimmerman	Oct. 9, 1973
3,781,923	H. Maisch, et al.	Jan. 1, 1974
3,902,203	C. E. Poister, et al.	Sep. 2, 1975
3,913,150	C. E. Poister, et al.	Oct. 21, 1975
3,916,459	M. Ivancevic	Nov. 4, 1975
3,938,201	D. McGrew	Feb. 17, 1976
3,999,225	E. O. Ables	Dec. 28, 1976
4,007,498	R. H. Pearson	Feb. 15, 1977
4,011,608	R. H. Pearson	Mar. 15, 1977
4,031,574	F. D. Werner	Jun. 28, 1977
4,044,408	R. H. Pearson	Aug. 30, 1977
4,085,470	G. Roberts	Apr. 25, 1978
4,117,559	D. D. Boyle	Oct. 3, 1978
4,153,956	R. C. Fischer, Sr., et al.	May 15, 1979
4,175,293	W. J. Stephens, et al.	Nov. 27, 1979
4,232,406	L. R. Beeghly, et al.	Nov. 11, 1980
4,365,361	G. H. Sanstrom	Dec. 28, 1982
4,556,999	J. E. Lindley	Dec. 10, 1985
4,617,687	J. A. Wadsworth	Oct. 21, 1986
4,701,966	C. L. Schafer	Oct. 27, 1987
4,726,078	R. A. Carballo, et al.	Feb. 23, 1988
4,882,790	V. F. Richard	Nov. 28, 1989
4,893,359	P. N. Vu, et al.	Jan. 16, 1990
4,984,310	E. Casale	Jan. 15, 1991
5,345,617	J. F. Jahner, et al.	Sep. 13, 1994
5,539,937	R. E. Barefoot	Jul. 30, 1996
6,167,576	J. L. Sollami	Jan. 2, 2001
6,298,500	J. L. Sollami	Oct. 9, 2001
GB 2 143 872 A	(United Kingdom)	Feb. 20, 1985
FR 2 622 228 A	(France)	Apr. 28, 1989

Of these devices, a generic ventilation device is taught by Weaver ('875) wherein an exhaust stack is illustrated as connecting between the inside of the toilet bowl and the outside of the building. As described, the fumes within the bowl are exhausted when the toilet is flushed. However, such an arrangement is often not adequate to deal with fumes prior to flushing the toilet. Specifically, it is well known that unpleasant odors may emanate the room prior to flushing the toilet. And, further, without adequate room ventilation, such odors may linger for a substantial period of time. McGrew ('201) teaches a similar device having a time delay opening switch operable by the user in order to turn on the fan for a selected period of time.

Turner ('780) teaches a ventilating apparatus having a pressure sensitive switch to activate a heater when weight is applied to the toilet seat. The heater is provided for heating the air in the bowl, thus creating an updraft of the air within the bowl. A vent to the outside is provided for the escape of air as a result of the updraft created. Therefore, such a device is activated only when a person is seated on the toilet. Further, the updraft is only created after the air has had the opportunity to heat, thus creating a lag between the time a person sits of the seat and the time the air is evacuated. Poister, et al. ('203 and '150); Ivancevic ('459); Wadsworth ('687); and Vu, et al. ('359) each teach a ventilation device having a pressure sensitive switch as well.

Martz ('539) teaches a ventilator having an exhaust fan built into the ceiling or attic structure of the building in order to draw air from within the toilet bowl. However, such fans are typically employed to draw air from within the entire room, and therefore do not have the ability to draw a high volume of air from within the toilet bowl. The fan used in the '539 device is operated via a switch carried on the wall of the bathroom proximate the door, as described. Therefore, operation of the fan must be accomplished prior to or after using the toilet. Similarly, the Ricard ('790) device is provided with an exhaust line directed toward a room exhaust fan. The switch in the '790 device is illustrated as being in reach of the toilet such that the fan may be actuated at any time.

The device disclosed by Zimmerman ('505) uses the overflow pipe for evacuating odors from the toilet bowl. A ventilator placed over the tank in lieu of the conventional cover is provided with a blower and a filter unit. The blower serves to draw air from within the toilet bowl, through the overflow pipe, through the filter, and into the room. In another embodiment, the evacuated air is delivered to a remote filter and then introduced into the room. A timer switch is provided for selecting a period of time during which the fan is actuated. However, Zimmerman does not teach a means for remotely-controlling the exhaust device. The device disclosed by Maisch, et al. ('923) is similar to that of Zimmerman.

The device disclosed by Ivancevic ('459) is a kit used in cooperation with a conventional toilet bowl whereby ventilation is accomplished through the toilet seat axle and the toilet seat. The toilet seat defines an opening directed to the toilet seat axle, which is designed to serve as a conduit between the opening in the toilet seat to the sewage plumbing system. Those devices disclosed by Roberts ('470); Boyle ('559); and Stephens, et al. ('293), are similar to that of Ivancevic.

Pearson ('408, '498 and '608) teaches the use of the overflow conduit normally used for the passage of waste for use in communication odors from within the toilet bowl to a remote location. A switch is provided for initiating air flow from within the toilet bowl. When the toilet is flushed, the ventilation is automatically terminated. These devices are similar to those disclosed by Fischer, Sr., et al. ('956); and Beeghly, et al. ('406).

Werner ('574) teaches a timed ventilator having a pneumatic delay switch. The unit is contained entirely within the tank of the toilet.

The device disclosed by Sanstrom ('361) draws air from within the toilet bowl and exhausts the same into the sewer system. To accomplish this, a spacer assembly is positioned between the toilet and the floor. The '361 device is powered through the room A.C. current via a push-button switch, or via a wall switch provided for controlling the activation of the circuit into which the device is plugged.

As described by Lindley, the '999 device has a plurality of circumferentially arranged, radially-inward directed air inlet passages adjacent the bowl rim for the intake of ambient air surrounding the commode. Another plurality of passages is provided for evacuation of air within the toilet bowl. The inlet of air creates turbulence within the bowl in order for the fumes within the bowl to mix with the fresh air to enable evacuation thereof. A pressure sensitive switch is used to activate the device. Also disclosed, although not shown, is a time delay switch for allowing the operation of the device after the user is no longer seated on the toilet. Similarly, the Ables ('225); Carballo, et al. ('078); Casale ('310); and Jahner, et al. ('617), devices are toilet seats having an air duct defined therein for the removal of fumes.

The Schafer ('966) device is similar to those disclosed by Ivancevic ('459); Roberts ('470); Boyle ('559); and Stephens, et al. ('293), above. Although not shown, however, Schafer discloses that the '966 device may be operated via a remote control hand-held device.

The devices disclosed by Sollami ('576 & '500) are toilet seats that define grooves on the bottom surfaces thereof. The seats form seals with the top of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is lowered into engagement with the toilet bowl. The grooves thus create channels that substantially encircle the toilet seats. The grooves also extend into the toilet bowl in at least one place. The channels formed by the grooves connect with another channel in the body of the toilet seat that has an outlet on the outside of the toilet seat. Fluid communication is thus provided from the inside of the toilet bowl to the outside of the toilet seat. When suction is applied to the opening on the outside of the toilet seat, noxious odors are drawn from the inside of the toilet bowl through the channels defined in the toilet seat and evacuated to an external location.

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of a ventilated toilet seat 110 of the prior art. The ventilated toilet seat 110 includes a seat member 112 which defines at least two concentric risers 114, 116 that extend downward from the seat member 112. The risers 114, 116 are flush with both the outside edge and the inside edge, respectively, of the seat member 112. When the risers 114, 116 engage the top of the toilet bowl, the surface area on the bottom of the seat member 112 that is so engaged defines an engagement area 140 bounded by an outer bowl engagement boundary 142 and an inner bowl engagement boundary 144. The inner most riser 116 defines an initial evacuation channel 120 that lies partially within the engagement area 140 and resembles a groove on the bottom surface of the seat member 112. An initial inlet 150 is defined by the initial evacuation channel 120 and is disposed inward from the engagement area 140. The initial inlet 150 opens on the inside of the toilet bowl. The initial evacuation channel 120 is in fluid communication with an external evacuation channel 122, also defined by the risers 114, 116 and resembling a groove, that lies entirely within the engagement area 140. An outlet conduit 126 is defined in fluid communication between the external evacuation channel 122 and an outlet opening 176 to which is connected a selected evacuation hose or conduit (not shown). To this extent, the outlet conduit 126 is defined at least partially within the structure of the seat member 112. Air is evacuated from within the toilet bowl in the direction of arrows 190, through the initial evacuation channel 120, the external evacuation channel 122, the outlet conduit 126, and finally through the outlet opening 176 and through the selected evacuation hose or conduit to a selected location for regeneration or release.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A ventilated toilet seat for removing noxious odors from within a toilet bowl is provided. The ventilated toilet seat includes a toilet seat member that defines at least one odor evacuation channel. The odor evacuation channel connects the inside of the toilet bowl and the outside of the toilet seat member in fluid communication. Odors are removed by using externally applied suction to draw the odors through the odor evacuation channels and out of the toilet seat member. The toilet seat member also defines at least one liquid evacuation channel adapted to enable liquids in the odor evacuation channel to be diverted into the liquid evacuation channel, whereby the amount of liquid exiting the toilet seat member through the odor evacuation channel is reduced.

The ventilated toilet seat includes a seat member which defines a bottom face adapted to engage the rim of a toilet bowl within an engagement area. The engagement area is bounded on one side by an outer bowl engagement boundary spaced apart from an outer edge of the seat member, and an inner bowl engagement boundary spaced apart from an inner edge of the seat member. The seat member defines a groove terminating at one end within the toilet bowl and outside the engagement area. The groove terminates at a distal end at an evacuation channel. A secondary groove is further provided, the secondary groove terminating at one end within the toilet bowl and outside the engagement area, and at another end at the groove. The groove and secondary groove cooperate to evacuate odors from within the toilet bowl. In an alternate embodiment, the groove and the secondary groove terminate within the engagement area. The conduit is thus used as the sole means for conveying noxious odors from within the toilet to a selected remote location.

The evacuation channel is configured to establish fluid communication between the groove and a hinge post assembly. A fluid evacuation channel is in fluid communication between the evacuation channel and the rear edge of the seat member. The fluid evacuation channel is configured such that when the seat member is lifted from the toilet bowl, any liquids in or entering the evacuation channel are communicated through the fluid evacuation channel. As a result, the amount of fluid communicated through the evacuation channel, the hinge post assembly and beyond is substantially eliminated.

The seat member bottom face defines a convex configuration. As such, a conduit is defined between the toilet bowl for supplementing evacuation through the groove and secondary groove. The conduit is defined on either side by the outer bowl engagement boundary and the inner bowl engagement boundary. Because of the spacing of the outer bowl engagement boundary and the inner bowl engagement boundary, air is communicated substantially through the conduit, the groove, and the secondary groove.

The hinge post assembly includes a body having a convex bottom surface. A threaded post is configured to receive a washer and a nut. Due to the convex configuration of the bottom surface, as the nut is tightened, the body acts as a lock washer. The bottom surface is compressed to conform to the configuration of the surface of the toilet to which it is engaged. Once compressed, the body is biased away from the washer and nut, thereby creating a tension, which results in locking the nut and prohibiting it from unselected loosening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of ventilated toilet seat of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of a ventilated toilet seat constructed in accordance with various features of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view, in section taken along 3-3, of the ventilated toilet seat of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view, in section taken along 4-4, of the ventilated toilet seat of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of a ventilated toilet seat constructed in accordance with various features of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view, in section taken along 6-6, of the ventilated toilet seat of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view, in section taken along 7-7, of the ventilated toilet seat of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is an elevation view, in section taken along 8-8, of the hinge post used in the ventilated toilet seat of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A ventilated toilet seat for removing noxious odors from within a toilet bowl is disclosed and illustrated generally at 10 in the figures. The ventilated toilet seat 10 provides a toilet seat member that defines at least one odor evacuation channel. The odor evacuation channel connects the inside of the toilet bowl and the outside of the toilet seat member in fluid communication. Odors are removed by using externally applied suction to draw the odors through the odor evacuation channels and out of the toilet seat member. The toilet seat member also defines at least one liquid evacuation channel adapted to enable liquids in the odor evacuation channel to be diverted into the liquid evacuation channel, whereby the amount of liquid exiting the toilet seat member through the odor evacuation channel is reduced.

Illustrated in FIG. 2 is a first embodiment of the ventilated toilet seat of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ventilated toilet seat 10 includes a seat member 12 which defines a bottom face 14 adapted to engage the rim of a toilet bowl within an engagement area 40. The engagement area 40 is bounded on one side by an outer bowl engagement boundary 42 spaced apart from an outer edge 20 of the seat member 12, and an inner bowl engagement boundary 44 spaced apart from an inner edge 22 of the seat member 12. The seat member 12 defines a groove 16 terminating at one end within the toilet bowl and outside the engagement area 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 16 terminates between the inner bowl engagement boundary 44 and the seat member inner edge 22. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the groove may extend to open on the seat member inner edge 22 as well. The groove 16 terminates at a distal end at an evacuation channel 18.

Further illustrated is a secondary groove 16A terminating at one end within the toilet bowl and outside the engagement area 40, and at another end at the groove 16. The groove 16 and secondary groove 16A cooperate to evacuate odors from within the toilet bowl. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the secondary groove 16A may be omitted, or in the alternative, more than one secondary groove 16A may be incorporated.

The evacuation channel 18 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to establish fluid communication between the groove 16 and a hinge post assembly 30. A vacuum source (not shown) is used to draw odors from within the toilet bowl. Specifically, the vacuum source is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl through the hinge post assembly 30, the evacuation channel 18, and the groove 16 and secondary groove 16A.

A fluid evacuation channel 24 is in fluid communication between the evacuation channel 18 and the rear edge 26 of the seat member 12. The fluid evacuation channel 24 is configured such that when the seat member 12 is lifted from the toilet bowl, any liquids in or entering the evacuation channel 18 are communicated through the fluid evacuation channel 24. As a result, the amount of fluid communicated through the evacuation channel 18, the hinge post assembly 30 and beyond is substantially eliminated.

FIG. 3 better illustrates the evacuation of both air and liquid from within the toilet bowl 50. Air and liquid mixture is evacuated through the groove 16 and secondary groove 16A, in the direction of arrow 32. Air is evacuated through the hinge post assembly 30 as indicated by arrow 36. Typically, any liquids at this state are atomized, and are therefore airborne. However, when the seat member 12 is raised, the risk of fluids entering the groove 16 and secondary groove 16A is increased. As a result of the present configuration, any liquids introduced in the groove 16 and secondary groove 16A is immediately evacuated through the fluid evacuation channel 24 as indicated by arrow 36 when the seat member 12 is raised.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the seat member bottom face 14 defines a convex configuration. As such, a conduit 38 is defined between the toilet bowl 50 for supplementing evacuation through the groove 16 and secondary groove 16A. The conduit 38 is defined on either side by the outer bowl engagement boundary 42 and the inner bowl engagement boundary 44. Because of the spacing of the outer bowl engagement boundary 42 and the inner bowl engagement boundary 44, air is communicated substantially through the conduit 38, the groove 16, and the secondary groove 16A.

Illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 is an alternate embodiment of a ventilated toilet seat 10′ of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially similar to the previously described embodiment. Accordingly, like elements are identified with similar reference numerals with a prime a “′” symbol appended thereto. This embodiment differs from that described above and illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 in that the groove 16′ and the secondary groove 16A′ terminate within the engagement area 40′. The conduit 38′ is thus used as the sole means for conveying noxious odors from within the toilet to a selected remote location.

Illustrated in FIG. 8 is the hinge post assembly 30 used in accordance with the present invention. The hinge post assembly, or assembly 30, includes a body having a convex bottom surface 52. A horizontal conduit 54 is adapted to be received within and in fluid communication with the evacuation channel 18. A vertical conduit 56 terminates at one end at the horizontal conduit 54 and is configured to receive a hollow threaded post 58. The threaded post 58 is configured to receive a washer 60 and a nut 62. Due to the convex configuration of the bottom surface, as the nut 62 is tightened, the body acts as a lock washer. Specifically, the bottom surface 52 is compressed to conform to the configuration of the surface of the toilet to which it is engaged. It is has been found through testing that the bottom surface 52 is deformed into an opening in the toilet bowl. Once compressed, the body is biased away from the washer 60 and nut 62, thereby creating a tension, which results in locking the nut 62 and prohibiting it from unselected loosening. While described in association with a ventilated toilet seat 10, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the hinge post assembly of the present invention is useful in any configuration of toilet seats within the scope of the present invention.

From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a ventilated toilet seat offering advantages over the prior art has been provided. Specifically, the ventilated toilet seat provides a convex bottom surface configured to cooperate with the upper surface of the toilet bowl to define an evacuation conduit. Further, the present invention provides a conduit for evacuating liquids from the air stream flowing through the evacuation conduit. Further, the present invention provides a self-locking hinge post assembly for preventing unselected loosening from the toilet bowl.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. An improved ventilated toilet seat of the type in which noxious odors from inside a toilet bowl are removed through at least one odor evacuation channel defined by the ventilated toilet seat, wherein the improvement comprises:

at least one liquid evacuation channel defined by said improved ventilated toilet seat, said at least one liquid evacuation channel defining an inlet opening on said at least one odor evacuation channel, said at least one liquid evacuation channel defining an outlet proximate a lower edge of said improved ventilated toilet seat when said improved ventilated toilet seat is pivoted out of engagement with the toilet bowl, said at least one liquid evacuation channel being adapted to enable liquids in said at least one odor evacuation channel to be diverted into said at least one liquid evacuation channel when said improved ventilated toilet seat is pivoted out of engagement with the toilet bowl, whereby the amount of liquid exiting said improved ventilated toilet seat through said at least one odor evacuation channel is reduced.

2. A ventilated toilet seat for removing noxious odors from a toilet bowl, comprising:

a toilet seat member;

at least one odor evacuation channel defined by said toilet seat member, said at least one odor evacuation channel connecting the inside of the toilet bowl and an outside of said toilet seat member in fluid communication;

at least one liquid evacuation channel defined by said toilet seat member, said at least one liquid evacuation channel defining an inlet opening on said at least one odor evacuation channel and an outlet proximate a lower edge of said toilet seat member, said at least one liquid evacuation channel being adapted to enable liquids in said at least one odor evacuation channel to be diverted into said at least one liquid evacuation channel, whereby the amount of liquid exiting said toilet seat member through said at least one odor evacuation channel is reduced.

3. The toilet seat of claim 2 wherein said at least one gas evacuation channel comprises:

at least one groove defined by the bottom surface of said toilet seat member, said at least one groove extending into the toilet bowl when said toilet seat member is engaged with the toilet bowl, whereby fluid communication is established from within the toilet bowl through said at least one groove; and

at least one evacuation channel defined by said toilet seat member, said at least one evacuation channel for establishing fluid communication between said at least one groove and the outside of said toilet seat member.

4. The toilet seat of claim 3 wherein said toilet seat member defines a bottom face defining a convex configuration, said at least one groove being defined between said toilet seat member bottom face and a top surface of the toilet bowl.

5. The toilet seat of claim 2 further comprising a hinge post assembly adapted for mounting said toilet seat member to a toilet, said hinge post assembly including a body defining a convex bottom surface for engaging the toilet, whereby when secured to the toilet, said convex bottom surface is compressed to conform to the toilet to lock a disposition of said hinge post assembly with respect to the toilet.

6. The toilet seat of claim 5 wherein said hinge post assembly defines a conduit through which said fluid communication between said at least one groove and the outside of said toilet seat member is established.

7. A ventilated toilet seat for removing noxious odors from a toilet bowl, comprising:

a toilet seat member defining a convex bottom surface; and

at least one odor evacuation channel defined by said toilet seat member between said toilet seat member bottom face and a top surface of the toilet bowl, said at least one odor evacuation channel connecting the inside of the toilet bowl and an outside of said toilet seat member in fluid communication.

8. The toilet seat of claim 7 further comprising a hinge post assembly adapted for mounting said toilet seat member to a toilet, said hinge post assembly including a body defining a convex bottom surface for engaging the toilet, whereby when secured to the toilet, said convex bottom surface is compressed to conform to the toilet to lock a disposition of said hinge post assembly with respect to the toilet.

9. The toilet seat of claim 8 wherein said hinge post assembly defines a conduit through which said fluid communication between said at least one groove and the outside of said toilet seat member is established.

10. The toilet seat of claim 7 further comprising at least one liquid evacuation channel defined by said toilet seat member, said at least one liquid evacuation channel defining an inlet opening on said at least one odor evacuation channel and an outlet proximate a lower edge of said toilet seat member, said at least one liquid evacuation channel being adapted to enable liquids in said at least one odor evacuation channel to be diverted into said at least one liquid evacuation channel, whereby the amount of liquid exiting said toilet seat member through said at least one odor evacuation channel is reduced.