CA 02476698 2004-08-12
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relai~es to systems for
ventilating bathrooms, and more particularly to syste~.s for
ventilating toilets.
BACKGROUND OF THE I1~TENTION
[0002] 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 immed.~ately
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.
[0003] 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
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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.
[0004] It is also common to use an air freshner in a bathroom
after the bathroom has been made maloclorous. 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 s.n
bathrooms, which is harmful to the environment.
X0005] 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.
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i
[0006] United States Patent 6,553,581 issued April 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 t:o suction odour from a
toilet even when the cover is closed.
[0007] United States Patent 6,629,319 issued October 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
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would permit.a significant amount of odour from within a toilet
bowl to escape.
[0008] United States Patent 5,850,638 issued December 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.
[0009] United States Patent 4,103,370 issued August l, 1978
to Arnold discloses an Odourless Water C1_oset, 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.
[00010] United States Patent 4,094,023 issued June 13, 1978 to
Smith discloses a Ventilated Toilet Seat, having on its
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underside a suction tube having perforations. Air that is
suctioned in through the perforations is discharged through a
tube into the toilet discharge passage.
[00011] United States Patent 6, 178, 563 issued January 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
autlet valve.
[00012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
suctioning toilet seat system that overcomes the deficiencies of
the prior art.
[00013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
suctioning toilet seat that overcomes the deficiencies of the
prior art.
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[00014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
suctioning toilet seat attachment that overcomes the
deficiencies of the prior art.
[00015] It is an object of the present invention to g~ovide a
suctioning toilet bowl that overcomes the deficiencies of the
prior art.
SUN~ARY OF THE INVENTION
[00016] 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 far filtering air suctioned by the
source of air suction.
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[00017] 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.
[00018] 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.
g _
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[00019] 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.
000020] 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.
[00021] 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
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air suction. An optional filter means is connected in fluid
communication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the
source of air suction.
[00022] 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 DRPrWINGS
[00023] 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
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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:
[00024] Figure 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;
[00025] Figure 2 is a top plan view of: the suctioning toilet
seat system of Figure 1, with a portion of the suctioning toilet
seat system shown in phantom for the sake of clarity;
[00026] Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the suctioning
toilet seat of the suctioning toilet seat system of Figure l,
with a portion of the suctioning toilet seat system shown in
phantom for the sake of clarity;
[00027] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the suctioning
toilet seat of Figure 3;
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[00028] Figure 5 is an enlarged partially cut away view of a
"T"-joint of the suctioning toilet seat system of Figure 1;
[00029] Figure 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;
[00030] Figure 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;
[00031] Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the suctioning
toilet seat of the suctioning toilet seat system of Figure 7,
with a portion of the suctioning toilet seat system shown in
phantom for the sake of clarity;
[00032] Figure 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;
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[00033] Figure 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;
[00034] Figure 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;
[00035] Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the suctioning
toilet seat attachment of Figure 11;
[00036] Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of the sixth
preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system of Figure 11;
[00037] Figure 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;
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[00038] Figure 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;
[00039] Figure 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;
[00040] Figure 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;
[00041] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the suctioning
toilet bowl of the tenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet
seat system of Figure 17;
[00042] Figure 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;
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[00043] Figure 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;
[00044] Figure 21 is a side elevational view of the twelfth
preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system of Figure 20;
[00045] Figure 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;
[00046] Figure 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,
[00047] Figure 24 is a top plan view of the fourteenth
preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system of Figure 23.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
C00048~ Referring to Figures 1 through 24 of the drawings, it
will be noted that Figures 1 through 5 illustrate the first
preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of th.e
present invention, Figure 6 illustrates the second preferred
embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present
invention, Figures 7 through 8 illustrate the third preferred
embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presena
invention, Figure 9 illustrates the fourth preferred embodiment
of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention,
Figures 10 through 12 illustrate the fifth preferred embodiment
of the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention,
Figure 13 illustrates the sixth preferred embodiment of the
suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, Figure
14 illustrates the seventh preferred embodiment of the
suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, Figure
15 illustrates the eighth preferred embodiment of the suctioning
toilet seat system of the present invention, Figure 1.6
illustrates the ninth preferred embodiment of the suctioning
toilet seat system of the present invention, Figures 17 through
18 illustrate the tenth preferred embodiment of the suctioning
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toilet seat system of the present invention, Figure 19
illustrates the eleventh preferred embodiment of the suctioning
toilet seat system of the present invent_Lon, Figures 20 through
21 illustrate the twelfth preferred embodiment of the suctioning
toilet seat system of the present invention, Figure 22
illustrates the thirteenth preferred embodiment of the
suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, anal
Figures 23 through 24 illustrate the fourteenth preferred
embodiment of the suet=Toning toilet seat system of the present
invention.
[00049] Reference will now be made to Figures 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 3.L, a back end 32, a top
surface 33 and a bottom surface 34, and is otherwise
conventionally shaped for placement onto atandard toilet bowls.
[00050] A plurality of suctioning apertures 40 are preferably
disposed in the main toilet seat body 30, preferably in the
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bottom surface of the main toilet seat body 30, in order to
minimize the occurrence of foreign materials entering the
suctioning apertures 40.
[00051] 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.
[00052] 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 mains 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.
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[00053] 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.
[00054] 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"-j oint 52 . The base of the "T"°-j oint 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
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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 i.n terms of size, shape and structure, to
fit together and fit anto a PVC pipe, and therefore be modular,
thus saving on additional unnecessary manufacturing and
development costs.
[00055] The extractor fan 60 should produce about five to
ten cubic feet per minute (c.f.m.) of air flow and should be a.s
quiet as reasonably possible.
[00056] As can be seen in the Figures, the filter means 70 i.s
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.
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[00057] There is also a pneumatic switch 88 mounted on th.e
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 switch 88
operates a pneumatically actuated electrical switch (not
specifically shown) on the fan.
[00058] Reference will now be made to Figure 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 bay>e of the "T'°-joint 252
is connected in fluid communication to a fan 260.
[00059] Reference will now be made to Figures 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
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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.
[00060] Reference will now be made to Figure 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.
[00061] Reference will now be made to Figure 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
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system 520 is easier and less expensive to install than is the
first preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system 20.
[00062] Reference will now be made to Figures 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.
[00063] 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-
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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.
[00064 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 far filtering air suctioned by the fan 670. The
filter means 670 comprises a carbon filter, as illustrated, or
any other suitable type of filter.
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CA 02476698 2004-08-12
[00065] 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.
[00066] Reference will now be made to Figure 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.
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[00067] Reference will now be made to Figure 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.
[00068] Reference will now be made to Figure 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
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CA 02476698 2004-08-12
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.
[00069] Reference will now be made to Figures 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.
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[00070] 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.
[00071] 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
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connects to a main PVC pipe 1086 that is vented to the ambient
atmosphere.
[00072] An electrical switch 1088 mounted in the wall is used
to control the electrically powered fan, as needed.
[00073] Reference will naw be made to Figure 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.
[00074] Reference will now be made to Figures 20 and 21, which
show a twelfth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet
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CA 02476698 2004-08-12
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.
[00075] Reference will now be made to Figure 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.
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[00076] Reference will now be made to Figures 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.
[00077] 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
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CA 02476698 2004-08-12
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.
[00078] 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.
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CA 02476698 2004-08-12
[00079] 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 th.e
environment.
[00080] 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.
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