Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
WO 2022/245966
PCT/US2022/029864
DEVICE FOR REMOVING ODORS AROUND A TOILET, SYSTEM HAVING SUCH
DEVICES, AND METHODS OF USING THE SYSTEMS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent
Application No. 63/189.996
filed May 18, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for removing odors around a
toilet, systems
containing such devices, and methods of using the systems for removing odors.
Description of Related Art
[0002] Undesirable odors formed around toilets can cause a nuisance in both
residential
homes and commercial facilities such as restaurants, hotels, airplanes, and
any place where
people gather. Typically, these undesirable odors are addressed by dispersing
more desirable
odors, thereby hiding the smell of the undesirable odors. Considerable efforts
have also been
expended to develop alternative methods that utilize devices and systems for
removing
undesirable odors around toilets. However, these devices and systems often
require mechanical
and/or structural changes to toilets or require a large foot space separate
from the toilet. Thus,
it is desirable to provide an effective alternative device and system for
removing odors around
a toilet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one embodiment according to the present invention, a device for
removing odors
around a toilet. The device includes: an engagement surface that is configured
to engage a top
portion of a toilet bowl; two attachment holes formed through the engagement
surface and
which are configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; and a
housing for removing
odors that is positioned between the two attachment holes. The housing
includes a bottom wall
formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls
that extend from
sides of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed
through the front
of the housing. Further, the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for
removing odors and
which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed
away from the
toilet.
1
CA 03219545 2023- 11- 17
WO 2022/245966
PCT/US2022/029864
[0004] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the length of the device measured
between
opposing sides of the engagement surface is greater than a width of the device
measured
between a front and back edge of the engagement surface. The housing can also
be sized and
shaped to fit between the top portion of the toilet bowl and a toilet seat.
[0005] In some non-limiting embodiment, the conduit for removing odors extends
from the
one side of the housing longitudinally along a back edge of the engagement
surface and to a
point past a side of the engagement surface. In certain non-limiting
embodiments, the conduit
for removing odors extends downwards from the point past the side of the
engagement surface
and then laterally toward a back of the toilet. Further, at least a portion of
the conduit for
removing odors extending longitudinally along the engagement surface can be
extendable. In
some non-limiting embodiments, the conduit comprises a trap release for
removing fluids
and/or solids from the conduit. The trap release can be formed between the
downward
extending portion of the conduit and the laterally extending portion of the
conduit.
[0006] The device can be formed from one or more materials. For example, at
least a portion
of the device can be made of a plastic material.
[0007] The present invention is also directed to a system for removing odors
around a toilet.
The system includes: a toilet comprising a toilet bowl; a toilet seat
positioned over the toilet
bowl; and a device for removing odors that is attached to a top portion of the
toilet bowl. The
device for removing odors includes any of the previously described features
and which are
further described herein. The system can further include a motor attached to a
second end of
the conduit for removing odors.
[0008] The present invention also includes a method of removing odors around a
toilet with
the previously described system. The method includes suctioning gas formed
around the toilet
through the device for removing odors.
[0009] The present invention is also directed to the following
clauses.
[0010] Clause 1: A device for removing odors around a toilet, the device
comprising: an
engagement surface that is configured to engage a top portion of a toilet
bowl; two attachment
holes formed through the engagement surface and which are configured to attach
to the top
portion of the toilet bowl; and a housing for removing odors that is
positioned between the two
attachment holes, wherein the housing comprises a bottom wall formed from a
portion of the
engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls that extend from sides of the
top wall to the
bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed through the front of the
housing, and wherein
the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for removing odors and which
extends from one
side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed away from the toilet.
2
CA 03219545 2023- 11- 17
WO 2022/245966
PCT/US2022/029864
[0011] Clause 2: The device of clause 1, wherein a length of the device
measured between
opposing sides of the engagement surface is greater than a width of the device
measured
between a front and back edge of the engagement surface.
[0012] Clause 3: The device of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the housing is sized
and shaped to fit
between the top portion of the toilet bowl and a toilet seat.
[0013] Clause 4: The device of any one of previous clauses, wherein the
conduit for
removing odors extends from the one side of the housing longitudinally along a
back edge of
the engagement surface, and wherein the conduit for removing odors extends
longitudinally to
a point past a side of the engagement surface.
[0014] Clause 5: The device of clause 4, wherein the conduit for removing
odors extends
downwards from the point past the side of the engagement surface and then
laterally toward a
back of the toilet.
[0015] Clause 6: The device of clause 5, wherein at least a portion of the
conduit for
removing odors extending longitudinally along the engagement surface is
extendable.
[0016] Clause 7: The device of clause 5 or 6, wherein the conduit comprises a
trap release
for removing fluids and/or solids from the conduit.
[0017] Clause 8: The device of clause 7, wherein the trap release is formed
between the
downward extending portion of the conduit and the laterally extending portion
of the conduit.
[0018] Clause 9: The device of any one of the previous clauses, wherein at
least a portion of
the device is made of a plastic material.
[0019] Clause 10: A system for removing odors around a toilet, the system
comprising: a
toilet comprising a toilet bowl; a toilet seat positioned over the toilet
bowl; and a device for
removing odors that is attached to a top portion of the toilet bowl, wherein
the device for
removing odors comprises: an engagement surface that is configured to engage a
top portion
of a toilet bowl; two attachment holes formed through the engagement surface
and which are
configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; and a housing for
removing odors that
is positioned between the two attachment holes, wherein the housing comprises
a bottom wall
formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls
that extend from
side of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed
through the front
of the housing, and wherein the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for
removing odors
and which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is
dispersed.
[0020] Clause 11: The system of clause 10, wherein a length of the device
measured between
opposing sides of the engagement surface is greater than a width of the device
measured
between a front and back edge of the engagement surface.
3
CA 03219545 2023- 11- 17
WO 2022/245966
PCT/US2022/029864
[0021] Clause 12: The system of clause 10 or 11, wherein the housing is sized
and shaped
to fit between the top portion of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat.
[0022] Clause 13: The system of any one of clauses 10-12, wherein the conduit
for removing
odors extends from the one side of the housing longitudinally along a back
edge of the
engagement surface, and wherein the conduit for removing odors extends
longitudinally to a
point past a side of the engagement surface.
[0023] Clause 14: The system of clause 13, wherein the conduit for removing
odors extends
downwards from the point past the side of the engagement surface and then
laterally toward a
back of the toilet.
[0024] Clause 15: The system of clause 13 or 14, wherein at least a portion of
the conduit
for removing odors extending longitudinally along the engagement surface is
extendable.
[0025] Clause 16: The system of clause 14 or 15, wherein the conduit comprises
a trap
release for removing fluids and/or solids from the conduit.
[0026] Clause 17: The system of clause 16, wherein the trap release is formed
between the
downward extending portion of the conduit and the laterally extending portion
of the conduit.
[0027] Clause 18: The system of any one of clauses 10-17, wherein at least a
portion of the
device is made of a plastic material.
[0028] Clause 19: The system of any one of clauses 10-18, further comprising a
motor
attached to a second end of the conduit for removing odors
[0029] Clause 20: The system of any one of clauses 10-19, further comprising a
filter
attached to an end of the laterally extending portion of the conduit.
[0030] Clause 21: A method of removing odors around a toilet with the system
according to
any one of clauses 10-20, the method comprising suctioning gas formed around
the toilet
through the device for removing odors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for removing odors around a
toilet according
to the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a front view of a device for removing odors around a toilet
according to the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a device for removing odors around
a toilet
according to the present invention;
4
CA 03219545 2023- 11- 17
WO 2022/245966
PCT/US2022/029864
[0036] FIG. 4 is a top view of a device for removing odors around a toilet
positioned on a
toilet according to the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a device for removing odors around a
toilet positioned
on a toilet according to the present invention; and
[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device for removing odors around a
toilet positioned
on a toilet and which connects to a filter according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper",
"lower", "right",
"left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal",
and derivatives
thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing
figures. However, it is to be
understood that the invention may assume alternative variations and step
sequences, except
where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that
the specific devices
and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
specification, are simply
exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical
characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be
considered as limiting.
[0040] Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein
is intended to
include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is
intended to
include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1
and the recited
maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than
1 and a
maximum value of equal to or less than 10.
[0041] In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural and
plural encompasses
singular, unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, in this
application, the use of "or"
means "and/or" unless specifically stated otherwise, even though "and/or" may
be explicitly
used in certain instances.
[0042] As indicated, and referring to FIGS. 1-5, the present invention
includes a device 10
for removing odors (i.e. undesirable gas) around a toilet 100. The device 10
comprises an
engagement surface 12 that is configured to engage a top portion 104 of a
toilet bowl 102. As
further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two attachment holes 13 are formed through the
engagement
surface 12 and which are configured to attach to the top portion 104 of the
toilet bowl 102. For
instance, and referring to FIG. 4, the attachment holes 13 can be configured
to engage and be
secured with the fasteners 103 (e.g. screws) used to attach the toilet seat
106 to the top portion
104 of a toilet bowl 102. The attachment holes 13 can also be spaced at a
distance to fit over
various types of toilets 100 and designs.
CA 03219545 2023- 11- 17
WO 2022/245966
PCT/US2022/029864
[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the engagement surface 12 can be shaped to engage
the top
portion 104 of the toilet bowl 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the
engagement surface
12 is flat or planar to engage a flat or planar top portion 104 of a toilet
bowl 102.
[0044] The engagement surface 12 can also be sized to fit on the top portion
104 of the toilet
bowl 102 without extending outside the boundaries of the toilet bowl 102 (i.e.
without
extending beyond the outside perimeter of the toilet bowl 102). Further, and
as shown in FIG.
1, a length of the device 10 measured between opposing sides 15 of the
engagement surface 12
is greater than a width of the device measured between a front edge 16 and
back edge 17 of the
engagement surface 12.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a housing 20 for removing odors is positioned
between the
two attachment holes 13. The housing 20 comprises a bottom wall formed from a
top portion
18 of the engagement surface 12, a top wall 22, two side walls 24 that extend
from sides of the
top wall 22 to the top portion 18 of the engagement surface 12, a back wall
26, and an opening
28 formed through the front of the housing 20. It will be appreciated that the
housing 20 extends
up from a top surface 18 of the engagement surface 12 and which acts as a
bottom wall of the
housing 20 so that odor in the form of gas entering the housing 20 is confined
by the top portion
18 of the engagement surface 12, the side walls 24, the top wall 22, and the
back wall 26.
[0046] The housing 20 is also sized and shaped to fit on the toilet bowl 102
without
interfering with the function of the toilet 100. For instance, the housing 20
is sized and shaped
to fit on the toilet bowl 102 without interfering the function of the toilet
seat 106. That is, the
housing 20 can be sized and shaped to fit between the top portion 104 of the
toilet bowl 102
and a toilet seat 106 without interfering with the ability of the toilet seat
106 to open and close.
[0047] As previously described, the housing 20 forms a confinement space where
odors
around the toilet 100 enter through the opening 28 formed through the front of
the housing 20
and flow toward the back wall 26. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the back wall 26 of
the housing 20
forms a portion of a conduit 30 for removing odors from the housing 20 and
which extends
from one side of the housing 20 (i.e. from one of the side walls 24) to an
area where gas is
dispersed away from the toilet 100. The conduit 30 is also sized (for example,
with a desired
circumference) to allow gas around the toilet 100 to flow through the opening
28 in the front
of the housing 20 and out the conduit 30 to an area where the odorous gas is
undetected. It is
appreciated that the portion of the conduit 30 that forms the back wall 26 of
the housing 20 and
the portion of the conduit 30 that extends past the housing 20 can have
various shapes (e.g.
cylindrical, or partially cylindrical) provided that the odorous gas can flow
out of the housing
20 and through the conduit 30.
6
CA 03219545 2023- 11- 17
WO 2022/245966
PCT/US2022/029864
[0048] In some non-limiting embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1-5, the conduit
30 for
removing odors extends from the one side of the housing 20 (i.e. from one of
the side walls 24)
longitudinally (shown as reference number "X") along a back edge 17 of the
engagement
surface 12. As further shown in FIGS. 1-4, the conduit 30 for removing odors
extends
longitudinally (shown as reference number "X") to a point past a side 15 of
the engagement
surface 12. It is appreciated that the conduit is sized to extend
longitudinally (shown as
reference number "X") to a point past a side 15 of the engagement surface 12
and which is
beyond the outside perimeter of the toilet bowl 102 so that the gas can be
directed away from
the toilet 100. In some non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the
conduit 30 is
extendable to adjust the length as necessary for various types and sizes of
toilets 100. For
instance, at least a portion of the conduit 30 extending longitudinally along
the engagement
surface 12 can be extendable by using, for example, an expander/sliding
coupling 31 and which
may include, for instance, an inner conduit that allows at least a portion of
conduit 30 to extend.
[0049] The conduit 30 can extend in various other directions after extending
longitudinally
to a point past a side 15 of the engagement surface 12. In certain non-
limiting embodiments,
as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the conduit 30 can further extend laterally (shown as
reference number
"Y") toward a back of the toilet 100 after extending longitudinally to a point
past a side 15 of
the engagement surface 12. The conduit 30 can extend laterally in a straight
path to the back
of the toilet 100, or the conduit 30 can curve as it extends laterally to the
back of the toilet 100
so that a portion of the conduit 30 can be hidden under or behind the toilet
100. As shown in
FIGS. 1-5, the conduit 30 can also extend downwards before extending laterally
to the back of
the toilet in order to position the conduit 30 below the top portion 104 of
the toilet bowl 102.
In some non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit 30
extending laterally to
the back of the toilet can be extendable and include a similar
expander/sliding coupling 31 as
previously described. In addition, at least a portion of the conduit 30
extending laterally to the
back of the toilet may be able to pivot in different directions such as to be
able to be moved to
the side toward or away from the toilet 100 such as by using a pivot joint 33.
[0050] It is appreciated that fluids and solids may also enter the device 10.
In order to the
remove these materials, the conduit 30 can comprise a trap release 40 for
removing fluids
and/or solids, as shown in FIG. 4. The trap release 40 can be positioned
anywhere along the
conduit 30. For example, the trap release 40 can be formed between the
downward extending
portion of the conduit 30 and the laterally extending portion of the conduit
30. The trap release
40 can include an opening with a cap that can be removed to release any fluids
or solids that
enter the device 10.
7
CA 03219545 2023- 11- 17
WO 2022/245966
PCT/US2022/029864
[0051] The device 10 can be made from one or more materials. For instance, at
least a
portion of the device 10 can be made form a plastic material. Non-limiting
examples of suitable
plastic materials include acrylics, polystyrene, polyethylene, high density
polyethylene, nylon,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate,
copolymers
thereof, or combinations thereof.
[0052] The present invention is also directed to a system 200 for removing
odors around a
toilet 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the system 200 comprises a toilet 100
comprising a toilet bowl
102, a toilet seat 106 positioned over the toilet bowl 102, and a device 10
for removing odors
that is attached to a top portion 104 of the toilet bowl 102. The device 10
can include any of
the devices 10 for removing odors previously described and can be adapted to
fit onto various
types of toilets 100. It is appreciated that the device 10 is positioned on
the toilet 100 so that
the front opening of the housing 20 is facing the opening 103 of the toilet
bowl 102.
[0053] Referring again to FIG. 5, the system 200 can further include an
apparatus 50 that
pulls the odors/gas around the toilet 100 into the housing 20 of the device
10. The conduit 30
can be connected to the apparatus 50 using various attachment means. In some
non-limiting
embodiments, the apparatus 50 is a motor attached to an end of the conduit 30
that can be
turned on and off as desired such as with the function of the toilet 100. The
apparatus 50 can
be positioned, for example, behind a wall or in a ceiling area. The apparatus
50 can also be
coupled with the exhaust fan used in a bathroom.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, the system 200 of the present invention can also
include a filter
150 that receives the odor distributed through the conduit 30. For instance, a
filter 150 can be
attached to end of the portion of the conduit 30 extending laterally to the
back of the toilet 100.
In such instances, as shown in FIG. 6, the conduit 30 does not need to extend
into the wall of
the bathroom area. It is appreciated that the conduit 30 can extend into the
wall of the bathroom
area where the filter 150 may also be placed. A non-limiting example of a
suitable filter
includes a charcoal filter.
[0055] The present invention also includes a method of removing odors around a
toilet 100
with the previously described system 200. The method comprises suctioning gas
formed
around the toilet 100 through the device 10. The suctioning can be activated
using various
means, such as by activating a switch for the apparatus 50 connected to the
conduit 30 or by
merely activating the toilet 100. The suctioning can also be activated by
using a remote or
phone remotely connected to the apparatus 50.
[0056] It was found that the previously described device 10 can be attached to
any toilet 100
and sufficiently remove unwanted odors. The device 10 can also be adjusted as
desired by the
8
CA 03219545 2023- 11- 17
WO 2022/245966
PCT/US2022/029864
user and function with various apparatuses 50 (e.g. motors) that can be
activated manually or
remotely. Further, the device 30 can include a trap release 40 for easy
removal of unwanted
fluids and solids that make their way into the device 30.
[0057] Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been described
above for
purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that
numerous variations of
the details of the present invention may be made without departing from the
invention as
defined in the appended claims.
9
CA 03219545 2023- 11- 17
