Vented Toilet System

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vented toilet system with an exhaust system integrated directly into the toilet bowl and that effectively removes unwanted odors from the toilet bowl and discharges the same to an exterior of a home or building. More specifically, the vented toilet bowl comprises a plurality of ventilation holes or a channel in an upper bowl lip to draw odors from the toilet bowl into the exhaust system, and utilizes an exhaust fan activated with a switch or a pressure sensor to expelling said odors through an exterior vent.

Claims

1. A vented toilet system comprising: a toilet having a bowl, a rim, a seat and a lid, wherein the lid is repositionable between an open position and a closed position; a plurality of openings disposed around the rim of the bowl, wherein the plurality of openings are capable of removing an odor from within the bowl; an exhaust fan in fluid communication with the plurality of openings for drawing the odor from the bowl, wherein the fan is operable in at least two different speeds; and an exterior vent for discharging the odor, wherein the exterior vent is in fluid communication with the plurality of openings and the exhaust fan.

2. The vented toilet system of claim 1 further comprising a switch for operating the exhaust fan.

3. The vented toilet system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust fan operates at a speed between 20 CFM to 110 CFM.

4. The vented toilet system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust fan operates in a continuous manner when the toilet is in use and at a decibel level of between 0 and 25.

5. The vented toilet system of claim 4, wherein the continuous manner is at 20 CFM.

6. The vented toilet system of claim 2, wherein the switch is one of a pressure switch, a manual switch, or a remote switch.

7. The vented toilet system of claim 6, wherein the remote switch is a smart device application and remotely actuatable.

8. The vented toilet system of claim 6, wherein the pressure switch is mounted in the seat of the toilet.

9. The vented toilet system of claim 6, wherein the manual switch is located adjacent the toilet and is a toggle style switch.

10. The vented toilet system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings are disposed above a high water level in the bowl.

11. The vented toilet system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings are disposed in an equally spaced apart configuration below the rim of the bowl.

12. The vented toilet system of claim 1 further comprising a conduit in fluid communication with, and positioned between, each of the plurality of openings and the vent.

13. A bathroom ventilation system comprising: a ventilation fan having at least a first and second modes of operation, wherein the first mode of operation is a continuous mode, and the second mode of operation is at a higher fan speed than the first mode of operation, and further wherein the ventilation fan is in fluid communication with a pipe; a toilet having a bowl, a lid and a seat, the bowl having a plurality of holes disposed below a rim of the bowl and above a high-water area, wherein each of the plurality of holes are equally spaced apart around the bowl and in fluid communication with the pipe; and a switch for changing between the first and second modes of operation, wherein the switch is one of a manual switch, a pressure switch or a remote switch.

14. The bathroom ventilation system of claim 13, wherein during the continuous mode the ventilation fan operates at a speed of 20 CFM.

15. The bathroom ventilation system of claim 13, wherein the second mode of operation is at a ventilation fan speed greater than 20 CFM.

16. The bathroom ventilation system of claim 13, wherein the switch is a remote switch activated by a smart device with a mobile application.

17. The bathroom ventilation system of claim 13, wherein the switch is a pressure switch activated by a pressure on the seat of the toilet.

18. A method of using a bathroom ventilation system comprising the steps of: providing an exhaust fan connected to a toilet having a bowl, a lid and a seat, wherein the bowl is comprised of a plurality of openings disposed below a rim of the bowl and above a high-water area, and further wherein the plurality of openings are equally spaced apart around the bowl; running the exhaust fan, wherein the exhaust fan is comprised of at least first and second modes of operation, the first mode of operation being a continuous mode and the second mode of operation being at a higher exhaust fan speed than the first mode of operation, and further wherein the exhaust fan is in fluid communication with a pipe that is in fluid communication with the plurality of openings; and evacuating an odor from the bowl of the toilet.

19. The method of using a bathroom ventilation system of claim 18, wherein during the first mode of operation the exhaust fan operates at a speed of 20 CFM or less, and during the second mode of operation the exhaust fan operates at a speed of between 20 CFM and 110 CFM.

20. The method of using a bathroom ventilation system of claim 18, wherein the step of running the exhaust fan is remotely initiated by a smart device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1a illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a vented toilet system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 1b illustrates a partial perspective view of one possible embodiment of the vents that are integrated into the toilet bowl of the vented toilet system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of one possible embodiment of the vented toilet system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture in which noxious fumes are vented away from the toilet bowl and through an exterior wall in a structure;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a switch for activating a vented toilet system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of one possible embodiment of a vented toilet system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture and having a channel integrated therein for the removal of noxious fumes through an exterior wall in a structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

[0025] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an effective ventilation system for removing odors emanating from a toilet bowl. There is also a long felt need in the art for a ventilation system that is partially positioned within the bowl for reducing the amount of odor that escapes the bowl, but that does not interfere with the cleaning of the toilet bowl. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a vented toilet system which does not circulate the unwanted odors in the bathroom, and that effectively releases the unwanted odors outside the house or building. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a vented toilet bowl system which is affordable to manufacture and install, and that is safe and easy to use. The vented toilet system of the present invention effectively and quickly removes unwanted odors from the bathrooms, thereby creating a pleasant environment for the current and future users.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a toilet with a modified exhaust or ventilation system integrated directly into the toilet bowl, which effectively removes unwanted waste odors from the interior of the bowl and vents the same to an area outside the home or building. The vented toilet bowl system of the present invention features several ventilation holes or a channel in an upper bowl lip to draw air into the exhaust system, and utilizes a silent fan activated with a switch or a pressure sensor to draw air from the bowl and expel it to an outside area through a vent. More specifically, the silent exhaust fan is attached to the vented toilet system and is activated via a switch. The switch may be a manually activated switch, or an automated switch. For example, automated switches include, without limitation, motion-sensitive switches, light-sensitive switches, and pressure-sensitive switches. In the case of a pressure-sensitive switch, the switch may be connected to, mounted beneath, or integrated into a toilet seat, such that the exhaust fan is automatically activated when a user sits on the toilet seat.

[0027] The vented toilet system of the present invention offers a more convenient and effective toilet ventilation system for individuals, which is both cost effective to operate and affordable. The vented toilet system may be manufactured and marketed both as an integration with toilet bowls for an original installation, or can be sold as an individual toilet ventilation kit for home installation into an existing toilet.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1a illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a vented toilet system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the vented toilet system 100 is integrated into a toilet bowl 110 and is useful for removing unwanted odors from inside the toilet bowl and discharging the same to an outdoor area. As best shown in FIG. 1a, the vented toilet system 100 includes a toilet bowl 110 that has one or more air or exhaust vents 1111 positioned along an upper lip or rim 111 of the toilet bowl 110. The vent holes 1111 are preferably equally disposed around the upper lip or rim and may be positioned every ½ inch to an inch apart, so as to provide both sufficient and efficient air circulation. The toilet bowl 110 is a receptacle on a bowl base 116 into which waste 1102 is excreted, and is usually made of vitreous china, but sometimes made of stainless steel or composite plastics. The toilet bowl 110 is filled with a volume of water 1101 in which the waste 1102 is collected, and that which prevents odors from emanating upward from the toilet bowl drain.

[0029] The vented toilet system 100 is further comprised of a seat 112, a lid 114, a flushing mechanism 120, a water tank 118, an exhaust fan, a switch and other components for enabling the usage of the vented toilet system 100, each as described further below. In summary, the vented toilet bowl system 100 of the present invention utilizes vents or channels and a silent fan for removing unwanted odors from the toilet bowl both easily and efficiently. The silent exhaust fan is connected to the vents or channels provided in the toilet bowl 110 by exhaust pipes, which removes the unwanted air from the interior of the toilet bowl 110 and releases the unwanted air outside the premises, so as to provide a clean and pleasant environment for all users.

[0030] The seat 112 may be a generally ring or oval shaped seating arrangement that fits flushly with the toilet bowl 110, and that enables a user to easily sit over the toilet bowl 110 and access the interior of the toilet. Nonetheless, the seat 112 may also be any other shape, such as circular, square, rectangular, etc., that suits user need and/or preference. The seat 112 is usually manufactured from a plastic material, although any other suitable material may be used. For example, wooden toilet seats are often popular for aesthetic purposes. The lid 114 is used to cover the toilet bowl 110 when the toilet system 100 is not in use, but may also be used to support the switch of the present invention as explained more fully below. The lid 114 and the toilet seat 112 are hinged together at a hinged portion 115, and therefore can be easily moved between a raised and a lowered position. The seat 112 itself is relatively lightweight, and can be raised by a user when required (e.g., to enable a male to urinate into the bowl, or for purposes of cleaning the interior of the toilet bowl 110). Further, the position of the lid 114 can be manipulated manually by the user by holding the lid 114 and moving it into a raised or lowered position. Alternatively, the lid 114 may be equipped with a proximity sensor which raises and lowers the lid 114 based on the proximity of the user to the toilet bowl 110.

[0031] The flushing mechanism 120 allows the waste 1102 excreted into the water 1101 in the toilet bowl 110 to be flushed from the toilet and into a septic or sewage system. The flushing mechanism 120 may be a flush handle or a button which, when activated, uses the water inside the water tank 118 associated with the toilet 100 to flush the waste 1102 down a drain. Once the waste 1102 is flushed out, the water stored in the water tank 118 fills into the bowl 110 to prevent unwanted odors from emanating upwards from the drain, and the water tank 118 is also subsequently refilled.

[0032] As previously stated, the toilet bowl 110 includes one or more holes or vents 1111 in an upper bowl lip 111 to vent unwanted odors from the interior of the toilet bowl 110. The vents 1111 are preferably located above the highest level expected to be reached by the water used to flush the waste 1102, also referred to as a high water mark 1101 in the toilet bowl 110. As best shown in FIG. 1b, the plurality of vents 1111 are preferably integrated into the upper bowl lip 111 of the toilet bowl 110, which is an upper rim portion of the toilet bowl 110 that does not typically come into contact with the water during normal operation of the toilet. Notwithstanding, the plurality of vents 1111 may also be positioned along other portions of the toilet bowl 110 without deviating from the advantages of the present invention. For example, the plurality of vents 1111 may also be integrated on the back or rear surface of the seat 112, bottom of the rim, side of the rim or other positions as per the preferences or requirements of the user.

[0033] The vented toilet system 100 of the present invention may be manufactured in a plain white color, any other color, or in a variety of different colors, patterns, or decorative prints. The decorative prints could be available in various themes, such as water, flowers, animals, designs or a combination of any of these patterns. The color of the vented toilet system 100 can be selected while keeping in mind the interiors of the toilets, or any other preferences of the user. The vented toilet system 100 may be manufactured in various styles and designs, and integrated with other recent technologies in the toilet or bidet art.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of one possible embodiment of the vented toilet system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture in which noxious odors are vented away from the toilet bowl 110 and through an exterior wall in a structure. More specifically, the vented toilet system 100 comprises a toilet bowl 110 on a base 116, a toilet seat 112 hinged through a portion 115 to a lid 114, a water tank 118 having a flushing mechanism 120, a relatively silent exhaust fan 200, and an exhaust pipe 210.

[0035] As best shown in FIG. 2, the exhaust line or pipe 210 is in fluid communication with the interior of the toilet bowl 110, for example, at the back 1103 of the toilet bowl 110. The exhaust pipe 210 is preferably a tubular shaped structure having two open and opposed ends. More specifically, a first end 2101 is in fluid communication with the plurality of vents 1111 integrated into the upper bowl lip 111, and a second end 2102 of the exhaust pipe 210 extends to a space 230 outside the premises and may be in further communication with an exterior vent. The number of vent openings 1111 in the toilet bowl 110 and/or exhaust pipes 210 is not limited, and any number of such components can be used to fulfil the purpose of the present invention. Alternatively, the plurality of openings 1111 in the toilet bowl 110 may be replaced with a channel in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe 210 and used to remove unwanted odors from the toilet bowl 110.

[0036] The exhaust pipe 210 may also be in fluid communication with the exhaust fan 200, which draws the air and unwanted odors from the interior of the toilet bowl 110 through the first end 2101, and releases or expels the unwanted air outside the premises through the second end 2102 of the pipe 210 and/or an exterior vent. The exhaust fan 210 is preferably mounted on a wall 220 with the pipe 210 integrated into the exhaust system 200. When the switch is activated, either manually or automatically, the exhaust fan 200 is turned ON, and the fan 200 reduces pressure of the exhaust pipe 210, thereby removing unwanted odor and air from the toilet bowl 110 and releasing or expelling the unwanted air into an exterior area or space 230.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust fan 200 may be connected to a sewer system of the building for releasing unwanted air outside 230 the premises via said sewer system. While depicted as a silent exhaust fan 200, any device capable of exhausting the contents of the toilet bowl 110 may be utilized, including, for example, a vacuum device. The exhaust fan 200 may be hardwired into the existing electrical system of the house or other structure, may be battery operated, or solar powered.

[0038] As previously stated, the vented toilet system 100 can be activated via a switch, which may be either a manually activated switch or an automatic switch. If a manually activated switch is used, the user pushes a button or flips the switch to turn ON the exhaust fan 200, which in turn pulls air through the exhaust pipe 210 and the plurality of openings 1111 (or, alternatively, the channel) in the toilet bowl 110 and expels the same to an exterior space. For the automatic switches, motion-sensitive switches, light-sensitive switches, and/or pressure-sensitive switches may be used to automatically activate the exhaust fan 200 upon the triggering of a specified event. For example, in the case of a pressure-sensitive switch, the switch may be connected to, mounted beneath, or integrated into a toilet seat 112, such that the exhaust fan 200 is automatically activated when a user sits on a toilet seat 112. Other manual switches may be integrated into the toilet lid 114 such that when the lid is moved from a closed position over the bowl to an open position against the tank 118, the exhaust fan 200 automatically turns ON so that the user does not have to remember to otherwise manually operate turn ON the exhaust fan 200.

[0039] The exhaust fan 200 operates at a speed sufficient to remove between 20 and 50 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM), and perhaps as high as 110 CFM. The exhaust fan 200 can also be operated in a first continuous mode at an approximate speed of 20 CFM, and then increased to a second mode having a speed in excess of 20 CFM by further activation of the switch. For example, when use of the toilet 110 has been completed, the fan speed may automatically return to the lower speed (i.e., the first mode of operation). In this way, the toilet bowl 110 is continually swept of unwanted odors that may come back from, for example, the sewer line. As previously stated, the exhaust fan 200 is preferably relatively silent in its operation and preferably has a decibel rating of less than 60, and more preferably less than 25.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a manual switch 300 mounted on a wall 220 for activating a vented toilet system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, switch 300 is mounted on wall 220 near the toilet and is utilized for activating the vented toilet system 100. The switch 300 may also be mounted on the toilet seat 112, beneath the toilet seat 112, or in any other position suitable and convenient to the user. As shown, the switch 300 is preferably a toggle style switch, but may also be a push button switch, or any other manually operable switch.

[0041] The switch 300 may be an automatic switch such as a motion-sensitive switch, light-sensitive switch, pressure-sensitive switch, etc. that may be used to automatically activate the exhaust fan 200 upon the triggering of a specified event. As an example, in the case of a pressure-sensitive switch 300, the switch 300 may be connected to, mounted beneath, or integrated into the toilet seat 112 or lid 114, such that exhaust fan 200 is automatically activated when a user sits on a toilet seat 112 and/or raises the lid 114. Further, a controller may be utilized by the vented toilet system 100 to receive an input signal from the switch 300 and transmit an action for the exhaust fan 200, based on the interpretation of the input signal received from the switch 300.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the switch 300 may be controlled remotely by the user by using a software application on a smart device (not shown) to activate or otherwise control the operation of the vented toilet system 100. The software application may be installed on a compatible smartphone device or any other electronic device and can be easily accessed by the user. The user may access the software application to turn ON or turn OFF the exhaust fan 200 of the vented toilet system 100 remotely over a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC or other known wireless technologies. The software application may be used by the user to change the speed of the fan 200 as per the user requirements. Further, the software application can be utilized by the user to change the position of the lid or the seat, for example, from a raised or lowered position and vice versa. In one embodiment, the flushing mechanism 120 can also be activated using the software application for the vented toilet system 100. In the alternative embodiment, the switch 300 can be used to increase the fan speed from a constant low or non-toilet use speed of roughly 20 CFM, to a high speed between 50 and 110 CFM for when the toilet is in use.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of one possible embodiment of a vented toilet system 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture and having a channel 400 integrated therein for the removal of noxious odors through an exterior wall 200 in a structure. More specifically, the vented toilet system 100 is comprised of a toilet bowl 110 positioned over a base 116, a toilet seat 112 hinged through a portion 115 to a lid 114, a water tank 118 having a flushing mechanism 120, an exhaust fan 200, a related exhaust pipe 210 and a channel 400. The channel 400 is used for removing unwanted or fouled air or odors from the toilet bowl 110. More specifically, the channel 400 is integrated into an upper bowl lip 111 through a first opening 401 in the bowl 110, and is extended to a second opening 402 at the back 1103 of the bowl 110. The second opening 402 of the channel 400 is in communication with, and connected to, a first end opening 2101 of the exhaust pipe 210. In turn, the exhaust pipe 210 is in communication with, and connected to, an exhaust fan 200 and extends to an outside area 230 through a wall 220 at a second end of exhaust pipe 2102. The channel 400 helps in moving the unwanted gaseous air from the interior space of the toilet bowl 110 to the outside area 230, and may be integrated at any other position, such as on the rear surface of the seat 112, at the bottom of the rim, the side of the rim, or any other suitable positions as per the preferences or requirements of the user.

[0044] As best shown in the FIG. 4, the exhaust line or pipe 210 is preferably attached to the back 1103 of the toilet bowl 110, and is connected to the second end 402 of the channel 400 which is further attached to the interior of the toilet bowl 110. The exhaust pipe 210 is preferably a generally tubular shaped structure having two open ends, with the first end 2101 attached to the channel 400 and integrated into the upper bowl lip 111 at the backside 1103 of the toilet bowl 110 of the vented toilet system 100 of the present invention. The second end 2102 of the exhaust pipe 210 extends to an outside area 230 of the premises. The number of channels 400 and exhaust pipes 210 is not limited, and any number of such components can be used to fulfil the purpose of the present invention.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust pipe 210 is connected to the silent exhaust fan 200 having multiple apertures, which draws the air or unwanted odors from the channel 400 connected to the interior of the toilet bowl 110, through the first end 2101 and releases the unwanted air outside the premises through the second end 2102 of the pipe 210. As previously stated, the second end of the pipe may be connected to the sewage or waste pipes in the home or business so as not to create additional piping extending outside the building. The exhaust fan motor 210 may be mounted on a wall 220 with the pipe 2101 integrated into the exhaust system 200. However, the exact position of the exhaust fan motor 210 is not fixed, and can be mounted at any other place or at different wall heights as per the requirements of the user. When the switch is activated (manually or automatically), the exhaust fan 200 is turned ON and the fan 200 reduces the pressure within the exhaust pipe 210, thereby removing unwanted odors and air from the toilet bowl 110, and releasing the same to the outer area 230.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust fan 200 may be connected to a sewer or septic system for the building for releasing unwanted air outside 230 the premises. While depicted as a silent exhaust fan 200, any device capable of exhausting the contents of toilet bowl 110 may be utilized, including, for example, a vacuum device. The fan 200 may be hardwired into the electrical system of the house, may be battery operated, or may be solar powered. In such case that the fan 200 is battery operated or solar powered, the batteries used to power the fan 200 may be rechargeable or disposable.

[0047] The vented toilet system 100 of the present invention may be manufactured and marketed as an initial integration with newly constructed toilet bowls, or can be sold as an aftermarket individual toilet ventilation kit, which can be installed by a do it yourselfer or home owner. The kit includes an exhaust fan, along with other system components such as a switch, vents or channels, etc. The vented toilet system 100 can be integrated into urinals, bidets, and other similar receptacles for receiving human waste.

[0048] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “vented toilet bowl” and “vented toilet system” are interchangeable and refer to the vented toilet system 100 of the present invention. As used herein “vented” refers to the vents, holes, opening, orifice or channel provided in an upper bowl lip, seat portion, rim area, or any other portion of the vented toilet system, that helps in elimination of unwanted odor from the interior of the toilet bowl 110 of the vented toilet system of the present invention.

[0049] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the vented toilet system 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it and they accomplishe the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the vented toilet system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and configurations of the vented toilet system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the vented toilet system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the vented toilet system 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.

[0050] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.