Abstract:
Ventilating apparatuses for a toilet remove objectionable odors. Instead of allowing toilet odors to diffuse into the bathroom atmosphere, the ventilating apparatus for a toilet draws toilet odors out of the toilet bowl and exhausts them outside of the house. The ventilating apparatus for a toilet has first inlet channels piercing the interior surface of the toilet seat and second inlet channels piercing the bottom surface of the toilet seat. The opposite ends of the first inlet channels and the second inlet channels protrude into a primary channel, thereby creating a partial air blockage and an enhanced vacuum effect through the first inlet channels and the second inlet channels. A vacuum motor controlled by a pressure-activated switch on the bottom of the toilet seat extracts air from the toilet through the first inlet channels and second inlet channels and exhausts it through a ceiling fan vent.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a ventilating apparatus for a toilet for use in connection with toilets. The ventilating apparatus for a toilet have particular utility in connection with removing objectionable odors.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0004]     Ventilating apparatuses for a toilet are desirable for removing objectionable odors. Instead of allowing toilet odors to diffuse into the bathroom atmosphere, the ventilating apparatus for a toilet draws toilet odors out of the toilet bowl and exhausts them outside of the house. This device reduces the time needed to remove the odor from the room as well as being more effective than a ceiling exhaust fan alone. The ventilating apparatus for a toilet is an effective alternative to using air freshening sprays, solids or candles, opening windows or using a ceiling exhaust fan.  
         [0005]     The use of ventilated toilet seats is known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,576 to Sollami discloses a ventilated toilet seat. However, the Sollami &#39;576 patent does not have inlet channels partially obstructing the primary channel and has a further drawback of lacking a pressure-sensitive switch.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 1,972,076 to Cross discloses a ventilating device that ventilates a toilet bowl. However, the Cross &#39;076 patent does not have inlet channels partially obstructing the primary channel and additionally does not have a pressure-sensitive switch.  
         [0007]     Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,091 to Ellis, et al., discloses a toilet evacuation device that evacuates toilet odors. However, the Ellis, et al., &#39;091 patent does not have inlet channels partially obstructing the primary channel and cannot automatically activate when the toilet seat is in use.  
         [0008]     In addition, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 328,340 to Bolduc discloses a combined seat and odor removal unit for a water closet. However, the Bolduc &#39;340 patent does not have a primary channel and also does not automatically activate when the toilet seat is in use.  
         [0009]     Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,078 to Carballo, et al., discloses a toilet ventilation system that includes a water bleed-off means. However, the Carballo, et al., &#39;078 patent does not have inlet channels partially obstructing the primary channel and further lacks a pressure-sensitive switch.  
         [0010]     Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,724 to Stamper, et al., discloses a toilet bowl ventilation that removes odors from toilet bowls. However, the Stamper, et al., &#39;724 patent does not have inlet channels partially obstructing the primary channel and has the additional deficiency of lacking inlet channels that pierce the bottom surface of the toilet seat.  
         [0011]     While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a ventilating apparatus for a toilet that allows removing objectionable odors. The Sollami &#39;576 patent, the Cross &#39;076 patent, the Ellis, et al., &#39;091 patent, the Carballo, et al., &#39;078 patent and the Stamper, et al., &#39;724 patent make no provision for inlet channels partially obstructing the primary channel. The Sollami &#39;576 patent, the Cross &#39;076 patent, the Ellis, et al., &#39;091 patent, the Bolduc &#39;340 patent and the Carballo, et al., &#39;078 patent do not have a pressure-sensitive switch. The Bolduc &#39;340 patent lacks a primary channel. The Stamper, et al., &#39;724 patent does not have inlet channels that pierce the bottom surface of the toilet seat.  
         [0012]     Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved ventilating apparatus for a toilet that can be used for removing objectionable odors. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the ventilating apparatus for a toilet according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art and, in doing so, provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of removing objectionable odors.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of ventilated toilet seats now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved ventilating apparatus for a toilet and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved ventilating apparatus for a toilet that has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a ventilating apparatus for a toilet that is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.  
         [0014]     To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a vacuum system connected to a toilet seat having a hollow primary channel in the interior of the toilet seat. Connecting to the primary channel are hollow first inlet channels with one end piercing the interior surface of the toilet seat and the other end protruding into the primary channel. By protruding into the primary channel, the first inlet channels create a partial air blockage in the primary channel, resulting in an enhanced vacuum effect through the first inlet channels.  
         [0015]     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.  
         [0016]     The invention may also include second inlet channels with one end piercing the bottom surface of the toilet seat and the other end protruding into the primary channel. The vacuum system may comprise a hose fitting with one end connected to the primary channel and the other connected to a hose. The other end of the hose may be connected to a vacuum motor, which in turn may be connected to an exhaust hose connected to a ceiling fan vent. A pressure switch may be attached to the bottom surface of the toilet seat and connected to the vacuum motor by a wire. The vacuum motor may have a power cord plugged into a switch-controlled electrical outlet. The hose fitting may be made of copper. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.  
         [0017]     Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently current, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0018]     As such, those skilled in this art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0019]     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ventilating apparatus for a toilet that has all of the advantages of the prior art ventilated toilet seats and none of the disadvantages.  
         [0020]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ventilating apparatus for a toilet that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.  
         [0021]     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved ventilating apparatus for a toilet that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such ventilating apparatus for a toilet economically available to the buying public.  
         [0022]     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new ventilating apparatus for a toilet that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.  
         [0023]     Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a ventilating apparatus for a toilet for removing objectionable odors. This allows objectionable odors to be evacuated from a toilet bowl before they diffuse into the bathroom environment.  
         [0024]     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a ventilating apparatus for a toilet for removing objectionable odors. This makes it possible to automatically activate the vacuum system when the toilet seat is in use.  
         [0025]     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a ventilating apparatus for a toilet for removing objectionable odors. This increases the speed of odor removal compared with simply using a vented ceiling fan.  
         [0026]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a ventilating apparatus for a toilet seat for removing objectionable odors. This allows the user to reduce or eliminate the use of air freshening sprays, solids or candles.  
         [0027]     Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ventilating apparatus for a toilet for removing objectionable odors.  
         [0028]     These, together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated current embodiments of the invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:  
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the current embodiment of the ventilating apparatus for a toilet constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a left side view of the toilet seat of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a top sectional view of the toilet seat ventilation ducts of the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of the toilet seat of the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of the toilet seat of the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a top side view of the toilet seat of the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a side sectional view of the toilet seat of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is a top side sectional view of the toilet seat of the present invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 9  is a  
         [0039]      FIG. 10  is a  
         [0040]      FIG. 11  is a  
         [0041]     The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0042]     The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention.  
         [0043]     Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to  FIGS. 1-8 , a current embodiment of the ventilating apparatus for a toilet of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . Alternate embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 9-11 .  
         [0044]     In  FIG. 1 , a new and improved ventilating apparatus for a toilet  10  of the present invention for removing objectionable odors is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the ventilating apparatus for a toilet  10  has a toilet seat  12  hingedly mounted on toilet  38 . First inlet channels  14  pierce the interior surface of toilet seat  12 . Hose fitting  16  connects to the exterior surface of toilet seat  12 . Hose  18  has one end connected to hose fitting  16  and the other end connected to vacuum motor  22 . Power cord  24  has one end connected to vacuum motor  22  and the opposite end plugged into electrical outlet  28  controlled by switch  30 . Exhaust hose  26  has one end connected to vacuum motor  22  and the opposite end connected to ceiling fan vent  32 . In the current embodiment, hose fitting  16  is made of copper and hose  18  and exhaust hose  26  are made of rubber. First inlet channels  14  are 3/32 of an inch in diameter in the current embodiment. Note that the broken lines illustrating toilet seat cover  36 , toilet  38 , switch  30 , electrical outlet  28 , ceiling fan vent  32 , ceiling fan  34  and bathroom  40  are for illustrative purposes only and are not part of the current invention.  
         [0045]      FIG. 9  shows an alternate embodiment in which hose  18  leads from bathroom  40  through the floor or wall and connects to a vacuum motor  22  in a remote location, either outside or in a remote area of the building in which toilet  10  is installed. In this embodiment, a wet-dry vacuum or a central vacuum system can be used to provide the vacuum necessary to operate the invention. The vacuum motor  22  is preferably operated by a switch or a timer, both indicated at  30 . If desired, the timer  30  can be automatic in a manner similar to automatic flushing systems currently in use.  
         [0046]     Moving on to  FIG. 2 , a new and improved toilet seat  12  of the present invention for removing objectionable odors is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the toilet seat  12  has a primary channel  42  piercing its exterior surface. In the current embodiment, primary channel  42  has a diameter of one-half of an inch. Attached to the bottom surface of toilet seat  12  is pressure-activated switch  46 . Connected to pressure-activated switch  46  is wire  20 . Toilet seat  12  is hingedly attached to toilet  38  and toilet seat cover  36  is hingedly attached to toilet  38  above toilet seat  12 . Note that the broken lines illustrating toilet seat cover  36  and toilet  38  are for illustrative purposes only and are not part of the current invention. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the toilet seat  12  includes one or more spacers  52  which act to raise the toilet seat  12  above the lower portion of the toilet  10  (see  FIG. 10 ). By providing a space below the toilet seat  12 , any overflow leaks out below the toilet seat  12  and does not enter the ventilation system.  
         [0047]     Continuing with  FIG. 3 , new and improved toilet seat ventilation ducts  44  of the present invention for removing objectionable odors are illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the toilet seat ventilation ducts  44  have a primary channel  42  in the interior of toilet seat  12 . First inlet channels  14  have one end piercing the interior of toilet seat  12  and the opposite end protruding into primary channel  42 . By protruding into primary channel  42 , first inlet channels  14  produce an enhanced Venturi effect by creating a partial air blockage that causes accelerated airflow over the first inlet channels  14 , thereby creating an enhanced vacuum effect in first inlet channels  14 .  
         [0048]     In  FIG. 4 , a new and improved toilet seat  12  of the present invention for removing objectionable odors is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the toilet seat  12  has a primary channel  42  in the interior of toilet seat  12 . First inlet channel  14  has one end piercing the interior surface of toilet seat  12  and the other end protruding into primary channel  42 . Pressure-activated switch  46  is visible attached to the bottom surface of toilet seat  12 . Wire  20  has one end connected to pressure-activated switch  46 . Note that the broken lines illustrating toilet seat cover  36  and toilet  38  are for illustrative purposes only and are not part of the current invention.  
         [0049]     Furthermore, in  FIG. 5 , a new and improved toilet seat  12  of the present invention for removing objectionable odors is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the toilet seat  12  has a primary channel  42  in the interior of toilet seat  12 . Second inlet channel  48  has one end piercing the bottom surface of toilet seat  12  and the opposite end protruding into primary channel  42 . Second inlet channel  48  protrudes into primary channel  42  to create an enhanced Venturi effect in the same fashion as that associated with first inlet channel  14  presented in the discussion of  FIG. 3 . In the current embodiment, second inlet channel  48  has a diameter of 3/32 of an inch. Pressure-activated switch  46  and wire  20  are also shown. Note that the broken lines illustrating toilet seat cover  36  and toilet  38  are for illustrative purposes only and are not part of the current invention.  
         [0050]     Additionally, in  FIG. 6 , a new and improved toilet seat of the present invention for removing objectionable odors is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the toilet seat  12  has hose fitting  16  attached to its exterior surface.  
         [0051]     In  FIG. 7 , a new and improved toilet seat  12  of the present invention for removing objectionable odors is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the toilet seat  12  has a primary channel  42  in the interior of toilet seat  12 . Hose fitting  16  has one end inserted into primary channel  42 . Openings for first inlet channels  14  are visible. Pressure-activated switch  46  with wire  20  are also shown.  
         [0052]     Concluding with  FIG. 8 , a new and improved toilet seat of the present invention for removing objectionable odors is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the toilet seat  12  has a primary channel  42 . First inlet channel  14  has one end protruding into primary channel  42  and the other end piercing the interior surface of toilet seat  12 . The partial air blockage resulting from the protrusion of first channel  14  into primary channel  42  is illustrated.  
         [0053]     In use, it can now be understood that pressure placed on toilet seat  12  when it is in use causes it to flex, thereby closing pressure-sensitive switch  46 . An electrical signal is conducted by wire  20  to vacuum motor  22 , causing vacuum motor  22  to activate. Vacuum motor  22  draws air from toilet  38  through first inlet channels  14  and second inlet channels  48  into primary channel  42 . From there, air is drawn into hose fitting  16  and hose  18 . The air is then evacuated from bathroom  40  through exhaust hose  26  into ceiling fan vent  32 . Operation of vacuum motor  22  can also be initiated through the use of switch  30 .  
         [0054]     In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , the invention is designed to retrofit to existing toilet seats. In this embodiment, the ventilating apparatus  50  is attached to the bottom surface of the pre-existing toilet seat  12 ′. If required by the pre-existing toilet seat installation, height adjusters  54  can be used to provide the clearance necessary to add the ventilating apparatus  50 . As described above, spacers  52  are preferably used to prevent overflow from entering the ventilation system. In this embodiment, the hose fitting is preferably an elbow shaped element  56  for connecting channel  42  to exit hose  18 . This embodiment functions substantially as described above. It can be used with a vacuum motor located in the bathroom  40  or in a location remote from the bathroom as shown in  FIG. 9 . It can be activated by a switch or a manual or automatic timer  30 . When activated, the vacuum  22  draws air from the toilet  10  through hose  18  and expels it through exhaust fan  34  or, when a remote vacuum is used, to a remote location where the fumes will not be a problem.  
         [0055]     While a current embodiment of the ventilating apparatus for a toilet has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description, then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. For example, any suitable sturdy material such as steel, plastic, aluminum or titanium may be used in stead of the copper hose fitting described. Also, the rubber hose and exhaust hose may also be made of polyurethane, PVC, plastic or metal pipes. Furthermore, a wide variety of dimensions may be used instead of the 3/32 of an inch in diameter first inlet channels and second inlet channels and one-half of an inch in diameter primary channel described.  
         [0056]     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not designed to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.  
         [0057]     Many improvements, modifications, and additions will be apparent to the skilled artisan without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described herein and defined in the following claims.