TOILET BOWL VENTILATING APPARATUS

Abstract: An air circulation and filtration module (22) is carried within a lid (24) having an inlet duct (34) which communicates with the interior chamber (54) of a toilet bowl (52). The module (22) includes a generally cylindrical filter (62) having upright outer sidewall (67) with inlet openings (69) and an upright inner sidewall (72) with outlet openings (83). The inner sidewall (72) defines a chamber (64) in which resides an impeller (95) for drawing air through the filter (62) and discharging air through an outlet duct (48) extending from the chamber (64) to an exhaust opening (39) in the lid (24). A drive motor (90) resides within the hollow hub (97) of the impeller (95). The inlet duct (34), which depends from the rear (30) of the lid (24), is moved into the space between the top surface (53) of the toilet bowl (52) and the toilet seat (23) when the lid (24) is raised to the open position.

Description: DESCRIPTION TOILET BOWL VENTILATING APPARATUS Technical Field This invention relates to ventilating apparatus especially adapted for use in connection with water closets. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus for evacuating and filtering odoriferous air from a toilet bowl. In a further and more specific aspect, the instant invention concerns improvements to apparatus of the foregoing type having circulation and filtration means carried by the toilet bowl lid. Background Art The prior art is replete with various apparatus for ventilating water closets. In general, the devices can be considered to be of two basic types. One configuration is in the form of add-on or accessory unit which is usually detachably securable to the toilet bowl. The other arrangement includes structure Which is integrally incorporated into the seat and lid assembly. Commonly, both varieties of ventilating devices include an intake opening, an exhaust opening and circulation means. The intake opening is positioned to communicate with the interior of the toilet bowl. In response to the circulation means, usually including a fan/motor, odoriferous air is drawn from the bowl into the intake opening and discharged through the exhaust opening. The air moving between the openings passes through a filter to remove odors. For various reasons, especially aesthetic considerations, the concept of utilizing the seat and lid assembly to house the ventilating and deodorizing mechanism is considered to be an advancement of the art over the concept of the add-on or accessory unit. However, the structure of the seat and lid assembly impose certain inherent limitations which are not apparent in connection with the accessory type device. While the accessory unit may assume practically any size or shape, the integral structure is limited by the available space and by the required functioning of the seat and lid assembly. Exemplary of the problems encountered, is the limited capacity of the lid to contain the circulation means. Accordingly, the fan/motor and the filter are of reduced size or, alternately, the thickness of the lid is increased. In the former case, functional effectiveness is diminished. In the latter, the bulk of the lid detracts from the appearance and the desired functioning, especially the ability to remain unassistedly in the raised position. Batteries housed within the lid, to provide a source of electrical energy for the motor, require space, and add balance-distributing weight. Also of notable concern is effective means for movement of air. Optimally, the intake opening should communicate directly with the interior of the toilet bowl. Yet the circulation means resides within the spaced apart and independently movable lid. Prior art solutions have relied upon either a less than strategically placed opening integral with the lid or assorted to a separate intake structure united with the lid through an encumbered pathway. It would be highly advantageous, therefor, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improvements in apparatus for ventilating water closets. Another object of the invention is the provision of improved means for circulating and filtering odoriferous air from within a toilet bowl. And another object of the invention is to provide a filter having extended dwell time for greater filtration of odor laden air. Still another object of the immediate invention is the provision of circulation means having ameliorated efficiency for a more favorable air movement to energy use ratio. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an air intake which is integral with the lid of a seat and lid assembly and which is automatically moved into a beneficial location when the apparatus is in use. Yet still another object of the invention is the provision of improved ventilating apparatus which can be incorporated into a seat and lid assembly without encumbering nor interfering with the normal functioning thereof. And a further object of the invention is to provide improvements which can be practiced without material distortion or substantial deviation from the normal dimensions of a conventional toilet seat and lid assembly. Yet a further object of the instant invention is the provision of circulation and filtration means which may be incorporated into a readily replaceable module. Still a further object of the invention is to provide improvements which are readily and simply fabricated in accordance with materials and techniques considered standard in the art. Yet still another object of the invention is the provision of a ventilating apparatus of the foregoing character which is relatively maintenance free for extended service life, yet comparatively inexpensive to produce. Summary of the nvention The present invention provides circulation and filtration means which are especially adapted to be housed within the hollow lid of a seat and lid assembly to evacuate and filter odoriferous air from the toilet bowl of a water closet. Briefly, to achieve the objects of the instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, first provided are filter means including a substantially continuous inner sidewall defining a chamber within the filter means and a spaced apart substantially continuous outer sidewall. Each of the sidewalls are fluid pervious. A duct extends from the chamber to an outlet communicating with an exhaust opening in the lid. Next provided are circulation means for drawing odoriferous air through the filter means and discharging filtered air through the outlet of the duct. An intake opening in the hollow lid receives the odoriferous air from the bowl. In accordance with a more specific embodiment, there is provided a partition dividing the chamber into an upper section for receiving air passing through the inner sidewall and a lower section communicating with a duct. The circulation means, which includes an impeller rotatable about an axis which is generally perpendicular to the plane of the partition, resides substantially within the lower section and moves air from the upper section to the lower section through a passage within the partition. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the circulation means includes a motor and an impeller. The motor includes a stationary body and an upstanding shaft rotatable about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the base of the lid. The impeller includes a hollow hub having the body of the motor received therein and drivingly engaged with the shaft for coaxial rotation. A plurality of vanes extend from the hub for drawing air through the inlet opening and discharging air -through the outlet opening of the compartment within which the motor resides. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the filter means and the circulation means are elements of a module which is replaceably carried within the hollow structure of the lid. Further provided are location means for positioning the module within the lid. In a still further embodiment of the invention, the lid is provided, with a projecting inlet conduit. When the lid is in the closed position, the inlet conduit depends therefrom to reside remotely from -the upper surface of the bowl. When the lid is in the open position, the inlet conduit resides in juxtaposition with the space between the seat and the upper surface of the bowl. Further contemplated by the instant invention is a compartment formed in the seat and inclosing a battery case for holding batteries to supply electric energy to the motor within the lid. Brief Description Of The Drawings The foregoing and other objects, features and advantageous of the instant invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lid and seat assembly for a water closet and incorporating circulation and filtration means constructed in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled device seen in Fig. 1, portion thereof being shown in broken outline and broken away for purposes of illustration; Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken from within the area encircled by the broken line and designated 4 in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken from within the area encircled by the broken outline and designated 7 in Fig. 3; Fig. 8 is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. .7 and showing an alternate embodiment thereof; Fig. 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing alternate means for assembling the components seen in Fig. 4; Fig. 10 is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 9 and showing an alternate embodiment thereof; Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of Fig. 6 as it would appear when the lid is in the closed position; Fig. 12 is a view generally corresponding to the view of Fig. 11 as it would appear after the lid has been rotated to the open position; Fig. 13 is an exploded fragmentary view of the underside of the rearward portion of a toilet seat incorporating further teachings of the instant invention; and Fig. 14 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view particularly showing the top side of the rearward portion of a toilet seat incorporating an embodiment of the invention which is alternate to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 13. Best Modes For Carrying Out The Invention Turning now to the drawings in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to Fig. 1 which illustrates a toilet bowl ventilating device incorporating the principals of the instant invention and including a seat and lid assembly generally designated by the reference character 20, and a circulation and filtration module, generally designated by the reference character 22. Assembly 20 further includes seat 23 and lid 24 having base 25 and cover 27. In accordance with customary design, seat 23 is generally oval with a central opening. Cover 27 is couplable with base 25 to form a hollow structure. Again in accordance with customary practice, assembly 20 further includes mounting plate 28 which is adapted to be secured to the upper surface of a toilet bowl and to which seat 23 and cover 24 are pivotally connected. Further details of the pivotal connection will become apparent as the description proceeds. For purposes of orientation, assembly 20 is considered to have a front 29 and a rear 30. Base 25, preferably molded of a resinous material, includes bottom panel 32 with upstanding peripheral edge 33. At the rearward edge, bottom panel 32 is downturned and peripheral edge 33 is spaced apart to form intake duct 34 and exhaust duct 35. Ducts 34 and 35, which are continuous with respect to bottom panel 32 and edge 33 are divided by housing 37 which encloses a portion of the mechanism for pivotal connection between the several components of assembly 20. A second housing 38, for similar purposes, is spaced from housing 37 to define intake duct 34 therebetween. Exhaust duct 35, which resides between housing 37 and edge 33, terminates with exhaust opening 39. Further description of the housings 37 and 38 and the mechanism enclosed therein will be made presently. Pins 40 extend upwardly from bottom panel 32. Cover 27, preferably fabricated in a matter analogous to base 25, includes top panel 42 having downturned peripheral edge 43. Edge 43 of cover 27 is engageable with edge 33 of base 25 by any conventional means to form a hollow structure. Preferably, cover 27 is detachably securable to base 25 to provide convenient access for service of module 22. Further, lid 24 is sized and shaped to approximate the appearance of a conventional lid. Module 22, which will be described in greater hereinafter, includes a housing 44 having top 45 and continuous outer sidewall 47. While housing 44 is generally cylindrical in appearance, other shapes and configurations will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Outlet duct 48 projects from housing 44 to communicate with exhaust duct 35 of base 25. Outwardly projecting flange 49 is provided with apertures 50. In the assembled configuration (as seen in Fig. 2) , flange 49 rests upon bottom panel 32 with pins 40 projecting through apertures 50. Pins 40 and apertures 50 function as alignment means to ensure the placement of outlet duct 48 relative exhaust duct 35. Module 22 is sized and shaped to be totally enclosed within the hollow lid structure. With specific reference to Fig. 3 there is seen the upper portion of a toilet bowl, generally designated by the reference character 52, having a top surface 53 and an interior chamber 54 from whence arises odoriferous air. Mounting bracket 28 is secured to upper surface 53, along a rearward portion of bowl 52 by bolts 56 in accordance with conventional practice. Hinge post 57, upstanding from mounting plate 28, is pivotally secured to end wall 58 of housing 38 by pivot pin 59. Hinge member 60 affixed to seat 23 is also pivotally connected with pivot pin 59. A similar hinge mechanism is associated with housing 37. The mechanism, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, allows the seat 23 and the lid 24 to be rotated between a substantially horizontal or closed position as illustrated and an upright or open position. Module 22, as viewed in Fig. 2, includes filter means 62 and air circulation means 63. For maximum efficiency within a compact unit, it is preferred that filter means 62 be a continuous parametric structure about a centrally located chamber 64 in which circulation means 63 resides. In the immediately preferred embodiment chosen for purposes of illustration, filter means 62 is generally annular. Module 22, as viewed in greater detail in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, includes a bottom panel 66 spaced from top panel 45. Outer sidewall 67, a continuous or endless element, extends between bottom panel 66 and top panel 45. In accordance with the immediately preferred embodiment, outer sidewall 67, as seen in greater detail in Fig. 7, is integrally fabricated with top panel 45 as a downturned peripheral flange. The lower edge of sidewall 67 is received within annular groove 68 formed in bottom panel 66. A plurality of apertures 69 extend through outer sidewall 67 at spaced intervals. A fine mesh screen 70, the purpose of which will be made clear presently, resides in juxtaposition with the interior side of outer sidewall 67. Inner sidewall 72, concentric with and spaced from outer sidewall 67, defines chamber 64 within the filter structure 62. Although extending between bottom panel 66 and top panel 45 analogous to outer sidewall 67, inner sidewall 72, in accordance with the immediately preferred embodiment of the invention, includes a lower section and an upper section as will now be described in detail. Integrally formed in bottom panel 66 is cylindrical wall 73 and frustoconical wall 74. Frustoconical wall 74 extends downwardly outward from proximate the upper end of cylindrical wall 73. Cylindrical wall 73 functions as the lower section of inner sidewall 72. Annular groove 75 resides at the apex of wall 73 and 74. Insert 77 includes cylindrical wall 78 having a lower edge residing within groove 75 and an upper edge residing within groove 79 formed in top panel 45 and opposing groove 75. Substantially planar wall 80 having centrally located opening 82 is carried within cylindrical 78 proximate the lower end thereof. A plurality of apertures 83 extend through wall 78 at spaced apart locations above planar wall 80. Screen 84 encircles the exterior of wall 78. Wall 78 functions as the upper section of inner sidewall 72. Planar wall 80 functions as a partition for dividing the chamber 64 into an upper section 85 and a lower section 87. Bottom panel 66, top panel 45, outer sidewall 67 and inner sidewall 72 define a generally annular hollow body 88 in which is contained any conventional filter material 89, such as granular charcoal. Apertures 69 in outer sidewall 67 function as inlet openings for receiving odoriferous air into the filter material 89. Apertures 83 in inner sidewall 72 function as outlet openings for passage of filtered air into the- upper section 85 of chamber 64. Screens 70 and 84 prevent the escape of the filter material 89 through the comparatively large apertures 69 and 84, respectively. Means for circulating air through the module 22 includes motor 90, a conventional commercially available device including cylindrical body 92 and shaft 93. Cylindrical receptacle 94 formed in bottom panel 66 locationally receives and holds one end of body 92. The body 92 is orientated such that shaft 93 projects upwardly and rotates about an axis which is generally perpendicular to partition 82 and coaxial with cylindrical wall 78. Impeller 95 is rotatably carried by shaft 93. Hub 97 of impeller 95, a hollow structure including generally cylindrical sidewall 98 and end wall 99 substantially encloses body 92 of motor 90. Sidewall 98 is coaxial with motor 90 and end wall 99 is driving coupled, in accordance with conventional procedure, to shaft 93. Annular flange 100 projects outwardly from proximate the lower end of sidewall 98 to reside in close parallel relationship with bottom panel 66. A plurality of angularly spaced vanes 102 project outwardly from hub 97 upon flange 100. As seen with further reference to Fig. 6, each vane 102 projects upright from flange 100 and is arcuate, in a rearwardly swept configuration, with respect to hub 97. It is noted that impeller 95 resides substantially within the lower section 87 of chamber 64. Only the upper terminal portion of hub 97, which is not responsible for movement of air, projects through opening 82 and resides within upper section 85. Duct 48, illustrated in detail in Fig. 5, projects through the hollow body 88 containing filter material 89. Preferably, as shown in Fig. 5, duct 48 passes through a lower portion of hollow body 88 such that a portion of hollow body 88 containing filter material 89 resides above a portion of duct 48. Duct 48 communicates with the lower section 87 of chamber 64-through inlet opening 103 extending through wall 73. At the opposite end, duct 48 terminates with an outlet opening 104 communicating with exhaust duct 34. As illustrated, duct 48 includes an open bottom which is closed by bottom panel 66. Alternately, duct 48 may include an integral bottom having opening 104 projecting therethrough Preferably, motor 90 is a standard commercially available DC unit. The source of electrical energy, such as batteries, and the circuitry and switching for activating motor 90 can be in accordance with standard prior art teachings as will be readily appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art. Motor 92, and consequently impeller 95, rotates in the direction indicated by the arrowed arcuate line designated A in Fig. 6. In response to rotation of impeller 97, ordoriferous air is drawn through intake duct 34 into the hollow lid structure as graphically represented by the arrowed lines B. Subsequently, the air is subjected to filter material 89 as it passes through outer sidewall 67 and inner sidewall 72 into the upper section 85 of chamber 64. Continuing, the air is drawn through opening 82 into lower section 87 for discharge from chamber 64 through intake opening 103 into duct 48. Finally, the air passes through duct 48, as shown by the arrowed line C, to be expelled through outlet opening 104 in duct 48 and exhaust duct 34 in lid 20. The velocity of air passing through filter material 89 is relatively slow. This is directly related to the fact that the area of fluid foraminous outer sidewall 67 is relatively extensive. Further, the distance between outer sidewall 67 and inner sidewall 72 is relatively substantial. . Accordingly, the dwell time for the air within filter material 89 is extended for maximum filtration. Tests have proven the structure to be highly effective. Tests have also proven the impeller and associated mechanism to be highly efficient. The tests were based upon the volume of air moved in relation to the consumption of electrical energy. It is also noted that encasing the motor within the hub of the impeller allows for a low profile for total height of the lid structure. Maintaining a low profile lid structure while effectively filtering the air, is supplemented by the fact that the air moves laterally through the filter means. Fig. 8 illustrates alternate means for providing the outer sidewall of hollow body 88. Annular groove 68 is carried by bottom panel 66 as previously described. In the immediately preferred embodiment, annular groove 105 is carried by top panel 45 in opposition to groove 68. Sidewall 107 includes an upper edge residing in groove 105 and a lower edge residing within groove 68. Various methods of fabricating sidewall 107 are contemplated. For example, sidewall 107 may be a section of a right cylinder having a wall thickness appropriate to be received within the grooves. Alternately, sidewall 107 may be an elongate strip of flexible material which is arcuately bent at the time of assembly to have the respective parallel edges received within the grooves. Alternate means for providing the inner sidewall will now be described in connection with Fig. 9. Groove 75 at the apex of cylindrical wall 73 and frustoconical wall 74 is eliminated. Top panel 45 is provided with annular groove 108 also provided is an alternate insert 109 having cylindrical wall 110 having an outside diameter to be closely received within wall 73 and a thickness to be received within groove 108. The lower portion of cylindrical wall 110 resides within wall 73 while the upper edge is received within groove 108. Planar wall 112, traversing cylindrical wall 110, is structurally and functionally analogous to the previously described planar wall 80. With regard to Fig. 10, there is seen yet another embodiment of the invention for providing the inner sidewall. The immediate embodiment includes bottom panel 66 having groove 74 as shown - and illustrated in connection with Fig. 4. Top panel 45 includes groove 108 as taught in connection with Fig. 9. Sidewall 113, having a lower portion residing within groove 75 and an upper portion residing within groove 108, is fabricated in accordance with the teachings previously described in connection with sidewall 107. Inlet duct 34, a hollow structure carried at the rear of lid 24, will now be described in detail in conjunction with Figs. 11 and 12. Referring more specifically to Fig. 11 wherein lid 24 is shown in the closed position, it is seen that duct 34 depends from lid 24 rearwardly of seat 23 to terminate with a lower end 117 which resides in opposition to top surface 53 of toilet bowl 52. Inner wall 118 of duct 34 extends continuously from bottom panel 32 of lid 24 arcuately downward, generally following the contour of seat 23, to a terminal portion 119 forming a part of lower end 117. Outer wall 120 is continuous with, but not necessarily integral with, cover 27 of lid 34. Outer wall 120, which is spaced from terminal portion 119 to provide inlet opening 122, terminates with lower edge 123 residing below terminal portion 119. Referring briefly to Fig. 6, it is seen that inlet duct 34 is an elongate structure extending between housings 37 and 38. Accordingly, inlet opening 122 is best described as an elongate slit extending laterally proximate the rear of seat and lid assembly 20. It is also noted that mounting plate 28 is generally C-shaped which defines a central opening 124 extending about the sides and rear of duct 34. With lid 24 in the closed position, inlet opening 122 resides at a location which is remotely spaced from and opposed to the upper surface 53 of toilet bowl 52. As lid 24 is raised to the opened position, inlet opening 122 is rotated about the axis of pivot pin 59 to a location which is in juxtaposition with the space between surface 53 and seat 23. In this position, opening 112 resides in a substantially upright plane which is in direct communication with the chamber 54 within toilet bowl 52. In the opened position, outer wall 120 passes through the central opening in mounting plate 28. Terminal portion 119 of inner wall 118 shields against the entrance of extraneous air into inlet duct 34. Even further efficiency of the arrangement results from the fact that, preferably, terminal portion 119 resides in close proximity to seat 23 while lower edge 123 of rear wall 120 resides forward of the rear of seat 23. Motor 90 is chosen from various commercially available models rated at 6 volts DC. An appropriate energy source is, therefore, for conventional "C" cell or "D" cell batteries. To provide a completely self- contained unit, it is preferred that the batteries be carried by the seat and lid assembly 20. Further, to allow for maximum size of the filter means 62 and to maintain the natural weight and balance of lid 24, it is contemplated by the instant invention that the several batteries be carried within seat 23. Referring now to Fig. 13, there is seen the rearward portion of the underside 127 of seat 23 having transverse compartment 128 formed therein. An electrical contact 129 is carried at one end of the compartment 128. The second electrical contact 130 is carried at the other end. Compartment 128 is sized to receive the several batteries therein in series with the opposite terminals in electrical engagement with the respective contacts 129 and 130. The compartment, therefore, functions as a battery case for mechanical and electrical coupling with the batteries. Cover 132 selectively closes the access opening through underside 127 to compartment 128. Cover 132 is engageable with seat 23 by means of lugs 133 which engage and respectively sized and located receptacles (not specifically illustrated) and slide catches 134 having associated fingers which are also received within appropriate receptacles (not specifically herein illustrated) . The means for detachably securing cover 134 to the seat 23 do not comprise a part of the invention and can be accomplished in any of numerous manners considered standard in the art. Seen in Fig. 14 is the rearward portion of the top surface 135 and outer side 137 of seat 23. Tubular compartment 138 projects transversely inward from outer side 137 and is selectively closable by cover 139. Compartment 138 is sized and shaped to receive the several batteries. Again, cover 139 is detachably securable in any conventional means. The electrical contacts and other associated elements are generally analogous to the construction of a conventional flash¬ light as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art and need not be described in further detail herein. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that " such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims. Having fully described and disclosed the present invention and alternately preferred embodiments thereof, in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to practice and understand the same, the invention claimed is.

Claims: 1. In a toilet bowl ventilating device including a id having a base, a cover couplable with said base to form a hollow structure, an intake opening for receiving odoriferous air from said bowl, and an exhaust opening, improvements therein for circulation and filtration of air between said openings, said improvements comprising: a) a module including an inlet, an outlet, filter means intermediate said inlet and said outlet, and circulation means for drawing air through said inlet and discharging air through said outlet; and b) location means for positioning said module within lid for communication of air between said outlet and said exhaust opening. 2. The device of Claim 1, wherein said location means includes: a) an element of a male/female engagement pair carried by said lid; and b) a complemental element of said male/female engagement pair carried by said module. 3. The device of Claim 2, wherein: a) said base includes a surface carrying one of the elements of said male/female engagement pair; and b) said module includes a flange receivable upon the surface of said base and carrying the other element of said male/female engagement pair. 4. The device of Claim 1, wherein: a) said filter means includes a hollow body for containing filter material; and b) said circulation means includes a duct communicating between said hollow body and said outlet, and impeller means in series with said duct. 5. The device of Claim 4, wherein said hollow body includes an air pervious, continuous inner sidewall defining a chamber therein communicating with said duct and for housing said impeller means. 6. The device of Claim 5, wherein said duct extends from said cavity through said hollow body. 7. The device of Claim 1, wherein said module includes: a) a generally planar bottom, b) a top spaced from said bottom, c) a substantially continuous outer sidewall said outer sidewall being fluid pervious for receiving odoriferous air therethrough from within said hollow structure, d) a substantially continuous inner sidewall defining a chamber within said module, said top, said bottom, said outer sidewall and said inner sidewall defining a hollow body for containing filter material, said inner sidewall being fluid pervious for passage of filtered air into said chamber, e) a duct projecting through said hollow body and having an inlet communicating with said chamber and terminating with said outlet; and f) impeller means supported by said bottom within said chamber for drawing air through said inner sidewall and discharging air into said duct. 8. The device of Claim 7, wherein: a) said module further includes an outwardly projecting flange carrying an element of said location means; and b) said lid includes a complement element of said location means - said element and said complemental element being detachably engageable for positioning said module within said lid. 9. In a toilet bowl ventilating device including a lid having a base and a cover, an air pathway within said lid and communicating between an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice, a compartment within said pathway and having an inlet opening for flow of air in a direction substantially perpendicular to said base and an outlet opening for flow of air in the direction substantially parallel to said base, and a source of electrical energy improvements therein for providing efficient air movement through said pathway and for providing minimal height requirements for said lid, said improvements comprising: a) a motor residing within said compartment and including i) a body stationarily affixed to said lid, and ii) a shaft extending from said body, and rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to said base. said motor being operable in response to said source of electrical energy; and b) an impeller residing within said compartment and including i) a hollow hub having said body received therein and drivingly engaged with said shaft for coaxial rotation; and ii) a plurality of vanes extending from said hub for drawing air through said inlet opening and discharging air through said outlet opening. 10. The device of Claim 9, wherein the body of said motor is substantially contained within the hub of said impeller. 11. " The device of Claim 9, wherein said hub includes: a) a generally cylindrical sidewall coaxial with said motor; and b) an end wall coupled with the shaft of said motor. 12. The device of Claim 9, wherein said impeller further includes an annular flange extending radially from said hub substantially parallel to said base and having said plurality of vanes upstanding therefrom. 13. The device of Claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of vanes includes: a) an inner end; and b) an outer end spaced rearwardly of said inner end with respect to the direction of rotation of said impeller. 14. In a toilet bowl ventilating system including a seat spaced above the upper surface of said toilet bowl, a lid for selectively covering said seat, hinge means having an axis of rotation and coupling said lid to said bowl for movement between a substantially horizontal closed position and an upright open position air flow means including an air pathway carried by said lid, improvements therein for efficient entrance of air into said air flow means when said lid is in the open position, said improvements comprising: a) an inlet conduit projecting from said lid and communicating with said air pathway; and b) an air inlet opening formed in said inlet conduit for receiving air from said toilet bowl, said inlet conduit depending from said lid with said inlet opening residing remotely from the upper surface of said bowl when said lid is in the closed position, and said inlet opening residing in juxtaposition with the space between said seat and the upper surface of said bowl when said lid is in the open position. 15. The improvements of Claim 14, wherein said inlet conduit is rigidly affixed to said lid and said inlet opening rotates about the axis of rotation of said hinge means as said lid is moved between the closed position and the open position. 16. The improvements of Claim 15, wherein said inlet opening resides in a substantially horizontal plane when said lid is in the closed position and resides in an upright plane when said lid is in the open position. 17. The improvements of Claim 14, wherein said inlet conduit extends from said lid and thence downwardly to reside in close proximity to said seat when said lid is in the closed position and at least partially within the space between said seat and the upper surface of said bowl when said lid is in the open position. 18. The improvements of Claim 14, further including an air outlet conduit " carried by said lid and residing laterally of said inlet conduit. 19. The improvements of Claim 18, wherein said outlet conduit includes an outlet opening residing rearwardly of said seat and positioned for discharging air in a direction laterally from said toilet bowl. 20. The improvements of Claim 19, wherein said hinge means includes a hinge post upstanding from said bowl and residing intermediate said air inlet opening and said air outlet opening. 21. In a toilet bowl ventilating device including a lid having a base, a cover couplable with said base to form a hollow structure, an intake opening for receiving ordoriferous air from said bowl, and an exhaust opening improvement therein for circulation and filtration of air between said openings, said improvements comprising: a) filter means including a substantially continuous outer sidewall said outer sidewall being fluid pervious for receiving odoriferous air from said intake opening, and a substantially continuous inner sidewall defining a chamber within said filter means said inner sidewall being fluid pervious for passage of filtered air into said chamber; b) a duct extending from said chamber and having an outlet communicating with said exhaust opening; and c) circulation means for drawing air through said filter means and discharging air through the outlet of said duct. 22. The device of Claim 21, wherein said circulation means resides within said chamber. 23. The device of Claim 22, further including: a) a partition dividing said chamber into an upper section for receiving air passing through said inner sidewall, and a lower section communicating with said duct; and b) a passage through said partition for movement of air from the upper section to the lower section of said chamber, said circulation means residing substantially within said lower section. 24. The device of Claim 23, wherein said circulation means includes an impeller rotatable about an axis which is generally perpendicular to the plane of said partition. 25. The device of Claim 23, wherein said duct includes an inlet through said inner sidewall in said lower section and extends through said outer sidewall. 26. The device of Claim 21, wherein said duct extends through said filter means. 27. In a toilet bowl ventilating device including a seat having a forward end, a rearward end and an intermediate opening, a lid pivotally affixed to said toilet bowl for rotation between a generally horizontal closed position and an upright open position, and ventilation means carried by said lid and including an electric motor. improvements therein for providing a supply of electrical energy to said motor, said improvements comprising: a) a compartment formed in said seat; b) a battery case residing within said compartment for mechanical and electrical connection with at least a battery; and c) electrically conductive means communicating between said battery case and said motor. 28. The device of Claim 27, wherein said compartment resides proximate the rearward end of said seat. 29. The device of Claim 27, wherein said compartment includes: a) an access opening in said seat for passage of said battery therethrough; and b) a cover for selectively closing said 5 access opening.

Inventors: HUNNICUTT CLYDE J JR, HUNNICUTT, CLYDE, J., JR.
Applicants: HUNNICUTT CLYDE J JR, HUNNICUTT, CLYDE, J., JR.
Application year: 1988
Main classification: E03D9
IPC codes: A47K13, E03D9