Patent Publication Number: US-9422703-B1

Title: Odor-removing hinge system for toilets and portable commodes

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to toilets and, more particularly, to an odor-removing hinge system for venting of noxious odors related to the use of both standard (i.e. flush type) toilets and portable commodes. 
     The use of all common types of toilets produces unpleasant odors. The conventional way to ventilate a bathroom, restroom or other facility containing a toilet is by the use of an exhaust fan often installed in the ceiling of the bathroom, which typically requires about forty to one-hundred-eighty watts of electrical power to operate. In order to remove unpleasant odors, such a ceiling fan must operate for several minutes or longer to remove the entire volume of air within the bathroom and exhaust it to the exterior of the home or other building. 
     Such conventional exhaust fans are disadvantageous for many reasons. Initially, such ventilating fans use substantial electrical power and, thus, are expensive to operate. When such an exhaust fan is operating there is no specific airflow generated to carry away odors from the area surrounding the toilet or from within the toilet bowl. Thus, such an exhaust fan must remove a substantial volume of air to the exterior of the home or other structure that has either been heated or, alternatively, which has been cooled depending on the locale and weather conditions. Accordingly, the operation of such conventional bathroom exhaust fans is energy inefficient and also generates an unpleasant noise for others in the vicinity. 
     Another related problem is presented by elderly, infirm and physically disabled persons who may be unable to use a standard toilet and are required to use a portable commode positioned near a bed or in another living area where there is no exhaust fan in proximity to the commode. The odors emanating from a portable commode are more problematic than those associated with a standard toilet because the waste materials cannot be flushed away. 
     Thus, the present invention has been developed to resolve these problems and other shortcomings of the prior art. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED PRIOR ART 
     Toilet ventilation systems are known in the prior art and while the structural arrangements of such systems may, at first appearance, have similarities to the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described hereinafter in further detail, are deemed essential for the effective use of the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,204 filed on Aug. 24, 2004, entitled “Portable Venting Commode,” by the same inventor named herein, while different from the present invention, also includes further information that may be helpful in understanding the advantages of the instant invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,020,909 filed on Jun. 23, 2004, also entitled “Portable Venting Commode,” by the same inventor, while different from the present invention, also includes information that may be helpful in understanding the advantages of the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,847,682 to Shay filed Apr. 18, 1955, entitled “Toilet Ventilator,” discloses a ventilating attachment apparatus for a standard toilet. To install the Shay (&#39;682) apparatus, which includes a floor-mounted duct wherein a blower is installed, the flush tank must be disassembled from the toilet base and the Shay (&#39;682) apparatus interposed between the flush tank and the toilet base. Then the toilet (as modified) must be reassembled using modified parts to accommodate the increased height of the flush tank. Thus, the Shay (&#39;682) apparatus does not provide the ease of installation, automatic operation or the energy efficiency of the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,262 to Quaintance filed on Aug. 22, 1991, entitled “Toilet Odor Removal Apparatus” discloses an apparatus having an adjustable housing which includes a thin air inlet that is disposed adjacent the toilet bowl rim and which communicates with the hollow interior of the housing sections. In one section of the housing are a battery pack, timer circuit, and on-off switches. In the other section are an activated charcoal filter and a fan which draws foul air over the charcoal filter and removing it to the ambient air. However, this apparatus does not disclose the plurality of hinge plate segments of the present system, which interlock in pivoting relation to adjust to toilet seats of different sizes. Further, the Quaintance (&#39;262) apparatus does not disclose a magnetically-actuated switch which operates the fan motor each time the toilet cover is lifted. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose the present a ventilating toilet seat hinge system for venting of odors that is suitable for use with both standard (i.e. flush type) toilets and portable commodes. The instant invention provides an odor-removing hinge system including an integrated housing that functions as a conduit to automatically exhaust the air and noxious odors that are contained within a toilet bowl cavity or waste receptacle within a portable commode. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is an odor-removing hinge system and method of use for venting noxious odors emanating from both standard (i.e. flush type) toilets and portable commodes. The present invention can be utilized in the manufacture of new toilet seats and can be retrofitted to existing toilet seats and portable commodes. 
     The present system includes an odor-removing hinge assembly for a toilet seat, which is installed in replacement of a standard toilet seat hinge assembly typically used on such toilet seat. The present toilet seat hinge assembly includes an integrated housing that functions as a conduit to exhaust the air and noxious gases that are contained within the toilet bowl. The present hinge assembly includes at least one hollow bolt disposed in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication with the housing, which functions to secure the toilet seat to the toilet using the preexisting mounting holes located at the back of the toilet rim. Such hollow bolt extends through the toilet seat mounting holes in the conventional manner to secure the toilet seat hinge assembly in position on a standard toilet or portable commode. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the air and noxious gas mixture within the toilet bowl is carried via connective tubing attached to a distal end of the hollow bolt to an exhaust conduit installed in an adjacent wall and flows to the exterior of the building by convection, air pressure or by vacuum created by a brushless fan motor installed in the exhaust conduit. In this embodiment the fan motor is operated by a hand-held radio control device or, alternatively, the fan is actuated automatically by a magnetic switch whenever the toilet cover is raised to the open position. The fan motor can also be operated continuously, if desired, in light of the minimal electric power consumed during operation, which is under one watt of power (i.e. 0.08 amperes×12 Volts=0.96 watts of power). 
     In another embodiment the air and noxious gas mixture is directed through a detachable air filter assembly, which is attached to a distal end of such hollow bolt and is, thus, disposed in fluid transfer communication with the cavity of the toilet bowl or commode receptacle. The air filter assembly includes an activated charcoal filter cartridge wherein the air and noxious gas mixture is drawn though by a miniature, brushless fan motor. Such miniature, brushless fan motor is powered by a suitable battery pack or, alternatively, is electrically connected to a power source via a direct current (DC) transformer. In this embodiment of the present invention, the fan can be actuated automatically by a magnetic switch whenever the toilet cover is lifted or, in the alternative, the miniature fan can be actuated by remote radio control. It will be noted that the fan motor should not be operated continuously with an air filter assembly attached in order to increase the longevity of the activated charcoal filter cartridge. 
     In another embodiment the present odor-removing hinge system is utilized in combination with a modified commercial style toilet seat in replacement of a standard commercial toilet seat (i.e. split seat without a seat cover) commonly found in public restrooms and business facilities. In this embodiment an odor-removing hinge system of the present invention is integrally formed within the structure of the commercial toilet seat and may utilize an air filter assembly as described hereinabove or the noxious gases can be vented directly to an exhaust conduit within an adjacent wall. 
     The present system is also adaptable to a portable commode by use of a novel toilet seat adaptor bracket that is mechanically attached to the preexisting frame of a portable commode. In all other respects the present hinge system functions with the portable commode in the same manner described hereinabove for standard toilet seats. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the 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. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     Those skilled in the 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 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. 
     Other features and technical advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other features and advantages thereof will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a top perspective view of a standard toilet seat made of wood products showing the upper portion of an odor-removing toilet seat hinge assembly of the present invention installed thereon; 
         FIG. 1B  is a bottom plan view of the lower portion of the present hinge assembly shown mounted on the underside of the toilet seat shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is an exploded plan view of the present hinge assembly shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  showing the component parts thereof; 
         FIG. 1D  is a top perspective view of the housing of the toilet seat hinge assembly of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C ; 
         FIG. 1E  is a plan view of the interior of the housing cover of  FIG. 1D  showing details of an optional magnetic switch of the present invention contained therein; 
         FIG. 2A  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the odor-removing toilet seat hinge assembly of the present invention fabricated from a molded plastic material; 
         FIG. 2B  is an exploded perspective view of the molded plastic toilet seat hinge assembly of  FIG. 2A  showing further details thereof; 
         FIG. 2C  is a bottom perspective view of the hinge assembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  shown from the underside of the molded plastic toilet seat; 
         FIG. 2D  is a composite plan view of the interior of the housing of  FIG. 2B  in a disassembled condition showing an optional magnetic switch contained therein; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view showing details of a hollow bolt used to secure the present hinge assembly to a toilet base; 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view showing details of the hollow bolt of  FIG. 3A  rotated 180° from the position shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a composite perspective view showing details of a hollow bolt in combination with a mating elbow fitting used to secure the present hinge assembly to a toilet base; 
         FIG. 3D  is a composite perspective view showing details of a modified hollow bolt in combination with a mating nut for attachment of the present hinge system to an adapter bracket of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the present toilet seat hinge system shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  mounted on a toilet showing the component parts thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the present toilet seat hinge system shown in  FIGS. 2A through 2C  mounted on a toilet showing the component parts thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the present toilet seat hinge system shown in  FIG. 14  mounted on a toilet in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is an enlarged side elevation view of the filter assembly shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a plan view of a remote control device for use in conjunction with the filter assembly shown in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8A  is an electrical schematic depicting the components and circuitry of the filter assembly illustrated in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8B  is an electrical diagram depicting the remote control unit for the filter assembly illustrated in  FIG. 7B ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the present toilet seat hinge assembly of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  installed on a portable commode; 
         FIG. 10A  is a bottom plan view of the toilet seat hinge system of  FIG. 2C  including a seat adapter bracket installed thereon; 
         FIG. 10B  is an exploded perspective view of the housing shown in  FIG. 2B  showing details of another embodiment of an optional magnetic switch of the present invention installed within the interior of the housing cover; 
         FIG. 11A  is a top perspective view of the seat adapter bracket of  FIG. 10A  showing further details thereof; 
         FIG. 11B  is a bottom perspective view of the seat adapter bracket of  FIG. 10A  showing further details thereof; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of a portable commode having a toilet seat hinge assembly of  FIG. 10A  together with a magnetically detachable air filtration assembly of the present invention installed thereon; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged side elevation view of the air filtration assembly shown in  FIG. 12  showing further details thereof; and 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded, bottom plan view of another embodiment of a toilet seat hinge assembly in accordance with the present invention for commercial toilet seat applications. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. 
     With further reference to the drawings there are shown therein various embodiments of an odor-removing hinge system for toilets and portable commodes in accordance with the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  there is shown therein a hinge assembly, indicated generally at  10 . The present hinge assembly  10  serves to shift the toilet seat cover  75  of a standard toilet seat assembly  100  from an open position ( FIG. 1A ) to a closed position in which seat cover  75  is disposed in generally parallel relation to the toilet seat  85  ( FIG. 4 ) in a known manner. 
     In a method of use of the present invention, the toilet seat hinge assembly  10  is installed in replacement of a conventional hinge assembly on a standard wooden toilet seat assembly, indicated generally at  100 , including seat cover  75  and toilet seat  85  as described hereinafter in further detail. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , both the toilet seat  85  and the seat cover  75  are fabricated from wood products such as particle board or other engineered, wood particulate material. 
     Advantageously, hinge assembly  10  includes a plurality of adjustable hinge plate segments  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c , which are attached to an underside of toilet seat  85  by fasteners  90  ( FIG. 1B ). Hinge plate segments  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  may be further stabilized by the application of an adhesive to the overlapping end portions thereof (indicated by broken lines) after being fitted to toilet seat  85  as shown in  FIG. 1B . Hinge plate segments  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c , function to seal the air space between the underside of toilet seat  85  and the toilet rim. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1C  there is shown an exploded view of the present hinge assembly  10  showing its component parts in further detail. Hinge assembly  10  comprises a mounting plate  12  whereon housing cover  11  is attached in mating engagement. Mounting plate  12  is provided with mounting holes  16  which receive hollow bolts  18  ( FIG. 3A-3B ) for attachment of hinge assembly  10  to a standard toilet. Mounting plate  12  also includes a pair of integrally formed hinge pin bosses  14  with hinge pin holes  14   a  extending therethrough for receiving hinge pins  13  in an assembled condition. It can be seen that arcuate plates  24   a ,  26   a  each include integrally formed pin bosses  17  with hinge pin holes  17   a , which also receive hinge pins  13  in an assembled condition of the hinge assembly  10 . Similarly, upper hinge plates  19  include hinge bosses  22  with hinge pin holes (not shown) extending there through for receiving hinge pins  13  in such assembled condition. 
     Hinge plate segments  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  respectively are designed for engagement in interlocking relation with each adjacent hinge plate segment such that the individual segments  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  can be mounted on the underside of toilet seat  85  and pivotally adjusted to fit toilet seats  85  of varying sizes. More particularly, segments  24   b ,  26   b  each include a pair of circular pads  24   b ′,  26   b ′ respectively which interlock and articulate with their adjacent segments  24   a ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   c  to shift segments into a desired configuration. Once properly located on the underside of seat  85 , hinge plate segments  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  are fixed in position by fasteners  90  ( FIG. 1B ). Hinge plate segments  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  may be further stabilized by the application of an adhesive to the circular pads  24   b ′,  26   b ′ thereof as shown in  FIG. 1C  prior to final assembly. 
     It will be appreciated that when installed on the underside of the seat  85 , hinge plate segments  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  form a non-adhering seal with the top rim of the toilet bowl to effectively prevent the entry or exit of gases from the toilet bowl cavity except for entry via a forward opening as at  30  and exit via opening  20  ( FIG. 1B ). 
     As shown more clearly in  FIG. 1D , hinge assembly  10  includes a housing, indicated generally at  15 , which delineates an opening  20  that functions as a portion of an exhaust conduit to exhaust the air and noxious gases that are contained within the toilet bowl during use. The pathway that air and noxious gases follow when the present hinge assembly  10  is utilized is that ambient air from the bathroom ingresses via front opening  30  ( FIG. 1B ) into the toilet bowl cavity, mixes with any noxious gases in the toilet bowl cavity, passes through the rear opening  20  into housing  15  ( FIG. 1D ) and egresses from housing  15  via at least one hollow bolt  18  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ), which is disposed in either hole  16  ( FIG. 1C ) in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication with the housing. In the case where only a single hollow bolt  18  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) is used, a solid bolt  18 ″ without hole  18   a  is disposed in the opposite hole  16  as shown in  FIG. 1C  to prevent any noxious gases from escaping. 
     In an another embodiment of the present invention, a modified version of the present toilet seat hinge assembly designed for use with a molded plastic toilet seat, indicated generally at  110 , and illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2C , will now be described. In this embodiment a hinge assembly  110  is fabricated from an engineered plastic such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other suitable thermoplastic material by an injection molding process for use in combination with a plastic toilet seat  185  and cover  175 . It will be understood that this embodiment of the hinge assembly  110  shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  does not include the plates  19  or arcuate hinge plates  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  designed for use with hinge assembly  10  ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ), wherein seat  85  and seat cover  75  are constructed of particulate wood products. 
     In nearly all other respects hinge assembly  110  functions in a manner similar to hinge assembly  10 . However, the toilet seat hinge assembly  110  is designed to be integrated into a plastic toilet seat assembly, indicated generally at  100 ′, during the manufacture of new plastic toilet seats. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2B  there is shown an exploded view of the present hinge assembly  110  showing its component parts in further detail. Hinge assembly  110  comprises a housing  115  including a mounting plate  112  ( FIG. 2C ) whereon housing cover  111  is attached in mating engagement. Mounting plate  112  is provided with mounting holes  116  which receive hollow bolts  18  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) for attachment of hinge assembly  110  to a standard toilet Mounting plate  112  includes a pair of integrally formed hinge pin bosses  114  with hinge pin holes  114   a  extending therethrough for receiving hinge pins  113  in an assembled condition. 
     It can be seen that toilet seat  185  includes an integrally formed hinge pin boss  117  includes a hinge pin hole  17   a , which also receives hinge pins  113  in an assembled condition of the hinge assembly  110 . Seat cover  175  includes integrally formed hinge bosses  122  with hinge pin holes  122   a  extending therethrough for receiving hinge pins  13  in such assembled condition. 
     When assembled on a toilet or commode, the present hinge assembly  110  pivots about pins  113  to shift the toilet seat cover  175  from an open position ( FIG. 2A ) to a closed position in which seat cover  175  is disposed in generally parallel relation to the toilet seat  185  ( FIG. 5 ) in a known manner. 
     As shown most clearly shown in  FIG. 2C , housing  115  comprising housing cover  111  and base plate  112  delineates a rear opening  120  ( FIG. 2C ) forming part of a pathway to exhaust the air and noxious gases that are contained within the toilet bowl during use. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2C  it will be appreciated that front inlet  186  and a rear outlet  187  are depressions molded into the underside of the seat  185 . This effectively prevents the entry or exit of gases from the toilet bowl cavity  40  ( FIG. 5 ) except for entering through front opening  130  defined, in part, by inlet  186  and exiting via rear opening  120  defined, in part, by outlet  187  through opening  120  when installed. 
     Thus, the pathway that air and noxious gases follow when the present hinge assembly  110  is utilized is that ambient air from the bathroom ingresses via front opening  130  ( FIG. 2C ) into the toilet bowl cavity, mixes with any noxious gases in the toilet bowl cavity, passes through the rear opening  120  defined by into housing  115  and egresses via at least one hollow bolt  18  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ), which is disposed in either hole  116  in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication with housing  115 . 
     A remote control unit, indicated generally at  70  ( FIG. 7B ) including a radio transmitter (not shown) of the type manufactured by General Electric (e.g. Model No. 51183T) can be positioned in radio communication with a radio receiver  60  of the type manufactured by General Electric (e.g. Model No. YLT-13-1), which is integrated with fan module  33  ( FIG. 4 ) to provide remote control of the fan motor  54 . The portable radio transmitter contained within controller unit  70  includes “ON” and “OFF” switches  71 ,  72  respectively for remote actuation of the fan motor  54 . Since such portable radio receivers and radio transmitters are well known to those skilled in the art, further detailed discussion of the same is not deemed necessary. 
     In alternative embodiments of the present hinge system ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ), hinge assemblies  10 ,  110  may include a permanent magnet  23 ,  123  installed on seat covers  75 ,  175  ( FIGS. 1A and 2B ), which function to actuate an optional magnetic switch  66 ,  166  contained within housings  15 ,  115 ,  115 ′ ( FIGS. 1E, 2D and 10B ) respectively to automatically operate fan motor  54  whenever a seat cover  75 ,  175  is placed in a raised position ( FIGS. 1A and 2A ) as described hereinafter in further detail. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A to 3C  bolts  18  have a center bore  18   a  and a generally flat head  18   b  with a slot  18   c , but may be of any length or configuration suitable for attaching hinge assemblies  10 ,  110  to a standard toilet. A shorter version of hollow bolt  18 , namely bolt  18 ′ ( FIG. 3D ), is fabricated from plastic to act as an insulator and is provided for attachment of hinge assemblies  10 ,  110  to a seat adapter bracket  125  ( FIG. 10A ) as described hereinbelow. Bolts  18  may also be provided with a threaded elbow fitting  36  or coupling  269  ( FIG. 14 ) to secure the present hinge assemblies  10 ,  110  to a standard toilet ( FIG. 4 ). 
     In such an embodiment of the hinge assemblies  10 ,  110  which utilize a threaded elbow fitting  36  ( FIG. 4 ), air and noxious gases from the toilet bowl  40  are carried via connective tubing  32  (as shown by directional arrows  73 ), which extends from a distal end of at least one hollow bolt  18  attached to the mating elbow fitting. Tubing  32  is received in fan module  33  installed in an adjacent bathroom wall  31  as shown in  FIG. 4 . A flexible, vinyl tubing  32  having a one-half inch inside diameter (ID) is suitable for this purpose. 
     A miniature exhaust fan  54  disposed within fan module  33  directs the air and noxious gas mixture to the exterior of the building via an exhaust conduit  45 , which can also be made from a one-half inch vinyl tubing or other suitable material. Such an embodiment of the exhaust conduit  45  ( FIG. 4 ) made from a one-half inch vinyl tubing is simple to install and economical in comparison to a conventional expandable metal or plastic exhaust duct, which is commonly 3″-4″ inside diameter. 
     The embodiment of the exhaust conduit  45  shown in  FIG. 4  is suitable for use with a standard toilet seat  85  and cover  75  of wood particulate construction ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ) as shown, or alternatively, can be utilized with a molded plastic toilet seat  185  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) or a modified commercial toilet seat  285  ( FIGS. 6 and 14 ) described hereinbelow. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 4  brushless fan motor  54  receives power for its operation via a power supply  42  electrically connected with the fan motor that converts alternating current (AC) supplied by the residential electrical system into direct current (DC) as required to operate the fan motor. A brushless fan motor  54  of the type manufactured for use in cooling laptop computers, for example, which operates at less than 1.0 watts of power (i.e. 0.08 amps×12 Volts=0.96 watts of power) is suitable for this application. The use of such a brushless fan motor  54  represents a substantial power savings in comparison to operating a conventional bathroom exhaust fan, which requires about 40 to 180 watts of power. In practice this represents a 4,000% to 18,000% reduction in electrical energy use in comparison to operating a conventional bathroom exhaust fan. 
     The present invention also includes air filtering means including, but not limited to, the following structures. In another embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5 , the air and noxious gas mixture is directed through a detachable air filter assembly, indicated generally at  50 . The embodiment in  FIG. 5  is shown with a thermoplastic toilet seat ( FIGS. 2A to 2C , but is also suitable for use with a toilet seat  85  and cover  75  of wood particulate construction ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ) as well or, alternatively, with a modified commercial toilet seat  285  ( FIG. 14 ). 
     Filter assembly  50  ( FIG. 5 ) is connected to an underside of the toilet rim with a hollow bolt  18  by threading engagement as shown. Filter assembly  50  comprises an enclosure  52  which contains an activated charcoal filter element  55 , a miniature brushless fan motor  54  including an optional a radio control switch  60 , and a battery pack  65  as more clearly shown in  FIG. 7A . All electronic components within the filter assembly  50  are electrically interconnected by wiring  63  to an adjustable timer  61  to control the operating time of the fan motor  54  if seat cover  75  is inadvertently left open after use of the toilet to extend the life of the filter element  55 . 
     In one embodiment of the filter assembly  50  shown in  FIG. 5 , fan motor  54  receives power for its operation from a power supply  42  electrically connected via coaxial power jack  69  ( FIG. 7A ) that converts AC supplied by a residential electrical system into DC as required to operate the brushless fan motor. 
     An optional radio control transmitter (not shown) within a remote control unit, indicated generally at  70  ( FIG. 7B ) is positioned in radio communication with radio switch  60  within filter assembly  50  to provide remote control of the fan motor  54 . A radio receiver switch  60  of a type marketed by General Electric (e.g. Model No. YLT-13-1) for use with a radio transmitter unit of a type marketed by General Electric (e.g. Model No. 51183T) is suitable for this purpose. Such portable radio transmitter within controller unit  70  ( FIG. 7B ) includes “ON” and “OFF” switches  71 ,  72  respectively for remote actuation of the fan motor  54  to utilize the filter assembly  50 . Filtered air is delivered from filter assembly  50  into the ambient bathroom air as shown by directional arrows  73  ( FIG. 5 ) producing no perceptible odor. 
     As described herein hinge assemblies  10 ,  110 ,  110 ′ may also include permanent magnets  23 ,  123  installed on seat covers  75 ,  175  ( FIGS. 1A and 2B ) which function to actuate a magnetic switch  66 ,  166  enclosed within housings  15 ,  115 ,  115 ′ ( FIGS. 1E, 2D and 12 ) respectively to operate fan motor  54  with a power supply  42  or, alternatively, in a battery-powered mode whenever either seat cover  75 ,  175  is raised to an open position. 
     In such battery-powered mode fan motor  54  receives power for its operation solely from battery pack  65  ( FIG. 7A ) which is electrically connected to a magnetic switch  66 ,  166  located in housings  15 ,  115  respectively via wiring  62 ,  162  and the power supply  42  is unplugged from coaxial jack  69 . In this operational mode switches  66 ,  166  ( FIGS. 1E and 2D ) are turned to an “ON” position whenever toilet cover  75 ,  175  is raised to its open condition ( FIGS. 1A and 2A ) by a user. In the open condition of the cover  75 ,  175 , a permanent magnet  23 ,  123  and its surrounding magnetic field is shifted into the functional range of a switch  66 ,  166 , which passes current through the switch and automatically actuates fan motor  54 . Thereafter, when cover  75 ,  175  is closed, permanent magnet  23 ,  123  its magnetic field is shifted out of functional range relative to switch  66 ,  166 , which is then returned to an “OFF” position and automatically shuts off the fan motor  54 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7A , wiring  62 ,  162  extends from switches  66 ,  166  ( FIGS. 1E and 2D ) into enclosure  52  of the air filter assembly  50  via bore  18   a  of bolt  18  and are electrically connected to fan motor  54  via timer  61 . Timer  61  operates fan motor  54  for a predetermined period of time in the event that cover  75  is not returned to its closed condition to extend the useful life of the charcoal filter element  55 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are a composite electrical schematic/diagram depicting the components and circuitry described hereinabove in relation to  FIGS. 7A and 7B  hereinabove. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 6  there is shown still another embodiment of a filter assembly, indicated generally at  50 ′, for use with a modified commercial toilet seat  285  ( FIG. 14 ). In this embodiment filter assembly  50 ′ comprises an enclosure  52 ′ which is free-standing and typically resides on the floor or can be mounted on a wall adjacent the toilet or portable commode. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that filter assembly  50 ′ may also be utilized with hinge assemblies  10 ,  110  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
     Filter assembly  50 ′ contains an activated charcoal filter element  55 ′ and a miniature fan motor  54 ′ similar to the components described hereinabove in relation to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Fan motor  54 ′ receives power for its operation from a power supply  42  electrically connected with the fan  54 ′ that converts AC supplied by a residential electrical system into DC to operate the fan motor as described hereinabove. 
     An optional radio receiver switch  60  of the type described hereinabove and marketed by General Electric (Model No. YLT-13-1) for use with a radio transmitter unit contained within a remote controller unit  70  ( FIG. 7B ) is also suitable for this application. A radio transmitter unit (not shown) marketed by General Electric (Model No. 51183T) is also suitable for use in this embodiment. Filtered air is delivered into the ambient air within the bathroom (as shown by directional arrows  73 ) producing no perceptible odor as described hereinabove. 
     The use of the present hinge system in combination with a portable commode will now be described. Referring to  FIG. 9  there is shown a portable commode, indicated generally at  200 , of the stand-alone type for use near a bed or in another living area where there is no exhaust fan in proximity to the commode. 
     Portable commode  200  is comprised of a tubular support frame including a pair of U-shaped frame members  205 ,  210  having adjustable legs for changing the vertical height thereof in a known manner. Frame members  205 ,  210  are provided with arm rests  206 ,  211  respectively. Frame members  205 ,  210  are interconnected by a front cross member  201 , a lower rear cross member  202  and an upper rear cross member  203 , which are mechanically attached to frame member  205 ,  210  by suitable fasteners to impart stability to the commode  200 . 
     Portable commode  200  can be utilized with a wood particulate toilet seat assembly, indicated generally at  100 , in combination with the present hinge assembly  10  as shown in  FIG. 9 . The pathway that air and noxious gases follow when the present hinge assembly  10  is utilized is that ambient air from the bathroom ingresses via front opening  130  ( FIG. 9 ) into the waste receptacle  230 , mixes with any noxious gases in the waste receptacle, passes through the rear opening  120  into housing  115  and egresses from housing  115  via at least one hollow bolt  18  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ), which is disposed in either hole  16  ( FIG. 1B ) in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication with the housing. 
     Alternatively, portable commode  200  can be utilized with the present toilet seat hinge assembly, indicated generally at  110 , as shown in  FIG. 2B  or with a modified commercial toilet seat  285  ( FIG. 14 ). In such embodiment hinge assembly  110  including seat  185  and cover  175  are fabricated from an engineered plastic such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other suitable thermoplastic material by an injection molding process. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10A  there is shown another embodiment of the present hinge assembly  110 ′ that further includes a seat adapter bracket, indicated generally at  125 , which engages front cross member  201  and lower rear cross member  202  of portable commode  200  to properly position the seat  185  above the receptacle  230  for use. It will be appreciated that when hinge assembly  110 ′ is utilized with seat adapter bracket  125 , seat  185  rests directly on the top surface of the bracket  125 . Adapter bracket  125  is shown ( FIG. 10A ) in its assembled condition attached to hinge assembly  110 ′, toilet seat  185  and cover  175  by hollow bolts  18 ′ protruding through mounting holes  116 ′ ( FIG. 11A ) formed in bracket  136  and each bolt  18 ′ is secured by a nut  29 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10A , bolts  18 ′ are made of plastic, which material functions as an electrical insulator. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10B  it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that an optional magnetic switch  166  is electrically connected via wiring  162  to compression springs  167  that protrude through the bore  18   a  of each shortened bolt  18 ′ ( FIG. 10A ), which are installed within holes  116 ′ of bracket  125  to provide electrical connection to the filter assembly  150  ( FIG. 13 ) as described in further detail hereinbelow. 
     It will be understood that a front inlet  186  and a rear outlet  187  are molded into the underside of the seat  185  ( FIG. 10A ) as described hereinabove in relation to  FIG. 2C . This effectively prevents the entry or exit of gases from the receptacle  230  except for entering through front inlet  186  via holes  133  and exiting via rear outlet  187  to an opening  120  when installed. 
     Thus, the pathway that air and noxious gases follow when the present hinge system  110 ′ ( FIG. 10A ) is utilized is that ambient air ingresses via front inlet  186  through vent holes  133  into receptacle  230 , mixes with any noxious gases in receptacle  230 , passes through the rear outlet  187  into housing  115 ′ ( FIG. 10B ) and egresses via at least one hollow bolt  18 ′, which is disposed in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication with housing  115 ′. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11A  there is shown an adapter bracket  125  removed from commode  200  showing further details thereof. Adapter bracket  125  is comprised of a generally oval-shaped basin plate  135  having a circular opening  139  that is configured to receive a basin or receptacle  230  ( FIG. 9 ). Plate  135  includes a rearward extension bracket, indicated generally at  136 , and a forward extension bracket, indicated generally at  137 , integrally formed with and disposed in generally parallel relation to plate  135 . In a preferred embodiment at least rearward extension bracket  136  and, alternatively, the entire plate  135  is fabricated from a ferromagnetic metal such as steel to permit magnetic attachment of a filter assembly  150  ( FIG. 13 ) as hereinafter described. 
     As most clearly shown in  FIG. 11B  bracket  136  includes perpendicular members  136   a ,  136   b ,  136   c  which are arranged in a generally parallel relation forming a partial U-shaped channel as at  138  for engagement with rear cross member  202  of the commode frame. Similarly, it can be seen that bracket  137  includes perpendicular members  137   a ,  137   b  arranged in generally parallel relation forming a partial U-shaped channel as at  139  for engagement with front cross member  201  of the commode frame. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the linear distance ‘D’ between members  136   c ,  137   a  ( FIG. 10A ) is calculated to a predetermined dimension to enable engagement with the supporting frames (e.g. cross members  201 ,  202 ) of several different portable commodes  200  currently available on the market and, thus, can be retrofitted to many existing commodes or, alternatively, can be utilized in manufacture of new portable commodes  200 . 
     The exhaust of noxious gases from commode  200  can be carried out of the building via hinge assembly  110 ′ by connective tubing  32  attached to fan  54  which, in turn, directs the exhaust flow to a suitable exhaust conduit  45  as shown in  FIG. 4  or by use of the filtration assemblies  50 ,  50 ′ as shown and described in relation to  FIGS. 5 and 6  hereinabove. 
     In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the air and noxious gases are drawn into an air filter assembly, indicated generally at  150 , including an enclosure  152  mounted in detachable engagement with hinge assembly  110 ′. Filter assembly  150  is connected in fluid communication and in alignment with two plastic bolts  18 ′ ( FIG. 10A ) by attachment to rear extension bracket  136  of plate  135  by permanent magnets  177  installed in a top surface  152   a  of enclosure  152  as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     As more clearly shown in  FIG. 13 , filter assembly  150  comprises an enclosure  152  which contains an activated charcoal filter element  155 . Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has been processed to make it highly porous and, thus, to provide it with a large surface area available for absorption and/or chemical reactions. 
     Filter assembly  150  also includes a miniature, brushless fan motor  154  including a radio receiver switch  160  and a battery pack  165  electrically connected to the fan motor. All such components are electrically interconnected to an adjustable timer  161  to control the operating time of the fan motor  154  if seat cover  175  is inadvertently left open after use of the commode  200  to extend the life of the filter element  155 . 
     In one embodiment of the filter assembly  150 , fan motor  154  receives power for its operation from a power supply  42  electrically connected to the filter assembly via coaxial power jack  169 . Power supply  42  converts AC supplied by a residential electrical system into DC as required to operate the system. A remote control unit  70  of the same type seen in  FIG. 7B  is positioned within radio communication range of the radio receiver switch  160  (i.e. Model No. YLT-13-1) within the filter assembly  150  to provide remote control of the fan motor  154 . 
     In an alternative operating mode of the filter assembly  150  shown in  FIG. 13 , fan motor  154  receives power for its operation solely from battery pack  165 , which is electrically connected to magnetic switch  166  ( FIG. 10B ) disposed within housing  115 ′ and the power supply  42  is unplugged from coaxial jack  69  to operate in battery mode. In this operating mode switch  166  is turned to an “ON” position whenever toilet cover  175  is shifted to an open position by a user. In the open condition of the cover  175 , permanent magnet  123  and its surrounding magnetic field are shifted into the functional range of switch  166 , which automatically actuates fan motor  154 . Thereafter, when cover  175  is closed ( FIG. 12 ), permanent magnet  123  and its associated magnetic field are shifted out of functional range relative to switch  166 , which is then returned to an “OFF” position and automatically shuts off the fan motor  154 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , it is reiterated that switch  166  is electrically connected by wiring  162  to compression springs  167  ( FIG. 10B ), which extend into enclosure  152  of the air filter assembly  150  via plastic bolts  18 ′ to contact electrical connectors  180  when air filter assembly  150  is installed as shown. In turn, electrical connectors  180  ( FIG. 13 ) are electrically interconnected by wiring  163  to fan motor  154 . Timer  161  operates fan motor  154  for a predetermined period of time in the event that cover  175  is not returned to its closed condition ( FIG. 12 ). 
     In this embodiment the pathway that air and noxious gases take when the commode  200  is used is that air ingresses from the surrounding room via front inlet  186  and holes  133  ( FIG. 10A ) into the receptacle  230 , mixes with any gases in the receptacle  230 , passes through the rear outlet  187  into housing  115 ′ and egresses via at least one hollow bolts  18 ′ into filter assembly  150  ( FIG. 13 ). The air and noxious gases are drawn through filter element  155  by the urging of fan  154  and are discharged from enclosure  152  via openings  160  as shown by directional arrows for recirculation into the ambient air as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14  there is shown therein another modified version of the present odor-removing hinge system, indicated generally at  250 , in combination with a modified commercial style toilet seat  285 , which is used in lieu of a standard commercial toilet seat (i.e. without a seat cover). Such commercial style toilet seats are commonly found in public restrooms and business facilities being well known in the prior art. 
     In this embodiment hinge system  250  including a so-called split commercial toilet seat  285  in accordance with the present invention is fabricated from an engineered plastic material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other suitable plastic material by an injection molding process. Accordingly, it will be noted that in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , hinge assembly  250  does not include the plates  19  or arcuate hinge plates  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  and  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  designed for use with hinge assembly  10 , wherein the seat  85  is constructed of wood products. It can also be seen that hinge assembly  250  does not include a housing  15 ,  115  in the manner of the previously disclosed embodiments. 
     In lieu of such features hinge assembly  250  comprises a hinge member  267  with a hinge pin hole  267   a  extending through the length thereof as shown. Hinge pin hole  267   a  intersects with a vent passage  255 , which is in fluid (i.e. air) transfer communication with the toilet bowl via a rear outlet, indicated generally at  275 . 
     Hinge pin hole  267   a  is configured to receive a hollow hinge pin  263  in mating engagement therein which, in turn, is received in one end of an elbow fitting  236  that mounts the hinge assembly  250  to a top rim of a toilet in an assembled condition of the hinge assembly  250 . A hollow, threaded bushing  265  projects from an opposite end of such elbow fitting  236  to receive a threaded, mating coupling  269  for attachment of connective tubing  32  to carry away noxious gases and to secure hinge assembly  250  to the toilet. Alternatively, an elbow fitting  36  ( FIG. 3 ) may be utilized in lieu of coupling  269  to attach tubing  32  ( FIG. 4 ) if preferred. 
     An opposite end of hinge pin hole  267   a  receives a solid pin  262  which, in turn, is received in one end of an elbow fitting  236  that mounts the hinge assembly  250 . A threaded stud  268  projects from an opposite end of such elbow fitting  236  to receive a mating nut  229  to secure the present toilet seat  285  to the toilet. 
     It will be understood that the exhaust of noxious gases from such a commercial toilet can be carried out of the building via hinge assembly  250  by connective tubing  32  attached to fan  54  which, in turn, directs the exhaust flow to an exhaust conduit  45  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) or by use of the filtration assemblies  50 ,  50 ′ as shown and described in relation to  FIGS. 5 and 6  hereinabove. It will be appreciated that present toilet seat  285  with the hinge assembly  250  can also be installed on a portable commode  200  using adapter bracket  125  as described hereinabove. 
     Although not specifically illustrated in the drawings, it should be understood that additional equipment and structural components will be provided as necessary and that all of the components described above are arranged and supported in an appropriate fashion to form a complete and operative odor-removing hinge system for use in combination with a toilet seat and seat cover on toilets and portable commodes incorporating features of the present invention. 
     Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims. 
     Moreover, although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, a latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in certain instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.