Patent Publication Number: US-2023136208-A1

Title: Ventilated toilet

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure is generally related to the field of toilets and, in particular, to a ventilated toilet. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Toilets provide for the safe and effective isolation and removal of solid and liquid waste. The mechanisms relied on by toilets to accomplish these goals may range from simple to very complex. Typical toilets may rely on gravitational effects and siphoning techniques to contain and transport waste to septic systems or to sewer systems. However, the solid and liquid waste may also be associated with gases and/or particle plumes that may create odors and, in some cases, may also create a health hazard. In particular, the particle plumes may carry pathogens that can contribute to disease transmission. 
     External exhaust systems have been developed to reduce odors and other airborne particulates that may be associated with toilet use. These external exhaust systems typically use fans to create an airflow in the vicinity of the toilet and to transport the air away from a restroom, bathroom, water closet, or other location where the toilet may be situated. However, these external exhaust systems may be positioned in a ceiling or wall and at a distance from the source of the gases or particulates. Thus, it may take some time before the external exhaust system has a noticeable effect. 
     In some cases, ventilation systems may be incorporated into toilet systems themselves. In these cases, the toilet systems may include ventilation passages for moving odors out of the toilet directly. Current toilet ventilation systems may incorporate ventilation systems into previously existing channels within the toilet, such as through flush jets in a rim of the toilet. In cases where independent ventilation channels exist, current toilet ventilations systems may require toilet bowls to be custom molded to incorporate a complex system of both ventilation channels and water channels. Further, current toilet ventilation systems may be susceptible to liquids or solids entering the ventilation channel and causing damage to fans, or other electrical equipment used for ventilation. Also, current toilet ventilation systems may not have ventilation channels optimally positioned relative to the toilet bowl to provide effective ventilation. Current toilet ventilation systems may not have a shape that enables effective and non-intrusive ventilation of the inside of a toilet bowl. Other disadvantages may exist. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein is a toilet ventilation system that includes a nipple that can be molded into the bowl portion of a toilet with a first side protruding into a toilet bowl area and a second side connected to a ventilation channel. The first side of the nipple may be positioned underneath a lip of the rim. This side of the nipple may have a flattened oval shape that causes little intrusion into the functioning of the bowl while also providing adequate ventilation. An opening may be positioned on an underside of the nipple reducing the introduction of liquid or solid waste from above. The other side of the nipple may have a circular shape to enable good airflow into a ventilation channel. The nipple may be modular such that it can be incorporated into multiple types of toilets. The ventilation channel may direct air from the toilet bowl area into a downstream portion of a waste channel. The ventilation channel may include a fan and a one-way valve to ensure air movement in only one direction. Each of the components of the ventilation channel may be safe for use with air or water. In this way, the ventilation channel can also be used as an overflow channel in the case of stopped or blocked toilet. 
     In an embodiment, a toilet device includes a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface. The toilet device further includes a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface. The toilet device also includes a rim positioned above the bowl portion and defining a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion. The toilet device includes a nipple molded into the bowl portion of the toilet bowl and protruding from the interior surface underneath the lip, where the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion of the toilet bowl. The toilet device further includes a ventilation channel connected to the egress channel of the nipple at a first end of the ventilation channel and connected to a downstream portion of the waste channel at a second end of the ventilation channel. 
     In some embodiments, the waste channel rises above a height of the opening and drops below the height of the opening to define a trap, where the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the trap. In some embodiments, the waste channel includes a flush valve, and the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the flush valve. In some embodiments, a first end of the nipple has an oval shaped cross-section, and a second end of the nipple has a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the egress channel of the nipple connects to the interior volume of the bowl portion through a downward facing opening. In some embodiments, the bowl portion has a front side and a rear side, and wherein the nipple passes through the interior surface of the bowl portion at the rear side of the bowl portion. In some embodiments, a one-way valve positioned along the ventilation channel. In some embodiments, the one-way valve includes an angled flap valve. In some embodiments, the toilet device includes comprising a fan configured to generate fluid flow within the ventilation channel. In some embodiments, the ventilation channel is watertight to enable water to drain from the interior volume of the bowl portion while a water level in the bowl portion is above a height of the egress channel of the nipple. 
     In an embodiment, a molded toilet bowl includes a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface. The molded toilet bowl further includes a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface. The molded toilet bowl also includes a rim positioned above the bowl portion and defining a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion. The molded toilet bowl includes a nipple molded into the bowl portion of the toilet bowl and protruding from the interior surface underneath the lip, where the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion of the toilet bowl. The molded toilet bowl further includes an opening in a sidewall of a downstream portion of the waste channel. 
     In some embodiments, the waste channel rises above a height of the opening and drops below the height of the opening to define a trap, where the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the trap. In some embodiments, waste channel includes a flush valve, and wherein the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the flush valve. In some embodiments, a first end of the nipple has an oval shaped cross-section, and wherein a second end of the nipple has a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the egress channel of the nipple connects to the interior volume of the bowl portion through a downward facing opening. In some embodiments, the bowl portion has a front side and a rear side, and the nipple passes through the interior surface of the bowl portion at the rear side of the bowl portion. 
     In an embodiment, a method of forming a toilet device includes forming a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface. The method further includes forming a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface. The method also includes forming a rim positioned above the bowl portion, where the rim defines a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion. The method includes molding a nipple into the bowl portion, where the nipple protruded from the interior surface underneath the lip, and where the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion. The method further includes forming an opening in a sidewall of a downstream portion of the waste channel. 
     In some embodiments, a first end of the nipple has an oval shaped cross-section, and a second end of the nipple has a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the egress channel of the nipple connects to the interior volume of the bowl portion through a downward facing opening. In some embodiments, the method includes connecting a ventilation channel to the egress channel of the nipple at a first end of the ventilation channel and connecting the ventilation channel to the downstream portion of the waste channel through the opening in the sidewall at a second end of the ventilation channel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a section view of a first side of an embodiment of a toilet ventilation system. 
         FIG.  2    is a depiction of a second side of the embodiment of the toilet ventilation system. 
         FIG.  3    is a partially cut-out depiction of a portion of an embodiment of a ventilation channel of a toilet ventilation system. 
         FIG.  4    is a section view of a side of an embodiment of a toilet ventilation system. 
         FIG.  5    is a depiction of an embodiment of a nipple for a ventilation toilet system. 
         FIG.  6    is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method of forming a toilet ventilation system. 
     
    
    
     While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a sectional view of a first side of an embodiment of a toilet ventilation system  100  is depicted. This may correspond to a siphon-based toilet, such as those used in residences. The system  100  may include a bowl portion  102  having an interior volume  104 , as represented by the dotted line withing the bowl portion  102 , and an interior surface  106 . The system  100  may further include a waste channel  108 . 
     The waste channel  108  may connect to the interior volume  104  of the bowl portion through an opening  110  in the interior surface.  106 . The waste channel  108  may extend downward from the opening  110  and may rise above a height  112  of the opening  110 . The waste channel  108  may then drop below the height  112  of the opening  110 . This path may define a trap  114 , represented by the dotted trapezoid. A downstream portion  116  of the waste channel  108  may be separated from the interior volume  104  of the bowl portion  102  by the trap  114 . 
     The system  100  may include a rim  118  positioned above the bowl portion  102 . The rim  118  may define a lip  120  that overhangs from the interior surface  106  of the bowl portion  102 . Although not depicted, the rim may include water jet openings to enable and facilitate flushing. These water jet openings may be distinct and separate from any ventilation openings for ventilating the bowl portion  102 . 
     The system  100  may include a nipple  122  molded into the bowl portion  102 . The nipple  122  may protrude from the interior surface  106  underneath the lip  120  and pass through the interior surface  106 . The nipple  122  may include an egress channel (depicted in  FIG.  5   ) connected to the interior volume  104  of the bowl portion  102 . The bowl portion  102  may have a front side  123  and a rear side  125 . The front side  123  is defined herein as the side that enable a user to comfortably overhang their legs while sitting over the bowl portion  102 . The rear side  125  typically includes a connection for a lid  127  and/or other plumbing. The nipple  122  may be positioned at the rear side  125  of the bowl portion  102 . This position may put the nipple  122  near gas and airborne particulates that may be introduced into the interior volume  104  of the bowl portion  102  to enable effective ventilation. 
     The system may include an opening  124  in a sidewall of the downstream portion  116  of the waste channel  108 . The opening  124  may enable a ventilation channel (depicted in  FIG.  2   ) to connect to the egress channel (depicted in  FIG.  5   ) of the nipple  122  and to connect to the downstream portion  116  of the waste channel  108 . As described herein this may enable airflow from the interior volume  104  of the bowl portion  102  into the downstream portion  116  of the waste channel  108 . 
     Some benefits and advantages of the system  100  are that, by providing a ventilation channel through the nipple  122  at the rear side  125  of the bowl portion  102 , the system  100  may be less susceptible to liquids or solids entering the ventilation channel. Further, by positioning the nipple  122  under the lip  120 , a direct channel for effective ventilation can be created in contrast to existing systems that may position ventilation channels at other locations. Other benefits may exist. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , a second side of the embodiment of the toilet ventilation system  100  is depicted. The nipple  122  may extend through the bowl portion  102  at a rear side  125  of the bowl portion. A ventilation channel  226  (represented in  FIG.  2    by arrows) may be connected to an egress channel of the nipple  122  at a first end  228  of the ventilation channel  226 . The ventilation channel  226  may also be connected to a downstream portion of the waste channel (depicted in  FIG.  1   ) at a second end  230  of the ventilation channel  226  through the opening  124 . 
     The system  100  may include a fan  234 , which may be configured to generate fluid flow within the ventilation channel  226 . The fan  234  may be driven by a motor  235 . The airflow generated by the fan  234  may enable ventilation of the interior volume of the bowl portion  102 . Further, the ventilation channel  226  may be watertight and the fan  234  may be resistant to water. This may enable water to drain from the interior volume of the bowl portion  102  if and while a water level in the bowl portion is above a height of the nipple  122 . If the bowl portion  102  becomes clogged to stopped, the ventilation channel  226  may be used as an emergency overflow channel. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , a portion of the system  100  is depicted. The depiction includes a cutout to show an interior  333  of the ventilation channel  226 . Within the ventilation channel  226 , the system  100  may include a one-way valve  331 . The one-way valve  331  may include an angled flap valve  332 . This may enable movement of air away from the nipple  122 , when the fan  234  is operating, while restricting air flow from the ventilation channel  226  to enter into the nipple  122 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , a sectional view of an embodiment of a toilet ventilation system  400  is depicted. This may correspond to a valve-based toilet, such as those used in recreational vehicles, other vehicles, or other applications. The system  400  may include a bowl portion  402  having an interior volume  404 , as represented by the dotted line withing the bowl portion  402 , and an interior surface  406 . The system  400  may further include a waste channel  408 . 
     The waste channel  408  may connect to the interior volume  404  of the bowl portion through an opening  410  in the interior surface  406 . The waste channel  408  may include a waste valve  414 . A downstream portion  416  of the waste channel  408  may be separated from the interior volume  404  of the bowl portion  402  by the waste valve  414 . 
     The system  400  may include a rim  418  positioned above the bowl portion  402 . The rim  418  may define a lip  420  that overhangs from the interior surface  406  of the bowl portion  402 . As with the system  100 , the system  400  may include a nipple  422  molded into the bowl portion  402 . 
     The nipple  422  may protrude from the interior surface  406  underneath the lip  420  and pass through the interior surface  406 . The nipple  422  may include an egress channel (depicted in  FIG.  5   ) connected to the interior volume  404  of the bowl portion  402 . The bowl portion  402  may have a front side  423  and a rear side  425 . The rear side  425  typically includes a connection for a lid  427  and/or other plumbing. The nipple  422  may be positioned at the rear side  425  of the bowl portion  402 . This position may put the nipple  422  near gas and airborne particulates that may be introduced into the interior volume  404  of the bowl portion  402  to enable effective ventilation. 
     The system may include an opening  424  in a sidewall of the downstream portion  416  of the waste channel  408 . The opening  424  may enable a ventilation channel  426  (depicted by the dotted arrows) to connect to the egress channel (depicted in  FIG.  5   ) of the nipple  422  and to connect to the downstream portion  416  of the waste channel  408 . As described herein this may enable airflow from the interior volume  404  of the bowl portion  402  into the downstream portion  416  of the waste channel  408 . 
     The system  400  may include a fan  434 , which may be configured to generate fluid flow within the ventilation channel  426 . The fan  434  may be driven by a motor  435 . The airflow generated by the fan  434  may enable ventilation of the interior volume of the bowl portion  402 . The ventilation channel  426  may have a valve  431  to ensure that air does not pass from the downstream portion  416  of the waste channel  408  back into the bowl portion  402 . Further, the ventilation channel  426  may be watertight and the fan  434  may be resistant to water. This may enable water to drain from the interior volume of the bowl portion  402  if and while a water level in the bowl portion is above a height of the nipple  422 . If the bowl portion  402  becomes clogged to stopped, the ventilation channel  426  may be used as an emergency overflow channel. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , an embodiment of a nipple  500  is depicted. The nipple  500  may be usable with multiple toilet ventilation systems. For example, the nipple  500  may correspond to the nipple  122  or the nipple  422 . A first end  536  of the nipple may be flattened such that it has an oval shaped cross-section. A second end  538  of the nipple may have a circular cross-section to facilitate connection to circular pipes. The nipple  500  may be hollow to define an egress channel  540 . A downward facing opening  542  may enable air to enter the egress channel  540 . 
     A benefit of the nipple  500  is that it may be used with multiple toilet ventilation systems and can be molded into different types of toilets. The nipple  500  may also have a shape that enables effective and non-intrusive ventilation of the inside of a toilet bowl. For example, the flattened oval shape at the first end  536  of the nipple  500  may render the nipple  500  less intrusive than other ventilation systems. Further, the nipple  500  may be less susceptible to liquids or solids entering the ventilation channel because the opening  542  faces downward. Other advantages may exist. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , an embodiment of a method  600  of forming a toilet ventilation system is depicted. The method  600  may include forming a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface, at  602 . For example, the bowl portion  102  of the toilet ventilation system  100  may be formed. As another example, the bowl portion  402  of the toilet ventilation system  400  may be formed. 
     The method  600  may further include forming a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface, at  604 . For example, the waste channel  108  of the toilet ventilation system  100  may be formed. As another example, the waste channel  408  of the toilet ventilation system  400  may be formed. 
     The method  600  may also include forming a rim positioned above the bowl portion, where the rim defines a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion, at  606 . For example, the rim  118  of the toilet ventilation system  100  may be formed. As another example, the rim  418  of the toilet ventilation system  400  may be formed. 
     The method  600  may include molding a nipple into the bowl portion, where the nipple protrudes from the interior surface underneath the lip, and where the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion, at  608 . For example, the nipple  122  may be molded into the bowl portion  102 . As another example, the nipple  422  may be molded into the bowl portion  402 . 
     The method  600  may include forming an opening in a sidewall of a downstream portion of a waste channel, at  610 . For example, the opening  124  may be formed. As another example, the opening  424  may be formed. 
     The method  600  may further include connecting a ventilation channel to the egress channel of the nipple at a first end of the ventilation channel and connecting the ventilation channel to the downstream portion of the waste channel through the opening in the sidewall at a second end of the ventilation channel, at  612 . 
     A benefit of the method  600  is that a toilet ventilation system may be formed that includes several benefits over current ventilation systems. The benefits may include having a nipple that can be used for multiple different types of toilets to provide an egress channel for ventilation, having a ventilation channel that is optimally positioned relative to a toilet bowl to provide effective ventilation. Other advantages may exist. 
     Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the present disclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.