Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Ventilation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-04
2001-06-26
Eloshway, Charles R. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Ventilation
C004S449000, C004S462000, C422S123000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06249919
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a deodorization device, and more particularly to a passive deodorization device suitable for use with a portable toilet having a vent tube extending from a holding tank.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portable toilets in self standing enclosures or found in the transportation industry have a seating area disposed above a holding tank. A vent tube extends from the holding tank to vent the holding tank to the atmosphere. This vent tube often passes through the enclosure to vent the holding tank through the enclosure top. Malodorous vapors emanating from the holding tank foul the air in and around the enclosure.
One method of masking the odor inside the enclosure includes mounting an air freshener, which releases a pleasant aroma, to an interior enclosure wall. This particular method does not solve the odor problem outside of the enclosure. Furthermore, after an extended period of time inside the enclosure, the spent air freshener must be manually replaced. A users hands may become soiled when removing the spent air freshener assembly or exchanging the spent air freshener element inside a housing. Furthermore, the air freshener may be removed prematurely by an enclosure visitor, subjecting subsequent visitors to the malodorous vapors associated with the toilet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a passive deodorization device suitable for use in a portable toilet enclosure having a vent tube for venting odors from a holding tank. The deodorization device has a housing with an engagement surface for engaging a vent tube outer surface, and an aperture. Two fingers extend from the aperture into the vent tube. A retention member mounted on the fingers engage a vent tube inner surface and clamps the vent tube wall between the housing and retention member. A deodorizing element slipped into the aperture between the fingers deodorizes the malodorous vapors associated with the toilet.
A general objective of the present invention is to provide a deodorization device capable of treating malodorous vapors inside an enclosure and exiting a holding tank vent tube. This objective is accomplished by providing a device which is inserted into the vent tube through a hole formed therein which passes through the enclosure. This allows mounting the device in the vent tube from inside the enclosure exposing the deodorizing element to the air inside the enclosure and the vent tube.
Another objective of the present invention is to prevent the easy removal of the deodorization device once installed. This accomplished by providing retention members which are self-locking and, thus, prevent device removal from the vent tube.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for easy replacement and disposal of a spent deodorizing element. This objective is accomplished by providing a housing having an aperture, and fingers extending therefrom to hold a deodorizing element. The spent element is replaced by inserting the replacement deodorizing element into the aperture; forcing the spent deodorizing element out of the grasp of the fingers, and allowing the spent deodorizing element to fall through the vent tube into the holding tank.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration a preferred embodiment of the invention.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 3538866 (1970-11-01), Gaines
patent: 3747902 (1973-07-01), Bailey
patent: 3902877 (1975-09-01), Swaim
patent: 5086523 (1992-02-01), DeMott et al.
patent: 5820792 (1998-10-01), Lin
patent: 6103201 (2000-08-01), Green
patent: 4009162 (1990-11-01), None
Bryson, Jr. John D.
Clemens Wolfgang
Dupont Stephan
Hennessey Joseph J.
Roberts George P.
Eloshway Charles R.
Quarles & Brady LLP
Vaportex, Inc.
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