Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Ventilation – Electric-motor pump
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-26
2001-01-16
Fetsuga, Robert M. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Ventilation
Electric-motor pump
C004S216000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173453
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is in the field of venting odors from toilets and more specifically it is concerned with a venting system for toilets of the type comprising a toilet bowl with a water cistern connected thereto for flushing the toilet bowl.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various attempts have been made to provide means for ventilating odors which are typically associated with toilets. One problem concerning systems for venting toilets is that they are typically connected to the sewer system and must thus be fitted with suitable gas traps, so as to prevent flow of odors in a direction from the sewer system into the toilet room.
A common attempt to solve the problem of ventilating toilets is by using one or more conventional air blowers to remove air from the toilet room outside. However, a disadvantage of this system is that odors evacuated from the toilet room are spread into surrounding and neighboring rooms. Furthermore, such venting systems require expensive installation, since a passageway must be made in a wall section of the toilet room. Furthermore, such venting means are at times displeasing to the eye, and it is difficult to conceal them.
Other types of toilet ventilating systems are those which comprise an air intake port at or adjacent to the toilet bowl and which are fitted with an electrically operated exhaust fan. However, such systems are usually expensive and require complicated electrical and plumbing preparations and, even more so, in some cases, require a specially designed toilet bowl, which obviously prevents installing of such systems in already existing toilet bowls.
Other arrangements for venting toilets involve a considerable number of components requiring making fittings which are unsightly and tend, throughout usage, not to always mate properly. Since such systems are often unsightly, it is thus usually a requirement to conceal or hide such ventilating systems and this is typically carried out by inserting most of the components of the venting system within the wall. However, at least some piping components remain exposed. This arrangement, apart from being unsightly, also involves the drawback that those components hidden within the wall or a cabinet are not easily approached for service.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a new and improved toilet venting system, in which the above referred to disadvantages are overcome or essentially reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is system for venting a toilet comprising a toilet bowl fitted with a discharge outlet at a lower portion of the toilet bowl connected to a sewer line and an inlet for flushing water, connected to a water cistern via a flushing tube; an exhaust line connected at a first end to the sewer line and its second end being in a flow communication with the toilet bowl; said exhaust line being fitted with an electrically operated exhaust fan adapted to generate flow in direction towards the sewer line, and a valve member preventing flow in direction from said sewer line; and switching means for activating said exhaust fan to excite gas flow from the toilet bowl towards the sewer line.
According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the second end of exhaust line is connected to the flushing tube and the valve member is located intermediate the exhaust fan and said flushing tube and further prevents water flow in direction from said flushing tube towards said exhaust fan.
Preferably, one end of the exhaust line is connected to the toilet bowl adjacent a top end thereof. Still preferably, said second end is connected to one or more openings at a circular lip portion of the toilet bowl.
By another application, said second end is connected to one or more openings formed in a toilet seat articulated with said toilet bowl.
According to a specific application the system further comprises a differential pressure switch having an intake tube connected downstream said flushing tube and adapted to cease operation of the exhaust fan upon flushing the toilet.
By another application, the exhaust tube is connected within the water system and above the maximal water level. This arrangement is both pleasing to the eye and allows the use of a one way valve only.
A specific design of the system according to the invention is adapted for use with monoblock-type toilets, wherein the exhaust tube is incorporated with an exhaust block fitted at a bottom of the water cistern.
According to a first embodiment, the valve member for use with a toilet system according to the invention comprises a housing formed with an inlet gate and an outlet gate positioned above said inlet gate, and a spheric buoy valve member displaceable between a first position, in which it sealingly rests over the inlet gate and prevents gas flow in the direction from the sewer line; a second position in which it is floatingly urged by water to sealingly engage said outlet gate, so as to prevent water flow in the direction towards said sewer line; and an intermediate position during operation of the exhaust fan in which the spheric valve member is disengaged from either gate, thus allowing only gas flow in the direction towards the sewer line.
According to a second embodiment, the valve member comprises a housing formed with a first inlet gate and a second gate positioned above said first inlet gate; a top face of said second gate serving as a second inlet gate and a bottom face thereof serving as an outlet gate; a first spheric buoy valve member displaceably retained within the housing and a second spheric valve member sealingly engageable with said second inlet gate; the arrangement being such that in rest both spheric valve members sealingly engage the first and second inlet gate, respectively, thus preventing flow in direction from the sewer line, while in operation of the exhaust fan both spheric valve members disengage from the inlet gates, allowing only gas flow in the direction towards the sewer line and upon entry of water into the housing, said first spheric valve member sealingly engages said outlet gate, thus preventing water flow in direction towards said exhaust fan.
According to any of the embodiments of the present invention, at least the exhaust tube and the valve member are accommodated within the water system.
The switching means for activating the exhaust fan may be triggered by pressure of a person sitting on a toilet seat of the toilet bowl, or by an infra-red sensor, sensing a person in proximity to said toilet.
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Browdy and Neimark
Fetsuga Robert M.
LandOfFree
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