Device for Removing Odors Around a Toilet, System Having Such Devices, and Methods of Using the Systems

Abstract

A device for removing odors around a toilet includes: an engagement surface that is configured to engage a top portion of a toilet bowl; two attachment holes formed through the engagement surface which are configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; and a housing for removing odors that is positioned between the two attachment holes. The housing includes a bottom wall formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls that extend from sides of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed through the front of the housing. Further, the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for removing odors which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed away from the toilet. A system and method utilizing the device are also included.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for removing odors around a toilet, systems containing such devices, and methods of using the systems for removing odors.

Description of Related Art

Undesirable odors formed around toilets can cause a nuisance in both residential homes and commercial facilities such as restaurants, hotels, airplanes, and any place where people gather. Typically, these undesirable odors are addressed by dispersing more desirable odors, thereby hiding the smell of the undesirable odors. Considerable efforts have also been expended to develop alternative methods that utilize devices and systems for removing undesirable odors around toilets. However, these devices and systems often require mechanical and/or structural changes to toilets or require a large foot space separate from the toilet. Thus, it is desirable to provide an effective alternative device and system for removing odors around a toilet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment according to the present invention, a device for removing odors around a toilet. The device includes: an engagement surface that is configured to engage a top portion of a toilet bowl; two attachment holes formed through the engagement surface and which are configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; and a housing for removing odors that is positioned between the two attachment holes. The housing includes a bottom wall formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls that extend from sides of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed through the front of the housing. Further, the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for removing odors and which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed away from the toilet.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the length of the device measured between opposing sides of the engagement surface is greater than a width of the device measured between a front and back edge of the engagement surface. The housing can also be sized and shaped to fit between the top portion of the toilet bowl and a toilet seat.

In some non-limiting embodiment, the conduit for removing odors extends from the one side of the housing longitudinally along a back edge of the engagement surface and to a point past a side of the engagement surface. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the conduit for removing odors extends downwards from the point past the side of the engagement surface and then laterally toward a back of the toilet. Further, at least a portion of the conduit for removing odors extending longitudinally along the engagement surface can be extendable. In some non-limiting embodiments, the conduit comprises a trap release for removing fluids and/or solids from the conduit. The trap release can be formed between the downward extending portion of the conduit and the laterally extending portion of the conduit.

The device can be formed from one or more materials. For example, at least a portion of the device can be made of a plastic material.

The present invention is also directed to a system for removing odors around a toilet. The system includes: a toilet comprising a toilet bowl; a toilet seat positioned over the toilet bowl; and a device for removing odors that is attached to a top portion of the toilet bowl. The device for removing odors includes any of the previously described features and which are further described herein. The system can further include a motor attached to a second end of the conduit for removing odors.

The present invention also includes a method of removing odors around a toilet with the previously described system. The method includes suctioning gas formed around the toilet through the device for removing odors.

The present invention is also directed to the following clauses.

Clause 1: A device for removing odors around a toilet, the device comprising: an engagement surface that is configured to engage a top portion of a toilet bowl; two attachment holes formed through the engagement surface and which are configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; and a housing for removing odors that is positioned between the two attachment holes, wherein the housing comprises a bottom wall formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls that extend from sides of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed through the front of the housing, and wherein the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for removing odors and which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed away from the toilet.

Clause 2: The device of clause 1, wherein a length of the device measured between opposing sides of the engagement surface is greater than a width of the device measured between a front and back edge of the engagement surface.

Clause 3: The device of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the housing is sized and shaped to fit between the top portion of the toilet bowl and a toilet seat.

Clause 4: The device of any one of previous clauses, wherein the conduit for removing odors extends from the one side of the housing longitudinally along a back edge of the engagement surface, and wherein the conduit for removing odors extends longitudinally to a point past a side of the engagement surface.

Clause 5: The device of clause 4, wherein the conduit for removing odors extends downwards from the point past the side of the engagement surface and then laterally toward a back of the toilet.

Clause 6: The device of clause 5, wherein at least a portion of the conduit for removing odors extending longitudinally along the engagement surface is extendable.

Clause 7: The device of clause 5 or 6, wherein the conduit comprises a trap release for removing fluids and/or solids from the conduit.

Clause 8: The device of clause 7, wherein the trap release is formed between the downward extending portion of the conduit and the laterally extending portion of the conduit.

Clause 9: The device of any one of the previous clauses, wherein at least a portion of the device is made of a plastic material.

Clause 10: A system for removing odors around a toilet, the system comprising: a toilet comprising a toilet bowl; a toilet seat positioned over the toilet bowl; and a device for removing odors that is attached to a top portion of the toilet bowl, wherein the device for removing odors comprises: an engagement surface that is configured to engage a top portion of a toilet bowl; two attachment holes formed through the engagement surface and which are configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; and a housing for removing odors that is positioned between the two attachment holes, wherein the housing comprises a bottom wall formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls that extend from side of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed through the front of the housing, and wherein the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for removing odors and which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed.

Clause 11: The system of clause 10, wherein a length of the device measured between opposing sides of the engagement surface is greater than a width of the device measured between a front and back edge of the engagement surface.

Clause 12: The system of clause 10 or 11, wherein the housing is sized and shaped to fit between the top portion of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat.

Clause 13: The system of any one of clauses 10-12, wherein the conduit for removing odors extends from the one side of the housing longitudinally along a back edge of the engagement surface, and wherein the conduit for removing odors extends longitudinally to a point past a side of the engagement surface.

Clause 14: The system of clause 13, wherein the conduit for removing odors extends downwards from the point past the side of the engagement surface and then laterally toward a back of the toilet.

Clause 15: The system of clause 13 or 14, wherein at least a portion of the conduit for removing odors extending longitudinally along the engagement surface is extendable.

Clause 16: The system of clause 14 or 15, wherein the conduit comprises a trap release for removing fluids and/or solids from the conduit.

Clause 17: The system of clause 16, wherein the trap release is formed between the downward extending portion of the conduit and the laterally extending portion of the conduit.

Clause 18: The system of any one of clauses 10-17, wherein at least a portion of the device is made of a plastic material.

Clause 19: The system of any one of clauses 10-18, further comprising a motor attached to a second end of the conduit for removing odors

Clause 20: The system of any one of clauses 10-19, further comprising a filter attached to an end of the laterally extending portion of the conduit.

Clause 21: A method of removing odors around a toilet with the system according to any one of clauses 10-20, the method comprising suctioning gas formed around the toilet through the device for removing odors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for removing odors around a toilet according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a device for removing odors around a toilet according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a device for removing odors around a toilet according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a device for removing odors around a toilet positioned on a toilet according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a device for removing odors around a toilet positioned on a toilet according to the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device for removing odors around a toilet positioned on a toilet and which connects to a filter according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10.

In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural and plural encompasses singular, unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, in this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless specifically stated otherwise, even though “and/or” may be explicitly used in certain instances.

As indicated, and referring to FIGS. 1-5, the present invention includes a device 10 for removing odors (i.e. undesirable gas) around a toilet 100. The device 10 comprises an engagement surface 12 that is configured to engage a top portion 104 of a toilet bowl 102. As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two attachment holes 13 are formed through the engagement surface 12 and which are configured to attach to the top portion 104 of the toilet bowl 102. For instance, and referring to FIG. 4, the attachment holes 13 can be configured to engage and be secured with the fasteners 103 (e.g. screws) used to attach the toilet seat 106 to the top portion 104 of a toilet bowl 102. The attachment holes 13 can also be spaced at a distance to fit over various types of toilets 100 and designs.

Referring to FIG. 1, the engagement surface 12 can be shaped to engage the top portion 104 of the toilet bowl 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the engagement surface 12 is flat or planar to engage a flat or planar top portion 104 of a toilet bowl 102.

The engagement surface 12 can also be sized to fit on the top portion 104 of the toilet bowl 102 without extending outside the boundaries of the toilet bowl 102 (i.e. without extending beyond the outside perimeter of the toilet bowl 102). Further, and as shown in FIG. 1, a length of the device 10 measured between opposing sides 15 of the engagement surface 12 is greater than a width of the device measured between a front edge 16 and back edge 17 of the engagement surface 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a housing 20 for removing odors is positioned between the two attachment holes 13. The housing 20 comprises a bottom wall formed from a top portion 18 of the engagement surface 12, a top wall 22, two side walls 24 that extend from sides of the top wall 22 to the top portion 18 of the engagement surface 12, a back wall 26, and an opening 28 formed through the front of the housing 20. It will be appreciated that the housing 20 extends up from a top surface 18 of the engagement surface 12 and which acts as a bottom wall of the housing 20 so that odor in the form of gas entering the housing 20 is confined by the top portion 18 of the engagement surface 12, the side walls 24, the top wall 22, and the back wall 26.

The housing 20 is also sized and shaped to fit on the toilet bowl 102 without interfering with the function of the toilet 100. For instance, the housing 20 is sized and shaped to fit on the toilet bowl 102 without interfering the function of the toilet seat 106. That is, the housing 20 can be sized and shaped to fit between the top portion 104 of the toilet bowl 102 and a toilet seat 106 without interfering with the ability of the toilet seat 106 to open and close.

As previously described, the housing 20 forms a confinement space where odors around the toilet 100 enter through the opening 28 formed through the front of the housing 20 and flow toward the back wall 26. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the back wall 26 of the housing 20 forms a portion of a conduit 30 for removing odors from the housing 20 and which extends from one side of the housing 20 (i.e. from one of the side walls 24) to an area where gas is dispersed away from the toilet 100. The conduit 30 is also sized (for example, with a desired circumference) to allow gas around the toilet 100 to flow through the opening 28 in the front of the housing 20 and out the conduit 30 to an area where the odorous gas is undetected. It is appreciated that the portion of the conduit 30 that forms the back wall 26 of the housing 20 and the portion of the conduit 30 that extends past the housing 20 can have various shapes (e.g. cylindrical, or partially cylindrical) provided that the odorous gas can flow out of the housing 20 and through the conduit 30.

In some non-limiting embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1-5, the conduit 30 for removing odors extends from the one side of the housing 20 (i.e. from one of the side walls 24) longitudinally (shown as reference number “X”) along a back edge 17 of the engagement surface 12. As further shown in FIGS. 1-4, the conduit 30 for removing odors extends longitudinally (shown as reference number “X”) to a point past a side 15 of the engagement surface 12. It is appreciated that the conduit is sized to extend longitudinally (shown as reference number “X”) to a point past a side 15 of the engagement surface 12 and which is beyond the outside perimeter of the toilet bowl 102 so that the gas can be directed away from the toilet 100. In some non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit 30 is extendable to adjust the length as necessary for various types and sizes of toilets 100. For instance, at least a portion of the conduit 30 extending longitudinally along the engagement surface 12 can be extendable by using, for example, an expander/sliding coupling 31 and which may include, for instance, an inner conduit that allows at least a portion of conduit 30 to extend.

The conduit 30 can extend in various other directions after extending longitudinally to a point past a side 15 of the engagement surface 12. In certain non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the conduit 30 can further extend laterally (shown as reference number “Y”) toward a back of the toilet 100 after extending longitudinally to a point past a side 15 of the engagement surface 12. The conduit 30 can extend laterally in a straight path to the back of the toilet 100, or the conduit 30 can curve as it extends laterally to the back of the toilet 100 so that a portion of the conduit 30 can be hidden under or behind the toilet 100. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the conduit 30 can also extend downwards before extending laterally to the back of the toilet in order to position the conduit 30 below the top portion 104 of the toilet bowl 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit 30 extending laterally to the back of the toilet can be extendable and include a similar expander/sliding coupling 31 as previously described. In addition, at least a portion of the conduit 30 extending laterally to the back of the toilet may be able to pivot in different directions such as to be able to be moved to the side toward or away from the toilet 100 such as by using a pivot joint 33.

It is appreciated that fluids and solids may also enter the device 10. In order to the remove these materials, the conduit 30 can comprise a trap release 40 for removing fluids and/or solids, as shown in FIG. 4. The trap release 40 can be positioned anywhere along the conduit 30. For example, the trap release 40 can be formed between the downward extending portion of the conduit 30 and the laterally extending portion of the conduit 30. The trap release 40 can include an opening with a cap that can be removed to release any fluids or solids that enter the device 10.

The device 10 can be made from one or more materials. For instance, at least a portion of the device 10 can be made form a plastic material. Non-limiting examples of suitable plastic materials include acrylics, polystyrene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, copolymers thereof, or combinations thereof.

The present invention is also directed to a system 200 for removing odors around a toilet 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the system 200 comprises a toilet 100 comprising a toilet bowl 102, a toilet seat 106 positioned over the toilet bowl 102, and a device 10 for removing odors that is attached to a top portion 104 of the toilet bowl 102. The device 10 can include any of the devices 10 for removing odors previously described and can be adapted to fit onto various types of toilets 100. It is appreciated that the device 10 is positioned on the toilet 100 so that the front opening of the housing 20 is facing the opening 103 of the toilet bowl 102.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the system 200 can further include an apparatus 50 that pulls the odors/gas around the toilet 100 into the housing 20 of the device 10. The conduit 30 can be connected to the apparatus 50 using various attachment means. In some non-limiting embodiments, the apparatus 50 is a motor attached to an end of the conduit 30 that can be turned on and off as desired such as with the function of the toilet 100. The apparatus 50 can be positioned, for example, behind a wall or in a ceiling area. The apparatus 50 can also be coupled with the exhaust fan used in a bathroom.

As shown in FIG. 6, the system 200 of the present invention can also include a filter 150 that receives the odor distributed through the conduit 30. For instance, a filter 150 can be attached to end of the portion of the conduit 30 extending laterally to the back of the toilet 100. In such instances, as shown in FIG. 6, the conduit 30 does not need to extend into the wall of the bathroom area. It is appreciated that the conduit 30 can extend into the wall of the bathroom area where the filter 150 may also be placed. A non-limiting example of a suitable filter includes a charcoal filter.

The present invention also includes a method of removing odors around a toilet 100 with the previously described system 200. The method comprises suctioning gas formed around the toilet 100 through the device 10. The suctioning can be activated using various means, such as by activating a switch for the apparatus 50 connected to the conduit 30 or by merely activating the toilet 100. The suctioning can also be activated by using a remote or phone remotely connected to the apparatus 50.

It was found that the previously described device 10 can be attached to any toilet 100 and sufficiently remove unwanted odors. The device 10 can also be adjusted as desired by the user and function with various apparatuses 50 (e.g. motors) that can be activated manually or remotely. Further, the device 30 can include a trap release 40 for easy removal of unwanted fluids and solids that make their way into the device 30.

Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of the present invention may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for removing odors around a toilet, the device comprising: an engagement surface that is configured to engage a top portion of a toilet bowl;two attachment holes formed through the engagement surface and which are configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; anda housing for removing odors that is positioned between the two attachment holes,wherein the housing comprises a bottom wall formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls that extend from sides of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed through the front of the housing, andwherein the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for removing odors and which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed away from the toilet.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein a length of the device measured between opposing sides of the engagement surface is greater than a width of the device measured between a front and back edge of the engagement surface.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is sized and shaped to fit between the top portion of the toilet bowl and a toilet seat.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the conduit for removing odors extends from the one side of the housing longitudinally along a back edge of the engagement surface, and wherein the conduit for removing odors extends longitudinally to a point past a side of the engagement surface.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the conduit for removing odors extends downwards from the point past the side of the engagement surface and then laterally toward a back of the toilet.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the conduit for removing odors extending longitudinally along the engagement surface is extendable.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the conduit comprises a trap release for removing fluids and/or solids from the conduit.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the trap release is formed between the downward extending portion of the conduit and the laterally extending portion of the conduit.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the device is made of a plastic material.

10. A system for removing odors around a toilet, the system comprising: a toilet comprising a toilet bowl;a toilet seat positioned over the toilet bowl; anda device for removing odors that is attached to a top portion of the toilet bowl,wherein the device for removing odors comprises: an engagement surface that is configured to engage a top portion of a toilet bowl;two attachment holes formed through the engagement surface and which are configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; anda housing for removing odors that is positioned between the two attachment holes,wherein the housing comprises a bottom wall formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls that extend from side of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed through the front of the housing, andwherein the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for removing odors and which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein a length of the device measured between opposing sides of the engagement surface is greater than a width of the device measured between a front and back edge of the engagement surface.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the housing is sized and shaped to fit between the top portion of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the conduit for removing odors extends from the one side of the housing longitudinally along a back edge of the engagement surface, and wherein the conduit for removing odors extends longitudinally to a point past a side of the engagement surface.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the conduit for removing odors extends downwards from the point past the side of the engagement surface and then laterally toward a back of the toilet.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the conduit for removing odors extending longitudinally along the engagement surface is extendable.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the conduit comprises a trap release for removing fluids and/or solids from the conduit.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the trap release is formed between the downward extending portion of the conduit and the laterally extending portion of the conduit.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the device is made of a plastic material.

19. The system of claim 10, further comprising a motor attached to a second end of the conduit for removing odors.

20. A method of removing odors around a toilet with the system according to claim 10, the method comprising suctioning gas formed around the toilet through the device for removing odors.