Patent Application
20240084570
The present invention relates generally to the field of vented toilet seat devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modified toilet seat designed to redirect unpleasant odors from the toilet out through a scented filter or ventilation system. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in vented toilet seat devices. Generally, after using the restroom, unpleasant odors can create an unsanitary and embarrassing environment for a person. However, using an air freshener can mix the pleasant scent with unpleasant ones, leading to an even worse environment in the bathroom. Further, overhead exhaust fans may be too ineffective at removing odors from the bathroom.
Accordingly, many households and public facilities utilize a variety of ventilation systems and neutralizing sprays or devices to eliminate odors. In particular, restroom facilities and household bathrooms require these types of devices or systems to eliminate objectionable smells.
For example, air fresheners, candles, and neutralizing sprays are often used to eliminate commonly found odors in bathrooms. However, these solutions are often expensive for individual household use and truly cost prohibitive for public restroom use. Moreover, air fresheners, candles or neutralizing sprays would be routinely destroyed or removed from public facilities. Candles also represent a fire hazard whether used in a household or public facilities. In addition, all of these devices and systems only mask smells rather than eliminating them.
Vents, most frequently located in a ceiling, are also utilized to eliminate odors. However, these vents are often ineffective because they are located too great a distance from the source of the problem to eliminate odors in a timely manner. It is also not cost efficient to constantly run a vent either at home or in public facilities.
Hence, there is a need in the art for an easy to use, affordable, safe, cost-efficient, and effective ventilated toilet seat device to eliminate restroom odors in both households and public facilities.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a vented toilet seat device that provides users with a modified toilet seat designed to redirect unpleasant odors from the toilet out through a scented filter or ventilation system. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a vented toilet seat device that includes a motion or weighted sensor that automatically engages the suction system while a user is sitting on the toilet. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vented toilet seat device that resembles two hard toilet seats that are separated and sealed and can be operated with a manual switch, if desired. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that eliminates the need to use an overhead fan which requires odors to spread upward prior to being suctioned through the fan. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vented toilet seat device that improves the overall bathroom experience, reducing embarrassment associated with any bathroom necessities. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vented toilet seat device that utilizes rechargeable batteries.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a vented toilet seat device. The device is a motion or weight activated ventilation system for a toilet seat which automatically turns on when a user sits down. Further, the device can also be activated by a manual switch, if needed. The device comprises a pair of hard toilet seat components that are separated and sealed together, housing the air intake fan and motor within the pair of toilet seat components. Typically, the device would be battery powered and would include a hose/exhaust tube or other vent-type component for drawing in odors and redirecting the odors to a scented filter or out of a ventilation exhaust system. Further, the exhaust tube can be routed through an outside wall, as well. Thus, users can simply sit on the toilet seat device and have any unwanted odors instantly removed from the toilet to avoid any embarrassing situations.
In this manner, the vented toilet seat device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that redirects unpleasant odors from a toilet out through a scented filter or ventilation system. The device utilizes rechargeable batteries. The device reduces embarrassment associated with bathroom necessities.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a vented toilet seat device. The device is a motion or weight activated ventilation system for a toilet seat, which automatically turns on when a user sits down. The device comprises a pair of hard toilet seat components that are separated and sealed together, housing the air intake fan and motor within the pair of toilet seat components. Typically, the device would be battery powered and would include a hose/exhaust tube or other vent-type component for intaking odors and redirecting the odors to a scented filter or out of a ventilation exhaust system. Thus, users can simply sit on the toilet seat device and have any unwanted odors instantly removed from the toilet to avoid any embarrassing situations.
In one embodiment, the vented toilet seat device comprises a pair of toilet seat components. The toilet seat components are typically shaped like conventional toilet seats but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the toilet seat components are sized and shaped to fit a conventional toilet. Generally, the pair of toilet seat components are oblong or circular in shape, but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. The pair of toilet seat components also comprise a central opening and a rounded circular or oblong seat section. Further, the pair of toilet seat components do not have to be but are typically the same size and shape. Additionally, the pair of toilet seat components are secured via a hinge to the toilet or other movable securing means as is known in the art.
In another embodiment, the pair of toilet seat components are separated and spaced a predetermined amount apart and then sealed together to form a housing. The pair of toilet seat components are typically sealed via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as screws, a spacer or bezzle, adhesives, etc. The pair of sealed toilet seat components house a motor and an intake fan in communication with an exhaust tube and/or a vent manifold. The intake fan intakes odorous air from around the toilet, by intaking air through an exhaust tube and/or a vent manifold positioned on the toilet. The pair of sealed toilet seat components can also house batteries for powering the motor and intake fan.
In another embodiment, the batteries are housed in a separate compartment attached to the toilet, such as a compartment that extends from the toilet seat components or any other suitable compartments as is known in the art. Further, the batteries are typically rechargeable batteries but do not have to be.
In one embodiment, the exhaust tube comprises a butterfly valve in the interior that permits flow of gases in only one direction (away from the toilet seat).
In one embodiment, the intake fan vents to a ventilation system that includes a scented filter. This filter can be any suitable scented filter as is known in the art and can be secured in the same compartment as the rechargeable batteries.
In another embodiment, the intake fan vents to an outside wall or ventilation exhaust system, typically located in the ceiling.
In one embodiment, the pair of toilet seat components comprise a time-delay, pressure sensitive switch (i.e., weight-activated) on the underside and top of the toilet seat components. The pressure sensitive switch is activated when a user sits on the toilet seat. This causes the intake fan to start sucking the gas odors through the vent manifold and/or exhaust hose on the underside of the toilet seat components. The pressure sensitive switch also has a time-delay that permits the intake fan to continue operating for a brief period after the user leaves the seated position, thereby removing the pressure from the switch.
In another embodiment, the pair of toilet seat components comprise a motion sensor on the underside and top of the toilet seat components. The motion sensor turns the intake fan on upon detecting motion around the toilet.
In another embodiment, the pair of toilet seat components or the battery compartment comprises a power switch for manually turning on and off the intake fan, when needed.
Several possible variations of the preferred embodiment are possible. The vented toilet seat device can be equipped with a variable speed intake fan. The intake fan speed could be controlled either manually or electronically. A regulator can be attached to the manifold/exhaust hose or other suitable area to control the flow of air through the vents/hose opening. A manual regulator could simply be twisted to widen or narrow the opening, or an electronic regulator could be employed. The electronic regulator could be controlled via an air pressure sensor that maintains a negative air pressure inside the toilet bowl. A variable speed intake fan would allow people of different sizes to have the intake fan speed manually controlled or electronically controlled. Larger individuals require less airflow because they block the outward airflow to a greater degree whereas smaller individuals do not have sufficient body mass to trap the air inside the toilet bowl region.
The design of the vented toilet seat device can be further modified to better handle public restroom facilities that service a higher volume of people. For example, a series of ribs along the outside perimeter of the underside of the toilet seat components will help seal the seat components to the toilet to prevent air from seeping outward rather than inward toward the vents/hose opening. In addition, a vent can be installed on the hinge attached to the toilet seat components. When the toilet seat components are lifted, this vent will be covered to prevent urine from entering the vent. When the toilet seat components are down, the vent will be exposed to provide additional ventilation in the toilet region.
In the commercial embodiment, a single intake fan can be used rather than having an intake fan connected to each individual toilet. A solenoid could open when any of the vented toilet seats in a building or other structure are in use. The opening of the solenoid would permit the gases to escape.
Further, the components of the vented toilet seat device may vary widely but will likely utilize plastic, metal, rubber, and electrical components. The metals would ideally be selected from available steel or alloys of steel and aluminum. The production process related to the use of these metals ensures that the metal is non-corrosive, durable, and strong. The selected metal should have high impact strength and be capable of accepting and retaining coloring materials for an extended length of time.
The plastic used in the production will ideally be selected for durability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in the manufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic materials such as, for example, polyurethane, latex, styrene-butadiene-rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene, acrylonitrile terpolymers and copolymers or vinyl, etc., would be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this family are recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.
The plastic components of the vented toilet seat device can also be formed with the use of plastic molding techniques, such as injection molding or blow molding. Injection molding requires melted plastic to be forcefully injected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins to harden, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity. This technique is ideal for the mass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding, a form of extrusion, could be utilized. Blow molding involves a molten tube being pushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the molten tube against the cold walls of the mold.
All electronic components of the invention will also be ideally selected from those currently having the highest industry ratings. These components will also meet and/or exceed all safety and usage regulations. Wiring and associated connecting hardware should be insulated and otherwise protected from intrusion by any harmful or degrading elements, including water, medium level temperatures, and low to medium impact force.
The size of the vented toilet seat device may vary widely. The preferred embodiment is approximately 17 inches in length, 15 inches in width and having a seat diameter of 2 inches. It should be obvious that any color, shape, or size toilet seat could be utilized with the present invention. It should be obvious that while the current invention is described herein in conjunction with public restroom and household use, it could be used anywhere a toilet is located, including on buses, airplanes, recreational vehicles, and the like. It should also be obvious that other mechanisms could be used to start the intake fan, such as a switch, multiple pressure or weight sensors or infrared or motion activated technology currently used in automatic flushing toilets or standard power switches. In fact, no mechanism is even necessary since the intake fan could run continuously. However, this would not be the most efficient use of this invention. It should further be obvious that although the device described herein is for use with an elongated oval shaped toilet seat, a circular, a horseshoe or other shaped toilet seat could also utilize the present invention.
In yet another embodiment, the vented toilet seat device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of venting bathroom odors and releasing a pleasant scent is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a vented toilet seat device comprising a pair of toilet seat components that are secured together and house an air intake fan and motor. The method also comprises automatically turning on the device when a user sits on the toilet seat. Further, the method comprises utilizing the toilet in a normal fashion. Finally, the method comprises intaking odors from the toilet and redirecting the odors to a scented filter or out of a ventilation exhaust system.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vented toilet seat device that provides users with a modified toilet seat designed to redirect unpleasant odors from the toilet out through a scented filter or ventilation system. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a vented toilet seat device that includes a motion or weighted sensor that automatically engages the suction system while a user is sitting on the toilet. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vented toilet seat device that resembles two hard toilet seats that are separated and sealed and can be operated with a manual switch, if desired. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that eliminates the need to use an overhead fan which requires odors to spread upward prior to being suctioned through the fan. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vented toilet seat device that improves the overall bathroom experience, reducing embarrassment associated with any bathroom necessities. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vented toilet seat device that utilizes rechargeable batteries.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel vented toilet seat device. The device is a motion or weight activated ventilation system for a toilet seat, which automatically turns on when a user sits down. Further, the device can also be activated by a manual switch, if needed. The device comprises a pair of hard toilet seat components that are separated and sealed together, housing the air intake fan and motor within the pair of toilet seat components. Typically, the device would be battery powered and would include a hose/exhaust tube or other vent-type component for intaking odors and redirecting the odors to a scented filter or out of a ventilation exhaust system. Further, the exhaust tube can be routed through an outside wall, as well. The present invention also includes a novel method of venting bathroom odors and releasing a pleasant scent. The method includes the steps of providing a vented toilet seat device comprising a pair of toilet seat components that are secured together and house an air intake fan and motor. The method also comprises automatically turning on the device when a user sits on the toilet seat. Further, the method comprises utilizing the toilet in a normal fashion. Finally, the method comprises intaking odors from the toilet and redirecting the odors to a scented filter or out of a ventilation exhaust system.
Referring initially to the drawings,
As disclosed supra, the vented toilet seat device 100 comprises a pair of toilet seat components 102. The toilet seat components 102 are typically shaped like conventional toilet seats but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the toilet seat components 102 are sized and shaped to fit a conventional toilet 104. Generally, the pair of toilet seat components 102 are oblong or circular in shape, but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. The pair of toilet seat components 102 also comprise a central opening 106 and a rounded circular or oblong seat section 108. Further, the pair of toilet seat components 102 do not have to be but are typically the same size and shape. Additionally, the pair of toilet seat components 102 are secured via a hinge 110 to the toilet 104 or other movable securing means as is known in the art, which allow the pair of toilet seat components 102 to move up and down on the toilet 104.
Further, the pair of toilet seat components 102 are separated and spaced a predetermined distance apart and then sealed together to form a housing. The pair of toilet seat components 102 are typically sealed via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as screws, a spacer or bezzle, adhesives, etc. Generally, the pair of sealed toilet seat components 102 house a motor 112 and an intake fan 114 in communication with an exhaust tube 116 and/or a vent manifold 118, but do not have to. The motor 112 and intake fan 114 can be housed in other positions on the toilet 104 or in a separate structure extending from the toilet 104 as long as the motor 112 and intake fan 114 are in communication with the exhaust tube 116 and/or vent manifold 118. Specifically, the intake fan 114 draws odorous air in from around the toilet 104, by drawing air through the exhaust tube 116 and/or the vent manifold 118 positioned on the toilet 104 and releasing the air to a filter or conventional ventilation system.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, the exhaust tube 116 comprises a butterfly valve 120 or other suitable valve in the interior of the tube 116 that permits flow of gases in only one direction (away from the toilet seat).
As shown in
In another embodiment, the intake fan 114 vents the odorous air to an outside wall or ventilation exhaust system, typically located in the ceiling. Any suitable ventilation exhaust system can be utilized as is known in the art. Specifically, the intake fan 114 would be in communication with the ventilation exhaust system, allowing the odorous air to be drawn in by the intake fan 114 and passed to the ventilation exhaust system for expelling outside, away from the toilet 104.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the pair of sealed toilet seat components 102 can also house the batteries 300 for powering the motor 112 and intake fan 114. Specifically, the batteries 300, motor 112 and intake fan 114 can all be housed together within the sealed toilet seat components 102, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
As shown in
Further, the pair of toilet seat components 102 comprise a time-delay, pressure sensitive switch (i.e., weight-activated) 400 on the underside and/or top of the toilet seat components 102. The pressure sensitive switch 400 is activated when a user sits on the toilet seat. This causes the intake fan 114 to start drawing in the gas odors through the vent manifold 118 and/or exhaust hose 116 on the underside of the toilet seat components 102. The pressure sensitive switch 400 also has a time-delay that permits the intake fan 114 to continue operating for a brief period after the user leaves the seated position, thereby removing the pressure from the switch 400.
Further, in one embodiment, the pair of toilet seat components 102 comprise a motion sensor 402 on the underside and/or top of the toilet seat components 102. The motion sensor 402 turns the intake fan 114 on upon detecting motion around the toilet 104.
Additionally, the pair of toilet seat components 102 or the separate battery compartment 202 can comprise a power switch 404 for manually turning on and off the intake fan 114, when needed.
As shown in
Several possible variations of the preferred embodiment are possible. The vented toilet seat device 100 can be equipped with a variable speed intake fan 114. The intake fan speed could be controlled either manually or electronically. A regulator can be attached to the manifold 118/exhaust hose 116 or other suitable area to control the flow of air through the vents/hose opening. A manual regulator could simply be twisted to widen or narrow the opening, or an electronic regulator could be employed. The electronic regulator could be controlled via an air pressure sensor that maintains a negative air pressure inside the toilet bowl. A variable speed intake fan would allow people of different sizes to have the intake fan speed manually controlled or electronically controlled. Larger individuals require less airflow because they block the outward airflow to a greater degree whereas smaller individuals do not have sufficient body mass to trap the air inside the toilet bowl region.
The design of the vented toilet seat device 100 can be further modified to better handle public restroom facilities that service a higher volume of people. For example, a series of ribs along the outside perimeter of the underside of the toilet seat components 102 will help seal the seat components 102 to the toilet to prevent air from seeping outward rather than inward toward the vents/hose opening. In addition, a vent can be installed on the hinge 110 attached to the toilet seat components 102. When the toilet seat components 102 are lifted, this vent will be covered to prevent urine from entering the vent. When the toilet seat components 102 are down, the vent will be exposed to provide additional ventilation in the toilet region.
In the commercial embodiment, a single intake fan 114 can be used rather than having an intake fan 114 connected to each individual toilet 104. A solenoid could open when any of the vented toilet seat devices 100 in a building or other structure are in use. The opening of the solenoid would permit the gases to escape.
Further, the components of the vented toilet seat device 100 may vary widely but will likely utilize plastic, metal, rubber, and electrical components. The metals would ideally be selected from available steel or alloys of steel and aluminum. The production process related to the use of these metals ensures that the metal is non-corrosive, durable, and strong. The selected metal should have high impact strength and be capable of accepting and retaining coloring materials for an extended length of time.
The plastic used in the production will ideally be selected for durability and longevity. Thermoplastics are commonly used in the manufacturing of components similar to those used in this invention. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar thermoplastic materials such as, for example, polyurethane, latex, styrene-butadiene-rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene, acrylonitrile terpolymers and copolymers or vinyl, etc., would be among those with the necessary traits. Members of this family are recognized universally as being versatile and of high quality.
The plastic components of the vented toilet seat device 100 can also be formed with the use of plastic molding techniques, such as injection molding or blow molding. Injection molding requires melted plastic to be forcefully injected into relatively cool molds. As the plastic begins to harden, it takes on the shape of the mold cavity. This technique is ideal for the mass production of products. Alternatively, blow molding, a form of extrusion, could be utilized. Blow molding involves a molten tube being pushed into a mold. Compressed air then forces the molten tube against the cold walls of the mold.
All electronic components of the invention will also be ideally selected from those currently having the highest industry ratings. These components will also meet and/or exceed all safety and usage regulations. Wiring and associated connecting hardware should be insulated and otherwise protected from intrusion by any harmful or degrading elements, including water, medium level temperatures, and low to medium impact force.
The size of the vented toilet seat device 100 may vary widely. The preferred embodiment is approximately 17 inches in length, 15 inches in width and having a seat diameter of 2 inches. It should be obvious that any color, shape or size toilet seat could be utilized with the present invention. It should be obvious that while the current invention is described herein in conjunction with public restroom and household use, it could be used anywhere a toilet is located, including on buses, airplanes, recreational vehicles, and the like. It should also be obvious that other mechanisms could be used to start the intake fan, such as a switch, multiple pressure or weight sensors or infrared or motion activated technology currently used in automatic flushing toilets or standard power switches. In fact, no mechanism is even necessary since the intake fan could run continuously. However, this would not be the most efficient use of this invention. It should further be obvious that although the device 100 described herein is for use with an elongated oval shaped toilet seat, a circular, a horseshoe, or other shaped toilet seat could also utilize the present invention.
Further, the vented toilet seat device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 502. The pair of toilet seat components 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the toilet seat components 102, or any other indicia 502 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 502 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be toilet, odor, or brand related.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “vented toilet seat device”, “toilet seat device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the vented toilet seat device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vented toilet seat device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the vented toilet seat device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/406,319, which was filed on Sep. 14, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63406319 | Sep 2022 | US |
