GB2508014A

GB2508014A - A toilet bowl air extraction apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2508014A
Application number: GB1220773.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lester Marshall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-11-19
Filing date: 2012-11-19
Publication date: 2014-05-21
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-19
Also published as: GB2508014B; GB201220773D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a toilet air extraction apparatus and comprises an airflow path 35-42 arranged through an overflow pipe 31 that extends from a toilet bowl to a location remote from said bowl. A powered circulatory device i.e. an electric fan 43 is arranged in the air flow path to generate an air flow in a direction towards the remote location. The fan may be switched on by means of a light switch, activation of the flush mechanism, infra red detector or a PIR movement detector.

Description

A Toilet Air Extraction Aaratus

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a toilet air extraction device, in particular to air extraction devices that utilise an overflow end Petot the flush water.

Background to the Invention

The Applicant is aware of known extraction fans which are located within the walls and/or ceilings of typical bathrooms and/water closets.

The disadvantage of using this type of fan is that any odorous air wiU not be immediately extracted from the toilet, because the odorous air will be drawn across the room to an appropriate extraction fan, which is unpleasant for the person in and/or around the bathroom or water closet.

The closest prior art known to the Applicant is European patent appLication EP 1024231 Al. This document discloses a toilet venting system, which incorporates an exhaust line connected at one end to a flushing tube from a toilet cistern and its opposite end is connected to a soil pipe connected to the toilet bowl.

The disadvantage of this venting system is that it requires an additional component to be located between the water cistern of the toilet and the water bowl. This component incorporates a junction which connects with the flushing tube, a control switchgear and control units for operating an extraction fan and an associated valve. These items are required to isolate the soil pipe from the toilet, therefore preventing any odours from the soil pipe, whilst simultaneously preventing any water being flushed down the flush pipe from being inadvertently flushed down the exhaust line instead of the toilet. Therefore, the system is a complex solution, which does not lend itself to an easy fitting to new or existing toilets. Furthermore, this system can only be used on a toilet which incorporates a cistern that is separate and higher than the toilet bowl. This vent system cannot be implemented for more modern close coupled toilets, where the cistern is attached directly to the toilet bowl.

It is the intention of this invention to provide a solution to the above stated problems.

Summary of the invention

In a broad independent aspect, the invention provides a toilet air extraction apparatus comprising an airflow path arranged through an overflow means that extends from a toilet bowl to a location remote from said bowl, and a powered circulatory device arranged in said air flow path, which in use provides airflow along said airflow path.

This configuration is advantageous because it utilises the water overflow within a toiLet to extract odours via the water overflow path. The circulatory device circulates air from the toilet bowl, to a remote location and therefore extracts any odours from the toilet. The odours are circulated along an airflow path by circulation or air generated by the circulatory fan via the overflow of the toilet. Therefore, the extraction of air from the toilet bowl removes any associated odours from the toilet.

Preferably, said overflow means is a conduit that extends from said toilet bowl to an air space within a toilet cistern. This configuration allows a transfer of odorous air from the toilet bowl to be contained within the toilet itself.

Prefer.bLy, said ovriow s arranged wfth flush. path. whereby said. flush path extends from saui cistern to said toiLet. bowL This confrouratEon utwses the water fLush path via the cistern overflow, irrespective of the water flush and overflow flesign, to provI cc the mrans of extracung air througn the water rush path via the nternar osterri overflow.

Preferably, said circulatory device comprises an electric fan. The activation and running of the fan via a typical household electrical supply can be activated by a remote switch, such as a light switch or toilet handle or the like.

Preferably, said circulatory device provides a negative air pressure in said airflow path from said toilet bowl. This generates the airflow from the toilet bowl, via the water overflow, which transfers the odorous air to a remote location from the toilet bowl.

Preferably, a toilet extraction device further comprising a second conduit that extends from one end said overflow means to said circulatory device. This configuration allows the direct transfer of odorous air from the toilet overflow to the circulatory device.

Preferably, one end of said second conduit is arranged to form a sleeve that extends about said one end of said overflow means. This configuration allows the water trapped between the sleeve and the overflow pipe to form a seal, which prevents odorous air from escaping from the overflow, whereh'y all ih ar extractd by che die utato cv device comes directly the toiLet bowl via the overflow and / or flush waterpath. Furthermore, this conhjouratlon s advantageous where the system is not seated snut Preferably, said remote location is remote from said toilet cistern. This allows the transfer of odorous air from the toilet bowl to be transferred from the toilet itself.

Preferably, said remote location is remote from said water closet incorporating said toilet bowl. This allows the transfer of air from the toilet bowl to be transferred away from the water closet itself.

Preferably, a toilet comprising a toilet air extraction device as mentioned above. This provides a toilet with the toilet extraction device.

Preferably, a water cLoset comprising a toilet extraction device as mentioned above. This provides a water closet which incorporates a toilet extraction device.

Preferably, a method of extracting air from a toilet as mentioned above.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a cross sectional drawing of a toilet cistern with an internal sleeve.

Figure 2 shows a cross sectional drawing of a toilet cistern with out an internal sleeve.

Detailed Description of the Fi2ures

Figure 1 shows a toilet cistern generally indicated by 1, which incorporates a traditional bottom or side water supply?, which is typically a 15mm pipe. The cistern lisa water container, which contains water up to a level indicated by 4. A flushing tube 5 is configured to extend perpendicuLarly from the bottom surface of the cistern 1, and is maintained in position via a coupling 6. An overflow pipe 7 incorporates an elbow 8, which displaces the overflow pipe 7 to the right hand side of the coupling 6. The overflow pipe 7 extends vertically upwards from the elbow 8 and extends above the water Level indicator 4.

A flap valve arrangement 9 is located on the overflow pipe 7, above the elbow 8.

A tubular sLeeve member 10 coaxially arranged about the overflow tube 7 and extends along a vertical axis, whereby one end is located about the eLbow 8, and an opposite end attached to a low voltage Direct Current (DC) centrifugal fan 11. A second tubular element 12 is attached at one end to the centrifugal fan 11 and extends along a horizontal axis towards the left hand side of the cistern 1. The second tubular element 12 incorporates an elbow 13 whereby the tube 12 extends along a second vertical axis towards an outlet coupling 14 which is attached and extends perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the cistern 1.

In use, the centrifugal fan creates an airflow, indicated by arrows 16 to 20, which is directed from the toilet pan to the output coupling along an airflow path created by a flushing tube, overflow pipe 7, centrifugal fan 11, second tubular member 12 and an outlet coupling 14 which extracts odorous air away from the cistern. The centrifugal fan creates a negative air pressure in the overflow pipe from the toilet pan to the centrifugal fan itself, and therefore blows the odorous air from the centrifugal fan along the second tubular element and out of the output coupling.

This system empLoys a typical fLap type cistern, which is operated by a handle or push button. When the flap is opened and the water contained within the vessel wilt then drop down into the toilet basin to remove any sanitary waste matter. As the water is dropped down the flushing tube into the toilet bowl, it cannot be simultaneously sucked up through the overflow pipe via the centrifugal fan. This is because the negative pressures generated by the centrifugal fan are of a low leveL which is not substantial enough to puLl up the overflow pipe. The overflow pipe located within a toilet bowl is positioned close to the excrement matter within a toiLet bowl and/or gaseous eruptions emitted from the user; therefore the suction provided by the centrifugal fan wiLl directly evacuate the odorous air from the area within the bowl, to an airspace that is remote to from the toilet; therefore eliminating any unpleasant odours within the bathroom and/or water closet.

Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention generally indicated by 30 which incorporate a flushing tube / overflow pipe configuration, which is very simiLar to the overflow pipe shown in Figure 1. The overfLow pipe 31 extends from a toilet bowl (not shown), to an air space enclosed within the water cistern 30, via a coupling within the lower portion of the cistern 30. An airflow path (indicated by arrows 35 to 42) is created between the toilet bowl and the airspace within the cistern 30, whereby the airflow from the overflow from the overflow pipe is connected to the centrifugal fan 43, via the air space enclosed within the cistern 30. The centrifugal fan pulls the odorous air within the encLosed air space within the cistern 30, into the centrifugal fan 43 itself, which then circulates the odorous air out into an airspace remote to the cistern 30. The centrifugal fan 43 creates an airflow along the airflow path 35 to 42.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the central fugal fan may be switched on via a switching means such as a light socket, activation of a flush mechanism, i.e. button or handle, an infrared detector or P1k movement detector within the close proximity of the toilet.

in operaLion, Lhe average ir speed into We toilet bowi s approximateLy 0.3 meters per second (rn/sac). between the underside of the seat and the howl ftc. the gap through which the 3ir is extracted inwards).

The volume flow rate is 3 to 6 Litres per minute (6.5 -13 cfm) against flow resistance.

The central fugal fan, DC low voltage which has the advantages of being quiet and plastic.

The advantages provided by this invention are: * effective, no more unpleasant or embarrassing smells within a bathroom or water closet; * simple, * cheap; * quiet; * energy efficient; * incorporate in new or retrofit to existing toilets and/or bathrooms.

Furthermore, the apparatus disclosed above may be implemented in any type of home, public toilets, hotels, schools, hospitals, workplaces, temporary toilets, in other words anywhere where there is a toilet either new or where the apparatus can be fitted retrospectively.

The first embodiment of the invention shows a typical arrangement where the lid of the cistern is loose fitting (typical of most domestic ones). The second embodiment shows a slightly similar arrangement where the cistern is sealed apart from the overflow and fill arrangements (typical of some of the pubUc toilets where the lid is fixed on). In the second embodiment the design of the fan creates negative pressure in the cistern head space rather than being coupled directly to an overflow jacket as disclosed within the first embodiment.

In summary, the invention employs a typical overflow arrangement where an internal overflow goes down the flush water route into the toilet bowl. Typically there is a flap valve which is lifted to release the water for a flush. Various designs exist, but from the point of view of extracting odours via the flush water path, all flap mount designs can be considered the same. The internal overflow is a relatively new development (certainly within the UK) and is assumed to eventually replace the traditional siphon flush because of cost and reliability issues.

It is envisaged that the invention wilt work with close coupled pan and traditional low-Level and high-Level cisterns. Both arrangements wilt vent via the standard side or bottom overflow pipes, or any other suiLb[ op@r:ing ri ihe cistern and evryihrg s kept as standard arid suprUed. Thtrefor@, enahtin2: an out[t h-: to be attached to the cktern, va the vaitahk, ap:rtures rd/or cut-outs provided wftnn th C!SLQ:1fl; wheRby the overflow couLd D dnLteci rhrouch an externa wU or the k'e \nthout uhe reec cc modify the cist@rn. Yher@fora, th' air s?xtractd v!S thc. normat flusH water and xhaust'd away cu r.sftie vaan attached standard 22 mllUrnetn (mm) overf Low pire. The exhaust from the ostern can e Dottornrnounteci or on efther SKiS or the ostern type or arrq othrr s:wt2be Oifliflf th cIs@rn.

A su!tabk' fan is apptid which has a tow voltage, which is quiet, ncorporats c.ritra luga! ftn with suitable flow and RsstTance cha rBctrstcs, In another embodiment of the invention, the toiLet air extraction apparatus may be supplied in a form of a kit, which can be retrospectively fitted to an existing toilet installation or new toilet installation.

Claims

C [aims 1. A toilet air extraction apparatus comprising an airflow path arranged through an overflow means that extends from a toilet bowl to a Location remote from said bowL, and a powered circuLatory device arranged in said air fLow path to generate an air flow in a direction towards said remote Location.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said overflow means is a conduit that extends from said toilet bowL to an air space within a toilet cistern. I0
3.An apparatus according to eTher of the cwecedin,g c[arns, wherein sBd overfLow is arrangdwfth a fLush pauh, wh@reh'y said flush path extends from s&d dst.m to S3;CJ tQU& bOWL 4. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said circulatory device comprises an electric fan.5. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said circulatory device provides a negative air pressure in said airflow path from said toilet bowl.6. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second conduit that extends from one end said overflow means to said circulatory device.7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein one end of said second conduit is arranged to form a sleeve that extends about said one end of said overflow means.8. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said remote location is remote from said toilet cistern.9. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein said remote location is remote from said water closet incorporating said toilet bowl.10. A toilet comprising said toilet air extraction apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding cLaims.11. A water closet comprising said toilet extraction apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims.12. A method of extracting air from a toiLet, in accordance with any of the preceding claims.13. A toilet air extraction device as substantially hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or Figures.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A toilet air extraction apparatus comprising an airflow path arranged through an overflow means that extends from a toilet bowl to a cidem and to a cemote ocadon from said cistern; and a powered circulatory device arranged wfthin said cistern in said air flow path to generate an air flow From said toilet bowL in a direction towards said remote location.2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said overflow means is a conduit that extends from said toilet bowl to an air space within a toilet cistern.3. An apparatus according to either of the preceding cLaims, wherein said overflow is arranged with a fLush path, whereby said flush path extends from said cistern to said toilet bowl.
4. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said circulatory device comprises an electric fan.
5. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said circulatory device 0 provides a negative air pressure in said airflow path from said toiLet bowL o
6. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second conduit that extends from one end said overflow means to said circulatory device.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein one end of said second conduit is arranged to form a sleeve that extends about said one end of said overflow means.
8. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said remote location is remote from said toiLet cistern.
9. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein said remote location is remote from said water closet incorporating said toilet bowl.
10. A toilet comprising said toilet air extraction apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims.
11. A water cLoset comprising said toilet extraction apparatus in accordance with any of the preceding claims.
12. A method of extracting air from a toilet, in accordance with any of the preceding claims. 11.
13. A toilet air extraction device as substantially hereinbefore described and/or illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or Figures. C') rC CoC