Toilet bowl ventilation systems for residential and commercial buildings

Abstract

A toilet ventilation system and kit for removing malodorous air from one or more toilet (and urinal) fixtures, including a fluid pump station for multi-fixture environments, an air intake assembly, and accessory components provided for that function. The air intake assembly allows existing toilets and urinals to be retrofitted with an air intake nozzle and connection to the toilet ventilation system. The accessory component assembly can be installed in a manner compatible with conventional, existing electrical outlet boxes and plumbing fittings. Toilet and urinal designs are also disclosed that include a direct air conduit to the interior space of the bowl and an external push-fit connection port for plumbing connection to the fluid pump.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 489,757, filed March 11, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

[0002] The present invention relates generally to toilets, and more particularly to a system for combating odors emanating from a toilet. [Background technology]

[0003] Since the invention and widespread adoption of the flush toilet, many inventions have been disclosed to solve the problem of toilet bowl odors. It is well understood in the art that the most effective way to eliminate toilet bowl odors is to capture the odorous air before it escapes the toilet bowl. While most of these inventions have been somewhat effective in addressing the problem, toilet bowl odor ventilation systems have not yet become widely adopted. These solutions are typically not commercially viable due to the high cost and complexity of the prescribed equipment and its installation and ongoing maintenance. Prescribed solutions may also be aesthetically unacceptable or may require special installations that are incompatible with existing toilet fixtures, making them impractical for widespread adoption or compliance with existing building codes.

[0004] Previous attempts to solve this problem have typically used fans, blowers, and other rotary vane-type air movers, which, by their nature, move large volumes of air but at relatively low pressures, necessitating the use of appropriately sized hoses or ducts to facilitate the flow of air with minimal resistance. Without a proper understanding of the minimum air exchange rate required to mitigate odors within a confined space, proposed solutions are typically over-designed to provide more airflow than necessary and fail to consider other types of air movers that may perform inadequately. In other cases, proposed solutions use these high-flow air mover types but make the mistake of assuming that sufficient airflow can be achieved by flowing through small-diameter piping. This is an unreasonable expectation, as smaller piping diameters and cross-sectional areas, as well as longer piping lengths, increase resistance to fluid flow and often fail to provide sufficient pressure.

[0005]

[0005] Because toilet facilities in commercial or public buildings typically utilize tankless toilets and urinals that utilize flush-o-meter type valves for flushing, an alternative method must be utilized to remove air from near the bowl of the toilet (or urinal) because flush-o-meter equipped facilities do not include a cistern with an overflow pipe configuration that can be used to remove air, as do typical domestic toilets.

[0006] The basic design and function of a flush-ometer valve are described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,114,398 to Sloan, while an early embodiment of a vacuum breaker for use with a flush-ometer valve is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,370,247 to Kenney. Vacuum breakers for flush-ometer valve assemblies most often use special connecting pipes with notched vacuum relief holes located at the top end of the pipes into which rubber vacuum breaker bladders are inserted. These holes are sealed by the vacuum breaker, which expands under pressure as water passes through the body of the vacuum breaker during flushing. This prevents water from escaping through the vacuum relief holes during the pressurized portion of the flushing cycle, but returns to an open state after flushing is complete, preventing air from entering the connecting pipe and creating a vacuum. Generally, most building codes require vacuum breakers to prevent water from being sucked back into the supply line. Therefore, for a proposed toilet ventilation solution to be feasible, the vacuum breaker function of the toilet or urinal fixture must be maintained. A solution that attempts to incorporate vacuum evacuation functionality in direct coordination with a flush-o-meter and vacuum breaker system would be complex and difficult to implement.

[0007]

[0007] A previously proposed approach is to provide an air intake pipe or duct that can be secured to the rim of the toilet bowl and connected to an air mover, as described in U.S. Design Patent No. D692,995 to Cogswell and U.S. Patent No. 4,876,748 to Chun. These must be sized sufficiently to allow the airflow required to extract the malodorous air through the attached air mover, which can be quite large if the vacuum pressure generated by the air mover is minimal. However, for toilets that may be installed in public or shared facilities, a solution that can be unobtrusively integrated into the toilet fixture would be advantageous to reduce the chance of physical damage, allow for easy cleaning and scrubbing, and allow for a clean appearance.

[0008] Another widely accepted approach is to use special toilet seat designs that incorporate exhaust channels connected to air movers into the body of the seat structure or as part of the seat mount and pivot hinge assembly. Some examples of this type of seat solution are proposed by U.S. Patent No. 3,649,972 to Sowards, U.S. Patent No. 4,944,045 to Agelatos et al., and U.S. Patent No. 6,772,449 B1 to Wolfe. In many cases, the seat can be designed to be retrofitted to an existing toilet. The drawbacks of this type of solution are the additional cost of a specially designed seat and the difficulty of matching the range of finished dimensions and aesthetics of the various toilet bowl models currently on the market. The seat approach also typically requires a flexible, accordion-style air hose to be connected to the seat so that it can be lifted open for use or cleaning. Flexible hoses are difficult to conceal, prone to damage, and difficult to clean due to folds that can trap fluids and debris. A better solution would be to retrofit the exhaust duct into existing production toilets without the need to replace the toilet seat, in an aesthetically acceptable, durable, and easy to clean manner.

[0009]

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 6,279,173 B1 to Denzin et al. describes a blower fan mounted within a toilet tank that must wrap around the top of the overflow to prevent the blower from creating enough vacuum pressure to draw water into the system.

[0010]

[0010] For toilet seat-type solutions, Character's U.S. Patent No. 8,239,973B describes using a quick-connect type coupling to connect the air hose to the air mover. This is acceptable for this type of solution because the gap between the underside of the toilet seat and the top of the toilet bowl rim prevents water from being sucked into the air hose in the event of an accidental overflow. Summary of the Invention

[0011]

[0011] An embodiment contemplates a toilet ventilation system operably engaging multiple toilets, multiple urinals, or both toilets and urinals, the toilet ventilation system comprising a pump case having a housing and a lid removably attached to the housing, the pump case including an inlet passage for an air line configured to direct air from the toilets or urinals to the pump case, a cable connector port configured to operably engage a cable connecting a toilet ventilation activation switch to the pump case, and a passage for an exhaust line configured to direct air out of the pump case, and multiple fluid pumps mounted within the pump case and configured to connect to the air line, the cable, and the exhaust line.

[0012]

[0012] An embodiment contemplates a toilet ventilation system operably engaged with a flush-o-meter toilet, the toilet ventilation system comprising an intake nozzle extending from the toilet bowl of the flush-o-meter toilet toward a spud cover, intake piping operably engaged with the intake nozzle and extending through the spud cover, and a spud cover assembly mounted around the spud cover and vacuum breaker connection pipe of the flush-o-meter toilet and configured to allow the intake line to pass through the spud cover assembly to the back side of the flush-o-meter toilet.

[0013]

[0013] An embodiment contemplates a toilet ventilation system operably engaged with a urinal, the toilet ventilation system comprising a piping adapter attached to a generally horizontal surface in front of the bowl of the urinal and including an air intake nozzle opening into the bowl of the urinal and a pipe connection outlet below the piping adapter outside the bowl, and an air intake pipe operably engaged with the pipe connection outlet and extending downward along the surface of the urinal toward the bottom of the urinal.

[0014]

[0014] An embodiment contemplates a toilet ventilation system incorporated into a urinal, the toilet ventilation system comprising a bowl, a water overflow channel extending into the urinal having an overflow inlet opening into the bowl at the top of the front wall of the bowl, an overflow outlet to a drain in the bowl, and a piping access port within the urinal, and an air intake piping operably engaged with the piping access port and extending to the back of the urinal.

[0015]

[0015] An embodiment contemplates a toilet ventilation system incorporated into a flush-o-meter toilet, the toilet ventilation system comprising a bowl having a channel molded therein, the channel having a first end opening to the underside of the rim of the toilet bowl and a second end opening to the rear of the flush-o-meter toilet, and an adapter block configured to operably engage the second open end and connect to an intake pipe configured to direct air toward a fluid pump.

[0016]

[0016] An embodiment contemplates a toilet ventilation system incorporated into a toilet, the toilet ventilation system comprising a bowl, a tank operably engaged with the bowl, the tank including a cutout in a bottom or side wall of the tank, a toilet tank overflow pipe mounted within the tank, an air intake shroud mounted on top of the toilet tank overflow pipe, a fitting having a hollow center sealed and fixed within the cutout and configured to allow air to flow therethrough, and an air piping lead operably engaged with the hollow center at a first end and operably engaged with the air intake shroud at a second end.

[0017]

[0017] An embodiment contemplates a toilet ventilation system incorporated into a toilet, the toilet ventilation system comprising a bowl, a tank operably engaged with the bowl, the tank including a cutout in a bottom or side wall of the tank, a toilet tank overflow pipe mounted within the tank, an air intake shroud mounted on top of the toilet tank overflow pipe, a fitting having a hollow center sealed and fixed within the cutout and configured to allow air to flow therethrough, and an air piping lead operably engaged with the hollow center at a first end and operably engaged with the air intake shroud at a second end.

[0018]

[0018] Embodiments contemplate a kit of components for a toilet ventilation system.

[0019] The present toilet bowl ventilation system addresses these shortcomings and facilitates the adoption of toilet bowl odor ventilation systems for new construction projects for both residential and commercial building applications. The embodiments disclosed herein can be used individually or in combination in a given building project, as needed for each unique building application.

[0019]

[0020] Disclosed embodiments of the lavatory ventilation system include fluid pumps for single and multi-fixture lavatory applications, wall outlet connections for electricity and air flow, drain and vent pipe exhaust connections, retrofit options for lavatory bowls and urinals with existing flush-o-meter valves, and / or lavatory bowls and urinals with integrated lavatory ventilation.

[0020]

[0021] For fluid pumps used in toilet ventilation systems for multi-facility toilet applications, embodiments of this solution include a case that can house multiple individual fluid pump assemblies, which can be offered to consumers as a ready-to-connect option for any of the air, switch signal, and power connections. The fluid pump assemblies can also be used with single-facility retrofit kits. The case contains all piping, manifolds, and wiring harnesses to each pump. The case containing the fluid pump assemblies can reduce noise during operation. In the event of an individual pump failure, a replacement fluid pump assembly can be easily swapped for the failed unit.

[0021]

[0022] Rather than housing complete fluid pump assemblies, the case can house individual fluid pump modules. This allows for a higher density of fluid pump modules, allowing more toilets to be serviced from a single case, and can include a programmable logic controller for more advanced operational control. Push-fit inlet and outlet ports, switch signal connections, power supplies, and programming interfaces for each fixture can be provided on the outside of the case, while all piping, manifolds, and control wiring can be internal. A digital interface screen can be provided for programming instead of individual timer controls (for each toilet fixture).

[0022]

[0023] With regard to the wall outlet connections for lavatory ventilation systems, it would be beneficial for installers to have a choice of wall outlet plates with push-fit air connections, switch cable connections, button switches, motion sensors, or any combination thereof. These wall outlet plates are dimensionally and aesthetically compatible with standard outlet boxes and cover plates used in typical construction projects, allowing the necessary piping and solid wiring to be installed simultaneously with other utilities being installed within the normal workflow of a building project. An embodiment has a special bracket design that matches the dimensions and screw mounting requirements of standard rectangular wall outlets. The bracket incorporates a rectangular window and mounting screw points for a bulkhead-style socket connector with screw terminals, as well as a circular cutout to accept a push-fit straight-through piping connection fitting. This completed bracket assembly is then attached to a low-voltage outlet box or bracket in a manner similar to a regular electrical outlet or wall switch, with air and signal connections made and finished with a standard wall outlet cover. These wall outlets may also be replicated to accommodate button switches, motion sensors, low-voltage power supplies, relay switches, and more.

[0023]

[0024] For exhaust connections to drain and vent pipes in toilet ventilation systems, it would be beneficial for both residential and commercial applications if installers had access to a configuration for connecting exhaust piping to existing wastewater and vent pipes that was compatible with existing fittings and could be easily replaced if a faulty or damaged push-in connector port needed to be replaced. This embodiment consists of a threaded drain cleanout plug incorporating a push-in connector cartridge. The cartridge can be installed as a compression-fit insert or permanently secured in a cavity and waterproofed using a potting compound backfill. Because drain cleanout ports are typically configured as vertical outlets for in-line tee fittings, a 90-degree push-in stem fitting can be used in combination with a flush-mounted straight fitting to allow for different exhaust piping connections depending on the routing of the exhaust pipe.

[0024]

[0025] In situations where a drain connection to a sink drain pipe is more appropriate, a slip-joint T-type fitting can be installed to support the drain piping connection. Typically, this slip-joint T-type fitting is used to connect an appropriately sized drain pipe. However, an alternative embodiment may be installed that comprises a plug fitting sized to fit the slip-joint fitting and incorporating one or more push-to-connect cartridge fittings.

[0025]

[0026] Regarding retrofit options for toilet ventilation systems for toilets and urinals with existing flush-o-meter valves, an air intake nozzle can be attached to the toilet bowl or urinal adjacent to the bowl opening and used to extract malodorous air. These air intake nozzle embodiments are relatively small due to the relatively low air flow rate and relatively high exhaust pressure from the fluid pump, whereas systems using air movers, such as fans, with relatively high air flow rates and relatively low exhaust pressures require significantly larger intake manifold channels to allow sufficient air flow. When malodorous air remains in a relatively enclosed space, capturing it directly from the toilet bowl during use, the amount of malodorous air that needs to be removed is negligible and objectively quantifiable, so a high-pressure fluid pump with a low air flow rate provides the desired functionality. Advantages of this approach include reduced system component size, allowing for the use of flexible tubing that can be easily installed and routed to long exhaust piping lengths where needed, a fluid pump that is less susceptible to damage from accidental water intake, and compatibility with existing commercial piping and small-diameter pipe styles. The total cross-sectional area of ​​the intake nozzle opening is typically equal to or greater than the inside diameter (ID) of the installed intake pipe. An example proposed piping diameter is 6.4 millimeters (1 / 4 inch) ID, allowing the intake manifold body to be extremely compact, allowing it to pass through the narrow gap between the rim of the toilet bowl and the installed toilet seat. These intake nozzle components can be 3D printed as a single piece or assembled from molded plastic clamshell component pieces. Microchannel aluminum extrusion sections can also be incorporated as airflow conduits when narrow gap passages are used. In conjunction with the intake nozzle, a piping adapter is used to transition between the intake nozzle body profile and the intake piping connection port. The end of the intake tubing plugs into the adapter port to provide a leak-tight connection between the intake assembly and the fluid pump.

[0026]

[0027] The use of a diaphragm-type fluid pump allows the pump to operate in a manner that is resistant to water damage, allowing the exhaust line to be connected directly to the interior of the toilet bowl. When the exhaust line is connected directly to the interior of the toilet bowl (or urinal bowl), there is a chance that the toilet ventilation system may, under certain circumstances, inhale water along with air. Pumps and fans that cannot operate or are damaged when water is inhaled run the risk of inhaling water if the exhaust line is connected directly to the interior of the bowl, which could cause the pump or fan to fail or be permanently damaged. Therefore, when the term "fluid pump" is used in this specification, including the claims, it refers to a pump that primarily inhales air, but can also inhale water along with air without causing pump failure or damage. As an added benefit, when connected to a waste pipe for drainage, such a system can divert water to an alternative waste outlet in the event of an overflow condition, preventing or mitigating water from exceeding the capacity of the toilet bowl (or urinal bowl).

[0027]

[0028] Toilets equipped with flush-o-meters can be fitted with a protective housing component to conceal and protect the intake piping and provide a path extending from just behind the toilet seat to the rear of the toilet bowl fixture. The housing can be designed as a clamp-on attachment to the flush-o-meter connecting pipe and can be constructed of a durable plastic material, chrome-plated brass, stainless steel, zinc, or other material with a rust-resistant finish. The housing can enclose or serve as a replacement for a toilet spud fitting cover.

[0028]

[0029] A switch, or a switch combined with a motion sensor, may be used for each connected fixture to control the operation of the fluid pump of the toilet ventilation system. A surface-mountable switch cover assembly including the switch, motion sensor, and signal cable with a connector can be adhesively attached to a wall near the toilet or urinal.

[0029]

[0030] The outlet box installation can be installed during building retrofit or new construction using a wall outlet bracket assembly with a switch or a combination switch and motion sensor.

[0030]

[0031] For toilets equipped with a flush-o-meter, a switch and motion sensor can be incorporated into the aforementioned "toilet spud cover" design to provide a complete, ready-to-install, retrofit unit that further simplifies installation for the installer.

[0031]

[0032] For new toilets and / or urinals incorporating an exhaust plumbing connection into the toilet ventilation system, the toilet bowl or urinal body may be manufactured with a push-fit connection port for ready plumbing connection to an exhaust fluid pump, and an exhaust conduit leading from the connection fitting to the interior of the toilet bowl or urinal.

[0032]

[0033] In the toilet bowl of a toilet ventilation system, the molded porcelain body can be designed to include a molded access opening. A single pipe with a 90-degree bend at one end is attached, so that the bent end protrudes through an opening in the underside of the toilet bowl rim. This pipe extends through the existing flush passage, and the straight end of the pipe engages an adapter block that transitions to a push-to-connect cartridge fitting. The adapter fits into the access opening and is secured in place with adhesive sealant or epoxy to ensure a watertight seal and provide an exhaust connection port at the rear of the toilet bowl. Another embodiment of the toilet ventilation system incorporates a push-to-connect cartridge or straight connector fitting embedded within a miniature toilet spud fitting, which is used to seal the access opening with an expanding gasket seal instead of adhesive.

[0033]

[0034] In a urinal ventilation system, the urinal can be designed with a water overflow channel, similar to a vanity sink, that includes a small opening inside the bowl and an internal channel that connects to the drain pipe just below the drain opening. A small access port can be added to the overflow channel, to which the end of a flexible tube can be attached and permanently secured in place with adhesive sealant or epoxy. The other end of the flexible tube is routed to the rear of the urinal near the main drain connection and fitted with a push-to-connect straight-through fitting to readily accept a piping connection to a fluid pump for exhaust.

[0034]

[0035] In an example of a toilet ventilation system for a toilet tank using an intake shroud assembly (as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 882,676, filed August 8, 2022 by Hung), or other solutions that can use an overflow pipe and flush channel as exhaust conduits for the toilet bowl, a bulkhead-style push-fit straight connector fitting can be attached to the bottom of the tank to provide piping connections on both sides of the bulkhead. This fitting is inserted through an appropriately sized hole and secured in place with a locking nut and gasket for a waterproof installation. Another embodiment includes a bulkhead-style fitting incorporating a push-fit cartridge and piping lead for connection to the intake shroud attached to the overflow pipe. An additional pass-through hole, which can be configured in a mirror image of the fill valve pass-through hole, is provided in the bottom of the toilet tank. The pass-through fitting can be similar in design to the fill valve compression joint, except that it is limited to a cartridge fitting, piping lead, and a short end sufficient to accommodate backfilling potting compound. Another embodiment may be similarly configured but also include a pass-through for a switch cable patch cord with a socket connector for the button switch inside the tank and a plug connector for the switch extension cable outside the tank.

[0035]

[0036] The present lavatory ventilation system would benefit from having system components added to the lavatory ventilation system that make it more compatible with methods and standards currently used by the construction industry. In the plumbing and mechanical industries, the system components are compatible with commercially available pipes, tubing, and air fittings. In the electrical industry, the power and signal components use commercially available outlet boxes, cover plate systems, electrical wires, and cables. The system components are also incorporated into the finished bathroom design, giving designers and builders the freedom to add fixture options and enhance aesthetics.

[0036]

[0037] With regard to the specification of fluid pumps for multi-fixture toilet applications of toilet ventilation systems, the basic concept of providing each fixture with its own fluid pump, switch, exhaust, and power outlet connection is an acceptable solution. Optionally, it may be beneficial to remotely locate these fluid pumps together, share power and exhaust connections, and control their operation as a group, if desired. Furthermore, a fluid pump system specifically configured for the exhaust connections of a multi-fixture toilet facility may be a preferable solution than servicing each fixture with an individual fluid pump at each fixture location or as a cluster of remotely located pumps. A programmable logic controller may be included with this type of multi-fixture fluid pump system, as it can intermittently execute ventilation cycles to meet air quality goals without human interaction.

[0037]

[0038] In commercial or public buildings, toilet ventilation systems for multi-occupancy and multi-unit restroom facilities offer the same benefits of improved indoor air quality and reduced energy costs by lowering the minimum ventilation system air change requirement per hour. Specific air change rates vary depending on applicable building or ventilation codes, but as of this writing, a minimum continuous air change rate of 1.4 cubic meters (50 cubic feet) per minute per toilet or urinal can be used as a general guideline for commercial restroom facilities in the United States. Improving indoor air quality through low-airflow, point-based odor extraction techniques at each toilet or urinal may make a reduced continuous air change rate in a restroom facility satisfactory.

[0038]

[0039] These examples can be better understood by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1]

[0040] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a multi-fluid pump case. [Figure 2]

[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the multi-fluid pump case with the lid open. [Figure 3]

[0042] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a fluid pumping station without a lid. [Figure 4]

[0043] FIG. 1 is a schematic, partially exploded perspective view of a fluid pump station and lid assembly showing connections and control interfaces. [Figure 5]

[0044] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a toilet bowl and a wall outlet with an air and switch connection plate. FIG. [Figure 6]

[0045] 1 is a schematic front perspective view of a wall outlet with air and switch connection plates; FIG. [Figure 7]

[0046] 1 is a schematic rear perspective view of a wall outlet having a switch connecting plate assembly mounted on a low voltage wall outlet bracket; FIG. [Figure 8]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a two-gang, dual voltage wall outlet box with 120 VAC (alternating current voltage) outlets combined with an air-switch connection insert panel assembly. [Figure 9]

[0048] FIG. 1 is a schematic rear perspective view of a two-gang, dual voltage wall outlet box with a conventional 120 VAC outlet combined with an air-switch connection insert panel assembly. [Figure 10]

[0049] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a single low voltage wall outlet box with an air-switch connection insert panel assembly. [Figure 11]

[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic rear perspective view of a single low voltage wall outlet box with an air-switch connection insert panel assembly. [Figure 12]

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a single wall outlet box with a button switch insert panel assembly. [Figure 13]

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic rear perspective view of a single wall outlet box with a button switch insert panel assembly. [Figure 14]

[0053] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an air-switch connection insert bracket. [Figure 15]

[0054] FIG. 10 is a schematic rear perspective view of the air-switch connection insert bracket. [Figure 16]

[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an air-switch connection insert assembly. [Figure 17]

[0056] FIG. 1 is a schematic rear perspective view of an air-switch connection insert assembly. [Figure 18]

[0057] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a button switch insert panel. [Figure 19]

[0058] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear perspective view of the button switch insert panel. [Figure 20]

[0059] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a button switch insert panel assembly. [Figure 21]

[0060] FIG. 1 is a schematic rear perspective view of a button switch insert panel assembly. [Figure 22]

[0061] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a drain water (DW) cleanout tee fitting with an exhaust cleanout plug assembly installed. [Figure 23]

[0062] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a threaded drain exhaust cleanout plug assembly. [Figure 24]

[0063] FIG. 1 is a schematic rear perspective view of a threaded drain exhaust cleanout plug assembly. [Figure 25]

[0064] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a sink drain trap assembly and a slip joint T-pipe with an air connection plug fitting attached. [Figure 26]

[0065] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a slip joint air connection plug fitting. [Figure 27]

[0066] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a slip joint air connection plug fitting assembly. [Figure 28]

[0067] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a commercial-style toilet having a flush-o-meter valve (prior art). [Figure 29]

[0068] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a flash-ometer vacuum breaker assembly (prior art). [Figure 30]

[0069] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a toilet bowl equipped with a flush-ometer having an intake and spud cover assembly, with the seat cut away to show the intake fitting relative to the seat portion. [Figure 31]

[0070] FIG. 31 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the intake and spud cover assembly attached to the toilet bowl of FIG. 30. [Figure 32]

[0071] FIG. 31 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the intake and spud cover assembly attached to the toilet bowl of FIG. 30. [Figure 33]

[0072] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an intake and spud cover assembly. [Figure 34]

[0073] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of an intake and spud cover assembly. [Figure 35]

[0074] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an intake and spud cover assembly. [Figure 36]

[0075] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an air intake and spud cover assembly with a linear air intake nozzle attached to a toilet bowl. [Figure 37]

[0076] FIG. 37 is a schematic bottom perspective view showing an enlarged view of the linear intake nozzle of FIG. 36. [Figure 38]

[0077] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an intake and spud cover assembly with a 90 degree rectangular intake nozzle attached to a toilet bowl. [Figure 39]

[0078] FIG. 39 is a schematic bottom perspective view of an enlarged 90 degree rectangular intake nozzle of FIG. 38. [Figure 40]

[0079] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an intake and spud cover assembly attached to a toilet bowl, with an intake nozzle attached to the toilet seat. [Figure 41]

[0080] 41 is a schematic perspective view of an enlarged view of the seat-mounted intake and spud cover assembly with the seat-mounted intake nozzle of FIG. 40 shown in both the lowered and raised positions, with the seat shown partially in section to show the intake nozzle relative to the seat portion in both seat positions. [Figure 42]

[0081] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an air intake nozzle assembly attached to a toilet seat. [Figure 43]

[0082] FIG. 43 is a schematic underside perspective view of the intake nozzle assembly attached to the toilet seat of FIG. 42. [Figure 44]

[0083] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a urinal to which a urinal intake nozzle is attached. FIG. [Figure 45]

[0084] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an air intake nozzle for a urinal. [Figure 46]

[0085] FIG. 46 is a schematic perspective view of the underside of the urinal air intake nozzle of FIG. 45. [Figure 47]

[0086] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an installed urinal intake nozzle assembly. FIG. [Figure 48]

[0087] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a wall-mountable switch button and motion sensor assembly; FIG. [Figure 49]

[0088] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a switch and motion sensor insert wall plate assembly. [Figure 50]

[0089] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an intake and spud cover assembly incorporating a button switch and motion sensor. [Figure 51]

[0090] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a toilet bowl assembly incorporating a push-to-connect port; FIG. [Figure 52]

[0091] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cross section of a push-to-connect cartridge, toilet tank pipe connection, and adapter block as an assembly. [Figure 53]

[0092] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a toilet with a pipe-tube conduit and push-to-connect cartridge attached to the bowl of the toilet; FIG. [Figure 54]

[0093] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cross section of a push-to-connect cartridge, a toilet tank pipe connection, and a miniature pad connection fitting as an assembly; FIG. [Figure 55]

[0094] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a urinal incorporating a push-to-connect connection; FIG. [Figure 56]

[0095] FIG. 56 is a schematic rear perspective view of the urinal of FIG. 55 incorporating a push-to-connect type connection. [Figure 57]

[0096] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a urinal incorporating a push-to-connect connection and its interface with an anti-overflow channel incorporated into the urinal. FIG. [Figure 58]

[0097] 1 is a schematic underside perspective view of a toilet bowl with a tank showing two embodiments of an integrated push-to-connect port: one embodiment is a push-to-connect cartridge fitting permanently attached to the underside of the tank; the second embodiment is a removable bulkhead-style pass-through air fitting. [Figure 59]

[0098] FIG. 59 is a schematic, partially cutaway perspective view of a toilet tank showing the two embodiments of FIG. 58 installed within the toilet tank. [Figure 60]

[0099] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a removable bulkhead-type pass-through fitting. [Figure 61]

[0100] FIG. 61 is a schematic underside perspective view of the removable bulkhead-type pass-through fitting of FIG. 60. [Figure 62]

[0101] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a removable bulkhead type pass-through air and switch cable joint. [Figure 63]

[0102] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a commercial multi-facility restroom facility in which some of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination; FIG. [Figure 64]

[0103] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of a toilet bowl with an air intake retrofit attachment, a urinal incorporating an air intake port, two different embodiments of a wall-mounted switch and sensor, and a wall-mounted cable management tray. [Figure 65]

[0104] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a multi-fixture fluid pumping station with piping and switch cables, power supply, and sink drain exhaust connections. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040]

[0105] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of toilet ventilation systems for residential and commercial buildings. The descriptions and illustrations of these examples are provided to enable one skilled in the art to make and use such in accordance with the present invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.

[0041]

[0106] The framework of discussion used to organize the disclosed embodiments includes fluid pump assemblies for multi-fixture toilet applications, wall outlet connections, drain and vent pipe exhaust connections, retrofit options for toilet and urinal fixtures with existing flush-o-meter valves, and new toilet fixtures incorporating exhaust piping connections.

[0042]

[0107] As used herein, including the claims, the term "fluid pump" refers to a pump that is primarily used to pump air (e.g., foul-smelling air from a toilet bowl), but that can also operate when liquid (e.g., water from a toilet bowl assembly) is drawn into the fluid pump. Pumps are distinguished from fans in that they draw smaller volumes of air at higher pressures, as opposed to fans, which draw relatively large volumes of air at relatively low pressures.

[0043]

[0108] Reference is sometimes made to the use of flexible tubing, which may be, for example, a nominal size of 9.5 millimeter (3 / 8 inch) outside diameter (OD), 6.4 millimeter (1 / 4 inch) inside diameter (ID) flexible PVC tubing, or a larger size of 12.7 millimeter (1 / 2 inch) OD, 9.5 millimeter (3 / 8 inch) ID flexible PVC tubing. While these examples are based on nominal tubing sizes, it is understood that other sizes may be used and are not meant to be a limiting factor on the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044]

[0109] 1-4 show an example of a fluid pump assembly for a multi-fixture toilet.

[0110] 1-2 show an example of a fluid pump case 1 and lid assembly 2 that can be used for remote pump installations that service an entire house or multiple toilets from a central location. Individual fluid pump assemblies 20 are housed within the case 1, which includes a foam separator insert 6 to securely hold each fluid pump 20 and provide a means for vibration and sound reduction. The case 1 and lid 2 can be made, for example, from plastic, with foam or vibration-reducing materials added to reduce noise and vibration. A connector port combining a power supply 3 and a remote button switch connector 4 can be incorporated into the lid 2, allowing connections to be made without the need to open the case 1. A plumbing pass-through port 5 incorporated into the lid 2 allows separate air intake lines 11 from each serviced toilet to be connected to the individual fluid pumps 20 housed in the case 2. Air flows from each toilet to its respective fluid pump 20. Although three fluid pumps 20 are shown in the figures, different sized cases 1 may be used to accommodate different numbers of fluid pumps 20 (e.g., four, five, or six pumps 20), or multiple cases 1 may be used to house fluid pumps 20. A push-in piping manifold 24 couples the exhaust lines 12 from each fluid pump 20 to a single (e.g., larger diameter) exhaust piping line 15 that exits through piping port 5. Air exiting fluid pumps 20 is directed through manifold 24 to exhaust piping line 15. This configuration allows the case 1 and lid 2 assembly with multiple fluid pumps to be delivered to a customer as a complete unit, ready to connect with a power supply (e.g., electrical power), control cables (e.g., for pump on / off control), and push-in piping for easy connection at the construction site where the toilet ventilation system will be installed. The lid 2 can normally remain in place during operation of the toilet ventilation system, and can be removed to facilitate maintenance in order to reprogram or replace any of the individual fluid pump assemblies 20 (or other components).

[0045]

[0111] Figures 3 and 4 show another example of a remote pump station in which individual fluid pump modules 30 are housed in a single housing 33 and lid 34 assembly for servicing multiple toilet or urinal fixtures. For illustrative purposes, Figures 3 and 4 omit the internal wiring and piping connections to allow a clearer understanding of the location of the major components. The piping and wiring may be similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. The housing 33 and lid 34 of this pump station unit are not typically intended to be opened routinely except for repair and maintenance. Power connections 3 and control switch connections 4 are incorporated into the lid 34, as are individual timer relays 32 (which may have, for example, a digital LED interface), one for each toilet or urinal to be serviced. Push-to-connect plumbing connection ports 27 in the lid are provided for individual air intake tubes (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-2), and connection port 28 is provided for a single large exhaust tube or hose (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) that is the discharge point for an internal air manifold 26 that joins the individual exhaust lines 12 from each of the fluid pump modules 30. The exhaust tube or hose is sized to minimize airflow resistance and maintain a sufficient air flow rate to expel any water accidentally drawn into the fluid pump module 30. Optionally, instead of a single oversized hose (or tube), multiple 1 / 2-inch (12.7 millimeter) OD tubes 15 and a push-to-connect reducer manifold (such as manifold 24 shown in FIGS. 1-2) can be used for the exhaust, allowing for the use of push-to-connect fittings throughout. This option avoids the need for push-to-connect fittings larger than 1 / 2 inch, which are not readily available. A pair 36 of fluid pump modules 30 typically function in tandem to service a single toilet or urinal fixture, so that a Y-type push-to-connect connector 25 can be used to couple the intake lines 12 of the paired pump modules 36 to a single intake port 27.Instead of individual timer relays 32 for each tandem pump pair 36, a logic controller 31 can be used to control the operation of the individual fluid pump modules 30. If a logic controller 31 is used, a digital human-machine interface (HMI) control screen may be provided as part of the lid 34 for system programming. The remote pump station is powered by an external AC-to-DC converted power source (converting standard building AC voltage (e.g., typically 110-240 volts, "high voltage") to a relatively low-output DC voltage of approximately 5-10 volts, "low voltage"), thereby allowing the remote pump station to operate as a low-voltage device. Alternatively, an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) waterproof power supply may be included within the remote pump station housing 33 and have an external power cord and 120 VAC plug for connection to a standard wall outlet. 63-65 show an example of a multi-equipment pump station 40 (such as the remote pump station shown in FIGS. 3-4) installed in a commercial restroom environment, including an external power source 41, intake and exhaust line connections, and a wall-mounted cable management tray 42 for holding lines and cables.

[0046]

[0112] Figures 5-21 and 49 are diagrams related to wall outlet connections. In new construction projects, rough-in outlet boxes are typically installed by electrical contractors before the wall panels are installed over the framing structure. Similar installation procedures and workflows can be used to prepare the piping and switch connection points for a multi-fixture urinal ventilation system, thereby reducing installation costs and time.

[0047]

[0113] FIG. 5 shows an example of a wall outlet cover plate 70 mounted on the wall behind the toilet bowl 51 and toilet tank 50 assembly, which provides plumbing connections for the exhaust and a connection point for a tank-mounted switch 60 (e.g., an on / off switch).

[0048]

[0114] Figures 6 and 7 are enlarged front and rear views of the wall outlet cover plate 70 of Figure 5. If a standard blank wall outlet box cover 74 is used, it can be modified (e.g., using a CNC router) to include a rectangular cutout 76 for mounting the bulkhead-mountable socket connector 62 and a circular cutout that forms the piping pass-through 71. A tapping plate 77 includes pre-drilled screw holes that allow the socket connector 62 to be attached using self-tapping screws 66. Switch cable wires (not shown in Figures 6 and 7) are connected to corresponding screw terminal ports 64 of the socket connector 62. An exhaust piping lead 75, which connects to a remotely located fluid pump (e.g., one shown in Figures 1-4), is routed through the pass-through 71 and terminates in a push-to-connect straight connector fitting 72. The modified wall outlet cover plate 70 can then be attached to a low-voltage outlet bracket 65 that has been previously attached to a wall frame structure or wallboard panel. As used herein, low voltage refers to voltages in the range of approximately 5-10 volts (V), while high voltage refers to typical building voltages of 110-240 V. Once the toilet bowl (50, 51) is installed, the switch connector plug 61 of the tank-mounted switch 60 is connected to the socket connector 62, and the piping 73 leading to the toilet bowl (e.g., intake shroud) is attached to the open push-fit connection port 72 to complete the installation.

[0049]

[0115] 8-13 and 49 show example front and rear views of wall outlet assemblies illustrating various embodiments of insert brackets 90 that can be attached to a standard wall outlet box in a conventional manner and can use a standard rectangular wall outlet cover plate to complete the installation. The insert brackets can be configured to attach various combinations of push-fit connectors, switch cable connectors, button switches, infrared sensors, switch relays, etc.

[0050]

[0116] 8-11 show the configuration of an insert bracket 90 containing a push-to-connect straight reducer fitting 72 for connection to air piping and a bulkhead mounted electrical connector 62. The insert bracket 90 can be mounted to a typical single gang 83 or dual gang 82 outlet box. Standard rectangular cover plates for the dual outlet 80 and single outlet 85 variations can be used for an aesthetically acceptable installation that blends with the fixture's décor.

[0051]

[0117] 12-13 show a modified blank insert 91 containing the switch (including its cord 63 and connector plug 62) that can be mounted in a low voltage outlet bracket 84 as shown or in any standard outlet box. A standard rectangular cover plate 85 can be used to complete the installation.

[0052]

[0118] 14-17 show front and rear views of a bracket 90 that includes a rectangular cutout 76 for a bulkhead electrical connector 62 and a circular cutout 78 for a push-to-connect straight reducer fitting 72. Adjacent to the rectangular cutout 76, a hole 68 can be provided to readily accept a self-tapping mounting screw 66 for the bulkhead electrical connector 62. The rear side of the circular cutout 78 is larger in diameter than the front side to form a potting compound cavity 69, which is used to receive a hot melt (or epoxy) potting compound 79 that is used to secure the push-to-connect fitting 72 to the bracket 90. Outlet box mounting holes 86 are included in the bracket 90 to match the thread spacing of a standard wall outlet box in a building. A recessed pocket having a through hole 87 that accepts a threaded insert 88 (or nut) is included in the bracket 90 to accept the mounting screws of a standard rectangular wall outlet cover plate (e.g., cover plates 80, 85 shown in Figures 8-13) to complete the installation.

[0053]

[0119] FIGS. 18-21 show an embodiment of an insertable bracket design for a switch plate (e.g., switch plate 91 shown in FIGS. 12-13 ) that uses a standard blank adapter insert 89, typically used as a non-functional switch or outlet to decoratively conceal an unused outlet box in a wall. FIGS. 18-19 show front and rear views of a conventional blank adapter insert 89 modified by adding a circular cutout 93 to accept an assembly of a switch (e.g., switch 92 shown in FIGS. 12-13 ), a cord (e.g., cord 63 shown in FIGS. 12-13 ), and a connector plug (e.g., connector plug 61 shown in FIGS. 12-13 ). The standard blank adapter insert 89 includes mounting holes for standard outlet boxes and wall cover plates used in buildings. FIGS. 20-21 show front and rear views of a complete button switch insert assembly using the modified blank adapter insert 89 of FIGS. 18-19 . The assembly, including the switch 61 and attached cord 63, is fitted into the circular cutout 93 and secured in place with a switch locking nut. A rectangular potting sleeve 94 is attached to form a wall surrounding the button switch body and wiring terminals. The resulting cavity is then backfilled with hot melt (or epoxy) potting compound 95 to completely encapsulate and permanently bond the button switch to the modified adapter insert 89. The switch cord 63 is connected to the switch connector plug 62.

[0054]

[0120] A similar example of an embodiment using a modified blank adapter insert 96 is shown in Figure 49, which shows a front view of a modified blank adapter insert assembly including a switch 92 and an infrared proximity sensor 97 fitted into respective circular cutouts in the modified blank adapter insert 96. The insert assembly is shown with a standard wall outlet cover 85 installed to hide the opening of an outlet box mounted in a building wall.

[0055]

[0121] Figures 22-27 show examples of drain and vent pipe exhaust connections that can be used to allow exhaust piping to be connected through existing building plumbing fittings that can be easily disassembled for maintenance or replacement.

[0056]

[0122] 22-24 illustrate an embodiment using a standard cleanout tee fitting 100 with a threaded cleanout port 101, such as those used in many building plumbing systems. The cleanout port 101 accepts a removable cleanout plug 102 that threads into the cleanout port 101. The removable cleanout plug 102 includes a push-to-connect straight connector 103, or alternatively, a push-to-connect cartridge. The cleanout plug 102 may include a raised, flat-sided rectangular section that can be engaged with a wrench to install or remove the cleanout plug 102 from the cleanout port 101. The backside of the raised section may be a hollow cavity that can be used as a potting cavity 104 for backfilling. A circular cutout 106 extends through the exterior of the cavity 104 and is sized to accept the push-to-connect straight connector 103. The push-to-connect fitting 103 is inserted into the potting cavity 104 through the circular cutout 106 so that a short length of tubing long enough to extend beyond the cavity opening extends into the cavity side of the connector 103. A thermosetting or epoxy potting compound 105 is backfilled into the potting cavity 104, completely surrounding the push-to-connect fitting 103, with only the end of the tubing protruding from the compound 105. Because the orientation of a typical cleanout port 101 for the cleanout tee fitting 100 is typically perpendicular to the outlet of the in-line splice fitting when installed in a building's piping system, a 90-degree push-to-connect stem fitting 108 can be used in combination with the straight connector fitting 103 to reorient the exhaust piping 109 as needed for the piping routing of the toilet ventilation system. Additionally, the cleanout plug 102 may be modified to have more than one push-to-connect fitting 103, such as when ventilating more than one toilet or urinal.

[0057]

[0123] 25-27 illustrate an embodiment of a removable plug that can be used with a standard slip-joint connection 110. Slip-joints are typically used with conventional sink drain pipe connections, typically using a compression nut 110, a corresponding reducing washer 116, and a threaded pipe end to secure and seal a smaller diameter pipe section that is "slid" onto the end of the threaded pipe. The open end of a sink drain trap 111 is inserted into an in-line slip-joint connection 110 of a slip-joint tee pipe 112 for the main drain connection. An exhaust plug fitting 113 is sized for the corresponding slip-joint connection 110, and a reducing washer 116 is attached to the T-port of the slip-joint tee pipe 112. The exhaust plug fitting 113 includes an outward-facing cavity 117 on its top surface that receives a press-fit push-to-connect cartridge fitting 114 and a through-hole 118 for inserting a portion of the plug 113 body. To install, the exhaust plug fitting assembly 113 is fitted with a reducing washer 116 and inserted into the larger threaded pipe end. The slip-joint compression nut 110 is placed over the exhaust plug fitting 113 and reducing washer 116 and threaded onto the threaded pipe end. The exhaust tubing 115 is inserted into the port of the push-to-connect cartridge 114 to complete the installation. The slip-joint tee pipe 112 should be oriented so that the exhaust plug fitting 113 is in a vertical position (as shown in FIG. 25 ) or at an angle of approximately 60 degrees or less from the vertical under normal drainage conditions, so that water flowing through the drain pipe does not have an opportunity to reach the opening of the through-hole 118. The exhaust plug fitting 113 may also be configured with two or more push-to-connect cartridge fittings 114 to support the connection of multiple exhaust tubing 115, for example, when connecting multiple toilets or urinals. 63-65 show a slip joint plug fitting 113 for receiving a connection of exhaust piping 115 from a multi-fixture pump station 40 in a commercial restroom environment.

[0058]

[0124] 28-50 show examples of toilet ventilation systems that can be adapted for retrofitting to toilets and urinals equipped with existing flush-o-meter valves.

[0125] FIG. 28 shows a typical prior art commercial toilet having a tankless toilet bowl fixture 140, a commercial-style toilet seat 141, a spud cover and connector 152, a manual flush-o-meter valve 150, and a vacuum breaker pipe assembly 151. The flush-o-meter valve 150 is connected to the main water supply via a side-exit elbow pipe assembly 142 that extends into the wall immediately behind the toilet (or urinal). FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the prior art vacuum breaker pipe assembly 151, including a tailpiece nut 155, a vacuum breaker connecting pipe 156, a vacuum breaker bladder 157, a vacuum breaker baffle 158, and a vacuum breaker gasket 159. Battery-powered, electrically operated flush-o-meter valves incorporating occupancy sensors are also commonly used with these commercial-style toilets and urinals.

[0059]

[0126] Figures 30-43 show embodiments of an air intake system that can be retrofitted (e.g., by using a retrofit kit to add a toilet ventilation system) to a toilet assembly 143 equipped with a conventional flush-o-meter (see also Figures 28-29 for conventional toilets that can be retrofitted) and fitted with various air intake nozzle designs to accommodate different toilet seat configurations.

[0060]

[0127] Figure 30 shows an air intake system including a 90 degree low profile air intake nozzle 171, a plumbing adapter 172, and a clamp-on spud cover assembly 173 mounted as an assembly on the top surface of the toilet bowl fixture 140. The air intake nozzle 171 is directed toward the rim of the toilet bowl and extends below the closed toilet seat 141 between the seat hinges 144.

[0061]

[0128] Figures 31-32 show front and rear perspective views of the air intake system installed in the toilet bowl. The spud cover assembly 173 includes a front spud cover 174 and a rear cover panel 175 that are fastened around the vacuum breaker connection pipe 156. The front spud cover 174 includes a thin tunnel section that extends toward the edge of the toilet bowl, covering the plumbing connection port of the plumbing adapter 172. The plumbing adapter 172 acts as a transition air manifold from the circular profile of the plumbing connection to the thin, relatively flat, rectangular shape of the 90-degree low-profile air intake nozzle 171. The air intake nozzle 171 and plumbing adapter 172 can be affixed to the flat top surface of the toilet bowl using silicone or a similar waterproof adhesive. The air intake pipe 177 is routed from the rear of the toilet bowl fixture to the connection socket 182 of the plumbing adapter 172 (see also Figures 33-34), where it is inserted and secured with a cyanoacrylate (or similar) adhesive.

[0062]

[0129] Figures 33-35 show the configuration of Figures 30-32 of the air intake system assembly for the lavatory ventilation system in more detail. The air intake nozzle 171 and piping adapter 172 are shown as a slip-fit ​​connection in which the nozzle is inserted into the opening of the piping adapter, but other joining methods may be used depending on the nozzle design being used. The spud cover panels 174, 175 may be constructed, for example, of a durable plastic material or chrome-plated brass or steel for aesthetic appeal. The piping adapter 172 and air intake nozzle 171 may be 3D-printed plastic, for example, with a sealed chamber structure, which may be easier to mold using processes such as single-piece injection molding. Another alternative for fabricating the air intake nozzle 171 is to use a microchannel aluminum extrusion (such as those typically used in heat exchanger or liquid cooling applications); the low air flow rates required for lavatory ventilation system use allow such extrusions to be used effectively in this application. The front spud cover 173 includes a clamping collar 183 shaped to grip the standard vacuum breaker connection pipe 156 of a conventional toilet, and a clearance hole 181 for a clamping screw 178. The rear spud cover panel 174 includes a similar clamping collar 183 with a recessed nut pocket 180 that acts as a stop for a clamping nut 179 during installation. A plumbing access opening 184 in the rear of the spud cover assembly allows the air intake piping 177 to enter from the rear of the toilet fixture 140 and be routed in a protected manner around the toilet spud fitting 153 (and cover 154, if present) to the plumbing socket 182 in the plumbing adapter 172.

[0063]

[0130] Figures 36-43 show examples of alternative toilet bowl intake nozzle embodiments that can be used with the spud cover assembly 170 and intake system discussed with respect to Figures 30-35. Figures 36-37 show installed and underside views, respectively, of a flat, low-profile intake nozzle 190 configuration similar to the previously disclosed 90-degree intake nozzle 171 (of Figures 30-35), but without the downward bend beyond the edge of the toilet bowl. This configuration allows the previously separate plumbing adapter 172 to be incorporated into the nozzle 190 as a one-piece structure, although there may be a slight performance penalty due to the nozzle not extending further below the toilet bowl. Figures 38-39 show installed and underside views, respectively, of a rectangular-profile intake nozzle 191 design that does not utilize the low-profile configuration, allowing the nozzle 190 to be narrower and formed as a single-piece structure while still allowing effective airflow. This configuration applies to toilets with a large clearance under the seat, thereby eliminating the need for a low-profile nozzle. Figures 40-43 show another embodiment of an air intake nozzle 192 attached to a toilet seat 141. The air intake nozzle 192 is secured to the underside of the seat 141 near the pivot point of the seat's hinge using a silicone or similar waterproof adhesive. The air intake nozzle 192 includes a tubing socket 182 that accepts a short length of flexible (e.g., silicone rubber) tubing 193, which is inserted and secured with a cyanoacrylate (or similar) adhesive. The other end of the tubing 193 is similarly attached within the tubing socket 182 of a tubing adapter 194, allowing the air intake nozzle 192 to move with the seat as it is pivoted between its raised and lowered positions. The fitting can also be configured to connect to oval or rectangular tubing, improving the tubing's bending and stretching characteristics.

[0064]

[0131] 44-47 show an example of a urinal intake nozzle 194 that can be attached to a conventional urinal 145 having a reasonably flat rim surface 146 surrounding the main bowl. The urinal intake nozzle 194 includes a flat underside that secures the body of the nozzle 194 in place on the rim surface of the urinal using a silicone or similar waterproof adhesive. The urinal intake nozzle 194 can have a downward-facing plumbing socket 182 incorporated into the single-piece design that accepts an intake tube 177, which is inserted into the socket 182 and secured in place with a cyanoacrylate (or similar) adhesive. The intake tube 177 is routed under the underside of the urinal 145, for example, using glue or an adhesive-backed plumbing guide.

[0065]

[0132] Figures 48-50 show various example embodiments of switches and occupancy sensors that can be used to activate a fluid pump cycle in a toilet ventilation system. Figure 48 shows a switch 92, which may be an illuminated button switch, and an infrared proximity sensor 97, housed within a shared housing 98 and sharing a common switch cord 63 and connector for transmitting power and control signals. The electrical wire interconnections are contained within a housing cavity 98, which may be backfilled with a thermoset or epoxy potting compound during assembly. The assembled housing 98 can be attached to the wall of the toilet or urinal, for example, with a silicone or similar waterproof adhesive. Figure 49 shows the blank adapter insert 96 discussed above. Figure 50 shows a spud cover assembly 170 incorporating an illuminated button switch, which may be the illuminated button switch 92, and an infrared proximity sensor 97. This can be used in the assemblies discussed with respect to Figures 30-43. A front spud cover panel 174 includes a flat surface area 185 with circular cutouts for the switch 92 and sensor 97. The wire interconnections are housed within the spud cover panel 174 and may be surrounded by, for example, a potting sleeve and backfilled with a thermoset or epoxy potting compound in a manner similar to that disclosed above for the modified blank adapter insert for use with a wall outlet box.

[0066]

[0133] 63-64 illustrate examples of an intake spud cover assembly 170 (such as that shown in FIGS. 30-43 and 50) mounted on a toilet 143 with a flush-o-meter, an outlet box mounted switch and sensor adapter insert 96 (such as that shown in FIGS. 8-21 and 48-49), and a wall mounted button switch and sensor assembly 99 (such as that shown in FIGS. 8-21 and 48-49) installed in a multi-fixture (e.g., multiple toilets, multiple urinals, or a combination of toilets and urinals) commercial restroom environment. Alternatively, the intake spud cover assembly 170 and switch and sensor assembly 99 may be as shown in FIG. 50.

[0067]

[0134] Figures 51-62 are examples illustrating embodiments of toilets and urinals equipped with flush-ometer valves that have exhaust plumbing connections integrated into the toilets and urinals. As used in this specification, including the claims, the terms "integrated" and "integral" mean that particular elements or features are not formed separately and then joined together, but rather are formed as part of a single, monolithic piece.

[0068]

[0135] 51-53 show an embodiment of a toilet 200 that incorporates a push-fit connection air intake piping port 210 to provide an air connection directly to the interior of the toilet bowl 201. The air connection is achieved using a length of pipe 212 (or piping or a channel molded into it) with a 90-degree bend and one end located within the toilet bowl 201. The molded porcelain body of the toilet 200 includes an access opening 214 at the rear of the toilet 200 and an access port 215 on the underside of the rim of the toilet bowl. An adapter block 213 fits into the access opening 214 to provide a cavity for a push-fit connection cartridge 211, which can be attached, for example, by press-fitting, providing a socket for the straight end of the pipe 212 to be inserted, and the joint sealed, for example, with a cyanoacrylate (or similar) adhesive. The completed assembly is installed through rear access opening 214 with the 90-degree bend pointing downward through access port 215 to air connect to the interior of the toilet bowl 201. Adapter block 213 is secured in place with, for example, an adhesive sealant or epoxy to ensure a watertight seal. An air intake tube 220 extending from the toilet bowl 200 to the fluid pump is connected to push-in connection port 210 once the toilet fixture is installed. Although push-in connection fittings are discussed throughout this patent application, other types of connections (e.g., threaded or interference fit) may be used instead.

[0069]

[0136] Figure 54 shows another embodiment similar to that used in Figures 51-53, using the same conduit pipe 212, push-to-connect cartridge 211, and access port 215 described above, but using a miniature toilet spud fitting 216 as the basis for the access opening closure. The spud fitting 216 is sized to fit the diameter of the cartridge 211, allowing for a press-fit connection. A circular access opening 214 at the rear of the toilet bowl fixture 200 is sized to accept the insert portion of the miniature spud fitting 216, providing an effective seal. The conduit pipe 212 is butted (or inserted) into the inner opening of the push-to-connect cartridge 211 and secured in place with a backfill of, for example, a thermosetting or epoxy potting compound 217, which seals and waterproofs the assembly.

[0070]

[0137] Figures 55-57 show an embodiment of a urinal 202 incorporating a push-to-connect plumbing connection. The urinal 202 may be designed similarly to a standard bathroom sink and include a water overflow channel 238 that includes an overflow inlet 237 located high on the wall in front of the urinal bowl 231. The overflow channel 238 connects the overflow inlet 237 to an overflow outlet 241 included in the urinal drain 232, located below the drain cover 233 but forward of the drain trap 234. A plumbing access port 238, sized to fit, for example, a 9.5 mm (3 / 8 inch) OD, is formed through the wall of the overflow channel 238 near the opening of the overflow inlet 237. A plumbing lead 239 is inserted into the access port 238 and secured in place, for example, with an adhesive. Instead of flexible tubing, plastic pipe (PE or PEX) may be used to increase overall strength, and the inserted end may be flared before gluing, resulting in a more durable joint. In this embodiment, malodorous air can be extracted from the urinal bowl 231 through an opening in the overflow inlet 237 and from the urinal drain 232 through an opening in the overflow outlet 241. A piping lead 239 is routed near the waste water connection outlet 235 and can terminate in a push-fit straight connector 240 to readily accept connection of air intake piping to a fluid pump (such as those shown in Figures 1-4, 63, and 65). Figures 63-64 show a urinal fixture 202 installed in a multi-fixture commercial restroom environment and controlled by the switch and sensor assembly 99.

[0071]

[0138] The method of drawing air directly from the toilet or urinal bowl with an air moving device having sufficient vacuum pressure to draw water into the air conduit should be used in combination with a toilet ventilation system that has the following characteristics: the air mover type can be of a diaphragm pump design (i.e., a fluid pump) that can also draw water, and the plumbing connections, pump design, and system configuration are leak-proof, resistant to water damage, and capable of discharging exhaust air to a wastewater and ventilation system. The fluid pumps and accessory components of toilet ventilation systems described herein or in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 882,676, filed August 8, 2022, to Hung, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, whether pre-assembled or in kit form, meet these characteristics.

[0072]

[0139] Figures 58-62 show an example embodiment of a toilet ventilation system providing an integrated plumbing connection port for a toilet 202 with a tank, using an air intake shroud 203 of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 882,676, filed August 8, 2022, to Hung, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This toilet ventilation system has an air intake shroud 203 mounted over a toilet tank overflow pipe 204 to bleed foul-smelling air from the toilet bowl. Figures 58-59 show two different embodiments of a toilet ventilation system mounted to the same toilet tank 202. The first embodiment uses a circular cutout 251 located in an accessible position in the bottom wall of the toilet tank 202, which allows for the attachment of a bulkhead-style push-fit straight connector 250, which may have a threaded body that is secured in place by attaching a nut and sealing gasket to either side of the bulkhead. A piping lead 252 of sufficient length to reach the connection port in the intake shroud 203 is attached to the push-fit connection port 250 inside the toilet tank 202 so that the toilet tank 202 can be delivered to the customer ready for final fluid pump connection after installation of the toilet.

[0073]

[0140] Another embodiment, shown in Figures 58-61, uses a fill valve bulkhead fitting 255, which can be essentially identical to a conventional fill valve pass-through fitting 254, sharing the same dimensions, design features, and components, except that it is limited to a short end that includes a cartridge fitting 257, piping lead 253, and potting compound backfill 258. An additional circular pass-through hole 251 can be provided in the bottom of the toilet tank 202, mirroring the fill valve pass-through hole, allowing the two components to be repositioned side-to-side as needed for a particular bathroom and toilet installation. The bulkhead fitting includes a hollow threaded body 261 with an attached end flange 259, a sealing gasket 260, and a finger-tight flange nut 262. The sealing gasket 260 is attached to the threaded body before being inserted into the circular pass-through hole 251 from the tank side. A flange nut 262 is installed from the underside of the tank 202, and when tightened, the gasket 260 forms a watertight seal between the end flange 259 and the bottom of the toilet tank 202. A piping lead 253 long enough to reach the connection port of the intake shroud 203 is inserted into the open port side of, for example, a push-to-connect cartridge 257 and secured in place with, for example, a cyanoacrylate (or similar) adhesive. The piping assembly is then inserted into the hollow center passage of the bulkhead fitting 250, with only the connection port of the push-to-connect cartridge 257 protruding from the protruding end of the bulkhead fitting 250. The hollow cavity can be backfilled with, for example, potting compound 258 to secure the assembly in place and form a watertight seal.

[0074]

[0141] FIG. 62 shows another embodiment of a fill valve-type bulkhead fitting 265 that provides a pass-through piping and switch cable connection. This fitting can be the same as the previously disclosed bulkhead fitting 255 (as shown in FIGS. 58-61 ), except for an additional cutout 261 that allows the switch cable lead 267 to enter the body of the bulkhead fitting 265 without interfering with the function of the push-to-connect cartridge 257. The switch cable lead 267 is long enough to reach the activation switch 60 mounted on the tank of the toilet ventilation system and to be secured above the water level during normal operation. The cable can be secured, for example, with potting compound 258 along with the piping 253 and cartridge 257. A switch cable socket connector 268 is used to terminate the switch cable lead 267 inside the toilet tank, while a plug connector 269 is used to terminate the switch cable lead 267 outside the toilet tank. Toilet tanks that do not use a toilet ventilation system can be fitted with a blind plug by the manufacturer.

[0075]

[0142] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in view of the overall teachings of the present disclosure, various modifications and alternatives to the described and illustrated embodiments can be developed, and that various elements and features of one example described and illustrated herein can be combined with various elements and features of another example without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the specific examples disclosed herein have been selected by the inventors merely to describe and illustrate examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention or its protection scope, which shall cover the full scope of the appended claims and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A toilet ventilation system operably engaging a plurality of toilets, a plurality of urinals, or both the toilets and the urinals, comprising: a pump case having a housing and a lid removably attached to the housing, the pump case including an inlet passage for an air line configured to direct air from the toilet bowl or urinal into the pump case, a cable connector port configured to operably engage a cable connecting a toilet vent activation switch to the pump case, and a passage for an exhaust line configured to direct air out of the pump case; a plurality of fluid pumps mounted within the pump case and configured to connect to the air line, the cable, and the exhaust line; A toilet ventilation system comprising:

2. 2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, The toilet bowl ventilation system further including an internal foam separator configured to maintain the position of each of the fluid pumps within the pump case.

3. 2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, The toilet bowl ventilation system further includes an air manifold configured to connect to the air outputs of each of the fluid pumps and direct the air flow to the exhaust line.

4. 2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, The toilet bowl ventilation system further includes a plurality of air pipes extending from the entrance passage to each of the toilet bowl, the urinal, or both.

5. 2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, The toilet ventilation system further includes a plurality of switches configured to activate each of the fluid pumps, and a plurality of cables extending from the cable connector port to each of the switches.

6. 6. The toilet ventilation system according to claim 5, The toilet bowl ventilation system, wherein the switches are proximity sensors, each switch mounted adjacent to a respective one of the toilet bowl, the urinal, or both.

7. 2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, The toilet bowl ventilation system, wherein the fluid pump is an air pump module.

8. 2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, The toilet bowl ventilation system further comprising a timer controller attached to the pump case and configured to selectively activate and deactivate the fluid pump.

9. 2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, The toilet bowl ventilation system further includes a controller interface mounted to the pump case, and a programmable logic controller mounted within the pump housing and operatively engaged with the controller interface.

10. 2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, The toilet bowl ventilation system further comprising a single power supply opening configured to receive a cable from a power source to power the fluid pump.

11. 11. The toilet ventilation system of claim 10, The toilet bowl ventilation system further includes a wall outlet cover plate configured to attach to a wall electrical outlet box, said wall outlet cover plate including a fitting for connecting to an air line.

12. 12. The toilet ventilation system of claim 11, The toilet ventilation system, wherein the wall outlet cover plate includes a low voltage cable connection configured to connect the toilet or a switch adjacent to the urinal to the pump case.

13. 2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, A toilet ventilation system further comprising a threaded plug configured to be sealingly secured to a drain pipe, the threaded plug including an exhaust port configured to connect to the exhaust line extending from the pump case and direct air flow into the drain pipe.

14. 14. The toilet ventilation system of claim 13, A toilet ventilation system, wherein the drain pipe is a vertical drain pipe, and the threaded plug is configured to be sealingly secured to a cleanout opening of the drain pipe.

15. 14. The toilet ventilation system of claim 13, A toilet ventilation system, wherein the drain pipe is a sink drain pipe, and the threaded plug is configured to sealingly secure to a horizontal portion of the sink drain pipe.

16. 2. The toilet ventilation system of claim 1, The toilet is a flush-o-meter toilet, A toilet ventilation system including a respective air intake nozzle for each toilet having an opening adjacent the bowl of the toilet, and a respective air flow tube connecting each of the air intake nozzles to the pump case.

17. 17. The toilet ventilation system of claim 16, The toilet bowl ventilation system further includes spud cover assemblies, each attached to each of said toilet bowls around a corresponding vacuum breaker connection pipe, said air flow tube extending through each of said spud cover assemblies.

18. 1. A toilet bowl ventilation system operably engaged with a flush-o-meter toilet bowl, comprising: an air intake nozzle extending from the bowl of the flush-o-meter toilet toward a spud cover; an intake pipe operably engaged with the intake nozzle and extending through the spud cover; a spud cover assembly attached around the spud cover and vacuum breaker connection pipe of the flush-o-meter toilet, the spud cover assembly being configured to allow the suction line to pass through the spud cover assembly to the back of the flush-o-meter toilet; A toilet ventilation system comprising:

19. 19. The toilet ventilation system of claim 18, A toilet ventilation system, wherein a toilet ventilation switch is attached to the spud cover assembly.

20. 19. The toilet ventilation system of claim 18, A toilet bowl ventilation system, wherein a motion sensor is attached to the spud cover assembly.

21. 19. The toilet ventilation system of claim 18, the spud cover assembly includes a front spud cover that operably engages the intake nozzle, and a rear cover panel configured to be secured to the front spud cover to secure the spud cover assembly to the vacuum breaker connection pipe.

22. 19. The toilet ventilation system of claim 18, The toilet ventilation system, wherein the air intake nozzle is configured to extend below the toilet seat and between a pair of toilet seat hinges.

23. 23. The toilet ventilation system of claim 22, A toilet ventilation system, wherein the air intake nozzle includes an end that slopes downwardly into the bowl of the toilet.

24. 23. The toilet ventilation system of claim 22, A toilet ventilation system wherein the air intake nozzle extends to the edge of the toilet bowl but does not descend into the toilet bowl.

25. 19. The toilet ventilation system of claim 18, The toilet bowl ventilation system, wherein the air intake nozzle comprises microchannels.

26. 19. The toilet ventilation system of claim 18, A toilet bowl ventilation system, wherein the intake nozzle comprises a single channel.

27. 19. The toilet ventilation system of claim 18, A toilet ventilation system, wherein the air intake nozzle is fixed to the underside of the toilet seat and is configured to pivot up and down together with the toilet seat, and the air intake piping bends elastically when the toilet seat is pivoted up and down.

28. 1. A toilet ventilation system operably engaged with a urinal, comprising: a plumbing adapter attached to a generally horizontal surface on the front side of a bowl of the urinal, the plumbing adapter including an intake nozzle opening into the bowl of the urinal, and a pipe connection outlet below the plumbing adapter outside the bowl; an air intake pipe operably engaged with the pipe connection outlet and extending downward along the surface of the urinal toward the bottom of the urinal; A toilet ventilation system comprising:

29. A toilet ventilation system incorporated into a urinal, The bowl and a water overflow channel extending within the urinal having an overflow inlet opening into the bowl at an upper portion of the front wall of the bowl, an overflow outlet to a drain in the bowl, and a plumbing access port within the urinal; an air intake pipe operably engaged with the pipe access port and extending to the back of the urinal; A toilet ventilation system comprising:

30. 30. The toilet ventilation system of claim 29, The urinal ventilation system, wherein the intake port extends adjacent to a waste water connector of the urinal.

31. A toilet bowl ventilation system incorporated into a flush-o-meter toilet bowl, comprising: a bowl having a channel molded therein, the channel having a first end that opens to an underside of the rim of the bowl of a toilet bowl and a second end that opens to a rear side of the flush-o-meter toilet; an adapter block operably engaging the second open end and configured to connect to an intake pipe configured to direct air toward the fluid pump; A toilet ventilation system comprising:

32. 32. The toilet bowl ventilation system of claim 31, The toilet bowl ventilation system further comprises an air flow pipe extending through the channel and operably engaging the adapter block.

33. 32. The toilet bowl ventilation system of claim 31, The toilet bowl ventilation system, wherein the adapter block includes a push-to-connect cartridge configured to secure to the air intake pipe with a push-to-connect coupling.

34. 32. The toilet bowl ventilation system of claim 31, A toilet ventilation system, wherein the adapter block is configured to connect as a toilet spud fitting.

35. A toilet ventilation system incorporated into a toilet, The bowl and a tank operably engaging the bowl, the tank including a cutout in a bottom or side wall of the tank; a toilet tank overflow pipe installed in the tank; an intake shroud attached to an upper portion of the toilet tank overflow pipe; a fitting having a hollow center configured to allow air to flow therethrough, the fitting being sealingly secured within the cutout; an air line lead operably engaging the hollow center at a first end and operably engaging the intake shroud at a second end; A toilet ventilation system comprising:

36. 36. The toilet ventilation system of claim 35, A toilet bowl ventilation system wherein the cutout is the same size as a fill valve cutout in the bottom of the tank that receives a fill valve.

37. 36. The toilet ventilation system of claim 35, The toilet bowl ventilation system, wherein the fitting includes a hollow threaded body and a flange that secures the fitting within the cutout.

38. 38. The toilet ventilation system of claim 37, A toilet ventilation system, wherein the fitting includes a push-to-connect cartridge attached to an opening on the exterior of the toilet tank, the push-to-connect cartridge being connected to an exhaust piping.

39. 38. The toilet ventilation system of claim 37, A toilet bowl ventilation system wherein the hollow threaded body includes a passage for receiving a cable therethrough while sealing the fitting to prevent water from leaking from the tank through the cutout.

40. A kit for a toilet ventilation system comprising any of the elements of claims 1 to 17.

41. A kit for a toilet ventilation system comprising any of the elements of claims 18 to 27.

42. 30. A kit for a toilet ventilation system comprising any of the elements of claim 28.

43. A kit for a toilet ventilation system comprising any of the elements of claims 35 to 39.

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