Antiviral toilet

Abstract

An antiviral toilet has a base structure including a toilet bowl with an upper rim; a seat and a top cover hinge mounted on the base structure; a filter assembly including a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter disposed within a perforated metal filter track housing, the filter assembly mounted on the underside of a toilet top cover concentric with the toilet seat, the filter assembly in uniform surface contact with the top surface of the toilet seat at one end when the toilet seat and top cover are closed; electronics for initiating flushing; a power source for powering the electronics; and at least one visual indicia for informing status.

Description

[0001] Cross-citation of relevant literature

[0002] This invention claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 392,952, entitled “Antiviral Toilet Seat,” filed August 3, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 061,642, entitled “Anti-Aerosol Toilet Seat,” filed August 5, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference at least. Technical Field

[0003] This invention belongs to the field of plumbed waste collection facilities, and specifically relates to methods and apparatus for removing contaminants from displacement air in plumbed waste collection facilities. Background Technology

[0004] In the field of waste management, a large number of utilities and facilities are designed or otherwise modified to safely collect and / or process and recycle human biological waste with the aim of eliminating or at least reducing potentially harmful biological airborne pollutants and / or potentially harmful airborne synthetic toxins and / or fumes.

[0005] Typical systems for recycling biological human excrement such as feces and urine involve collection processes, such as collecting excrement through toilets and urinals. Human excrement can be stored in collection tanks called septic tanks for periodic collection by vehicles. Human excrement can be collected and pumped into the sewer system, eventually reaching one or more treatment facilities where chemicals and certain processes can be applied to the wastewater to remove biological and synthetic contaminants. The treated water can then be used for other applications or released into natural drainage systems.

[0006] It is known in the art, and has been confirmed by numerous studies, that, for example, the waste collection system of a toilet may distribute airborne particles, characteristic of pathogenic spores, viruses, and other airborne contaminants, into the air surrounding the toilet. These contaminants may remain in the air for a period of time before settling on surfaces around the toilet, including the toilet surface, countertop, sink, shower unit, or bathtub surface.

[0007] In a study by Wilcox, Sandoe, and Best, mentioned in this article, entitled "Possibility of Clostridium difficile aerosolization after toilet flushing," Clostridium difficile was recovered from air samples after toilet flushing. Samples collected 25 cm above the toilet seat tested positive for Clostridium difficile. Bioaerosols generated from toilet flushing can contribute to hospital-acquired environmental contamination. Precautionary measures (toilet seat) should be evaluated as interventions to prevent toilet-related environmental contamination in clinical settings.

[0008] Other studies have shown that keeping toilets clean is essential to prevent the spread of bacteria and pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Toilet users' health may be affected by pathogens in airborne aerosol droplets that can rise up to one meter above the toilet seat and spread through the air during flushing. Each flush can generate approximately 14,000 to 80,000 aerosol droplets, and these droplets can rise even higher if the tank is installed high or a valve-type flushing system is used.

[0009] Droplets can rise up to a meter. Their research shows that pathogens can spread through the air via aerosol droplets released when flushing the toilet, thus contaminating restrooms. Furthermore, the smaller the pathogen, the higher its concentration in the air after flushing. Closing the toilet lid before flushing can help reduce the amount of airborne aerosol droplets containing bacteria that could contaminate the air and restroom; however, Professor Lai stated that international research has found that because there is a few millimeters of space between the lid and the toilet bowl, flushing can still release bacteria.

[0010] Multiple flushes may not eliminate the problem, as pathogens can linger on the toilet bowl surface for a period of time and spread via aerosol droplets. Therefore, when pathogens are released into the air during a flush, the walls and all surfaces and surrounding areas of the room become infected. As a result, the toilet seat, sink, and even the bathroom floor can become contaminated. Typically, the recommended bleach or disinfectant regimen is to regularly clean the toilet bowl with a 1:49 diluted household bleach and to clean all areas of the bathroom with a 1:99 diluted household bleach. After using the bathroom, use an exhaust fan (if available) for 15 to 30 minutes to help dilute bacteria and viruses in the air. Opening windows also helps maintain adequate ventilation.

[0011] In reality, flushing a typical toilet causes additional water to enter the toilet bowl, displacing the air inside. The added water flushing back into the bowl causes air to return, and the added water after flushing causes air to be expelled again. Normally, the atomized plume of biological material is pushed upwards; however, if the toilet lid is closed, the plume can also be pushed laterally due to the gaps between the underside of the lid and the rim of the bowl. Scientific findings confirm that sewers may contain viruses such as SARS-CoV-19 and other pathogens. These pathogens are present when an infected person uses a toilet and may therefore atomize into the area immediately adjacent to the toilet bowl, potentially settling on almost all surfaces in that area over time.

[0012] A significant problem with devices known in the art is that they rely on sensors, analyzers, collectors, filters, or sterilizers already known in the art. Existing devices are non-electric, non-mechanical, and non-mobile. They are also not airtight and cannot prevent all aerosols. In addition to the challenges mentioned above, atomized or airborne contaminants, spores, or pathogens may circumvent the edges of the depicted item, which may simply remain inside the casing without being isolated from the hollow space above and around the toilet.

[0013] Therefore, there is clearly a need in the art for a modular antiviral filter assembly for filtering airborne contaminants in the air displaced during flushing procedures of excrement collection facilities, in order to remove, suppress or eliminate inorganic and organic airborne particles containing emitted viral pathogens. Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an antiviral toilet is provided, comprising a base structure having a toilet bowl and an upper edge of the bowl; a toilet seat hinge mounted on the base structure and concentrically positioned with respect to the upper edge; a toilet lid hinge mounted on the base structure and concentrically positioned with respect to the toilet seat; a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter disposed within a porous metal filter track housing, the assembly being mounted on the underside of the toilet lid concentric with the toilet seat, the filter assembly making uniform surface contact at one end with the top surface of the toilet seat when the toilet seat and lid are closed; and an electronics compartment having an internal volume for accommodating electronics for initiating flushing, a power supply for powering the electronics, and at least one visual marker for notifying status.

[0015] With the toilet seat and lid closed, a manually or electronically activated flushing procedure forces contaminated air inside the toilet tank to rise as it is refilled from the connected water source, and then travels laterally along the periphery of the filter assembly before exiting to the outside of the base structure.

[0016] In one embodiment, a piped water tank serves as the connected water source, and a flush button is provided on the electronics compartment, enabling manual flushing. In another embodiment, a piped electronic flushing unit serves as the connected water source, and flushing is remotely activated via a wireless transceiver and a remote power switch housed in the electronics compartment. In a variation of this embodiment, flushing is activated by optically sensing the closed state of the antiviral toilet seat. In another embodiment using the user box, flushing is activated by a remote control operated by the user.

[0017] In one embodiment, the toilet seat includes at least two linear and annular one-way check valves that laterally pass through the material housing of the toilet seat. These check valves allow outside air to enter the toilet bowl and prevent air from escaping back to the outside of the base structure. In one embodiment, visual indicators include two or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted externally in the electronics compartment to alert the user to the toilet's status, including the state of water entering the toilet bowl after a flush. In a preferred embodiment, the electronics for initiating the flush include a remotely activated power switch. In one embodiment, the electronics include a microcontroller with instructions for indicating the status via one or more LEDs.

[0018] In one embodiment, the antiviral toilet also includes an annular recess with a crossbar within it, serving as a lifting handle positioned outside the electronics compartment. In one embodiment, the electronics also include electronic devices for providing a negative charge to an inner track portion of the filter track housing and a positive charge to the exterior of the filter track housing. In one embodiment, the power source is a rechargeable battery, and the electronics further include electronic devices for enabling the battery to be recharged. In a variant of this embodiment, the charging electronic device is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. In one embodiment, uniform surface contact between the top cover and the toilet seat is achieved via gaskets mounted on the free ends of the filter assembly. In one embodiment, the antiviral toilet also includes a pair of polymer caps for covering both ends of the metal porous track housing of the filter assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1A This is a front view of an antiviral toilet with the lid facing down according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A front view of an antiviral toilet with the lid open.

[0021] Figure 2This is a top perspective view of the seat ring assembly of an antiviral toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a lower perspective view of the seat ring assembly of an antiviral toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a front view of an improved CPAC filter in the seat assembly of an antiviral toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the seat ring assembly of an antiviral toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6A This is a block diagram depicting one of two antiviral toilets used in public facilities according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6B This is a second antiviral toilet seat used in public facilities according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart depicting the steps of using an antiviral toilet according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a front view of the antiviral toilet seat according to an embodiment of the present invention with the lid lifted.

[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top-down 3D view of the toilet seat and toilet bowl.

[0030] Figure 10 It is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the HEPA filter assembly.

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A block diagram of a compartment and a remote device with wireless transmission capabilities. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the various embodiments described in detail herein, the inventors provide a unique system for eliminating viral or pathogenic plumes emitted from the toilet bowl during flushing. One object of the invention is to reduce, eliminate, or suppress viruses or other pathogenic microorganisms, spores, and other contaminants in the air forced out of the toilet bowl during flushing. Another object of the invention is to prevent the unnecessary transmission of airborne viruses and other airborne contaminants to people using the toilet facilities. The invention is described using the following examples, which illustrate more than one related embodiment falling within the scope of the invention.

[0033] Figure 1A This is a front view of an antiviral toilet seat 100 with the lid facing down according to an embodiment of the present invention. The antiviral toilet seat 100 is a domestic version of the present invention. The toilet seat 100 includes a base structure 102 that includes a collection basin or tub with a toilet seat rim, as is present in all toilet systems. The toilet seat 100 includes a water tank 101 disposed at the rear of the toilet seat 100 for containing water for flushing. In this embodiment, the toilet seat 100 is manually flushed using a flush handle 103 connected to an internal chain, float, and stop assembly typical of domestic toilet systems. As mentioned in the background section of this specification, a problem arises when a person who may be emitting airborne pathogens (e.g., transmissible airborne viruses) uses the facility and flushes the toilet seat 100, regardless of whether the toilet seat lid is facing up or down during flushing. The problem is that the flushing process pours water from the water tank 101 into the tub within the base structure 102, causing air to be expelled upwards and outwards in the form of a plume. Any airborne pathogen can remain in the ejected plume for a period of time and may eventually settle onto surfaces near the facility. In this case, some pathogens may still retain the ability to infect others who come into contact with such bathroom surfaces after using the facility.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inventors provide an antiviral cover assembly 104 operable to reduce or eliminate pathogens that may be entrained in a plume of moist air forced out of the toilet bowl during flushing. Assembly 104 includes an annular toilet seat and a cover, modified or otherwise manufactured to support an antiviral filter housing 105, which can be mounted on the underside of the top cover and can be sealed against the inner edge of the modified annular seat resting on the edge of the bowl resting on the base structure 102. Although not visible in this embodiment, the annular seat can also be improved by adding gasket material to its underside surface to seal against the top edge of the collection bowl within the base structure 102. In one embodiment of the invention, assembly 104 can be manufactured and sold to consumers as an aftermarket antiviral solution to reduce or eliminate airborne pathogens that may escape from the bowl structure during flushing, whether the toilet seat is in an upward or downward position. In this case, the consumer can replace their existing seat assembly with the antiviral seat assembly 104. In this case, no modifications are required to other components of the toilet fixture 100. In one embodiment, the top cover of the antiviral seat assembly 104 includes a lifting handle to facilitate the user raising and lowering the top cover supporting the filter housing 105. In another embodiment, the filter housing 105 can be mounted onto an existing seat assembly, where specific modifications are required to successfully integrate the filter housing into the toilet seat assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the antiviral seat assembly 104 is manufactured and added to an existing toilet fixture, replacing the old seat assembly for user convenience; however, this is not particularly necessary for achieving the present invention.

[0035] Figure 1B yes Figure 1AThe image shows a front view of the antiviral toilet seat 100 with the lid open. In this view of the toilet seat assembly 100, the top cover of the antiviral seat assembly is raised, depicting the lower side of the antiviral filter housing 105. The filter housing 105 may be molded from a polymer material or polymer-rubber composite material with a certain density and weight, such as an acetal homopolymer material (like Delrin™) or a similar composite material. The filter housing 105 includes one or more (in this case, three) antiviral air filters 106. The antiviral air filters 106 may be continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) type antifungal / antiviral / antiparticulate filters, which in this embodiment may be modified to be used as a filter array in the filter housing 105. It should be noted that the lower side of the filter housing 105 is not suitable for upward-flowing air, except, of course, for air flowing into and passing through the CPAP filter 106. It may also be noted that at least a portion of the filter housing 105 is hollowed out on the inside above the filter 106 to allow filtered air to exit the filter housing through a side vent located at the rear of the housing. Although the side vent is not visible in this embodiment, its presence can be assumed. The improved CPAP filter can be considered a two-way filter, meaning that air can flow through the filter assembly in both directions. This is noteworthy because the flushing process initiated by the handle 103 may force air upwards and out of the cylinder as water is injected, and may draw air back into the cylinder as water is expelled from the bottom of the cylinder during flushing. Further details regarding the improvements to the CPAP filter 106 are provided later in this specification. Return to Reference Figure 1A Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the filter housing 105 may extend below the annular seat, at a distance from the geometric plane sealed on the inner edge of the annular seat by the filter housing component. In one embodiment, a handle may be provided at the center of the front of the top cover to assist the user in lifting the cover and the installed filter housing from the annular seat.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a top perspective view of the seat ring assembly 104 of an antiviral toilet 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the antiviral seat ring assembly 104 includes one or more modifications, which may be related to... Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe antiviral seat assembly differs; however, since the overall main function of the assembly is the same, the assembly and the filter housing have the same component number. In this embodiment, the filter housing 105 is mounted on the seat assembly top cover 200. The top cover 200 may have a molded form that overlaps with the filter housing 105 and with an annular seat 201, which is modified or otherwise formed to seal against the edge top surface of the toilet bowl and in the form of a peripheral skirt 303 formed on the inner edge of the annular seat 201 through an internal opening. The skirt 303 may be formed inward (towards the center) at approximately a 45-degree angle to the seat plane, which coincides with a sealing surface (not visible) formed on the outer lower periphery of the filter housing 105, which is angularly complementary to the skirt 303 at 135 degrees and flush with the skirt 303 when the top cover 200 is fully lowered. In one embodiment, the seal is a surface-to-surface seal sufficient to eliminate any potential gaps between the housing filter and the annular seat. In one embodiment, an O-ring gasket may be provided between the filter housing 105 and the annular seat 201. Note that the handle mentioned above can assist the user in pulling the cover 200 off the annular seat 201. In this embodiment, the annular seat 201 is modified or otherwise formed to include a geometrically recessed structure 202 located at the top front and center of the annular seat 201. The recessed structure 202 can serve as a symmetrical slit structure between the seat 201 and the top cover 200, allowing the user to lift the top cover 200 without using the handle mounted on the top cover.

[0037] In this embodiment, the antiviral filter housing 105 can accommodate a single, larger-diameter antibacterial, antiviral filter 203 (logically indicated by the dashed boundary). In this embodiment, an antiviral component 104 can be added to a public toilet that uses wireless sensor technology for automatic flushing. In one embodiment, the antiviral seat assembly 104 (more specifically, the antiviral filter housing 105) may include a wireless electronic control module (WECM) 204 adapted for short-range wireless communication with an automatic fully electric flushing unit that generates automatic flushing commands based on sensor data describing the toilet's relevant state or condition and the user's actions on it. The lid 200 includes a light-emitting diode array 205 adapted to inform the user of the status of the antiviral toilet. In one example, flushing is not performed until the lid 200 and the antiviral filter housing 105 are closed and sealed to the annular seat 201. In this case, one or more states of the antiviral toilet can be inserted into a flushing routine optimized for the antiviral toilet. In simple terms, one or more red LEDs may light up or flash to indicate that the flushing process has begun, preferably after the user has closed the cover 200 supporting the antiviral filter housing 105 onto the annular seat 201. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, this action of closing the cover can be communicated in a variety of ways to the electrically operated flushing unit (not shown) responsible for flushing the individual toilet seat.

[0038] In one embodiment, the motorized flushing unit detects the person leaving and closing the top cover before flushing using an optical sensor, and initiates flushing when the antiviral filter housing is properly aligned with the annular seat. In another embodiment, when the top cover 200 is raised, a travel sensor mounted via a hinge connection adjacent to the top cover and the annular seat transmits this information to the motorized flushing unit. An optical laser can be used as the travel sensor, with the circuit potentially disconnected when the cover is raised and not disconnected when the cover is lowered. Further details regarding the flushing-related processes are provided later in this specification. In one embodiment where the antiviral seat assembly includes WECM 204 and / or LED array 205, a small power source (not shown) may or may not be a rechargeable power source to power the electronic functions of the antiviral seat assembly 104. A small battery may be housed within the antiviral filter housing 105. For rechargeable batteries, a charging port may also be provided to charge the power source. In one embodiment, one or a pair of LEDs in the LED array 205 may illuminate red when the battery is low and green when fully charged.

[0039] In one embodiment, one or a pair of LEDs in the LED array 205 may light up red when flushing is in progress (do not open) and green when it is safe to open the lid 200 after flushing. The motorized flushing unit may use a counter to properly define the start and end of each toilet use, thereby tracking usage, particularly the raising and lowering of the lid 200. In one embodiment, for example, the motorized flushing unit may have a timer function that allows actions to be treated as real, so the user cannot quickly open and close the lid 200, and the flushing process is expected to start each time the lid 200 is closed. Similarly, the motorized flushing unit in the common area of ​​the toilet seat assembly 104 may include a back-off routine, for example, if the user simply walks away without closing the lid 200, the unit may start flushing after a set time in which the lid 200 is detected not being closed and no one is detected in the immediate vicinity of the stall or the common area.

[0040] The top cover 200 includes a plurality of vents 206 (three vents are visible) disposed at the rear end and rear side of the aforementioned unit. Each vent 206 may include a plurality of parallel through slots, these through slots being located at the filter 203 or Figure 1B The filter array 106 (for the home version) passes through the body of the top cover 200 and the body of the filter housing 104 at the upper hollow portion of the housing above the top plane. It should be noted that the filter design described above can be used in public or consumer home versions of toilets without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, air forced out of the toilet during flushing is forced through the antibacterial air filter 203 into the hollow space above the filter, and the filtered air is then led out through the vent 206. The antibacterial filter 203 can be a two-way filter, allowing air led out through the vent 206 to be drawn back into the toilet bowl when water injected into the bowl is drained during flushing. The filter 203 can be removed and replaced as needed: approximately every 6 months of operation.

[0041] Figure 3This is a lower perspective view of the seat ring assembly 104 of an antiviral toilet 100 according to an embodiment of FIG1. ​​In this embodiment, the filter design includes three CPAP filters in an array 106. The filters in the array 106 may be bidirectional positive airflow (BIPAP) filters, meaning that air can flow through them in both directions, thereby conforming to the bidirectional air displacement that occurs within the toilet bowl during flushing. The top cover 200 may be molded or otherwise formed to have a downward-facing outer peripheral wall 301 that extends a distance beyond the periphery of the annular seat ring 201. The filter housing 105 may have a peripheral surface 306 formed at an angle complementary to the skirt surface 303, such that when these surfaces are brought together, they mate on mating surfaces and are flush with each other within a tolerance of about one degree or less, thereby providing a sealing interface that eliminates the air gap typically located between the top cover and the annular seat ring in prior art seat ring assemblies that have not been modified to practice this invention. In one embodiment, the sealing surface may include a peripheral groove structure 305 that can receive an O-ring gasket 304. The groove 305 may extend peripherally around the inclined surface of the skirt 306.

[0042] Surface-to-surface sealing technology is well known in the art and can achieve the desired sealing effect regardless of whether an O-ring gasket is provided; however, gasket sealing allows for less stringent angular tolerances when manufacturing the inclined surface interface between the inner skirt 303 and the inclined surface 306 around the lower part of the filter housing 105. In one embodiment, a toilet kit including an antiviral seat assembly may include two gaskets 300 and 306. In this embodiment, the annular seat 201 has a flat and broad gasket 300 that is adhered to the underside of the annular seat and adapted to provide a seal against the top surface of the toilet bowl rim. The gasket 300 may be glued to the underside of the annular seat 201. The gasket 300 may be a silicone rubber gasket material that is flexible yet resilient and has a thickness sufficient to provide a sealing surface at the toilet bowl rim despite the increased weight of the top cover 200 due to the addition of the filter housing. Gasket 300 eliminates the typical gap between the annular seat and the top edge of the toilet bowl found in unmodified toilets with seat assemblies unsuitable for practicing this invention. Gasket 306 provides a similar seal between the top cover 200 and the seat 201.

[0043] The purpose of using gaskets and / or sealing surfaces is to ensure that contaminated air from the toilet bowl does not escape into the atmosphere surrounding the toilet through any gaps in the system, but must instead pass through the filter housed in the filter housing 105. It is important to note that after waste collection, the lid 200 should be closed against the edge of the toilet bowl on the annular seat 201 as soon as possible. The bidirectional nature of the filter and flushing process also allows air that may escape before the lid is closed to be drawn back into the system during the flushing process, significantly reducing the amount of contaminants in the air surrounding the toilet, which will eventually settle onto the bathroom surfaces around the toilet.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a front view of an improved CPAP filter for the seat ring assembly 104 of an antiviral toilet 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The filter assembly 106 may be a modified CPAP or BIPAP filter to practice the present invention. The filter assembly 106 is adapted as a removable and replaceable filter, inserted into an annular cavity disposed through the bottom solid portion of the filter housing 105. An array of such filters may be provided, wherein each filter has its own airflow passage. Figure 1B In this embodiment, there are three filters in the array; however, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the filter housing may contain more or fewer filters. Filter 106 includes an annular polymer or plastic housing 400 having a disc-shaped central annular portion that houses a microbial / viral filter 402 (CPAP / BIPAP) and an adjacent pre-filter 403, one above the filter material 402 and one below the filter material 402.

[0045] In one embodiment, the pre-filter 403 may be made of a cloth or plastic substrate having alternating concentric metal rings of zinc and copper spaced by uniformly small gaps. The zinc and copper may be printed or otherwise deposited on the annular substrate, which may be referred to as a nanoplate. The pre-filter 403 may be referred to in the art as an electrostatic precipitator. The electrostatic precipitator may also include an electro-sterilization function and is an annular insert in an additional, unmodified CPAP or BIPAP filter assembly 106. The pre-filter 403 is adapted to remove bacteria during the inlet and outlet airflow of a toilet flushing process. During the toilet flushing operation, whenever ionized water is atomized, an electric current is generated in the gaps between the concentric zinc and copper rings, referred to as nanoplates, which electrolyzes bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, etc., within the generated circuit.

[0046] When air flows through the CPAP or BIPAP filter as described above, the dust collector generates a weak electric field in the presence of moisture in the air. In addition to the filtration effect of the central microbial filter material 402, the pre-filter 403 can also eliminate airborne viruses upon contact via a weak electric shock process. Zinc is a well-known antibacterial and antifungal compound that can be incorporated into fabrics in the form of zinc pyrithione, in this case in the form of rings. Copper rings can be formed on the fabric using copper salts. Copper is commonly used in disinfectants and has antibacterial properties. In one embodiment, the substrate for the zinc and copper rings can be plastic instead of fabric without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In another embodiment of the invention, the pre-filter 403 may comprise zinc and silver metal dots in the form of a dot matrix, with silver replacing copper, such a dot matrix being printed or otherwise deposited on a fabric, textile, plastic, or synthetic material mixture, wherein the silver dots bind each copper dot in the matrix to the four corners. Essentially, through the filter housing 105 (see...) Figure 1A In the presence of ionized water or humidity in the atomized water, the dot matrix operates in the same manner as the concentric ring. In one embodiment, the pre-filter 403 may be a virus-killing nanocopper disk that can be inserted into the filter housing.

[0047] The filter assembly 106 has its own airflow passage constructed through the housing 400 and is open at both ends to facilitate airflow, including an annular section 401 (short tube) at the top of the filter assembly. Section 401 is suspended within the hollow portion of the filter housing 105 and points towards the rear of the housing. Figure 2 The vent 206, further described above, is located at the rear of the housing. During a flushing operation, water is injected into the gaps in the toilet bowl, causing an air plume to rise vertically in the direction of the arrow through the filter assembly 106. As the air passes through the channel, it contacts the pre-filter 403 and the antibacterial / antiviral filter material 402. It should be noted here that, due to the pressure of water injected into the bowl just before flushing, the sudden removal of excess water from the bowl after the plume rises causes the airflow to reverse direction, resulting in filtered air and ambient air flowing back through the filter element 402 and contacting the pre-filter 403 again. Finally, the toilet bowl can be re-injected to the planned depth immediately after flushing, causing the airflow to reverse upwards again, allowing airborne contaminants to fully contact the pre-filter 403 and the filter material 402 extending approximately to the center of the vertical channel through the filter assembly 106. In one embodiment, the filter housing assembly 105 may include a small fan that can be powered during flushing, which can help move the rising air through multiple filter channels or, in the case of a single filter, through a single filter channel. This fan can also be programmed to reverse the airflow back into the toilet bowl at the correct time as water is drained from the tub. LED 205 in the top cover 200 ( Figure 5The light turns red at the start of the rinsing process and then green after a suitable time (5 to 7 seconds) following rinsing, allowing the user to open the cover 200 and break the ring formed on the seat 201. Figure 3 ) Skirt around the bottom of the opening 303 ( Figure 3 ) seal.

[0048] Figure 5 It is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view of the antiviral toilet seat assembly 104. In this cross-sectional view, a hollowed-out portion of the filter housing 105 is depicted. In one embodiment, the filter housing 105 and the top cover 200 are molded as a continuous article. In another embodiment, the filter housing 105 is a separate article that is mounted to the underside of the top cover 200 in a manner forming a hollow portion of the assembly. The bottom of the filter housing 104 is a thicker material that supports the weight and an invisible complementary surface 306 that mates flush with the angled skirt surface 303 on the annular seat 201. Figure 3 The filter 106 is depicted in a cross-section showing the internal architecture for grading the filter elements, within a filter housing. A single vent 206 is visible in this view. A compartment 501 is provided in this embodiment for accommodating elements similar to those described above. Figure 2 The WECM 204 is a wireless control module. In one embodiment, other electronic devices, such as a battery power source for LED 205 and / or WECM, are disposed within the filter housing. In one embodiment, the WECM has a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery. In another embodiment, a charging port, such as a mini Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, can be provided for remote charging of the aforementioned unit from an external battery or power source. In this embodiment, the hollowed-out portion of the antiviral filter housing 105 extends downwards along the entire length of the housing to the interface base plate of the housing, wherein the annular CPAP filter is contained within a solid column open at both ends, which does not reach the entire height of the interior of the filter housing, allowing air to pass completely through the hollow portion entering the filter housing.

[0049] In this embodiment, the gasket 300 seals against the upper edge surface of the toilet bowl, and the skirt extends below the edge surface of the toilet bowl. The recessed structure 202 provides a convenient location to lift the top cover 200 to break the seal between the filter housing 105 and the annular seat ring 201. In a preferred embodiment, no air can enter the filter housing 105 from the toilet bowl without passing through one or more of the provided filters. It can be assumed that treated air can exit the filter housing 105 through vents (such as vent 206) in the filter housing. In this embodiment, the WECM may include a battery thereon, which may also power the LED panel 205. It may be noted that the top cover 200, integrated with the filter housing 105, is hinged at the rear (a hinge not shown) to the annular seat ring 201. In one embodiment, the annular seat ring 201 is made of a solid material such as plastic and may be molded or otherwise formed.

[0050] Figure 6 is a block diagram depicting a public facility 600 with an antiviral toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention. Depending on the type of public toilet facility, the public facility 600 may include one, two, or more toilets 603. Rest stop facilities may have multiple toilets 603, while gas station facilities or park and recreational facilities may have fewer toilets 603. In this embodiment, for privacy purposes, the public toilets are separated from each other by at least partitions 602. Each toilet 603 includes features similar to... Figure 2 The antiviral seat assembly 104 of component 104 provides a single microbial / antiviral / antifungal filter 605 in place of the improved CPAP / BIPAP filter. Filter 605 is similar to that described above. Figure 2 The filter 203 described herein is supported within an annular airflow channel, which may be several inches in diameter. Similarly, the total airflow channel area of ​​three separate CPAP / BIPAP filters may be similar or total several inches. Each public toilet 603 can be wirelessly paired with a dedicated, fully electric flushing unit 601. The tankless toilet flushes directly through the water supply line (an invisible pipe), unlike gravity-based tank systems that store approximately one gallon of water to be poured into the toilet bowl. The flushing unit 601 can employ smart sensor technology, for example, flushing the toilet when the user moves out of the sensor's optical recognition range; however, for the present invention to be implemented, flushing must be initiated when the seat assembly 104 is closed and sealed to the annular seat and, consequently, to the rim of the toilet bowl.

[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, the flushing unit 601 is adapted to flush the toilet seat 603 whenever the seat assembly (top cover and antiviral filter housing) is closed and sealed. This can be determined by using an optical sensor to determine the assembly 104 ( Figure 2The timing of closing after use is determined to enable a hands-free flushing procedure, where the user does not need to manually flush the toilet seat. In this embodiment, one depicted toilet has an upward-facing component 104. In this case, there is no command or sensing evidence to electronically flush the toilet seat. Another depicted toilet has a closing or shut-off component 104. In this case, the WECM may send a wireless signal to the electric flushing unit to immediately initiate a hands-free flushing procedure. In a more robust embodiment, the fully electric flushing unit may be provided with intelligence in the form of a timing function related to detected or communicated state events of the toilet seat 603 to mitigate errors during the flushing process. For example, the user may not manually flush the toilet and the closing component 104 may not be present. In this case, an alternative route can be observed, and after a set time, if the user does not close the lid onto the ring seat, the flushing unit 601 may override the closing component's rules and flush the toilet seat with the lid open.

[0052] In one implementation, it can provide with Figure 2 Similar to LED 205, it can indicate to the user that it is safe to open the toilet seat lid after the final flush. Typically, this time may be only five to ten seconds long to ensure that no airborne contaminants still floating around the toilet bowl are present. In yet another embodiment, a servo unit may be provided that automatically closes the seat assembly 104 to the annular seat 201 via a hinged connection with the gas impact component. Figure 2 The filter housing 104 is designed to achieve a smooth mechanical closing operation, and once closed and sealed, the flushing unit can initiate flushing. In one embodiment, the battery-powered filter housing 104 may have a sleep mode that is activated by the detection of motion by a sensor (e.g., when the user lifts the assembly 104 in preparation for use of the toilet 603). Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the sensor may be located in the filter housing 105 or in the electrically operated flushing unit 601.

[0053] Figure 7This is a flowchart 700 depicting the steps of using an antiviral toilet according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. In step 701, the user opens the assembly by pulling the top cover upward using a handle or flange structure, thereby breaking the seal between the filter housing and the toilet seat ring. In step 702, it can be determined whether the toilet is a residential unit or a public unit. If, in step 702, the unit is a residential unit, then once completed, the user closes the top cover in step 703 and reseals the filter housing against the seat ring. In step 704, the user manually flushes the toilet using the provided flush handle. In this simple daily household activity, potentially contaminated air is filtered during flushing with the top cover closed. In one embodiment, the toilet has a timer function and an LED panel that uses colored light to notify the user when the top cover can be opened again.

[0054] In step 702, if it is determined that the toilet is not a home version, then in step 705 it can be determined whether the user is operating a public version of the antiviral toilet. If the toilet is a public toilet in step 705, then in step 706, the user closes the lid once finished using it. In step 707, the electric flushing unit initiates a hands-free flushing procedure. In one aspect, when the user opens the lid, the powered electronics located within the filter housing wake up from sleep mode and communicate with the electric flushing unit, conveying that the user is operating the toilet, and the electric flushing unit can apply a timer function to verify actual use of the toilet. In one aspect of the method of using the public version of the toilet, a timer function is used to flush the toilet with the lid open if the user forgets to close the lid after use and leaves. In one aspect of the public version of the toilet, when the toilet lid is raised, one or more sensors wake the toilet electronics from sleep mode. In this aspect, when the lid is closed again, a counter can be used to associate the opening and closing of the lid with the usage time, and the usage time can be authenticated using a timer function. In one aspect of using the public version, the top cover is mechanically controlled by an electric flushing unit using sensors and a timing function to close the top cover if it is not closed after use.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, the inventors provide a system employing an elliptical high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter housed within a conductive metal track housing mounted on the underside of a toilet seat. In this system, two or more one-way check valves may be provided, mounted horizontally through the toilet seat, to allow unidirectional flow of room air into the toilet bowl during the portion of the flushing operation when the water level drops as the toilet is flushed. Also in this embodiment, air from the toilet bowl is forced horizontally through the HEPA filter and a section of the porous metal track housing with an opposite charge to provide optimal biological and particulate filtration of the forced air, as well as electro-hygiene of the same airflow, during the portion of the flushing operation when the water level rises in the toilet bowl. This embodiment is described using the following examples.

[0056] Figure 8 This is a front view of an antiviral toilet seat 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with its lid raised. The toilet seat 800 includes designs similar to the one referenced above and incorporated herein by reference. Figure 1A The described base structure 102 comprises a toilet bowl 802, which is supported by foot-shaped members 811. The water tank 801 is configured to hold flushing water, similar to... Figure 1A The toilet 100 has a water tank 101, except that in this example, no flush handle is provided on the water tank. In this example, an electronic flushing interface in the form of a flush button 814 is located on top of an integrated electronics compartment 805, or conversely, on a portion of the depicted toilet seat 803 raised in this embodiment. In one embodiment, the electronics compartment 805 may include a lid lift lever 806 for manually raising the toilet seat 803. In this embodiment, the electronics compartment 805 does not house any filter or filter material, but is dedicated to housing at least one remote power switch electronic receiver 807 and one or more batteries 824. In this embodiment, the battery 808 may be a rechargeable battery or a replaceable battery. The compartment housing the battery 824 may include a microcontroller and may support a design similar to that described above, at least by reference to the parent design included herein. Figure 2 The LED 205 is described as an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0057] For maintenance purposes, compartment 805 may be made accessible. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, compartment 805 may be made of the same or a different material as the toilet seat 803. In one embodiment, the flush button 814 can be manually operated to flush the toilet 800 by pressing a button. In the same embodiment, the flush button 814 may also be remotely activated via a wireless signal. In an alternative embodiment, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, flushing may be limited to manual or remote signal activation.

[0058] In this embodiment, an elliptical HEPA filter assembly 804 may be provided, which may be centrally mounted on the bottom surface of the toilet seat 803 in a manner substantially concentric with the overall shape of the electronics compartment 805 and the toilet seat. The HEPA filter assembly 804 may include a HEPA pleated filter 812 (depicted in dashed lines). In this embodiment, the HEPA filter 812 is housed within an elliptical filter housing 813. The filter housing 813 may include inner and outer sections formed of conductive metal, thereby providing a porous cage or shell around the HEPA filter material. The filter housing 813 may include a polymer seat ring and a polymer cap structure including a central partition wall for separating the inner and outer sections of the housing to prevent contact. For example, the inner metal cage portion forming the inner section and the outer metal cage portion forming the outer section may carry opposite charges (inner cage portion -, outer cage portion +) to improve the antiviral effectiveness of the HEPA filter assembly, even slightly exceeding the effectiveness level of the filter material itself.

[0059] In one embodiment, the HEPA filter assembly 804 can be sealed to the top surface of the toilet seat 815 via an elliptical rubber gasket 816. In another embodiment, the profile of the bottom polymer cap on the metal filter housing 813 is designed to form a surface-to-surface seal with the top surface of the toilet seat 815. In such an embodiment, airflow from the toilet flows horizontally from the inside to the outside through the filter assembly and can return from the outside to the inside through the filter assembly. Another embodiment provides a semi-rigid rubber and / or polymer material for manufacturing the toilet seat. In this embodiment, an airtight seal is formed via a soft / flexible material of the toilet seat.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, a plastic housing similar to housing 105 may be provided, having vents extending through the housing to allow bidirectional airflow. In this embodiment, the footprint of the HEPA filter assembly 804 is larger than the footprint of the annular opening (vertical dashed line) extending through the seat ring 815.

[0061] In this embodiment, the toilet seat 815 includes at least two linear and annular one-way airflow check valves, referred to herein as check valve 808a and check valve 808b. Check valves 808a and 808b allow outside air to flow into the toilet bowl but prevent air from escaping back into the external area of ​​the toilet bowl 800. It may be noted that while flushing occurs at the check valves, outside air can freely flow in through the HEPA filter assembly 804. Check valves 808a and 808b pass through the material of the toilet seat 815 and their diameter can range from one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch. More check valves 808 may be present than those depicted in this example without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0062] Check valves (e.g., valves 808a and 808b) can be strategically arranged anywhere around the toilet seat 815, equidistantly spaced and angled according to the 360-degree perimeter of the toilet seat. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, check valves 808a and 808b can be electronically operated or mechanical spring and ball valves. In a preferred embodiment, during flushing, as the water level in the toilet bowl decreases, check valves 808a and 808b open to external air, which flows through the check valves and into the toilet bowl. In both electronically controlled and manually (non-controlled) embodiments, airflow is not allowed to return from inside the toilet bowl through the check valves at any time, in relation to one-way valves known in the art. Check valves 808a and 808b are not particularly necessary for practicing the invention, but provide a mechanism for allowing more airflow from the outside into the toilet bowl during flushing as the water level decreases.

[0063] In a general implementation, the toilet bowl 800 can be used to collect excrement. After collection, the user can close the lid 803 onto the toilet seat 815. The user can then flush the toilet bowl 800 by manually pressing the flush button 814 or by initiating the flushing program using a remote device and wireless signals. During flushing, the water level in the toilet bowl drops, and outside air enters the toilet bowl through a check valve and a HEPA filter assembly. The outside air entering through the filter assembly is disinfected by passing through an electrically charged filter housing and a pleated HEPA filter. As water re-enters the toilet bowl, all the internal air to be displaced is forced horizontally through the HEPA filter assembly in all directions to reach the outside of the toilet bowl 800, i.e., air free of microorganisms and particulate matter.

[0064] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top perspective view of the toilet seat 803 and seat ring 815 of a toilet 800. In this embodiment, the toilet seat 803 is hinged to the toilet seat ring 815 via a hinge rod assembly 823. The seat / seat ring assembly can be fixed to it. Figure 8 The base structure 802 is depicted at the rear of the toilet bowl rim. The HEPA filter assembly 804 is depicted as logically attached to the underside (dashed line) of the toilet seat 803. The thickness of the HEPA filter assembly 804 can be approximately half an inch to approximately two inches. The height of the filter assembly 804 can be approximately half an inch to approximately five-eighths of an inch. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the assembly 804 is adapted to abut against the top surface of the toilet seat 815 to form a seal. In this view, a check valve 808b can be seen, extending horizontally through the material of the seat 815.

[0065] The lifting lever 806 may be an annular recess with a crossbar, which the user can grasp to pull the top cover 803 off the toilet seat 815. In another embodiment, there is no lifting lever 806, and the user can use the method described above regarding the mother's case. Figure 5 Further described, the top cover 803 is raised at the front center via a material embossed portion 202 on the seat ring 201. Similarly, other handle types can be positioned and mounted at any location on the top cover 803 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The overall height of the electronics compartment 805 is suitable for accommodating electronic components and batteries, and for accommodating a press-operated lifting lever structure 806.

[0066] Figure 10 It is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the HEPA filter assembly 804. In this view, the HEPA filter 812 is housed within a porous metal track housing 813, whereby horizontal airflow passes through negatively charged track sections (inner tracks), through the pleated HEPA filter material, and through positively charged track sections in the direction of the arrows. Airflow in the direction of the arrows occurs after flushing the toilet and when water is returned to the toilet bowl, forcing air through the filter assembly. It should also be noted that reverse airflow may occur as toilet water descends from the toilet bowl. In both cases, the air is sterilized as it passes through the filter assembly. In one embodiment, a polymer cap 1001 may be provided for the mounting and contact surfaces so that the metal of the track structure does not contact the underside of the top cover and the top surface of the toilet seat.

[0067] Figure 11 yes Figure 8A block diagram of a toilet compartment 805 and a remote device with wireless transmission capability. In this view, compartment 805 includes a flush button 814, a lifting lever 806, and a battery compartment 808. In this embodiment, compartment 805 includes a small microcontroller 1101 with a power switch accessible by a remote device. Microcontroller 1101 can be remotely activated to initiate the toilet's flushing program. The automatic flushing program can be activated by a dedicated all-electric flushing unit 1105, similar to flushing unit 601 in Figure 6, which is further described above. Similarly, automatic flushing can be activated by a handheld remote control 1104, which has a battery for power supply, electronics for generating wireless signals, and a button for transmitting wireless signals to a power switch receiver in compartment 805, thereby initiating flushing and bypassing button 814, or in one embodiment, flush button 814 is activated remotely.

[0068] The flushing unit 1105 may include an optical sensor that can see the toilet seat lid and determine in real time whether the seat has opened and then closed, as previously described for unit 601. In one embodiment, automatic flushing of the toilet seat can be locally implemented by adding a direction sensor or other motion sensor to the electronics compartment 805 to automatically sense the position of the toilet seat lid in relation to a period of time associated with typical toilet use. The microcontroller 1101 may be connected to the battery 808, the flush button 814 (if signal-controlled), and an array of LEDs 1102, which may be described similarly to those above, using a bus structure or simple electrical paths (logic dashes). Figure 2 Description of LED 205. In one embodiment, an LED selection module 1103 may be provided, allowing a microcontroller to select which LED in the LED array to illuminate via firmware routines. In one embodiment, one or more batteries in compartment 808 are rechargeable, and a universal serial port (USB) may be provided to charge one or more batteries. One or more LEDs 1102 may be dedicated to a charging state. One or more LEDs may be dedicated to active states, such as lid closed, a flushing procedure in progress, and indicating when the toilet can be reopened for the next use. In a preferred embodiment, this time is from the moment water flows back into the tank (represented by one color) to the moment the water level in the tank is again at its highest level before the next use (represented by another color). Several different possibilities exist.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that the antiviral toilet system of the present invention can be provided using some or all of the elements described herein. The arrangement and function of the elements related to the invention are described in various embodiments, each of which is an implementation of the invention. Although uses and methods are described in detail herein, it should be noted that many changes can be made to the details of the construction and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An antiviral toilet seat, comprising: The base structure includes a toilet bowl with an upper edge; A toilet seat ring having a hinge mounted on the base structure and aligned with the center of the upper edge; A toilet seat cover having a hinge mounted on the toilet seat and positioned concentrically with the toilet seat; A filter assembly comprising a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter disposed within a porous metal filter track housing having an inner track portion and an outer track portion having opposite charges, the assembly being mounted on the underside of a toilet seat cover, wherein when the toilet seat and the cover are closed, the filter assembly makes uniform surface contact at one end with the top surface of the toilet seat cover; as well as An electronic equipment compartment having an internal volume for accommodating an electronic device for initiating flushing, a power supply for powering the electronic device, and at least one visual marker for notifying status. The feature is that, with the toilet seat and toilet lid closed, a manually or electronically activated flushing procedure forces contaminated air inside the toilet tank to rise as the toilet tank is refilled from the connected water source, and then passes through the filter assembly and is discharged laterally along its periphery to the outside of the base structure. The toilet seat includes at least two linear and annular one-way check valves that extend laterally through the material of the toilet seat. The one-way check valves allow outside air to enter the toilet tank and prevent air from escaping from the toilet tank back to the outside of the base structure.

2. The antiviral toilet according to claim 1, wherein the piped water tank serves as the connected water source, and wherein a flush button is provided on the electronic device compartment to enable manual flushing.

3. The antiviral toilet of claim 1, wherein the piped electronic flushing unit serves as the connected water source, and wherein flushing is remotely initiated by a wireless transceiver and a remote power switch housed within the electronic device compartment.

4. The antiviral toilet according to claim 3, wherein flushing is initiated by optically sensing the closed state of the antiviral toilet.

5. The antiviral toilet according to claim 2, wherein flushing is initiated by the user operating a remote control device.

6. The antiviral toilet of claim 1, wherein the visual markers include two or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) installed outside the electronic device compartment for alerting the user to the toilet status, including the status of water being injected into the toilet tank after a flushing action.

7. The antiviral toilet of claim 1, wherein the electronic device for initiating flushing includes a remotely activated power switch.

8. The antiviral toilet of claim 1, wherein the electronic device includes a microcontroller having instructions for indicating the status via the one or more LEDs.

9. The antiviral toilet according to claim 1, further comprising an annular recess having a crossbar in the annular recess for use as a lifting handle disposed on the outside of the electronic device compartment.

10. The antiviral toilet of claim 1, wherein the electronic device further comprises electronic device for providing a negative charge to the inner track portion of the porous metal filter track housing and a positive charge to the outer track portion of the porous metal filter track housing.

11. The antiviral toilet of claim 1, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery, and wherein the electronic device further comprises electronic equipment for enabling the battery to be recharged.

12. The antiviral toilet of claim 11, wherein the electronic device for charging is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

13. The antiviral toilet of claim 1, wherein uniform surface contact between the top cover and the toilet seat is achieved via a gasket mounted on the free end of the filter assembly.

14. The antiviral toilet of claim 1, further comprising a pair of polymer caps for covering the porous metal filter track housing at both ends of the filter assembly.

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