Systems and methods for ventilating toilets

Abstract

A toilet seat ventilation and control system for ventilating and treating airborne odors and particles from the toilet seat and toilet bowl. The toilet seat ventilation system includes a controller configured to selectively activate or deactivate components of the system based on instructions from other components and / or the operating status of other components, the components including a sensor configured to detect the presence of a person on the toilet seat and activate the ventilation and treatment components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 127,827, filed on March 29, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This general inventive concept relates to the field of toilet assemblies, and more particularly, to systems and methods for controlling the operation of a toilet seat / toilet ventilation system that removes and treats odors, bacteria, and / or particulate matter in air drawn from a toilet.

Background Art

[0003] The advantages of ventilating air from various locations and devices have long been recognized. As such, many devices have been developed to provide such functionality. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,167,576 (hereinafter the " '576 patent"), U.S. Patent No. 6,298,500 (hereinafter the " '500 patent"), and U.S. Patent No. 9,877,623 (hereinafter the " '623 patent") describe various embodiments of toilet seat assemblies with a ventilation function for discharging harmful odors within a toilet. The inventions according to the '576 patent, the '500 patent, and the '623 patent are owned by the same right holder as the present invention. Further, when the toilet seat moves to a lowered or closed position and is freely or variably released, gravity acts unrestrictedly and the toilet seat may collide violently with the toilet, causing unnecessary impacts, wear, and abrasion to both the toilet seat and the toilet. Embodiments of this general inventive concept provide a toilet seat with a ventilation function that includes a resistance member that cooperates with the toilet seat and the hinge block, and when an external force is applied by a user to raise the toilet seat, the resistance member holds the raised toilet seat with a ventilation function resistantly against the toilet, and is adapted not to freely release the toilet seat even when an external force is applied to lower the toilet seat to a lowered position.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This specification discloses a ventilated toilet system, the ventilated toilet system comprising a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port, the housing comprising a filter housing interposed between the intake port and the exhaust port and having a guide member that engages with a fitting portion of a filter unit, the fitting portion comprising one or more projections extending from the opposing surface of the filter unit and engaging with the filter housing, the intake side of the filter unit being configured to be fixed at a predetermined distance from the intake port. A conduit is provided having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixable adjacent to the toilet bowl and the second end being connected to the intake port. A fan assembly is in fluid communication with the ventilated toilet bowl, and as a result the filtration system defines an airflow channel to draw air from the toilet bowl through the conduit to the intake port, passing through the filter unit and the exhaust port. The ventilated toilet seat comprises a manifold near an axis from which the toilet seat rotates between an open and a closed position. Also provided is a hinge block having a sleeve extending therefrom, which is received in the toilet seat manifold and rotatably connects the toilet seat to the hinge block. This allows the ventilated toilet seat to be pivotally connected to the toilet bowl by the toilet seat hinge block. Furthermore, the sleeve engages with the toilet seat manifold and exhaust port to fluidize communication with the airflow channel, directing air from the underside of the ventilated toilet seat into the airflow channel. That is, the ventilated toilet seat is provided with an intake port (referred to herein as the "manifold") that receives the toilet seat hinge sleeve. The manifold is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl, so that when the fan assembly is activated, air is drawn from the toilet bowl through the toilet seat hinge into the airflow channel. At least one resistive member is positioned between the toilet seat manifold and the hinge block sleeve to resistively suppress the rotation of the toilet seat when it is raised and lowered relative to the toilet bowl. Furthermore, a controller for selectively operating the fan assembly is also provided.

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, a filter unit is detachably fixed within a filter housing, and a filtration medium is housed in the internal space of the filter unit, collecting odors, bacteria, particulate matter, or any combination thereof as air passes through the filtration medium. Furthermore, the filtration medium can be selected to capture and kill bacteria entering the filter unit.

[0006] In yet another exemplary embodiment of a ventilated toilet seat, the resistive member is defined by at least one spring washer. It will be understood that multiple spring washers can be used stacked in series or in parallel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] The following exemplary embodiments represent exemplary techniques and structures designed to achieve the objectives of the overarching inventive concept, but the overarching inventive concept is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. In the accompanying drawings and illustrations, sizes, relative sizes, shapes, lines, objects, and the properties of areas may be exaggerated for clarity. The following detailed descriptions of the exemplary embodiments will facilitate understanding and appreciation of further diverse embodiments by referring to the accompanying drawings. The reference drawings are as follows: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the overall inventive concept. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an illustrative embodiment of the overall inventive concept, illustrating a state in which a toilet seat with a ventilation function is in fluid communication with the toilet seat. Figure 3A is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet seat hinge and conduit that engage with an inverted ventilated toilet seat. Figure 3B is an enlarged exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet seat hinge and resistance member for a ventilated toilet seat according to the overall inventive concept. Figure 3C is an enlarged partially exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet seat hinge and conduit that engages with the ventilated toilet seat shown in Figure 3B. Figure 3D is an enlarged exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet seat hinge and resistance member for a ventilated toilet seat according to the comprehensive inventive concept. Figure 3E is an enlarged partially exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet seat hinge and conduit that engages with the ventilated toilet seat shown in Figure 3C. Figure 3F is an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of a toilet seat hinge and conduit that engage with an inverted ventilated toilet seat. Figure 3G is an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of a toilet seat hinge and sleeve assembly. Figure 4 is an illustrative embodiment of the overall inventive concept, showing the filter unit and the rear panel of the housing in an disassembled state. Figure 5 is an illustrative embodiment of the overall inventive concept, with arrows indicating the direction of airflow through the airflow channel. Figure 6 is an illustrative embodiment of the overall inventive concept, showing a state in which the fan assembly has been removed from the housing, but fluid communication has been maintained. Figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a housing included in the overall inventive concept, capable of accommodating a fan assembly that has been removed from the housing but whose fluid communication has been maintained. Figure 8 shows an example embodiment of a filter cartridge included in this comprehensive inventive concept. Figure 9A shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the toilet system. Figure 9B shows an exemplary embodiment of the filtration unit shown in Figure 9A. Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the toilet system. Figure 11A shows a side view of a partial cutaway of one embodiment of the toilet system. Figure 11B shows a side view of a partial cutaway of one embodiment of the toilet system. Figure 12 shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the toilet system. Figure 13 shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the toilet system. Figure 14A is a perspective view of a toilet system of an exemplary embodiment, the illustrated exemplary embodiment having a filtration system with bumpers or legs for lifting the filtration system housing upward when placed on a floor or other mounting surface. Figure 14B is a second perspective view of the filtration system shown in Figure 14A, and shows the bottom panel of the filtration system housing. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a filtration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the overall inventive concept, showing, among other features and elements, indicator lights and switches on the housing as examples. Figure 16A is an exploded view of an inverted toilet seat with ventilation function according to an illustrative embodiment of the overall inventive concept, showing the location of the pressure sensor, ultraviolet light directed into the toilet bowl, and the safety switch. Figure 16B is a side cutaway view of one embodiment of a toilet system, showing a toilet lid positioned above or above the toilet seat, and schematically illustrating how the lid interacts with an override or safety mechanism for controlling the operation of ultraviolet light directed into the toilet bowl. Figure 17A is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the overall inventive concept. Figure 17B is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the overall inventive concept. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A toilet system for use with a ventilated toilet seat assembly, incorporating various features of this general inventive concept, is schematically shown as 1 in Figure 1. The toilet / filtration system 1 is designed to filter the air drawn in from the toilet 72 using a ventilated toilet seat 76, as described in detail in, for example, U.S. Patents 6,167,576, 6,298,500, and 9,877,623. The contents of U.S. Patents 6,167,576, 6,298,500, and 9,877,623 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, the filtration system 1 includes a housing 10 configured to be mounted on the wall behind the toilet 72 and below the associated tank 74, such that a substantial portion of the housing 10 is hidden from view when mounted. In commercial use, it should be noted that water is supplied to the toilet 72 from a remote location, and a residential-type tank 74, as shown in the illustration, is often not attached to the toilet 72.

[0009] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 10 can be positioned on the wall behind the toilet 72 and below the toilet tank 74, so as to be almost hidden from view. Although shown in the illustration it is positioned on the right side of the toilet 72, it will be understood that the housing 10 of this general inventive concept can be positioned on either side of the toilet 72. At least one conduit 20 can be attached to the housing 10 and extend to the ventilated toilet seat 76. In the illustrated embodiment, one conduit 20 is provided for drawing contaminated air from an individual exhaust channel 100B defined by the toilet 72 or toilet seat 76. However, in environments where two exhaust channels are provided, two conduits or a Y-shaped conduit can be used.

[0010] Figure 1 shows a front view of a housing 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. A front panel 12 having two depth segments is connected to a rear panel 14 and a bottom panel 32, defining the internal volume 17 within the housing 10 in the illustrated embodiment. Specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, the front panel 12 includes a first end segment 16 having curved sides and a top end, connected to the rear panel 14, and also connected to the bottom panel 32, thereby defining the internal volume. A second end segment 18 also has curved sides and a top end and is connected to the rear panel 14 and also connected to the bottom panel 32, thereby defining a larger internal volume than that defined by the first end segment 16. The general concept of the invention is not limited to the specific shapes of the housing members described above.

[0011] In the illustrated embodiment, a single conduit receiving section, i.e., an air intake 34, is defined near the upper end of the first depth segment of the front panel of the housing for receiving the proximal end 22 of the conduit 20. If two conduits 20 are used, it will be understood that the air intake may include two conduit receiving sections 34.

[0012] The housing 10 defines an airflow channel including a first end 36 and a second end 38 separated by a filter housing 50. The first end 36 has a first depth sized to fit behind a conventional toilet 72. As described above and illustrated, the conduit receiver 34 is located near the first end 36 at the upper end of the front panel. By positioning the first end 36 of the housing 10 behind the toilet 72 and providing the conduit receiver 34 therein, the conduit 20 is routed directly from under the ventilated toilet seat 76 to behind the toilet 72, under the tank 74, and above the housing 10, so that the conduit 20 is effectively concealed from view. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 38 of the housing 10 defines a greater depth to facilitate maintenance of the internal components of the housing 10, as will be further described below. The depth of the second end 38 of the housing 10 can also be configured to be smaller than the distance from the front of the tank 74 to the wall, so that the housing 10 is substantially hidden behind the toilet. In addition, the length of the housing 10 can be sized to fit almost completely beneath the tank 74. It should be understood that this general inventive concept is not limited to these dimensions, as these dimensions may be modified according to appropriate engineering judgment.

[0013] As shown in the figure, the front panel 12 may include extension members 19A and 19B on either the left or right side to facilitate mounting to a wall. In this embodiment, the housing 10 is mounted to a wall by conventional means such as wall anchors. The choice of mounting hardware is determined according to the application, for example, the need for security against theft or vandalism. However, it should be understood that this general concept of the invention is not limited to any particular type of conventional fastener selected for mounting the housing 10.

[0014] In some embodiments, a fitting or connector is provided for connecting the proximal end of the conduit 20 to the housing 10. This fitting may be made of a rigid material such as metal, stainless steel, and / or plastic, and includes means for connecting the conduit 20 to the housing 10. The housing 10 includes a conduit receiving section 34, which includes corresponding means for receiving the fitting, and the fitting mechanically fits into the conduit receiving section 34 to achieve a substantially airtight engagement and facilitate hose replacement or exchange. In other embodiments, the conduit 20 may be slip-fitted or press-fitted into the housing 10. In some embodiments, a connector is provided that can be selectively attached to the housing 10, the conduit 20, or both, thereby facilitating a substantially airtight engagement. In another embodiment, the connector may be integrally formed with the conduit 20 and selectively attached to the conduit receiving section 34 of the housing, or vice versa, facilitating a substantially airtight engagement. The receiving portion may be an adapter 23 (for example, made of a hard material such as metal, stainless steel, or resin) that connects to the conduit and extends into the housing. The adapter may be a screw-in device for fixing and / or sealing the conduit to the housing. The adapter may be made of a hard material such as steel or stainless steel and may be molded into the housing.

[0015] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the distal end 28 of the conduit 20 is connected to the ventilated toilet seat 76 by a toilet seat hinge 124. As shown in the figures, the ventilated toilet seat 76 defines two outlets 110A and 110B between the exhaust channels 100A and 100B, and a manifold 112. In this embodiment, the manifold 112 is defined by the ventilated toilet seat 76 and extends from its rear. The manifold 112 defines an opening 114, i.e., an air intake, for rotatably receiving the inlet 126 of the toilet seat hinge 124. The opening 114 is formed as a through-opening communicating with the outlets 110A and 110B, as shown in Figure 3, and can direct the airflow to a single toilet seat hinge 124 and the conduit 20 leading to the filter housing 18. By providing another toilet seat hinge 124 on the opposite side of the hinge assembly 122 and connecting it to the outlet 110B, airflow can be directed from outlet 110B to the filter housing independently of outlet 110A. For example, each outlet 110A and 110B can be connected to a toilet seat hinge 124 provided on the opposite side of the hinge assembly 122, thereby directing airflow to each conduit 20. In this case, the opening 114 is formed as a pair of openings 114 (for example, blind holes provided on the opposite side of the assembly 122 and separated by a partition member 115), each connecting to the corresponding outlets 110A and 110B and the hinge 124-conduit 20 configuration, resulting in a pair of conduits 20 extending to the filter housing 18 and entering adjacent or different locations on the filter housing 18, depending on the design selection. In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 3F, the ventilated toilet seat 76 further includes two additional outlets 110C and 110D that provide fluid communication between the toilet bowl and the manifold 112.

[0016] Also, it is possible to lead a pair of conduits 20 to a Y-joint and then connect a single conduit 20 to the filter housing. For connecting one or more conduits to the various exemplary filter housings shown herein using one or more hinges 124, various other configurations may be selected. The general inventive concept is not limited to a particular configuration or the shape of components for guiding an air flow from exhaust channels 100A, 100B to the filter housing of the general inventive concept. For example, one or more hinges may have one or a plurality of receiving portions at their ends, or the hinge itself may be a tubular structure with a lumen extending over the entire length of the hinge.

[0017] The toilet hinge 124 is provided for attaching a toilet seat 76 with a ventilation function to a conventional toilet 72. For this purpose, the toilet hinge 124 defines a threaded exhaust post 128 for being received in an opening defined by the conventional toilet 72 to attach the toilet seat. Thus, the toilet hinge 124 defines an internal conduit 130 having a sleeve 132 that defines an air intake at its inlet portion 126 and an exhaust port 134 at the distal end of the threaded exhaust post 128. The toilet hinge 124 further includes a sleeve 132 configured to be received in a toilet seat manifold 112 with a ventilation function. In one embodiment, the sleeve 132 is fixed within the toilet hinge 124 such that the sleeve 132 does not rotate relative to the toilet hinge 124. In this regard, a roll pin 125 can be used to fix the sleeve 132 within the toilet hinge 124. Alternatively, a set screw can be used. Also, the sleeve 132 may be fixed to the toilet hinge 124 by an adhesive. In one example, the inner diameter (ID) of the manifold 112 and the outer diameter (OD) of the sleeve 132 are selected such that the manifold 112 does not frictionally engage with the sleeve 132. In yet another example, the tolerance between the ID of the manifold 112 and the OD of the sleeve 13 may be set more tightly so that the manifold 112 frictionally engages with the sleeve 132.

[0018] In yet another exemplary embodiment, see, for example, Figure 3G, the sleeve 132' of the internal conduit 130' is secured to the toilet seat hinge 124 by a knurled section 133. The knurled section 124 is received by the toilet seat hinge 124. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various components of the toilet seat may be manufactured from resin or plastic suitable for injection molding processes. During the manufacturing process, when removing the hinge block 124 from the injection molding machine, an operator can insert the sleeve 132' into the hinge block 124, and as the resin or plastic material cools, it shrinks and fits into the grooves of the knurled section 133. The resulting bond between the resin and the knurled section 133 forms a stronger bond, thus eliminating the need for set screws, roll pins, or adhesives to secure the sleeve 132' to the hinge block 124 and prevent the sleeve 132' from rotating relative to the hinge block 124. Furthermore, a flat surface or other recess can be provided on the outer diameter of the sleeve, and the flat surface can be tightened during the cooling of the plastic material to securely fix the sleeve to the hinge block. Various means of fixing the sleeve to the hinge block have been described herein, but those skilled in the art may, by appropriate engineering judgment, also implement various other means to prevent the sleeve from rotating relative to the hinge block.

[0019] The exhaust post 128 receives the distal end 28 of the conduit 20. Thus, the internal conduit 130 is positioned to establish fluid communication from the exhaust channel 100A of the ventilated toilet seat 76, through the outlet 110A, the through-opening 114, the internal conduit 130 of the toilet seat hinge 124, the conduit 20, to the internal volume 17 of the housing 10. In the currently illustrated embodiment, the hinge assembly 122 includes a toilet seat hinge 124 and a conventional hinge 150, which work together to attach the ventilated toilet seat 76 to the toilet 72, allowing the ventilated toilet seat 76 to rotate around the conventional hinge 150 and the inlet 126 of the toilet seat hinge 124. In other embodiments in which the ventilated toilet seat 76 has two independent exhaust channel outlets (and separate through-openings), two ventilated toilet seat hinges 124 may have the hinge assembly 122.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the filter cartridge or unit 48 is selectively and removably fixed within a filter housing that is part of the housing 10. The filter cartridge 48 purifies the air for reintroduction into the external environment. A filtration medium is disposed within the filter cartridge 48. The filtration medium is a material that removes odors, bacteria, and / or particulate matter as air passes through when disposed within the filter cartridge 48. Particulate matter includes not only visible particles but also substances that are not visible to the naked eye, such as extremely minute substances and bacteria. In some embodiments, the filtration medium is a material that captures and kills bacteria. In the illustrated embodiment, the filtration medium is charcoal. In other embodiments, it may include filtration media other than charcoal, and the general inventive concept is not limited to a particular type of filtration medium. For example, as exemplary materials, charcoal, activated carbon, filter wool, filter wool made of polyethylene terephthalate or nylon, synthetic sponge or foam, ceramic or sintered glass, silicon products, activated carbon, zeolite, bioceramic balls, etc. may be mentioned. Materials with a large surface area provide both mechanical and biological filtration.

[0021] Referring again to Figures 1 to 9, and further to Figure 10, in another embodiment, a filter cartridge or unit 48 is envisioned that can be selectively and detachably fixed within a filter housing which may be part of the housing 310. The filter cartridge 48 purifies the air for reintroduction into the external environment. A filtration medium 528 is placed inside the filter cartridge 48. As previously stated, the filtration medium is a filter fine enough to filter air as it passes through when placed in the filter cartridge 48, and to prevent the passage of bacteria (e.g., approximately 0.5 to 5 μm in diameter) and / or viruses, odors, bacteria and / or particulate matter. In some embodiments, the filtration medium is a substance that captures and kills bacteria. It is also not limited to a specific type of filtration medium. In some embodiments, a portion of the filter unit 48 is selectively removable, allowing access to the internal volume of the filter unit 48, thereby allowing the filtration medium to be added or removed and replaced. The filter unit 48 has an inlet 49A and an outlet 49B. The inlet 49A and outlet 49B each have multiple openings large enough to allow air to pass freely, while substantially holding the filtration medium within the filter unit 48. The filter unit 48 is mechanically positioned within the filter housing and can be selectively removed from the filter housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, a portion of the filter unit 48 is selectively removable, allowing access to the internal volume of the filter unit 48, thereby enabling the addition or removal and replacement of the filter medium. The filter unit 48 has an inlet 49A and an outlet 49B. The inlet 49A and outlet 49B each have multiple openings large enough to allow air to pass freely, while substantially holding the filter medium within the filter unit 48. The filter unit 48 is mechanically positioned within the filter housing and can be selectively removed from the filter housing.

[0023] Referring to Figure 8, exemplary filter cartridges according to various embodiments of the general concept of the invention are shown. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 48 is defined by a filter housing member 801, which is manufactured, for example, by cutting a tube (conduit, cylinder, duct, pipe, etc.) to a predetermined length, providing slots 802 on the opposing periphery of both through-openings, and further dimensioning a perforated screen 803 so that it can be slidably inserted into the slots 802 on the opposing periphery of both through-openings. The diameter of the holes in the perforated screen 803 can be any size, as long as air can enter and exit the filter cartridge 48 while substantially holding the filtration medium inside. In the illustrated embodiments, the tube used to manufacture the filter housing member 801 is plastic having a substantially square cross-section. Those skilled in the art will know that the specific material and cross-sectional shape of the tube can be substituted without departing from the scope or spirit of the general concept of the invention. In some embodiments, fasteners (not shown) for fixing the perforated screen 803 to the filter housing member 801 are provided on the perforated screen 803 in a position closely adjacent to the opposing periphery with slots. In some embodiments, the side portion of the perforated screen 803 extends through the slot 802 on the opposing peripheral edge of the filter housing member and protrudes beyond the outer circumference of the filter housing member 801. In this embodiment, the protruding perforated screen 803 engages with a channel or groove in the filter housing 50 to secure the filter cartridge 48 within the housing 10 (and / or 10').

[0024] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, a filter housing 50 is provided to maintain the position of the filter unit 48 within the housing 10. In the illustrated embodiments, the filter housing 50 is defined by a space in the wall of the housing 10 that receives the filter cartridge 48 and allows the filter cartridge 48 to be selectively and mechanically mounted in the housing 10. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge 48 is selectively secured within the filter housing 50 by at least one fastener (not shown). In other embodiments, the filter housing may be provided with a channel or groove to receive a fitting tongue member of the filter unit, or vice versa, allowing the filter cartridge to slide into the filter housing. Once the filter housing 50 receives the filter cartridge 48, a portion of the filter cartridge 48 is biased against the inner surface of the housing 10, so that substantially all of the moving air passes through the filter cartridge 48 when the fan assembly 52 is operated. The filter housing 50 is sized to minimize airflow obstruction and is positioned to provide adequate support to prevent the filter cartridge 48 from being pushed out of the airflow in any direction, while also allowing for easy removal and replacement.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cartridge 48 (with or without grooves) is provided independently of the housing 10. In other words, the filter cartridge 48 may be selectively removable from the filter housing 50 as a single component, for example, using an assembly (fitting structure) of tongues and grooves. In other embodiments, the filter unit consists of a front panel 12 and a rear panel 14 of the housing 10, and perforated inlet and outlet panels selectively and mechanically positioned inside the filter housing 50. That is, the filter unit 48 is selectively removable from the filter housing 50 as a plurality of articles.

[0026] In some embodiments, a fan assembly 52 is provided within the housing 10 to draw air from inside the toilet 72 through a conduit 20 into the internal volume 17 of the housing 10, and further through an airflow channel and a filter unit 48. After filtration, the fan assembly 52 reintroduces the filtered air into the room environment through an exhaust port defined in the bottom panel 32 (see, for example, 1935 in Figure 14B). In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the fan assembly 52 is interposed between the intake and exhaust ports of the housing 10, more specifically between the filter housing 50 and the exhaust port of the housing 10.

[0027] In other embodiments, the fan assembly 52' is located outside the housing 10' and may be substantially similar to a central vacuum unit or other similarly centrally located device for drawing air from the space. In this case, the filtration system 1' may further define a fan housing 200 that is in fluid communication with the fan assembly 52' and selectively connectable to the airflow channel to facilitate fluid communication between the fan assembly 52' and the airflow channel. In some embodiments, an existing fan assembly 52', such as a ceiling fan or exhaust system, is in fluid communication with the airflow channel via the fan housing 200 to draw air from the toilet bowl 72 through the conduit 20 and filter cartridge 48.

[0028] Figure 7 shows a housing 10' in an exemplary embodiment that accommodates a fan assembly 52' located outside the housing 10'. The housing 10' includes an access panel 701 for accessing the contents of the housing 10' and engaging one or more conduits 20 that fluidly communicate with the airflow channels. As shown, the access panel 701 includes two conduit receivers 702A and 702B that engage with one or more conduits 20 extending from the ventilated toilet seat 76. Further inside the housing 10' is a filter housing 50 defined by a mounting groove 703 for slidingly mounting a filter cartridge 48, as shown in Figure 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cartridge 48 is slidably mounted in the filter housing 50 and biased to resist the side of the housing 10', so that substantially all of the moving air passes through the filter cartridge 48 when the fan assembly 52' is activated. Those skilled in the art will understand that the general concept of the invention is not limited to the filter cartridge 48 fixed within the filter housing by groove 803. Rather, pins, screws, and other fasteners can also be used without departing from the scope or spirit of the general concept of the invention. To ensure a sealed housing, friction seals or sealing materials may be used regardless of the fastening method. The inside of the housing 10' and / or the outside of the filter cartridge 48 may also be lined with a sealing material, such as foam, so that substantially all of the moving air passes through the filter cartridge 48. The housing 10' in the illustrated exemplary embodiment also includes a fan housing receiver 704 that receives a fan housing 200 which is in fluid communication with the fan assembly 52'. Mounting panels 705A and 705B are also included in illustrated embodiments to facilitate mounting to a wall or similar structure. The mounting panels 705A and 705B may be fixed to the wall using conventional fasteners. Other methods may be used to fix the structures provided herein.

[0029] Figure 9A shows an exemplary embodiment of a filtration system 900, which includes one or more filtration housing units that are in fluid communication with the toilet and fan assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 52' is located outside the filtration housing unit 901 and is in fluid communication with the unit by the fan housing 20. Figure 9B shows an exemplary embodiment of a filtration housing unit 901 included in the exemplary embodiment of the filtration system 900 of Figure 9A. The filtration unit 901 has a filtration medium interposed between an inlet 902 and an outlet 903. When the filtration system is in operation, air and particulate matter are drawn in from the ventilated toilet seat 76 to the inlet 902 of the filtration unit, pass through the filtration medium, and exit into the conduit 20 from the filtration outlet 903, where the air is drawn towards the fan assembly 52' and finally exhausted outside the airflow channel. In one embodiment, if the ventilated toilet seat 76 includes two exhaust channels, the filtration unit 901 includes two inlets 902. In another embodiment, if the ventilated toilet seat 76 includes two exhaust channels, the filtration system includes two filtration units 901, each unit of which can be used independently or in conjunction with one another. It will be understood that the overall concept of the invention may include multiple filtration units as determined by appropriate engineering judgment.

[0030] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, the fan assembly 52 is selectively operated by the controller 60. In some embodiments, the controller 60 is located within the housing 10. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the controller 60 is located within the housing 10 adjacent to the fan assembly 52 and away from the filter housing 50. In other embodiments, the controller 60 is located outside the housing 10 (or 10' as shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9). This general concept of the invention is not intended to be limited by the specific location of the controller 60.

[0031] The controller 60 receives power from a power source and selectively supplies power to the fan assemblies 52 and / or 52'. For example, power may be supplied from an external power source using a power cord. In other embodiments, the controller 60 may be powered internally, for example, by a battery. However, various known or future-developed means for supplying power to the controller 60 and the fan assemblies 52 and / or 52', such as solar power generation, can also be effectively incorporated.

[0032] The controller 60 selectively starts and stops the fan assemblies 52 and / or 52' ​​to draw in contaminated air through the airflow channels according to various selection criteria. For example, an actuation switch may communicate with the controller 60 to start or stop the operation of the fan assemblies 52 and / or 52' ​​according to predetermined conditions. The actuation switch may be located on or inside the housing unit 10 or 10', or it may be located externally, such as a remote control. Alternatively, an external condition actuation switch may be provided, which can communicate with the controller 60 to start or stop the operation of the fan assemblies 52 and / or 52' ​​based on external conditions, such as turning a light switch on or off. In some embodiments, the external condition actuation switch is influenced by a light sensor that selectively communicates with the controller 60 to start the operation of the fan assemblies 52 and / or 52' ​​when the indoor environment is bright, and substantially stops their operation when the indoor environment is dark. In other embodiments, the external condition actuation switch may be influenced by a pressure sensor located near the ventilated toilet seat 76. In yet another embodiment, the external condition-activated switch may be affected by an operating sensor located near the ventilated toilet seat 76, which activates and / or stops the fan assembly 52 and / or 52' ​​in response to the signal from the sensor. In yet another embodiment, a timer or clock may communicate with the controller 60 to start or stop the operation of the fan assembly 52 and / or 52'.

[0033] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the rear panel 14 of the housing unit 10 is selectively removable to provide access to the fan assembly 52. ​​At least one removable fastener may be provided to secure the rear panel to the rest of the housing 10. Furthermore, an access panel (not shown) that can be selectively mounted within the bottom panel 32 may be provided to provide further access to the fan assembly 52 and the controller 60. The access panel can be mechanically mounted to the bottom panel 32. Other means of accessing the internal volume 17 of the housing 10 may also be provided.

[0034] A filter cartridge having an internal volume for containing a filtration medium, an inlet, and an outlet may be arranged within the housing unit. The filter cartridge is fixed within the filter housing, and the inlet and outlet each define a number of openings sized to allow air containing odors and particulate matter to enter and exit the filter cartridge, while substantially preventing the filtration medium from escaping from the inside of the filter cartridge to the outside. The filtration medium is contained within the internal volume of the filter cartridge and can collect odors and particulate matter as air passes through the filtration medium, and can also capture and kill bacteria. In one embodiment, the filter cartridge is selectively fixed within the filter housing by fasteners.

[0035] The fan assembly is positioned to communicate fluidly with the toilet bowl, thereby further defining the airflow channel. When in operation, the fan assembly draws air from the toilet bowl through the intake and exhaust ports of the toilet seat hinges and through conduits into the housing. The fan assembly then moves the air in the airflow channel to the inlet of the filter cartridge, through the filtration medium, and out through the outlet of the filter cartridge, and the fan assembly discharges the filtered air from the filtration system. In some embodiments, the system includes multiple filtration units.

[0036] In one embodiment, the fan assembly is located inside the housing unit. In another embodiment, the fan assembly is in fluid communication with the airflow channel, but is located outside the housing downstream of the filter stage, has a fan housing, and is positioned to have fluid communication with the airflow channel.

[0037] The decontamination device 580 includes an emitter 380, which may be located within a filter housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the emitter 380 is used to irradiate with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). UVGI can be a disinfection method for killing microorganisms using ultraviolet (UV) light of a sufficiently short wavelength. UVGI can be effective in utilizing short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) that can be harmful to microorganisms, causing the radiation to destroy the nucleic acids of these organisms, damaging their DNA, and preventing them from performing cellular functions essential for life. When a UVGI device is used in a specific environment, such as a circulating air system or a water system, it can produce a lethal effect on present pathogens, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. UVGI can be combined with a filtration system to remove harmful microorganisms from a specific environment. Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation with a shorter wavelength than visible light. The decontamination device 580 may be any of many devices used to kill microorganisms (bacteria, pathogens, viruses, etc.), such as UV light, RF energy, ionizing radiation, emission of toxic chemicals, high voltage energy, disinfectants, etc. The decontamination device 580 may be positioned or installed between the fan assembly and the exhaust side of the filter unit in the controller housing, fan housing, or filter housing, or at other locations. The emitter 380 may be one or more electroluminescent devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), LED arrays, incandescent devices, gas-filled devices, light bulbs, or tubes.

[0038] The decontamination device 580 can be used to remove contaminants from the airflow so that they do not pass through the filter, thereby extending the filter life between cleaning or replacement. Furthermore, a decontamination device such as the decontamination device 580 may be provided between the filter unit 510 and the exhaust port of the housing 512. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the decontamination device is provided on the outside of the filter assembly. The decontamination device may be located on the inlet side, outlet side, both sides of the filtration unit, on the outside of the filter assembly, or in any combination thereof.

[0039] Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, another embodiment 400 envisions a filtration unit 401 with a filtration medium interposed between an inlet member 402 and an outlet 403. When the filtration system is in operation, air and particulate matter are drawn in from the ventilated toilet seat 76 to the inlet 402 of the filtration unit, pass through the filtration medium, and exit through the filtration outlet 403 (which may be a conduit), where the air is drawn towards the fan assembly 52' and finally exhausted outside the airflow channel. As described above, a decontamination device such as the decontamination device 580 may be provided.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 11B, the filtration unit and / or fan assembly is positioned behind the piping wall, i.e., on the back side of the piping wall behind one or more toilets installed in the piping wall. Those skilled in the art will know that various other configurations are also possible for mounting the device. For example, the device can be mounted on or behind a wall, under or above a floor, under or above a ceiling, etc.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 12, Embodiment 500 envisions a filtration assembly 501 that may include two access inlets 502 when the ventilated toilet seat includes two exhaust channels 504. The filtration unit 510 is sealed or enclosed within a housing 512 using a flexible seal 514, or a seal made from a material that can be molded, formed or molded and does not break when bent. The flexible (conformable, pliable, malleable, ductile, deformable, flexible, etc.) sealing may consist of a number of materials suitable for sealing the filter unit, such as natural or synthetic plastics, rubber, foam, plastic foam, elastomer, glass, corrugated cardboard, or paper products, and may form a seal between the filter unit and the housing to prevent air or other fluids from flowing around or bypassing the filter unit.

[0042] When the filtration unit 512 is inserted into the housing 512, the seal 514 deforms, forming a seal around the unit that prevents air or other fluids from flowing between the housing and the unit, particularly to the filter. This forces air to pass through the filter, ensuring the proper operation of the filtration assembly 501. The filtration unit may include at least one additional seal 524 to further prevent airflow around the filter. The seal 524 may be sealed to the cover 530.

[0043] For this purpose, the inner surface of the housing cover 530 may be provided with a sealing material similar to that provided inside the housing. In one embodiment, the filtration unit 510 may be mounted or seated on a bracket 531, such as an angle bracket, provided inside the housing. In some embodiments, a sealing material such as foam may cover a substantial portion of the inside of the filter housing, except for areas that obstruct the airflow through the filtration unit. Furthermore, the inside of the housing may be provided with reflective surfaces, and the efficiency of the decontamination device in destroying and killing microorganisms may be improved by reflecting the output of the emitter 380 with various reflective surfaces.

[0044] In one embodiment, both the decontamination device and the fan may be powered from one or more power sources 480 and 482 from various locations selected according to installation convenience. The power sources may supply low-voltage or high-voltage alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) voltage depending on the requirements of the fan and the decontamination device. Referring to Figure 13, a further embodiment 600 envisions a filtration assembly 601 which may include two access inlet tubes 602 when the ventilated toilet seat includes two exhaust channels 504. The filtration unit includes at least one seal 624 to prevent airflow around the filter, which may complement a seal (not shown). The seal 624 may seal the cover 630. The access inlet tube (hose, channel, chute, conduit, cylinder, duct, pipe, etc.) may be routed through an access hole or port in the filter unit cover 630 and located beneath the filter unit.

[0045] In some embodiments of this general concept of invention, a filtration system for filtering air from a toilet bowl includes a ventilated toilet seat rotatably coupled to the toilet bowl by a toilet seat hinge. In an exemplary embodiment, the toilet seat hinge 124 and the manifold 112 interact to resistively hold the ventilated toilet seat 76 in a raised position. As used herein, “resistively hold” means holding the toilet seat 76 in a stationary position to which it reaches after being rotatably lifted relative to the toilet bowl, so as to substantially prevent the toilet seat 76 from rotating and descending again without external force.

[0046] The filtration system may also include a ventilated toilet seat coupled to the toilet bowl. This toilet seat has at least one resistive member between the inlet of the seat hinge and the hinge block, which resistively prevents the seat from rotating freely when it is raised or lowered relative to the toilet bowl. This requires external force in both directions when raising or lowering the seat. In one example, the resistive member is defined by at least one spring washer; however, the resistive member may be defined by other types of springs.

[0047] The toilet seat is held in a fully or partially lifted position by the compressive force of a spring washer. Referring to Figure 3, the through-opening 114, designed to receive the inlet 126 of the toilet seat hinge 124, is cylindrical in exemplary embodiments. A resistance member, such as a spring washer 230, is provided, aligned with and received by the inlet 126, and positioned between the hinge block of the toilet seat and the inlet 126. This resistance member applies a compressive force between the hinge block of the toilet seat and the inlet 126. This compressive force is applied, for example, by tightening a fastener to clamp (tighten) the inlet 126 against the hinge block, compressing the spring washer 230, and the compressed spring washer 230 creates resistance to the rotation of the toilet seat, preventing the toilet seat from suddenly falling. Alternatively, the compressive force on the spring washer 230 is applied by the gap between the inlet and the hinge block, which serves to compress the spring washer. Furthermore, the resistance member can be configured to fix the toilet seat in a desired position, preventing the toilet seat from rotating relative to the toilet bowl unless lifted or lowered by an external force. Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E show exemplary configurations. As shown in the enlarged views of Figures 3B and 3C, the toilet seat hinge block 124 includes a sleeve 132 that engages with a manifold 112 defined within the toilet seat 76, and further includes an exhaust section 134 that fluidly communicates with the airflow channel to supply air to the airflow channel from the underside of the ventilated toilet seat 76.

[0048] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 132 is a cylindrical member and cooperates with a resistive member such as a spring washer 230. The spring washer 230 is aligned with and received by the sleeve 132 and positioned between the sleeve 132 and the manifold 112 to control the rotational movement of the toilet seat. A single spring washer 230 may be positioned between the manifold 112 and the hinge block of the toilet seat, but in the exemplary embodiment, multiple spring washers 230 are used. For example, as shown in Figures 3B and 3C, multiple spring washers 230 are stacked in series. In other embodiments (see Figures 3D and 3E), multiple spring washers 230 are stacked in parallel. Those skilled in the art will understand that a flat washer shim (not shown) can be placed between two spring washers to accommodate the gap between the manifold 112 and the hinge block 124. The use of spring washers 230 has been described in conjunction with a ventilated toilet seat, but it is also useful to prevent accidental drops of toilet seats without a ventilated function. Those skilled in the art will understand that the spring washer 230 can be used even in toilet seats without a ventilation function to provide resistance to the rotation of the toilet seat and prevent it from suddenly tipping over.

[0049] In some embodiments of this general inventive concept, the filtration system housing includes bumpers, legs, feet, or similar risers (hereinafter collectively referred to as bumpers or feet) that lift the filtration system housing from the floor or other mounting surface. Figures 14A and 14B show an embodiment of the filtration system housing 1910, in which a plurality of feet 1915a, 1915b, and 1915c are attached to or positioned on the bottom panel 1932 of the filtration system housing 1910. In this embodiment, the filtration system housing 1910 includes an exhaust port 1935 defined in the bottom panel 1932. In some embodiments, the feet 1915a, 1915b, and 1915c may be shaped and sized to lift the filtration system housing 1910 to a predetermined height on the mounting surface, allowing filtered air to be discharged through the exhaust port 1935 defined in the bottom panel 1932. Furthermore, the exhaust port 1935 and / or foot portion may be shaped and sized to facilitate a damping effect on the exhaust air, thereby silencing exhaust noise from the filtration system. Thus, in some embodiments, the shape of the foot portion and / or exhaust port that elevates the filtration system housing may be designed for both optimizing the airflow through the exhaust port and silencing and / or damping the noise generated by the filtration system. In some embodiments, the filtration system housing is raised and / or the shape of the exhaust port is designed for baffling or vibration reduction.

[0050] In Figure 14B, the exhaust port 1935 and the foot are defined on the bottom panel 1932 of the filtration system housing, but the general concept of the invention is not limited to this particular arrangement of the foot and / or exhaust port. The exhaust port and the foot can be arranged on the same plane or on different planes, and these are not considered to deviate from the broad scope of the general concept of the invention. For example, it is possible to design the exhaust port on the side and / or top panel of the filtration system housing while placing the foot on the bottom panel or at another location selected by engineering judgment. In some embodiments, one or more exhaust ports can be defined on any of several panels of the filtration system housing. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a number of such configurations are possible, all of which fall within the scope of the general concept of the invention.

[0051] Bumpers / feet attached to or positioned on such filtration system housings facilitate the portability and versatile use of the filtration system. In particular, filtration systems with feet are useful in situations where fixing or mounting the housing to a wall is impractical or inappropriate. Filtration system housings with feet are suitable for use in apartment buildings, floor installation, or installation on tables or workbenches.

[0052] In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, bumpers / feet are attached to or positioned on the filtration system housing to raise it, but the general concept of the invention is not limited to the use of bumpers / feet for this purpose. In various embodiments, many methods or means for raising the filtration system housing (e.g., stands, risers, etc.) are useful for ensuring optimal airflow, acoustic silencing, noise reduction, baffling effect, vibration reduction, and other related purposes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous such arrangements are possible, all of which fall within the scope and are envisioned in the general concept of the invention.

[0053] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a filtration system configured according to an embodiment of the general concept of the invention, and in particular shows features and elements such as indicator lights on the housing and motion detectors that send signals to the control module. As shown in Figure 15, the housing 2110 includes a number of indicator lights, including (for example) a UV indicator light 2122 that informs the user when the UV light is illuminated, a fan lamp 2124 that indicates that the fan assembly is operating, and a charcoal indicator light 2126 that indicates that it is time to replace the charcoal filter cartridge or other filter medium cartridge (see, for example, Figure 10). The illustrated housing 2110 also includes a reset button 2130 configured to allow the user to reset a timer that informs the system that the time for desirable replacement of the charcoal filter cartridge or other filter medium cartridge has passed. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the housing 2110 is provided with molded feet 2115a, 2115b, and 2115c for raising the housing 2110 in situations where it is desirable to raise the housing 2110 on the mounting surface to a height sufficient for filtered air to be discharged through the exhaust port, or in situations where it is not practical to mount the housing 2110 to a wall or other vertical surface. Figure 15 also shows that the housing 2110 may have a control module 1520 and / or motion detector 1540, which may be connected by wire or wireless or configured to operate with respect to each other.

[0054] Figure 16A shows an exploded view of a reversed ventilated toilet seat 76 according to one embodiment of the general concept of the invention. As shown in Figure 16A, the illustrated ventilated toilet seat 76 includes multiple UV light-emitting diodes or emitters 165 configured to kill microorganisms by exposing the internal volume of the toilet bowl to short-wavelength ultraviolet light, directed toward the inside of the toilet bowl. Figure 16A also shows pressure sensors 162a and 162b positioned on the underside of the ventilated toilet seat 76. The pressure sensors 162a and 162b are configured to press against the rim of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat 76 is pushed down against the rim by the user's weight, thereby indicating to a control module (such as a controller 60) that the toilet seat is currently in use. In some embodiments, the controller 60 may be integrated into the housing as shown in Figures 4-5, or optionally configured as a control module 1520 configured to communicate operationally with the housing via the controller 60 shown in Figures 4-5, for example, to control the operation of the fan, UV light, motion detector 1540, indicator light, reset, etc. The control module 1520 may be configured to generate operational signals that embody computer-readable code for operating the system, including ON / OFF operations of the fan, UV light, timer, and reset, and this includes one or more combinations of hardware and software components configured to generate instructions for performing the functions and examples described herein. For example, the operation may be configured to selectively adjust the operation of various system components based on information from one or more pressure sensors, motion detectors, override switches 170, reset buttons, fans, UV lights, and timers. It may also be configured to collect usage data from the control module (such as data stored from the controller 60 and / or timers integrated into the control module 1520).This includes instructions / signals configured to remotely control the system, for example, via an app or other web-based configuration (e.g., SaaS), a server, etc., which are configured to present instructions / signals to the controller 60 to instruct the system to perform a specific operation for a predetermined or selected period of time. Figure 16A also shows a safety switch 170 and override 172 configured to allow the user to shut off a UV light diode or emitter 165 located on the toilet seat.

[0055] In various exemplary embodiments, pressure sensors 162a and 162b transmit their signals through wiring incorporated within the toilet assembly. However, other transmission methods, such as wireless signal transmission, are also possible and envisioned by the overall concept of the invention.

[0056] Figure 16B shows a partial side view of a toilet system according to an exemplary embodiment of the general concept of the invention, illustrating how the toilet lid 78 is positioned above or above the toilet seat 76. Figure 16B also schematically illustrates how an override or safety mechanism 178 (hereinafter referred to as the "sensor mechanism"), positioned near the hinge of the lid 78 and configured to control the operation of a UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 directed into the toilet bowl, interacts with the lid 78. According to each embodiment of the general concept of the invention, when the lid 78 is in a raised position, i.e., the upper position, the sensor mechanism 178 sends a signal to stop and / or prevent the operation of the UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165. In some exemplary embodiments, the sensor mechanism 178 transmits the signal through wiring incorporated within the toilet assembly. However, other transmission methods, such as wireless signal transmission, are also possible and envisioned by the general concept of the invention. For example, a sensor mechanism can be integrated into the hinge block assembly, but various sensor configurations can be selected using appropriate engineering judgment to determine whether the lid is up or down.

[0057] According to each embodiment of this comprehensive inventive concept, various embodiments of the present invention have been developed to control internal functions or processes in order to control or modify the active emission of UVGI by the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 in specific situations, such as when a user is seated on the toilet seat or when the fan housing is powered off. For example, to control when to pause or temporarily terminate the active operation of the UV light-emitting diode, fan, emitter, filter, indicator, reset, etc., or when to control them while the toilet is in use.

[0058] Figure 17A is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of process 700, showing how pressure sensors 162a and 162b interact with the controller 60 and / or control module 1520, along with other components. The exemplary process 700 illustrated in the flowchart of Figure 17A is suitable for use in a toilet system that includes a toilet seat but does not include a lid, but a similar process can be configured when a toilet seat lid is provided, as shown in Figure 17B. In either case, the controller 60 and control module 1520 may be built individually or as an integrated module. For convenience of explanation, embodiments of the control system may be collectively and / or interchangeably referred to as “control unit,” “controller,” “control module,” etc. The controller may be configured as a component or module, for example, including embedded circuitry embodying control logic, or as an internet app or software application (e.g., SaaS) configured to communicate with and activate system components such as a UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 located on the toilet seat 76 to perform its intended function. For example, as shown in Figure 17A, from the starting position 710, the controller may be configured to perform identified functions, including determining 715 whether the fan assembly is currently running. If it is not running (No), the process terminates and returns to the starting state 710. If the fan assembly is currently running (Yes), the controller determines 720 whether the pressure sensors 162a and 162b detect whether a person is using (sitting on) the toilet seat. If a person is using the toilet seat (Yes), the controller immediately sends a signal 725 instructing the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 to enter "off" mode (i.e., to stop emitting UVGI if it is not already in off mode).If the pressure sensors 162a and 162b do not detect the presence of a person using the toilet seat, and the controller determines that the toilet seat is down (for example, via a signal received from the override 172) 735, the controller determines whether a timer indicates whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 last activated 730. If the timer indicates that this predetermined period has elapsed, the controller sends a signal 725 instructing the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 to switch to off mode. If the timer indicates that this predetermined period has not elapsed, the controller determines whether the toilet seat is currently in the "down" position. If the controller determines that the toilet seat is not in the down position, the controller 60 sends a signal 725 instructing the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 to switch to off mode. If the controller determines that the toilet seat is in the down position and the pressure sensor is off (i.e., the toilet seat is empty), the controller may activate the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 for a selectable period of time 740, after which the control sequence reaches an end state 745. This outlined process is only one example of the countless variations of control operations. For example, if the system determines that pressure sensors 162a and 162b are activated, the system may be instructed to turn on the fan, turn off the toilet seat UV, and activate the housing UV. Furthermore, in the event of a pressure sensor failure, the controller may be configured to allow manual operation of the fan, or the housing may have a manual switch, thereby providing a manual mode (using a separate switch on the housing or a function of the controller) that allows manual operation of the fan housing in the event of a pressure sensor failure.

[0059] Figure 17B is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of process 705, showing how one or more sensors near the lid 78 interact with the controller 60 and / or control module 1520, along with other components. The exemplary process 705 illustrated in the flowchart of Figure 17B is suitable for use in a toilet system that includes both a toilet seat and a lid. The controller and control module 1520 may be built individually or as an integrated module. For convenience of explanation, embodiments of the control system may be collectively and / or interchangeably referred to as “control unit,” “controller,” “control module,” etc. The controller may be configured as a component or module, for example, including embedded circuitry embodying control logic, or as an internet app or software application (e.g., SaaS) configured to communicate with and activate system components such as a UV light diode or emitter 165 located on the toilet seat 76 to perform intended functions. For example, as shown in Figure 17B, from the starting position 710, the controller may be configured to perform identified functions, including determining whether the fan assembly is currently running 715. If it is not running (No), the process terminates and returns to the starting state 710. If the fan assembly is currently running (Yes), the controller determines whether the sensor mechanism 178 detects that a person is using (sitting on) the toilet seat 720. If a person is using the toilet seat (Yes), the controller immediately sends a signal 725 instructing the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 to enter "off" mode (i.e., to stop emitting UVGI if it is not already in off mode). If the pressure sensors 162a and 162b do not detect the presence of a person using the toilet seat and the controller determines that the lid is down (e.g., via a signal received from the sensor mechanism 178) 737, the controller determines whether a timer indicates that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 was last activated 730.If the timer indicates that this predetermined period has elapsed, the controller sends a signal 725 instructing the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 to be turned off. If the timer indicates that this predetermined period has not elapsed, the controller determines whether the toilet seat is currently in the "down" position. If the controller determines that the toilet seat is not in the down position, the controller 60 sends a signal 725 instructing the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 to be turned off. If the controller determines that the toilet seat is in the down position and the pressure sensor is off (i.e., the toilet seat is empty), the controller can activate the toilet seat's UV light-emitting diode or emitter 165 for a selectable or predetermined period 740, after which the control sequence reaches an end state 745. This outlined process is only one example of the countless variations of control operations. For example, if the system determines that pressure sensors 162a and 162b are activated, the system can instruct the fan to be turned on, the toilet seat UV to be turned off, and the housing UV to be activated.

[0060] As described and illustrated herein, exemplary embodiments of the present invention can embody power sources such as batteries or AC / DC connections due to their installation flexibility. The system can be incorporated into a variety of permanent or portable bathroom fixtures, including hotels, hospitals, offices, RVs, residences, malls, and numerous other facilities. To facilitate installation, an electrical connection can be provided between the fan housing and the toilet seat, with wires provided to extend from the fan housing and wires configured to extend from the toilet seat, and a sliding tube may be provided over the wires to connect and shield the connecting wires during installation, and / or the wires can be connected and passed through one or more suction hoses connecting the fan housing and the ventilated toilet seat system.

[0061] As described herein, it will be understood that systems, apparatus, methods, processes, functions, and / or operations for carrying out embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a set of instructions executed by one or more programmable controllers, which may include computer processors such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor. Such processors and controllers may be operated by or incorporated into the circuits and components of other computing devices or data processing devices that communicate with apparatus, servers, clients, or other components of the system.

[0062] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part, as a system, as one or more methods, or as one or more devices. Embodiments of the present invention may take the form of hardware-implemented embodiments, software-implemented embodiments, or embodiments combining both software and hardware aspects. For example, in some embodiments, one or more operations, functions, processes, or methods described herein may be implemented by one or more suitable processing elements (such as a processor, microprocessor, CPU, GPU, controller, etc.) which are part of a client device, server, network element, or other form of computing or data processing device / platform. This processing element or more processing elements can be programmed with a set of executable instructions (e.g., software instructions), which are stored in a suitable data storage element. In some embodiments, one or more of the operations, functions, processes, or methods described herein, such as the control operations and other similar operations shown in Figure 17, may be implemented by special forms of hardware, such as programmable gate arrays (PGAs or FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or other known or later-developed circuits, which are specially configured and arranged to generate signals that instruct various components to perform data processing functions, for example, using controller 60 and / or control module 1520.

[0063] As described herein, systems, apparatus, methods, processes, functions, and / or operations for performing exemplary embodiments of the general inventive concept may be implemented holistically or partially in the form of apparatus comprising processing elements and a set of executable instructions. These executable instructions may be part of one or more software applications and may be organized into a software architecture. Generally, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using a set of software instructions designed to be executed by appropriately programmed processing elements (such as a CPU, GPU (graphics processing unit), microprocessor, processor, controller, computing device, etc.). In complex applications and systems, such instructions are typically organized into “modules,” each module typically performing a specific task, process, function, or operation. The entire set of modules may be controlled or coordinated by an operating system (OS) or other form of organizational platform.

[0064] The application model may include any suitable computer executable code or set of instructions (e.g., those executed by a properly programmed processor, microprocessor, or CPU), such as computer executable code corresponding to a programming language. For example, the source code of a programming language may be compiled into computer executable code. Alternatively, or in addition, the programming language may be an interpreted programming language such as a scripting language. This computer executable code or set of instructions may be stored in any suitable non-temporary computer-readable medium. In general, with respect to the embodiments described herein, non-temporary computer-readable medium may include almost any structure, technique, or method, except for temporary waveforms or similar media.

[0065] As described, systems, apparatus, methods, processes, functions, software, and / or operations for carrying out exemplary embodiments of the general concept of the invention may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a set of instructions executed by one or more programmed computer processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor. Such processors may be operated by or incorporated into the circuits and components of other computing or data processing devices that communicate with apparatus, servers, clients, or other components of the system.

[0066] It will be understood that the present invention described above can be implemented in a modular or integrated manner in the form of control logic using computer software. Based on the disclosures and teachings provided herein, those skilled in the art will be able to learn of other methods and / or means of implementing the present invention using hardware and combinations of hardware and software.

[0067] Any of the software components, processes, models, or functions described herein may be implemented as software code executed by a processor, for example, using any suitable computer language such as Java, JavaScript, C++, or Perl, and using conventional or object-oriented techniques. This software code may be stored as a set of instructions or commands in a non-temporary computer-readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic media such as hard drives or floppy disks, or optical media such as CD-ROMs. Among these, non-temporary computer-readable media are almost any medium suitable for storing data or instruction sets, except for temporary waveforms. Any such computer-readable medium may reside on or within a single arithmetic unit, or on or within different arithmetic units in a system or network.

[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, the terms “processing unit” or “processor” as used herein may refer to a central processing unit (CPU) or may be conceptualized as a CPU (such as a virtual machine). In such exemplary embodiments, the CPU or a device incorporating a CPU may be coupled, connected, and / or communicate with one or more peripheral devices, such as a mobile phone, a cloud-based application, or other known communication device, as well as one or more displays or output units. In another exemplary embodiment, the processing unit or processor may be incorporated into a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0069] Non-temporary computer-readable storage media as referred to herein may include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID), floppy disk drives, flash memory, USB flash drives, external hard disk drives, thumb drives, pen drives, key drives, high-density digital versatile disk (HD-DVD) optical disk drives, internal hard disk drives, Blu-ray optical disk drives, or holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disk drives, synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), or other forms of memory based on similar devices or similar technologies. Such computer-readable storage media enable processing elements or processors to access computer-executable process steps, application programs, etc., stored in removable and non-removable memory media, to offload data from the device, or to upload data to the device. As stated above, with respect to the embodiments described herein, non-temporary computer-readable media may include almost all structures, techniques, or methods except for temporary waveforms or similar media.

[0070] Specific implementations of the technologies disclosed herein are described with reference to system block diagrams and / or configurations, functions, processes, or methods. It will be understood that one or more of these configurations, methods, processes, and functions may be implemented by computer-executable program instructions. Note that in some embodiments, one or more of these configurations, methods, processes, systems, and functions may not need to be executed in a particular order, or may not need to be executed at all.

[0071] These computer-executable program instructions may be loaded into a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a processor, or other programmable data processing device to generate examples (entities) of a particular machine, thereby creating means for instructions executed by the computer, processor, or other programmable data processing device to implement one or more of the functions, operations, processes, systems, or methods described herein.

[0072] These computer program instructions may also be stored in computer-readable memory that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, thereby generating a product in which the instructions stored in computer-readable memory include instruction means for implementing one or more of the functions, operations, processes, or methods described herein.

[0073] In some embodiments of this general inventive concept, the filtration system housing may be configured to be mounted on a supporting surface such as a wall, floor, table, or other supporting surface of a toilet or container to which the filtration system is connected. For example, the filtration system housing may be placed on or supported by the floor behind the toilet, or on a wall, tabletop, or other structure near the toilet or other container. In some embodiments, the filtration system housing may be mounted on a wall or other substantially vertical surface such as the back of the toilet.

[0074] Numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and therefore all such variations, modifications, and embodiments should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the overarching concept of the invention. For example, regardless of the content of any part of this application, unless expressly stated otherwise, no claim in this specification or any application on which priority to this application is based is required to include a specific description or illustrated activity or element, a specific order of such activities, or a specific relationship of such elements. Furthermore, any activity may be repeated, any activity may be performed by multiple entities, and / or any element may be duplicated.

[0075] From the above description, those skilled in the art will recognize that a filtration system for use in a ventilated toilet seat assembly is provided that offers advantages over the prior art. According to various embodiments of the general concept of the invention, a filtration system for removing odor, bacteria, and / or particulate matter from the air from the toilet bowl may include an airflow channel partially defined by a housing unit having a filter housing inside. This airflow channel may be further defined by a conduit consisting of a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end fixed adjacent to the toilet bowl and the proximal end in fluid communication with the housing. A connector may be selectively fixed to the proximal end of the conduit and mechanically fix the conduit to the housing with a substantially airtight engagement.

[0076] The filtration system may further include a seat hinge for rotatably connecting the seat to the toilet bowl between a raised and lowered position, the seat hinge comprising an intake and an exhaust section, the intake opening into the toilet bowl and the exhaust section fixed to the distal end of the conduit. It also includes a resistance member, such as a spring washer, positioned between the intake member and the hinge block to resistively hold the seat in the raised position when the seat is raised or lowered. This resistance member is adapted to prevent the seat from freely releasing when the seat is lowered. In one embodiment, the intake section comprises an intake port located at one end of an elliptical member. In one embodiment, the exhaust section comprises an exhaust post having an exhaust port at its distal end, the exhaust post fixing the ventilated seat to the toilet and receiving the distal end of the conduit.

[0077] An exemplary embodiment of this general inventive concept provides a filtration system for filtering out odors, bacteria, and / or particulate matter emanating from a toilet bowl.

[0078] Exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept may also be achieved by providing a filtration system for filtering air from a toilet bowl, the system comprising an airflow channel and a fan assembly in fluid communication with the toilet bowl, a housing interposed between the toilet bowl and the fan assembly, the housing having a filter housing for receiving a filter unit inside, the filter unit being in fluid communication with the airflow channel, and a controller for selectively operating the fan assembly such that, when the fan assembly is operated, the fan assembly draws air from the toilet bowl, passes it through the filter unit, and discharges the air out of the airflow channel.

[0079] Exemplary embodiments of the general inventive concept can also be achieved by providing a filtration system for filtering air from a toilet bowl. This filtration system includes an intake port and an exhaust port, and a housing interposed between the intake port and the exhaust port having a filter housing for receiving a filter unit inside; a conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end of which is fixable adjacent to the toilet bowl and the second end connected to the intake port; a fan assembly fluidly communicating with the toilet bowl so as to define an airflow channel for the filtration system to draw air from the toilet bowl through the conduit to the intake port, through the filter unit and through the exhaust port; and a controller for selectively operating the fan assembly.

[0080] Exemplary embodiments of the general concept of the invention may further include a ventilated toilet seat rotatably coupled to a toilet bowl by a toilet seat hinge, the toilet seat hinge including an intake portion for engaging with the toilet seat and an exhaust portion that fluidly communicates with an airflow channel to deliver air from the underside of the ventilated toilet seat to the airflow channel.

[0081] The filtration system may also include a toilet seat with an intake section for receiving a toilet seat hinge, which is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl, and the hinge includes an exhaust section coupled to a conduit, thereby drawing air from the toilet bowl through the toilet seat hinge and into an airflow channel when the fan assembly is activated.

[0082] The filtration system may also include a filter unit removably fixed within a filter housing and a filtration medium housed within the internal volume of the filter unit, which is for collecting odors, bacteria, and / or particulate matter as air passes through. In some embodiments, the filtration medium captures and sterilizes bacteria entering the filter unit.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments of this general inventive concept, the fan assembly is interposed between the intake and exhaust ports of the housing.

[0084] Exemplary embodiments of this comprehensive inventive concept can also be achieved by providing connecting components in the conduit and housing.

[0085] In some embodiments, the connecting component has a first part that connects to the conduit and a second part that connects to the housing, and the first and second parts cooperate to secure the conduit to the housing in a substantially airtight engagement. In some embodiments, the connecting component is a connector that selectively connects to the conduit, the housing, or both.

[0086] Exemplary embodiments of this general inventive concept can also be achieved by providing a filtration system in which a filter unit has an intake and an exhaust port, and air is drawn in from the toilet bowl through a conduit, through an intake port of the housing, into the intake port of the filter unit, through the exhaust port of the filter unit, and through the exhaust port of the housing. In some embodiments, the intake and exhaust ports of the filter unit define a series of openings of a size that substantially prevents the filtration medium from leaving the inside of the filter unit, while allowing odors, bacteria, and / or particulate matter in the air to enter and exit the inside of the filter unit. In some embodiments, the filter unit includes a sealing material on its outer surface and the housing includes a sealing material on its inner surface, thereby accepting the filter unit so that substantially all moving air passes through the filter unit.

[0087] Exemplary embodiments of this general inventive concept may include a fan assembly located on the outside of the housing and downstream of the filter and filter housing. In some embodiments, the airflow channel is further defined by a fan housing which can be selectively connected to the housing and the fan assembly. The fan assembly may be an existing fan assembly such as a ceiling fan or an exhaust system.

[0088] Exemplary embodiments of this general inventive concept may further include an actuation switch that communicates with a controller to selectively operate or stop the fan assembly. In some embodiments, this actuation switch is located on or inside the housing. The actuation switch may be located on a remote control. The actuation switch may be controlled by an optical sensor, a motion sensor, and / or a pressure sensor.

[0089] In some embodiments, the filtration medium captures and sterilizes bacteria entering the filter unit. Some embodiments further include a decontamination device for sterilizing or removing particulate matter in the airflow. In some embodiments, the decontamination device includes an applicator for applying ultraviolet radiation to the airflow. In some embodiments, the decontamination device utilizes at least one of the following: UV light (ultraviolet light); RF energy (radio frequency energy); ionizing radiation; charcoal medium (activated carbon); chemical emission; high voltage energy; and disinfectant. In some embodiments, the decontamination device utilizes at least one of the following: UV light; RF energy; ionizing radiation; chemical emission; high voltage energy; and disinfectant.

[0090] In some embodiments, the housing includes a bottom surface, and means for lifting the housing off the surface are provided on the bottom surface of the housing when the housing is placed on a surface. In some embodiments, the housing includes a bottom surface, and a number of legs for lifting the housing off the surface are provided on the bottom surface of the housing when the housing is placed on a surface. In some embodiments, these legs are sized to allow airflow from outside the airflow channel and to reduce the sound generated by the airflow from outside the airflow channel.

[0091] In some embodiments, the housing includes a mounting surface for supporting the housing on a support surface, and the exhaust port is located on a side of the housing different from the mounting surface.

[0092] Some embodiments further include a filter unit detachably fixed within a filter housing and a filtration medium housed in the internal volume of the filter unit, the filtration medium capturing odors, bacteria, particulate matter, or any combination thereof as air passes through the filtration medium.

[0093] In some embodiments, the housing includes a mounting surface and is provided with means for moving the mounting surface away from the support surface when the housing is attached to or placed on the support surface.

[0094] In some embodiments, the mounting surface is the bottom surface, and the means for lifting the mounting surface relative to the support surface is the means for positioning the bottom surface above the support surface.

[0095] In some embodiments, means for separating the mounting surface from the support surface include a number of legs positioned on the mounting surface, which are configured to facilitate airflow from outside the airflow channel between the mounting surface and the support surface, and to reduce the sound generated by the airflow from outside the airflow channel.

[0096] In some embodiments, means for separating the mounting surface from the support surface are selected from the group consisting of adhesive members, removable adhesives, and suction cups.

[0097] Some embodiments further include an emitter positioned on the toilet seat and directed to direct ultraviolet light into the internal volume of the toilet bowl adjacent to the toilet seat.

[0098] In some embodiments, the operation of the emitter is influenced by one or a combination of a light sensor, motion detector, pressure sensor, or timer.

[0099] Exemplary embodiments of this general inventive concept can also be achieved by providing a toilet seat hinge assembly for a toilet bowl. This assembly includes a toilet seat having a hinge receiver near an axis on which the toilet seat rotates as it moves between an open and closed position, a hinge block having a hinge member extending therefrom and configured to be received in the hinge receiver of the toilet seat so as to rotatably couple the toilet seat to the hinge block, and a resistance member, such as at least one spring washer, which is received in the intake of the hinge block and positioned between the hinge block and the toilet seat. In this manner, the spring washer applies pressure to the toilet seat and the hinge block, controlling the pivoting motion of the toilet seat relative to the toilet bowl so that an external force is required when raising or lowering the toilet seat.

[0100] While exemplary embodiments of this general inventive concept have been shown and described in detail, the applicant has no intention of limiting the scope of the appended claims to such details or in any way. Additional modifications would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and exemplary examples shown and described. Accordingly, it is possible to deviate from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. It is a toilet system, A housing (housing) having an inlet port and an exhaust port, the housing including a filter housing interposed between the inlet port and the exhaust port and having a guide member for fitting with a fitting portion of a filter unit, the fitting portion including one or more projections extending from opposing surfaces of the filter unit, thereby fixing the inlet side of the filter unit at a predetermined distance from the inlet port; a conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixable near the toilet bowl and the second end being connected to the inlet port; a fan assembly communicating fluid with the toilet bowl, thereby the filtration system defining an airflow channel to draw air from the toilet bowl through the conduit to the inlet port, through the filter unit, and further to the exhaust port; a toilet seat configured to have a manifold near the pivot axis when rotating between an open and a closed state; A hinge block from which a sleeve extends, the sleeve being received by a toilet seat manifold to rotatably connect the toilet seat to a hinge block, wherein the ventilated toilet seat is rotatably connected to the toilet bowl by the toilet seat hinge block, and the sleeve is configured to engage with an exhaust section that is in fluid communication with the toilet seat manifold and airflow channel to supply air from the underside of the ventilated toilet seat to the airflow channel, the manifold receiving the toilet seat hinge sleeve, and the manifold being in fluid communication with the toilet bowl, thereby causing the fan assembly to draw air from the toilet bowl through the manifold and the toilet seat hinge sleeve to the airflow channel when in operation; at least one resistance member positioned between the toilet seat manifold and the hinge block to resistively suppress rotation of the toilet seat when the toilet seat is raised or lowered relative to the toilet bowl; and a controller for selectively operating one or more components of the toilet system to perform a predetermined function based on the operating state of one or more other components of the toilet system.

2. A toilet system according to claim 1, further comprising: a filter unit detachably fixed within a filter housing; a filtration medium housed within the internal volume of the filter unit, the filtration medium capturing odors, bacteria, particulate matter, or any combination thereof as air passes through the filtration medium; ultraviolet light provided within the housing in the airflow channel; and a plurality of indicator lights corresponding to the operating state of one or more components of the toilet system.

3. A toilet system according to claim 1, further comprising a fitting having a first part that is coupled to the conduit and a second part that is coupled to the housing, wherein the first part and the second part cooperate to fit together, thereby fixing the conduit to the housing in a substantially airtight engagement.

4. A toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving filter unit includes an inlet and an outlet, thereby allowing air to enter the inlet of the filter unit through the conduit from the toilet bowl, through the inlet port of the housing, through the outlet of the filter unit, and be discharged to the outside from the exhaust of the housing.

5. A toilet system according to claim 6, wherein the inlet and outlet of the receiving filter unit define a number of openings sized to allow air containing odors and particulate matter to enter and exit the filter unit, while substantially preventing the filtration medium from exiting the filter unit.

6. A toilet system according to claim 6, wherein the filter unit includes a sealing material on its outer surface, the housing includes a sealing material on its inner surface, and the housing receives the filter unit so that substantially all of the moving air passes through the filter unit.

7. A toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the airflow channel is further defined by a fan receptacle, the fan receptacle being selectively connectable to the housing and the fan assembly.

8. A toilet system according to claim 1, further comprising an operating switch, the operating switch communicating with the controller to selectively operate or stop the fan assembly.

9. A toilet system according to claim 10, wherein the operating switch is affected by a light sensor, a motion detector, a pressure sensor, a timer, or any combination thereof.

10. A toilet system according to claim 1, further comprising a UV light emitter disposed on the toilet seat and directed to direct ultraviolet light into the internal volume of the toilet bowl adjacent to the toilet seat.

11. A toilet ventilation control system comprising: the toilet system according to claim 1; and a controller configured to control the operation of components of the toilet system based on signals from other components of the toilet system, the controller comprising one or more modules configured to selectively operate and / or stop the fan assembly in response to a signal from a pressure sensor of the toilet seat.

12. A toilet ventilation control system according to claim 13, further comprising a UV light emitter component connected to a toilet seat.

13. A toilet ventilation system according to claim 13, wherein the toilet seat is configured to include a manifold near the axis of rotation when the seat rotates between an open and a closed position, and the toilet seat is rotatably coupled to the hinge block, which includes a hinge block from which a sleeve extends so as to be received into the manifold, and further includes at least one resistive member disposed between the hinge receiving portion of the toilet seat and the hinge block, which resistively suppresses the rotation of the toilet seat when the toilet seat is raised or lowered relative to the toilet bowl.

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