GB2352738A

GB2352738A - Apparatus for ventilating a toilet bowl

Info

Publication number: GB2352738A
Application number: GB0011397A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Khodayar Rashidi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-05-12
Filing date: 2000-05-11
Publication date: 2001-02-07
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-11
Also published as: GB0011397D0; GB2352738B

Abstract

The device 10 for extracting air from a toilet bowl comprises a housing 12, a motorised fan assembly 14 in the housing, and a switch 56 for activating the fan assembly 14. The housing 12 has an inlet 74 which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and has an outlet 78. The device 10 also comprises means 98 for actuating the switch 56 so as to activate the motorised fan assembly 14 and expel air through the outlet 78. The device is variously characterised by : <SL> <LI>(i) a magnetically operable switch for activating the fan assembly ; <LI>(ii) means rotatably mounted on the housing for activating the switch ; <LI>(iii) the device being detachably mounted on the toilet bowl by hook means; <LI>(iv) the power supply for the motorised fan being in the form of a solar cell ; <LI>(v) the housing being mounted on the outside of the building in which the toilet bowl is installed ; <LI>or (vi) the fan being activated by wireless communication means. </SL>

Description

2352738 MA/CKHMas112 AN AIR EXTRACTOR DEVICE FOR USE WITH A TOILET The

invention relates to a device for extracting air from a toilet bowl. The device is preferably easily fitted to and removed from the toilet bowl.

It is known for devices to be mounted on a toilet bowl to remove foul smells from the bowl area. Some devices require a modified toilet. Some are rather large and obtrusive. Some devices are integral with the toilet which makes them expensive and difficult to remove/clean.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved device for extracting air from a toilet bowl.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a device for extracting air from a toilet bowl the device comprising a housing, a motorised fan in the housing and a magnetically operable switch for activating the fan, the housing having an inlet which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and an outlet, the device also comprising actuating means for actuating the switch so as to activate the fan and expel air through the outlet.

Preferably, the magnetically operable switch is a reed switch.

The.actuating means may be is moveably mounted on the housing. Preferably, the actuating meafis is rotatably mounted on the housing.

I 2 According to a second aspect of the invention, there Is provided a device for extracting air from a toilet bowl the device comprising a housing, a moton'sed fan in the housing and a switch for activating the fan, the housing having an inlet which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and an outlet, the device also comprising means rotatably mounted on the housing for actuating the switch.

The actuating means may be detachable from the housing. Preferably, the actuating means is detachably retained by means of a fastener or snap-fit means.

In use, at least part of the actuating means may be located beneath a seat for the toilet bowl. Preferably, the actuating means is resiliently biased so as to lift the seat away from a rim of the toilet bowl. The actuating means may be resiliently biased by means of a spring. Preferably, the spring is a torsion spring or a tension spring. The resilience 15 of the spring may vary according to, for example, the weight of the toilet seat.

Downward movement of the toilet seat may be used to cause the actuating means to actuate the switch.

The device may be removably mountable on the toilet bowl.

The device housing is preferably compact and may have a volume of less than 0.003 cubic metres. Preferably, the device housing has a volume of less than 0.001 cubic metres. 25 The device may also be self-contained.

3 The device may further comprise an outlet pipe to receive air discharged through the outlet. The outlet pipe is preferably a "flexible and/or stretchable pipe.

Preferably, the outlet pipe, in use, is connected to' an overflow pipe of the toilet. 5 The device may, in the event of an overflow, take in water from the overflow pipe. In such a case, the device fills with water and excess water pours out of the inlet of the device towards the toilet bowl.

Preferably, the outlet pipe, in use, is connected to the overflow pipe by a T-section fitting. In that way, the connection is very simple to plumb.

A one way valve may be provided to prevent water from the overflow entering the housing. Preferably, the one way valve is arranged in the fitting.

The device may also comprise a filter, for the air, which may be arranged downstream of the outlet. Preferably, the filter is a charcoal filter, for example, an activated charcoal filter.

The device inlet may have a length which is variable and/or is detachable from the housing. The inlet length may be increased by attaching an extension, The inlet may further co mprise a lip that, in use, follows the inner surface of the rim. In that way, overflowing water in the bowl is prevented from seeping under the device. 25 The inlet may also have an overhang to prevent ingress of debris.

Preferably, the housing is located, in use, on a rim of the toilet bowl.

The device housing may ftirther comprise hook means by which it can be mounted on 30 the toilet bowl.

4 According to a third aspect of the inve6tion there is provided a device for extracting air from a toilet the device being detachably mountable by hook means on a toilet bowl and comprising a housing, a motorised fan in ihe housing a switch for activating the fan, the housing having an inlet which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and an outlet, the device also comprising actuating means for actuating the switch so as to activate the fan and expel air through the outlet.

The hook means, in use, may grip an inner part of the toilet bowl.

Preferably, the hook means is adjustable to enable it to mount the housing on toilet bowls of various sizes.

A portion of the hook means may be expandable in the housing. Preferably, a locking element can be inserted into said portion of the hook means to expand the hook means in the housing so as to hold the hook means in place to fix the hook means at its adjusted position.

A device may further comprise a power supply provided for the fan. The power supply may be in the form of a battery or batteries or, a solar cell arrangement.

Where the power supply is in the form of a battery or batteries, the battery or batteries are preferably arranged in a lower part of the device housing. In such a case, a covered opening may be provided on the underside of the housing to allow access the batteries.

- According to a fourth -aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for extracting air from a toilet bowl the device comprising a housing, a motorised fan in the housing and a switch for activating the fan, power supply for the motorised fan in the form of a solar cell, the housing having an inlet which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and an outlet, the device also comprising means for actuating the switch.

Preferably, the fan can be accessed in'the housing.

The solar cell may be arranged on the outside of a building in which the toilet bowl is installed.

The motorised fan may be arranged, in use, in a casing which, in use, is mounted on the outside of a building in which the toilet bowl is installed.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a device for extracting air from a toilet bowl the device comprising a casing which, in use is mounted on the outside of a building in which the toilet bowl is installed, a motorised fan in the casing, a switch for activating the fan, the housing having an inlet which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and an outlet, the device also comprising actuating means for actuating the switch so as to activate the fan and expel air through the outlet.

The casing may have one or preferably a series of apertures defined in its walls through which the motorised fan can discharge air. Preferably, the or each aperture is shielded to minimise draught and facilitate run-off of water.

The casing may also be formed to allow light to reach a solar cell arrangement for powering the motorised -fan.

The device may also be activated by a wireless communication means. Preferably, the wireless communication means is arranged to transmit a wireless signal through a conduit through which the motorised fan extracts air from the toilet bowl. Wireless communication is considered a safe form of communication in an environment where water is or poientially is present.

6 The device may also comprise an air extraction head which is mountable on a toilet bowl and communicates with the motorised fan through the conduit.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for extracting air from a toilet bowl, the device comprising an air extraction head which is mountable on a toilet bowl, suction means in fluid communication with the extraction head by means of conduit and wireless communication means arranged to transmit a signal through the conduit to activate the suction means to extract air from the toilet bowl.

Prefera bly, the communication means may comprise a transmitter arranged to transmit the wireless signal from one end of the conduit and a receiver arranged to receive the transmitted signal from the opposite end of the conduit.

The air extraction head may support housing means for part of the wireless communication means. Where the air extraction head supports housing means for part of the wireless communication means, the transmitter is preferably located in the housing means. 20 The extraction head may also be covered by a protective material to prevent particulate matter being drawn into the air extraction head. Preferably, the protective film is gauze. Preferably, the device also includes an odour trap.

7 The toilet bowl and toilet seat may be of the standardly manufactured type. Preferably, the bowl and seat do not require modification in order to incorporate the device.

The device is preferably contoured to the external shape of the toilet bowl in order to 5 reduce the amount of protrusion from the bowl.

Preferably, the cover is a waterproof material such as a plastics material. In that way it can be easily washed. A toilet mounted air extractor devices in accordance with the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. I is a cross section of a housing of a toilet-mounted air extractor device according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a cross section of the air extractor device housing of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective exploded view showing part of the air extractor device housing of Figs I and 2, a trigger arm and a torsion spring, ' Figure 4 shows a cross section through the assembled housing, trigger arm and torsion spring, 8 Figure 5a is a perspective exploded view showing part of the air extractor device t.

housing of Figs I and 2, an alternative a trigger arm and a tension spring, Fig 5b shows a cross section through the assembled housing, trigger arm and tension 5 spring,.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the battery and motor housing assembly showing the connection to the reed switch of the extractor device of Figs. 1 and 2, Fig. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of the fan assembly when the device is not in use, Fig. 8 is a similar schematic circuit diagram of the fan assembly when the device is in use, Fig. 9 is a cross section of the toilet mounted air extractor device of Figs. I and 2, showing airflow through the device, Fig. 10 is a cross section of the device taken on line X-X in Fig. 9, ' Fig. I I is a simplified side view of the trigger arm mounted on a toilet bowl rim, Fig. 12 is a schematic view of the air extractor device mounted on a toilet bowl rim, 9 Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another air extractor device housing in accordance with the invention, Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a rotatable trigger arm that can be used in the air 5 extractor device housing of Fig. 13, Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a further air extractor device housing in accordance with the invention, Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the air extractor device housing of Fig. 15 looking in the other direction, Fig. 17 is a perspective view of part of the device housing of Figs. 15 and 16 with some features omitted for clarity, 15 Fig. 18 is a cross section in plan of a hook located in a cavity of the cover, Fig. 19 is a simplified side view of the air extractor device housing of Figs. 15 to 18 on a toilet bowl rim, and 20 ' Fig. 20 is a simplified cross section of the air extractor device housing of Figs. 15 to 19 on a toilet bowl rim.

Fig. 21 is a cross section of a solar powered unit of another toilet air extractor device in accordance with the invention, Fig. 22 shows in perspective an extractor head and an electronics assembly housing and 5 trigger arm of the toilet air extractor device of Fig. 21 prior to assembly, Fig. 23a shows in perspective the extractor head and electronics assembly housing and trigger arm of Fig 22 assembled, Fig 23b shows another type of trigger arm suitable for location on the electronics assembly housing of Fig. 23a, Fig. 24 shows a perspective view of the toilet air extractor device of Fig. 21 and a casing of the same fitted to a wall, 15 Fig. 25 is a schematic view of the toilet air extractor device of Fig. 21 when it is installed and Fig. 26 shows a cross section of a T-piece of the toilet air extractor device of Fig. 25. 20 Referring to Fig. 1, a device 10 for extracting air comprises a housing 12, a motorised fan assembly 14, located in the housing 12, and a power supply 16.

The motorised fan assembly 14 comprises a motor 18 and a fan 20.

The fan assembly 14 comprises a first wall 22, a second wall 24 and a perimeter wall 26. The first wall 22 has a recess 28 in which the motor 18 is mounted. The first wall 22 has a hole 30 in it that allows a shaft 32 of the motor 18 to pass into the assembly 14. The assembly 14 has a lip 34 extending outwardly from an upper part 36 of the perimeter wall 26. The second wall 24 has an opening 38 that allows air into the fan assembly 14 and the perimeter wall 26 has a ftirther opening 40 at the upper part 36.

The further opening 40 is of such shape that it can receive a section of pipe (not shown).

The fan 20 comprises substantially radial vanes 42 attached to the shaft 32.

The power supply 16 comprises batteries 44. The batteries 44 are retained in a compartment 46 and are arranged substantially horizontally. A sealing member 48 is arranged on an upper surface 50 of the compartment 46. As shown in Fig. 6, an aperture 52 is provided in the upper surface 50 of the battery compartment 46. The motor 18 is connected to the batteries 44 by wires 54 passing through the aperture 52.

A magnetically-activated switch 5 6 is connected between the motor 18 and the batteries 44 to form a circuit 58, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. In the present examples, the switch 56 is a reed switch.

Referring to Fig. 5, the housing 12 comprises a curved inner wall 60, a curved outer wall 62, a first side wall 64 and a second side wall 66. The second side wall 66 is opposite the first side wall 64. The inner wall 60 is contoured so as to conform to an outer surface of a toilet.

12 Referring again to Fig. 1, the housing 12 further comprises an upper wall 68 and a lower opening 70 for receiving the motorised fan assembly 14.

The housing 12 comprises a duct 72 which extends from an upper part of the inner wall 60 away from the housing 12. Part of the duct 72 is substantially co-planar with the upper wall 68 of the housing 12. The duct 72 has an inlet 74 at an end 76 thereof spaced from the housing 12.

Referring to Figs. I and 2, an outlet 78 is defined in the first side wall 64, towards the upper wall 68. Resilient arms 80 extend from the inner wall 60 and the outer wall 62 in the region of the lower aperture 70. The arms 80 have inwardly-extending protrusions 82 arranged at free ends 84 thereof. An annular sealing shoulder 86 is provided around the lower aperture 70. 15 The housing 12 is a waterproof material such as a plastics material. In that way, the housing 12 can be washed without water penetrating the housing. In order to assemble the device, the arms 80 are flexed outwards and the fan motorised 20 'assembly 14 is installed so that the sealing shoulder 86 abuts the sealing member 48 to seal off the interior of the housing 12 from the compartment 46. The compartment 46 has an access panel 88 which is pushed between the arms 80 so that the protrusions 82 clip the fijnher cover in place behind the compartment 46.

13 Referring to Fig. 2, when assembled, the duct 72 leads to the opening 38 of the fan assembly 14 and the finther opening 40 leads via a pipe section 90 through the outlet 78. In that way, the inlet 74 is in fluid communication with the outlet 78 via the fan 20.

The lip. 34 provides a substantially continuous surface to the duct 72 to enhance flow of air. The housing 12 comprises two elongate cavities 94 (see Figs 9 and 10) that run alongside the duct 72, one on each side thereof. Hooks 96 are provided, one in each of the cavities 94 and are downwardly directed.

The device 10 further comprises an actuating means 98. The actuating means 98 is locatable on the housing 12. Figs. 3-5 show the actuating means 98 at various stages of assembly. As shown in Figs 3 and 4 the actuating means 9 8 comprises an L-shaped arm 100 and a 15 spigot 102 on the housing 12. The spigot 102 is positioned on the second side wall 66 of the housing 12 as shown in Fig. 5. In that way, the spigot 102 is positioned on an opposite side of the housing 12 to the outlet 78. The arm 100 has a vertical limb 104 and a horizontal limb 105 as shown in Fig. 3. The 20 'vertical limb 104 has a magnet 106 on it retained in a groove 108 formed therein. In use, the horizontal limb 105 is uppermost and the vertical limb 104 depends from it. The arm 100 is retained rotatably on the spigot 102 by means of a screw I 10 (see Fig. 4). A torsion spring 112 is arranged between the arm 100 and the spigot 102 such 14 that the arm 100 is biased relative to the housing 12 so that the horizontal limb 105 is normally inclined upwardly about the spigot 102. In that position, the magnet 106 lies clear of the reed switch 56 so that the circuit 58 remains open, as shown in Fig. 7 and the fan 20 does not operate.

When the limb 105 is pushed downwardly into a horizontal position the magnet 72 moves into alignment with the reed switch 56 thereby actuating the reed switch and closing the circuit 58 as shown schematically in Fig. 8. In that way the batteries 44 power the motor 18, and hence, the fan 20 is operated. The circuit 58 may have a delay 10 mechanism (not shown) built in.

In Figs. 11 and 12, a toilet 120 comprises a bowl 122, a seat 124 and a cistern 126. The bowl 122 has a rim 128. An overflow pipe 130 typically runs from the left hand side of the cistern 126.

The pipe section 90 has a flexible pipe 131 connected to it as shown in Fig. 9.

The device 10 is installed on the toilet 120 as shown in Fig. 12.

The flexible pipe 131 is connected by a T-section pipe 132 to the overflow pipe 130 as shown in Fig. 12. A one way valve (not shown) is installed in the T-piece 132.

Alternatively, a styrofoam ball or an inverted cup (not shown) may be placed upon the part of the overflow pipe 130 which is normally extended in the cistern 126. In that 1:

way, foul smells are prevented from the cistern 126 and hence cannot escape from the device 10 into the room.

The housing 12 is mounted on the toilet bowl 122. More specifically it is hooked onto the rim 128 by means of the hooks 96 so as to be suspended from the rim 128. The weight of the housing 12 is supported by the rim 128. The hooks 96 can be adjusted in the cavities 94 dependent on the size of the rim 128.

Referring to Fig. 11, the seat 124 is lowered and rests on the horizontal limb 105 of the arm 100. The spring 112 holds the seat 124 up the weight of the seat 124 alone being insufficient to overcome the bias of the spring 112.

In use, when a user sits on the seat 124, the additional weight applied to the seat 124 rotates the arm 100 against the bias of the springs 112 such that the magnet 106 activates the reed switch 56 (see Fig. 8) and closes the circuit 58. The batteries 44 supply power to the motor 18 which, in turn, drives the fan 20. As the fan 20 operates air is extracted from the bowl 122 of the toilet into the inlet 74 through the duct 72 and opening 38 to the fan 20 as shown in Figs 9 and 10. The air is expelled through the outlet 78, along the pipe 131 and down the overflow pipe 130 as shown in Fig. i2. In that way, foul smells can be removed. The operation of the device 10 is almost silent, in part due to the small size of the motor 18 and its low revolution rate in use and the lightness of the fan 20. The housing 12 is very compact, less than 0.001 cubic metres in volume. In that way, the housing 12 is less conspicuous to a user.

16 Figs 5a and 5b show the way in which the arm 100 is replaced by internal arm 133 and an external arm 134. The arm 133 has a shaft 135 which extends rotatably through an aperture 135a in the housing 12. The shaft 135 has a square cross-section spigot 136 thereon on which the external arm 134 locates. Preferably the external arm 134 is held on the spigot 136 by means of a detent 137. The internal arm has horizontal and vertical limbs 133a and 133b respectively. The horizontal limb 133a is biased normally upwards by means of a tension spring S attached to the housing 12 and the vertical limb 133b, carries the magnet 106. The spring S also biases the 'external arm 134 upwardly (its lower position being shown in broken lines in Fig 5a) and the bias of the spring S causes the external arm 134 to lift the seat 124 clear of the rim 128 of the toilet bowl.

As with the arm 100, the additional weight of a person on the seat 124 overcomes the bias of the spring S so as to turn the arms 133, 134 and activate the reed switch 56.

The housing 12 may include a dispenser (not shown) for perfumes and the like, activated by a button (not shown) on the housing 12.

A further air extractor device 138 in accordance with the invention is shown in Fig. 13.

Parts in Fig. 13 corresponding with parts in Figs. 1 -10 carry the same reference numerals.

' The device 138 of Figs. 13 and 14 is substantially similar to that shown in Figs. 1-10, with the exception of a trigger assembly 140 and a cover 150.

17 Referring to Fig. 14, the trigger assembly 140 comprises an arm 142 having a stem 144 and a base portion 146. The stem 144 has a hood 148, which connects the stem 144 to the base portion 146 in rotatable manner. The -base portion 146 is rotatable about the connection. The base portion 146 has a hole 149 therethrough that allows part of a rubber bush (not shown) to pass therethrough.

The cover 150 has two slots 152 and two outlets 154, a slot 152 and an outlet 154 being arranged on each of the first side wall 64 and the second side wall 66 thereof The device 130 can thus be suspended from the left hand or right hand side of the toilet bowl rim 128 and the preferred slot 152 and outlet 154 can be used. The base portion 146 can be rotated relative to the stem 144 so that the arm is oriented appropriately.

In use, the outlet 154 is arranged on the opposite side to the slot 152 which is being used.

In that way the used slot 152 is selected so that the arm 100 can better hold the seat 124 up and the outlet 154 is arranged so that the pipe 131 leaves the back of the cover 150, so as to be less visible. In such a case, the unused outlet 154 is stopped.

'In Figs. 15 and 16, another air extractor device 200 is provided. All parts in Figs. 15 and 16 correspond with all parts in Figs. 1-10, except, referring to Figs. 15 and 16, the device 200 comprises a cover 201.

18 Referri ng to Fig. 15, the cover 201 has a first set of T-section rails 202 attached to the second side wall 66 thereof and, looking at Fig. 16, a second set of T-section rails 204 is attached to the first side wall 64 thereof The rails 202 comprise a first pair of rails 206 and a first solo rail 208. The first pair of rails 206 lie on a vertical axis "a". The first solo rail 208 lies on a parallel axis "al", where the parallel axis "al" is nearer to the inner wall 60 than the vertical axis "a". Looking at Fig. 16, the rails 204 comprise a second pair of rails 210 and a second solo rail 212. The second palrof rails 210 lie on a second vertical axis "b" and second solo rail 212 lies 'on a second parallel axis "bl", where the second parallel axis "bl" is nearer to the inner wall 60 than the second vertical axis "b".

Referring to Fig. 15, a first outlet 214 is provided on a second side wall 66 and, referring to Fig. 16, a further outlet 216 provided on a first side wall 64.

An arm 218 has a stem 220 and a base portion 222 joined by a spigot 224. The stem 220 has a first vertical recess 226 and a second vertical recess 228 and a magnet 229 therebetween. The recesses 226, 228 have a dove-tailed that is designed to accommodate the rails 202, 204. The base portion 222 has an aperture (not shown) that allows the rubber bush to pass therethrough. The rubber bush has a cap 230 attached ' thereon that increases, in use, the distance between the base portion 222 and the seat 124. The cap is available in different lengths to suit different toilets where the distance between the seat 124 and the rim 128 varies.

19 The device can thus be' suspended from the left or right hand side of the toilet bowl rim 128.

Referring to Fig. 15 and 16, in the case where the device is suspended from the left hand side of the toilet bowl rim 128, the arm 218 is mounted on the second side wall 66 so that the first pair of rails 206 and the first solo rail 208 are received in the recesses 226, 228, respectively. In such a case, the first outlet 214 is plugged and the further outlet 216 is connected to the pipe 13 1. In that way, the arm 218 does not interfere with the pipe 13 1.

In the case where the device is suspended from the right hand side of the toilet bowl rim 128, the base portion 222 is rotated by 180 degrees about the spigot 224. The arm 218 is then mounted on the first side wall 64 on the second set of T-section rails 204. More specifically, the second pair of rails 210 and the second solo rail 212 are received in the recesses 228, 226, respectively. The fiarther outlet 216 is plugged and the first outlet 214 is connected to the pipe 13 1.

Referring to Fig. 15, when the device is installed on the left hand side of the rim 128, the arm 218 may be positioned so that the first pair of rails 206 are received by the ' second vertical recess 228. In such a case, the magnet 229 is not in alignment with the reed switch 56, therefore and the reed switch and the motor are not activated.

Similarly, referring to Fig. 16, the arm 218 may be positioned so that the second pair of rails 210 are received by the first vertical recess 226. In both cases the solo rail 208, 212 may be omitted.

r.

In Fig. 17, a further air extractor device 250 is provided, where all parts in Fig. 17 correspond with all parts in Figs. 1-10, except, referring to Fig. 17, a cover 252 has an inlet 254 that receives a duct extension 256.

Referring to Fig. 20, the duct extension 256 has an inlet 257 that extends slightly over the inner edge of the rim 128 and a lip 258. The lip 258 prevents overflow water taken in at the outlet 78 of the cover 252 from passing between the cover and the rim 128 by capillary action. The duct extension 256 also has an overhang 260 that prevents ingress of debris.

The cover 252 farther comprises cavities 262. Each cavity 262 has a rib 264 formed thereon. Hooks 266 having a central space 268 and grooves 270 on part of an outer surface 272 thereof are positioned in the cavities 262. A plug 274 is forced into the hooks 266 and expands the space 268 so that a groove 270 of each hook 266 receives a rib 264. A tab 276 on the hook 266 holds the cover 252 on the rim 128 as seen in Fig.

19. The hooks 266 can be adjusted so that any of the grooves 270 receive the rib 264 so that the hooks 266 fit rims 128 of different widths.

'Another toilet air extractor device 300 is shown in Figures 21 to 25. Parts in Figures 21 to 25 corresponding to parts in earlier figures are given the same reference numerals.

21 Referring to' Figures 21 to 25, the toilet air extractor device 300 comprises a solar P.

powered unit 301 which is separated from, and in fluid communication with an extraction head 500 by means of piping 130,132 and tubing 13 1.

Referring to Figure 21, the solar powered unit 301 comprises a shell 302 which has a solar cell arrangement 304 forming one of its walls. The solar cell arrangement faces outwardly so as to be exposed to ambient light. Theshell 302 houses the motor 18, the fan 20 and the battery 44. The battery 44 is connected to' the solar cell arrangement 304 and the motor 18 via electronic circuitry (not shown). The solar powered unit 301 defines a duct 307, one end of which defines an inlet 308 to the shell 302, and towards the other end of which is an opening 305 to the fan 20. A sensor 309 is arranged in the duct 307 and generally faces the inlet 308 of the shell 302. The sensor 309 is arranged on a surface of the duct 307 out of the path between the inlet 308 to the shell and the opening 305 to the fan 20. The sensor 309 is connected via an electronic circuit board 310 to the battery 44. The shell 302 has one or more fixing apertures 311 to permit fixing of the shell 3 02 to a wall 3 2 1.

Referring to Figure 22, the extraction head 500 has two outlets 154, one of which receives the insert tube 90, the other of which is intended to be covered by a housing 312 for a transmitter 313. The extraction head 500 also defines a channel 315a on an underside thereof The channel 315a runs from the first side wall 64 to the second side wall 66 and is of dovetailed cross section to receive a corresponding part 315b, of the housing 312. The cavities 94 of the extraction head 500 and the hooks 96 are of 22 rectangular cross section. In that way, rotation of the hooks 96 is prevented and the r.

stability of the extraction head 500 on the toilet rim 128 is improved.

The housing 312 has a compartment 46 for batteries (not shown) which power the transmitter 313 and supports the magnetically-activated reed switch 56. The transmitter 313, the battery compartment 46 and the magnetically-activated reed switch 56 are connected by a printed circuit board 54 and form an electronic circuit when batteries are placed in the compartment 46. It will be appreciated that since a battery 44 for the fan motor 18 is located in the shell 302 of the solar powered unit 301 batteries housed in the battery compartment 46 need be sufficient to power only the transmitter 313 and so the compartment 46 is appreciably smaller than in earlier embodiments. The compartment 46 preferably houses a PP3 type battery which is widely available and inexpensive. A lid 314 is mounted on the housing 312 to protect the battery compartment 46 and electronics circuitry from water, dust, etc. The housing 312 is L-shaped, one arm 312a being adapted to be received in the channel 315 of the extraction head 500, the other arm 312b of the housing being adapted to abut against the extraction head 500 so as to cover the second outlet 154 when the housing is pushed ftilly along the channel 315. The transmitter 313 is positioned such that when the housing 312 is fitted to the extraction head 500, the transmitter is located adjacent the second outlet 154, possibly protruding into the extraction head 500 and is arranged to transmit an ultrasonic signal towards the outlet 154 which supports the pipe 90. The transmitter 313 is covered with a protective film of ultrasonically transparent material (not shown) such as gauze. The housing 312 can be mounted on the extraction head 500 either from the first side wall 64 or the second side wall 66 of the extraction head 500.

23 In the former case, the free outlet 154 on the second side wall 66 receives the insert tube 90 and in the latter case the free outlet 154 on the first side wall 64 receives the flexible tube 90. It will be appreciated that the -former configuration shown in Figures 22 and 23a is suitable for mounting the extraction head 500 on the right hand side of the toilet bowl rim 128 and Figure 25 shows an extraction head 500 of the latter configuration for mounting the extraction head on the left hand side of the toilet bowl rim 128. In Figure 23b the vertical limb 104 of the trigger arm 100 is attached to the horizontal limb 105 midway across the, width of the base portion so that the arm 100 is stressed symmetrically in use. The arm 100 can be turned through 80 degrees for right or left operation of the housing 312.

The slot of the actuating means 98 is provided on the housing 312. The horizontal limb of the trigger arm 100 has a leaf spring 316 connected thereto adjacent the vertical limb 104. A compression spring 317 depends from the free end of the horizontal limb 105 and is adapted to co-operate with a free end of the leaf spring 3 10.

Referring to Figure 24, the solar powered unit 301 comprises a casing 318. The casing 318 has an opening (not shown) adapted to receive the shell 302 and an opening 319 corresponding to the solar cell arrangement 304. The casing 3 18 has a series of louvres 320 in one or more of its sides. The louvres 320 minimise draught and facilitate run-off of water.

When installing the toilet air extractor device 300, the pipe 130 is passed through part of a building such as the outer wall 321 in known manner and is received in the duct 24 307 of the solar powered unit 301. The duct 307 and the pipe 130 are a loose fit to allow overflow water to spill out of the shell 302 but not so loose as to be overly detrimental to the suction effect of the fan 20. The shell 302 is fitted to the wall 321 by means of screws 322 or the like as shown in Figure 25 which pass through the fixing apertures 311 and then the casing 318 is clipped onto the shell 302. When the solar powered unit 301 is fixed to the wall 321 the solar cell arrangement 304 is inclined towards the sun and/or sky in the known manner. The motor 18 is mounted so that the fan 20 depends beneath it. In that arrangement, if a sev'ere overflow occurs the fan 20 can provide a certain amount of relief by expelling water thus protecting the motor 18.

Referring to Figure 25, the end of the overflow pipe 130 within the cistern 126 has an odour trap 323 mounted thereon. The odour trap 323 is in the form of an inverted cup having a closed end 324 spaced from the opening to the overflow pipe 130 and having an open end 325 immersed in water in the cistern 126 when the cistern is full. The immersed end blocks the passage of air from the toilet bowl but not the overflow of water into the pipe 130.

Referring to Fig. 26, the T-piece 132 may comprise a one-way valve 600 in a vertical limb 326 of the T-piece. The one-way valve 600 comprises a circular flap 327 which is 'mounted on a pivot 328 offset from the central axis 329 of the limb 326. The flap 327 carries a weight 330 to one side of the pivot 328. A stop 331 limits movement of the flap by the weight 330 and defines a closed position of the valve 600. While no water acts on the flap 327, the weight 330 biases the flap upwards against the stop 331 to close the valve 600 and prevent odour reaching the cistern 126. When water overflows into the pipe 130, the flap 327 opens against the bias of the weight 330 and the valve r, 600 opens to allow the water through it.

The extraction head 500 is adapted so that when the trigger arm 100 is mounted on the slot on-the electronics assembly housing 312 the ftont of the seat 124 is held slightly above the rim 128 of the toilet 120 due to the bias of the compression spring 317 (see Figure 22 or 23). When a person sits on the seat 124, the trigger arm 100 moves downward. The leaf spring 316 distributes the load of the seat 124 and person along the horizontal limb 105 towards the vertical limb 104 so that skewing of the vertical limb 104 within the slot is minimised. The magnet 106 in the vertical limb 104 of the trigger arm 100 activates the reed switch 56 as they move into alignment. The activated switch 56 energises the circuit and hence powers the transmitter 313. The transmitter 313 emits a signal through the first outlet 154 of the extraction head 500 into the insert tube and through the flexible tube 13 1. Known characteristics of ultrasonics allow the signal to move down the flexible tube 131 so as to be received at the sensor 309. When the signal is received, the electronic circuit board 3 10 switches power to the motor 18 to drive the fan 20. The battery 44 is chargeable by the solar cell arrangement 304. The fan 20 draws air from the toilet bowl 122 into the extraction head 500. The air is drawn along the flexible tube 131 and piping 130, 132 and through the wall 321 into the duct 307 of the solar powered unit 301. The air is drawn into the fan 20 through the opening 38 and is expelled out of the louvres 320 on the casing 318. It will be appreciated that obstruction or removal of the transmitter 313 will prevent the ultrasonic signal reaching the sensor 309 and the fan 20 will not be activated. In that way, the toilet air extractor device 300 will only work when the housing 312 is property connected to the extraction 26 head 500. It is notable that an ultrasonic signal is not as susceptible to degradation by moisture, dirt and surface texture of piping/tubing as a light signal. Although electro-magnetic or radio transmitter/receivers can be used in place of the ultrasonic transmitter 313 and receiver 309, such techniques are more expensive and prone to 5 interference from other external sources.

With the motor 18 and fan 20 separated from the toilet 120 by the wall 321 little or none operational sound is heard in the room where the toilet is installed.

Daylight (not necessarily sunlight) enables the solar cell arrangement 304 to charge the battery 44. The battery 44 when fully charged has a capacity sufficient to power the fan 20 for approximately 60-90 minutes.

Where the toilet seat 124 does not contact the base portion 146 in its lowest position, a cap 400 can be placed between the limb 105 or the base portion 146 and the seat 124 (see Fig 11). The cap 400 can vary in height from, for example 1 - 10 mm depending on the distance between the seat 124 in the "down" position and rim 128 when the device 10 is not installed. 'Me. X and Y positions of the seat 124 in Fig I I reflect different distances and hence different cap 400 heights. 20 It should be noted that the preferred manner of mounting the arm 100 is shown in Figures 3 to 5b. The rotary action of the arm 100 is less likely to jam when the horizontal limb 105 is moved downwards as result of a person sitting on the toilet seat 124, as compared to the embodiments shovrn in Figures 13 to 25 where the arms 100, 27 142, 218 slide vertically and may encounter resistance particularly if foreign matter interfers with the sliding action.

28

Claims

Claims

A device for extracting air from a toilet bowl the device comprising a housing, a motorised fan in the housing and a magnetically operable switch for activating the fan, the housing having an inlet which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and an outlet, the device also comprising actuating means for actuating the switch so as to activate the fan and expel air through the outlet.

2. A device according to claim I in which the magnetically operable switch is a reed switch.

3. A device according to claim I or claim 2 in which the actuating means is moveably mounted on the housing.

4. A device according to claim 3 in which the actuating means is rotatably mounted on the housing 5. A device for extracting air from a toilet bowl the device comprising a housing, a motorised fan in the housing and a switch for activating the fan, the housing having 20 an inlet which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and an outlet, the device also comprising means rotatably mounted on the housing for actuating the switch. 6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the actuating 25 means is detachable from the housing.

7. A device according to claim 6 in which the actuating means is detachably retained by means of a fastener or snap-fit means.

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which, in use, at least part of the actuating means locates beneath a seat for the toilet bowl.

29 9. A device according to clal M' 8 in which the actuating means is resiliently biased so as to lift the seat away from a rim of the toilet bowl.

10. A device according to claim 9 in which the actuating means is resiliently biased by means of a spring. 11. A device according to claim 10 in which the spring is a torsion spring or a tension spring. 10 12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which downward movement of the toilet seat causes the actuating means to actuate the switch. 13. A device according to any preceding claim in which the device is removably 15 mountable on the toilet bowl.

14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the housing has a volume of less than 0.003 cubic metres.

15. - A device according to claim 14 in which the housing volume is less than 0.001 cubic metres. 16. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which an outlet pipe is provided to receive air discharged through the outlet. 25 17. A device according to claim 16 in which the pipe is, in use, connected to an overflow pipe of the toilet. 18. A device according to claim 17 in which the outlet pipe, in use, is connected to 30 the overflow pipe by a T-section fitting.

19. A device according to claim 17 or 18 in which a one way valve is provided to prevent water from the overflow enten"ng the housing.

A device according to claim 19 when appendant to claim 18 in which the one way valve is arranged in the fitting.

21. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which a filter for the air is arranged downstream of the outlet.

22. A device according to claim 21 in which the filter is a charcoal filter.

23. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the inlet has a length which is variable.

24. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the inlet is detachable from the housing.

25. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the housing is located, in use, on a rim of the toilet bowl.

26. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the housing further comprises hook means by which it can be mounted on the toilet bowl.

27. An air extractor device for extracting air from a toilet the device being detachably mountable by hook means on a toilet bowl and comprising a housing, a motorised fan in the housing a switch for activating the fan, the housing having an inlet which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and an outlet, the device also comprising actuating means for actuating the switch so as to activate the fan and expel air through the outlet.

28. A device according to claim 26 or 27 in which the hook means grips an inner part of the toilet bowl.

31 29. A device according to any one of claims 26 to 28 in which the hook means is adjustable to enable it to mount the housing on toilet bowls of various sizes.

30. A device according to any of claims 26 to 29 in which a portion of the hook means is expandable in the housing. 31. A device according to claim 30 in which a locking element can be inserted into said portion of the hook means to expand the hook means in the housing so as to 10 hold the hook means in place to fix the hook means at its adjusted position.

32. A device according to any preceding claim in which a power supply in the form of a battery or batteries is provided for the fan.

33. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the power supply comprises a solar cell arrangement. 34. A device for extracting air from a toilet bowl the device comprising a housing, a motorised fan in the housing and a switch for activating the fan, power supply for the 20 motorised fan in the form of a solar cell, the housing having an inlet which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and an outlet, the device also comprising means for actuating the switch. 35. A device according to claim 33 or 34 in which the solar cell is arranged on the 25 outside of a building in which the toilet bowl is installed.

36. A device according to any preceding claim in which the motorised fan is arranged, in use, in a casing which, in use, is mounted on the outside of a building in which the toilet bowl is installed.

37. A device for extracting air from a toilet bowl the device comprising a casing which, in use is mounted on the outside of a building in which the toilet bowl is 32 installed, a motorised fan in the casing, a switch for activating the fan, the housing having an inlet which, in use, communicates with the interior of the toilet bowl and an outlet, the device also comprising actuating means for actuating the switch so as to activate the fan and expel air through the outlet.

38. A device according to any of claim 37 in which the casing has one or preferably a series of apertures defined in its walls through which the motorised fan can discharge air.

39. A device according to claim 38 in which the -or each aperture is shielded to minimise draught and facilitate run-off of water.

40. A device according to any of claims 36 to 39 when appendant to claim 33 in which the casing is formed to allow light to reach a solar cell arrangement for powering the motorised fan.

41. A device according to any preceding claim in which the device is activated by a wireless communication means.

42. - A device according to claim 41 in which the wireless communication means is arranged to transmit a wireless signal through a conduit through which the motorised fan extracts air from the toilet bowl.

43. A device according to claim 42 in which an air extraction head is mountable on a toilet bowl and cormnunicates with the motorised fan through the conduit.

44. A device for extracting air from a toilet bowl, the device comprising an air extraction head which is mountable on a toilet bowl, suction means in fluid communication with the extraction head by means of conduit and wireless communication means arranged to transmit a signal through the conduit to activate the suction means to extract air from the toilet bowl.

33 45. A device according to claim 43 or 44 in which the communication means comprises a transmitter is arranged to'-transmit the wireless signal from one end of the conduit and a receiver is arranged to receive the transmitted signal from the opposite end of the conduit.

46. A device according to claim 43, 44 or 45 in which the air extraction head supports housing means for part of the wireless communication means.

47. A device according to claim 46 when appendant to claim 45 in which the transmitter is located in the housing means.

48. A device according to any one of claims 43 to 47 in which the extraction head is covered by a protective material to prevent particulate matter being drawn into the air extraction head.

49. A device according to claim 48 in which the protective film is gauze.

50. A device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the device further comprises an odour trap.

51. An air extractor device constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-12, 13, 14, 15-20, 21-26 of the accompanying drawings.