Ventilation system for a toilet

Abstract

A ventilation system for a toilet includes a scented filter disposed in either the toilet tank or a housing mounted directly behind the toilet tank and which is in flow communication with a fan so that the fan can draw unpleasant and noxious odors from the toilet for filtering through the scented filter and then discharge up through a stack pipe. A motion detecting sensor is electrically interconnected with the fan for automatically actuating the fan after a predetermined timed delay following an individual's use of the toilet, or the system can include a manually operable switch for engaging the fan after use of the toilet for ventilating the toilet and externally discharging the unpleasant and noxious odors.

1 . A ventilation system for a toilet that includes a toilet bowl and a toilet tank in flow communication with the toilet bowl for ventilating offensive and noxious odors from the bathroom, the ventilation system comprising:
 an odor conveyance conduit interconnected to and in flow communication with the toilet bowl and the toilet tank;   the toilet tank including an odor ventilation chamber that communicates with the odor conveyance conduit;   a removable scented filter disposed within the odor ventilation chamber for filtering the offensive and noxious odors;   a main conduit in airflow communication with the odor ventilation chamber and extending rearwardly from the toilet tank;   a housing mounted to a rear bathroom wall of the bathroom and attached to and in airflow communication with the main conduit;   a selectively actuated fan enclosed within the housing;   a discharge conduit extending within the rear bathroom wall of the bathroom and in airflow communication with the housing;   a motion activated sensor mounted to the rear bathroom wall of the bathroom and electrically interconnected to the fan through an electrical control box; and   whereupon the sensor actuates the fan after the detection of motion followed by a time period of no motion detection so that the operation of the fan draws the offensive and noxious odors from the toilet, through the odor conveyance conduit, past the scented filter and the fan, and through the discharge conduit for discharge and elimination from the bathroom.   
   
   
       2 . The ventilation system for a toilet of  claim 1  wherein the toilet tank includes a removable lid. 
   
   
       3 . The ventilation system for a toilet of  claim 2  further comprising a closure member pivotally mounted to the lid and aligned with the odor ventilation chamber for providing access thereto. 
   
   
       4 . The ventilation system for a toilet of  claim 3  wherein the main conduit includes a shutoff valve for blocking the flow of air and water through the main conduit to the housing for preventing damage thereto. 
   
   
       5 . The ventilation system for a toilet of  claim 4  wherein a source of power for the sensor and the fan is from a standard house electrical current. 
   
   
       6 . The ventilation system for a toilet of  claim 5  wherein a rechargeable battery supplies power for the sensor and the fan. 
   
   
       7 . A ventilation system for a toilet that includes a toilet bowl and a toilet tank in flow communication with the toilet bowl for ventilating and eliminating offensive and noxious odors from the toilet, the ventilation system, comprising:
 an odor conveyance conduit interconnected to and in airflow communication with the toilet bowl;   a filter and fan housing mounted to a rear bathroom wall adjacent the toilet and in airflow communication with the odor conveyance conduit;   the filter and fan housing including an enlarged rectangular compartment;   a scented filter for removable placement within the enlarged rectangular compartment of the filter and fan housing;   a selectively actuated fan enclosed within the filter and fan housing immediately behind the filter;   a discharge conduit extending within the rear bathroom wall of the bathroom and in airflow communication with the filter and fan housing;   a manually operable fan on/off switch mounted to the rear bathroom wall and electrically interconnected to the fan for actuating the fan; and   whereupon actuation of the fan from the fan on/off switch causes the offensive and noxious odors to be drawn from the toilet, through the odor conveyance conduit, past the scented filter and the fan, and through the discharge conduit for discharge and elimination from the bathroom.   
   
   
       8 . The ventilation system for a toilet of  claim 7  wherein the enlarged compartment of the filter and fan housing includes a hingable cap that can be opened to allow access to the scented filter and closed for holding the scented filter within the enlarged compartment. 
   
   
       9 . The ventilation system for a toilet of  claim 8  wherein the odor conveyance conduit includes a connection end that is attachable to the filter and fan housing. 
   
   
       10 . The ventilation system for a toilet of  claim 9  wherein the odor conveyance conduit includes a manual shutoff valve located at the connection end for closing off the odor conveyance conduit and thus preventing the flow of air and water into the filter and fan housing.