Apparatus and method for treating objectionable odors in toilet bowls and the like

Abstract

An apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl, the toilet bowl including a seat positioned above the toilet bowl includes a main body having an inlet opening and an airflow exit opening; means for mounting the main body proximal to the toilet bowl with the inlet opening positioned substantially between the bowl and the seat; a drawer removably securable to the main body; an air treatment chamber defined by at least one of the main body, the drawer, and a combination of the main body and the drawer; fan means for drawing gas in the inlet opening, through the air treatment chamber and out the air flow exit opening; a power source; light sensitive control assembly means connected with the fan means and the power means for detecting the presence of a person sitting on the seat and activating the fan means; and, air treatment means positioned within the air treatment chamber for removing odiferous particulates at least when the fan means is drawing gas through the air treatment chamber.

1 . An apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl, the toilet bowl including a seat positioned above the toilet bowl, the apparatus comprising:
 a main body having an inlet opening and an airflow exit opening;   means for mounting said main body proximal to the toilet bowl with the inlet opening positioned substantially between the bowl and the seat;   a drawer removably securable to said main body;   an air treatment chamber defined by at least one of said main body, said drawer, and a combination of said main body and said drawer;   fan means for drawing gas in the inlet opening, through the air treatment chamber and out the air flow exit opening;   a power source;   light sensitive control assembly means connected with said fan means and said power means for detecting the presence of a person sitting on the seat and activating said fan means; and,   air treatment means positioned within the air treatment chamber for removing odiferous particulates at least when said fan means is drawing gas through said air treatment chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 1  wherein said drawer includes a closed condition securing said air treatment means within said air treatment chamber, and an open condition exposing and enabling removal of said air treatment means. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 1  wherein said air treatment means includes a primary filter and a secondary filter. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 3  wherein the primary filter is operable in the path of flowing gases therethrough to remove odiferous particulates from such flowing gases. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 4  wherein the primary filter is a charcoal-based, fibrous material. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 4  wherein the secondary filter is an antibacterial filter for removing at least one of bacteria, viruses, and poisonous substances from gases flowing through it. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 6  wherein the secondary filter is a nano silver antibacterial filter. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 6  wherein the secondary filter has a size of about Ø74*30 mm with a density of about 35 ppi. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 1  wherein said control assembly includes a sensor assembly operable to detect changes in light passing between the toilet bowl and toilet seat. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 9  wherein the sensor assembly includes an IR emitter and receiver aimed between the toilet bowl and toilet seat. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 10  wherein said control assembly further includes input means for manually activating and/or deactivating said fan means. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 9  wherein said control assembly further includes microprocessor means for controlling the activation and/or deactivation of said fan means in response to input from the sensor assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus for treating objectionable odors in a toilet bowl of  claim 12  wherein said control assembly further includes input means for manually activating and/or deactivating said fan means.