WO2023049436A1

WO2023049436A1 - Toilet with integrated filtration

Info

Publication number: WO2023049436A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/044683
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Jacques L'henaff; Ki Bok Song; Soonjae Kwon; Greg Reinecker; Jacob Nitz; Paul Flowers
Original assignee: AS America Inc
Current assignee: AS America Inc
Priority date: 2021-09-27
Filing date: 2022-09-26
Publication date: 2023-03-30
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-27
Also published as: US20240389802A1; EP4408246A1; EP4408246A4; MX2024002653A; CN117858651A; CA3229350A1

Abstract

A toilet assembly, comprising a bowl; a plurality of air inlet openings; and a plurality of air outlet openings, wherein the bowl, the air inlet openings, and the air outlet openings are in flow communication, and the toilet assembly is configured to direct an air flow from the bowl, through the air inlet openings, and through the air outlet openings.

Description

Toilet with Integrated Filtration

The disclosure relates to a toilet assembly. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a toilet assembly comprising an integrated air filtration system.

Background

Flushing a toilet generates a toilet plume. Turbulent moving water and air during a flush causes a particulate plume to enter ambient air outside of a toilet bowl. Toilet plume may pose health risks as it may contaminate air around the toilet and land on surfaces of and around a toilet with particulate containing germs associated with toilet use. Desired is a toilet assembly having a means to reduce toilet plume.

Summary

Accordingly, disclosed is a toilet assembly, comprising a bowl; a plurality of air inlet openings; and a plurality of air outlet openings, wherein the bowl, the air inlet openings, and the air outlet openings are in flow communication, and the toilet assembly is configured to direct an air flow from the bowl, through the air inlet openings, and through the air outlet openings.

In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a filter assembly, wherein the air flow is configured to be passed through a filter media. In some embodiments, air inlet openings and/or air outlet openings are positioned in a separate part or insert. A separate part or insert may be configured to be removably coupled to the assembly for cleaning. In some embodiments, a filter assembly may be removably coupled to the assembly, for cleaning and/or to replace a filter media.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Fig. 1A shows a toilet, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 1B provides a rear view of a toilet assembly, according to an embodiment. Fig. 1C shows a seat/hinge portion of a toilet assembly, according to an embodiment.

Detailed Disclosure

Fig. 1A provides a view of toilet assembly 100, according to an embodiment. Toilet assembly 100 is a spalet type toilet, having a flush engine positioned in chamber 101 (not visible) under rear cover 102. Toilet bowl 103 (not visible) is under lid 104.

Fig. 1 B provides a rear view of toilet assembly 100, according to some embodiments. Shown is filter assembly 105, having air outlet ring 106 positioned about it. Outlet ring 106 comprises a plurality of openings 107, through which filtered air exits assembly 100 during a flush cycle. In some embodiments, filter assembly 105 may be removed in order to be cleaned and/or to replace a filter media. In some embodiments, lid or door 117 may be twisted or pushed on in order to remove assembly 105. Filter assembly 105, positioned behind door 117, may or may not be coupled to door 117. In some embodiments, outlet ring 106 may also be removed for cleaning and re-installed. Power cord 108 is positioned at a rear surface of toilet assembly 100. Power cord 108 may be electrically coupled to a building power supply, and may serve to power a moving device, for example a fan, to move air from bowl 103 and through filter assembly 105.

Fig. 1C provides a view of a portion of toilet assembly 100, according to some embodiments. Visible is toilet bowl 103 with seat 109 and lid 104 is an open or “up” position. Hinge assembly 111 rests on toilet deck 110. Hinge assembly 111 comprises hinge 112 and aperture assemblies 113. Aperture assemblies 113 contain a plurality of openings 114. Seat 109 contains a plurality of openings 115 positioned at a bottom surface thereof. In some embodiments, openings 114 and 115 are configured to draw in toilet plume during a flush cycle and to pass it through filter assembly 105. Hinge 112 may comprise a pathway or conduit in flow communication with openings 115 and filter assembly 105. In some embodiments, a rearfacing surface 116 of seat 109 may comprise a plurality of outlet openings (not visible). Such outlet openings may be adjacent to and aligned with openings 114 when seat 109 is in a closed (down) position. In this embodiment, toilet assembly 100 may be configured to direct an air flow from bowl 103, through openings 115, through outlet openings on seat rear surface 116, through openings 114, and through outlet openings 107.

A toilet assembly of the disclosure comprises a toilet bowl, a plurality of air inlet openings, and a plurality of air outlet openings, wherein the bowl, the air inlet openings and air outlet openings are in flow communication. The toilet assembly is configured to reduce odor and/or to reduce or control a toilet plume generated during a flush by directing an air flow from the bowl, through the inlet openings, and out the outlet openings. In some embodiments, an air flow may be directed to flow through an air pathway. An air pathway may comprise a conduit, or may comprise a plurality of air conduits in flow communication. An air pathway may comprise an interior chamber of a toilet assembly. An air flow may be configured to pass from a bowl, through an interior of a toilet assembly, and to exit the toilet assembly. In some embodiments, an air flow may be in a direction of from a bowl, through an interior of a toilet assembly, and out a rear of a toilet assembly.

In some embodiments, an air flow may be directed to be passed through a filter media. A filter media may comprise a carbon-based filter, for example activated carbon, nano-carbon, and the like. A filter media may effectively filter out odor and pathogens. In some embodiments, a filter assembly comprising a filter media may be removably coupled to a toilet assembly and air flow path. For example, a filter assembly 105 as shown in Fig. 1B may be configured to be removed by pushing on or turning the assembly. Accordingly, a filter media as part of a filter assembly may be replaced. A filter assembly or parts of a filter assembly may be cleaned prior to re-coupling to the toilet assembly and air flow pathway.

In some embodiments, no conduit for an air pathway is required. For example, air flow may simply be directed through a chamber to exit a toilet assembly, for instance a chamber 101 of Fig. 1 A. In other embodiments, an air flow may be directed via a conduit. A conduit may comprise a plastic, a rubber, or a metal. In some embodiments, a conduit may be configured to be removed for cleaning or replacement. In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may be a “tankless” toilet as illustrated in the Figures. In other embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise a water tank positioned on a toilet base. A toilet assembly comprising a water tank may comprise a chamber positioned towards a rear end similar to the present Figures. In some embodiments, a plurality of air inlet (or intake) openings may be positioned on a seat hinge assembly. A seat hinge assembly may be hollow to provide for air flow or may comprise an air conduit.

In some embodiments, a plurality of air inlet openings may be positioned in a removably coupled part. For instance, part 113 of Fig. 1C is removably coupled to hinge assembly 111. Alternatively, openings 114 may be integral with hinge assembly 111. Part 113 may for example be “snap-fit” to assembly 111. A removably coupled part may comprise a plastic, a rubber, or a metal. For instance, a separate part may comprise silicone or acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene (ABS), or an engineering thermoplastic. A removable part may be removed for cleaning and re-installed to a toilet assembly. In some embodiments, a separate part, for example a plastic or rubber part, may comprise an antimicrobial additive adhered thereto and/or incorporated therein. Antimicrobial compounds include silver compounds, zinc compounds, copper compounds, etc.

Likewise, a plurality of air outlet openings may be positioned in a removably coupled part as defined above for inlet openings. For example, in an assembly as shown in Fig. 1B, both filter assembly 105 and part 106 may be removably coupled to the toilet assembly. Ring 106 may be “snap-fit” to assembly 100. A part comprising a plurality of outlet openings may be removed for cleaning and re-installed.

In some embodiments, a plurality of inlet openings or of outlet openings may be circularshaped, slot-shaped, oval-shaped, etc. In some embodiments, a plurality of outlet openings may be shaped to direct exit air downward, towards a bathroom floor. In some embodiments, a plurality of outlet openings may be configured to direct exit air downward and away (in one or more directions) from a toilet assembly. In this way, exit air flow may be directed downward and not into bathroom air. In some embodiments, toilet assembly outlet openings configured to direct air flow out of the assembly, may be positioned at a rear surface thereof.

In some embodiments, a plurality of air inlet openings may be positioned on a toilet seat bottom surface, as shown in Fig. 1C. As shown in Fig. 1C, openings 115 may be integral with a seat. In other embodiments, a plurality of openings on a toilet seat may be in a removably coupled part as discussed above. In some embodiments, a toilet seat may be hollow or may comprise a conduit to direct air flow. In some embodiments, a portion of a toilet seat may be hollow, for instance a rear portion.

In some embodiments, a toilet seat may comprise a plurality of inlet openings as shown in Fig. 1C, and may comprise a plurality of outlet openings positioned on a rear-facing surface, at about a right angle to the seat inlet openings. For example a rear-facing seat surface such as 116 of Fig. 1 C may comprise a plurality of outlet openings in flow communication with inlet openings 115. As can be visualized, when seat 109 is in a down, seating position, a plurality of outlets positioned on a rear-facing surface may be aligned with and adjacent to openings 114. In this way, toilet plume may be configured to enter openings 115, exit openings positioned on a rear-facing surface of seat 109, enter openings 114, and be passed through a chamber or conduit to outlet openings 107.

In other embodiments, a hinge, for instance a hinge 112 as shown in Fig. 1C, may be hollow or comprise a conduit, and provide for flow communication between inlet openings on a toilet seat and toilet assembly outlet openings. That is to say, a hinge may be in flow communication with air inlet openings and air outlet openings.

In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may comprise an air moving device configured to direct air flow from a bowl towards and out of exit openings. An air moving device may comprise a fan, a pump, and the like. An air moving device may be positioned in an air flow path, for instance in a chamber and/or in an air conduit.

In some embodiments, an air flow of a toilet assembly may normally be in an “off” or “dormant” state (not running). In some embodiments, a toilet assembly may be configured to initiate or activate air flow automatically when a person initiates a flush. For example a flush actuator, e.g. a handle or button, may be in electrical communication with an air mover. When a flush actuator is actuated to initiate a flush, a switch may be opened or closed, resulting in activation of an air mover, for instance a fan, to initiate air flow. A flush actuator and air mover may both be in electrical communication with a power source. In some embodiments, air flow may be configured to be initiated “on demand” by a person, for example by pushing a button in electrical communication with an air mover. In some embodiments, an air mover may be associated with a clock or timer, and may be configured to shut off automatically after a period of time has elapsed, for example about 30 seconds, about 1 minute, about 1.5 minutes, about 2 minutes, about 2.5 minutes, about 3 minutes, and higher. In some embodiments a flush actuator may be associated with a clock or timer, and an air flow may be configured to be initiated a certain period of time after a flush has been actuated, for instance about 0.5 seconds, about 1 second, about 2 seconds, about 3 seconds, etc.

A power source may be a building main electrical system, or may be a battery. In some embodiments, a flush actuator, an air mover device, and an “on demand” actuator may be in electrical communication with a controller. In some embodiments, a flush actuator may take a form of a sensor, which may also be in electrical communication with a controller. Such a toilet assembly may be a “hands-free” assembly. For example, a person may activate a sensor with a hand gesture. A controller may be configured to receive a flush signal from a sensor, to send a flush signal to an electronic flush valve, and to send a signal to activate an air mover to initiate air flow. A controller may be configured to shut off an air mover after a period of time has elapsed.

In some embodiments, an air flow may be configured to pass through a scented material, such that air exiting the toilet apparatus is scented.

The terms “coupled” or “connected” may mean that an element is “attached to” or “associated with” another element. Coupled or connected may mean directly coupled or coupled through one or more other elements. An element may be coupled to an element through two or more other elements in a sequential manner or a non-sequential manner. The term “via” in reference to “via an element” may mean “through” or “by” an element. Coupled or connected or “associated with” may also mean elements not directly or indirectly attached, but that they “go together” in that one may function together with the other.

The terms “upstream” and “downstream” indicate a direction of gas or fluid flow, that is, gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

The term “towards” in reference to a of point of attachment, may mean at exactly that location or point or, alternatively, may mean closer to that point than to another distinct point, for example “towards a center” means closer to a center than to an edge. The term “like” means similar and not necessarily exactly like. For instance “ring-like” means generally shaped like a ring, but not necessarily perfectly circular.

The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or to more than one (e.g. at least one) of the grammatical object. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about" used throughout is used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For instance, "about" may mean the numeric value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more. All numeric values are modified by the term "about" whether or not explicitly indicated. Numeric values modified by the term "about" include the specific identified value. For example "about 5.0" includes 5.0.

The term “substantially” is similar to “about” in that the defined term may vary from for example by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10% or more of the definition; for example the term “substantially perpendicular” may mean the 90° perpendicular angle may mean “about 90°”. The term “generally” may be equivalent to “substantially”.

Features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated.

Embodiments of the disclosure include any and all parts and/or portions of the embodiments, claims, description and figures. Embodiments of the disclosure also include any and all combinations and/or sub-combinations of embodiments.

Claims

1. A toilet assembly, comprising a bowl; a plurality of air inlet openings; and a plurality of air outlet openings, wherein the bowl, the air inlet openings, and the air outlet openings are in flow communication, and the toilet assembly is configured to direct an air flow from the bowl, through the air inlet openings, and through the air outlet openings.

2. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the toilet assembly is configured to direct the air flow from the bowl, through the air inlet openings, through a filter media, and through the air outlet openings.

3. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, comprising a filter assembly removably coupled to the toilet assembly, wherein the filter assembly comprises a filter media, and is configured to be removed for cleaning and/or replacement of the filter media.

4. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of air inlet openings are positioned on a hinge assembly.

5. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of air inlet openings are positioned on a toilet seat bottom surface.

6. The toilet assembly according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of air inlet openings positioned on the toilet seat bottom surface are in flow communication with a plurality of air inlet openings positioned on a hinge assembly.

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7. The toilet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the toilet seat comprises a plurality of air outlet openings configured to be adjacent to and in flow communication with the plurality of air inlet openings positioned on the hinge assembly when the seat is in a down position.

8. The toilet assembly according to claim 5, comprising a hinge in flow communication with the air inlet openings and the air outlet openings.

9. The toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of air outlet openings are positioned on a rear surface of the toilet assembly.

10. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , comprising a part comprising the air inlet openings, wherein the part is removably coupled to the toilet assembly.

11. The toilet assembly according to claim 10, wherein the part comprises an antimicrobial additive adhered thereto or incorporated therein.

12. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , comprising a part comprising the air outlet openings, wherein the part is removably coupled to the toilet assembly.

13. The toilet assembly according to claim 12, wherein the part comprises an antimicrobial additive adhered thereto or incorporated therein.

14. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the toilet assembly is configured to direct the air flow automatically during a flush cycle.

15. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the toilet assembly is configured to direct the air flow on demand.

16. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , comprising a conduit in flow communication with the plurality of inlet openings and the plurality of outlet openings.

17. The toilet assembly according to claim 1 , comprising an air moving device configured to direct the air flow.

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18. The toilet assembly according to claim 17, comprising a power source configured to drive the air moving device.

19. The toilet assembly according to claim 18, comprising a controller in electrical communication with the air moving device and with a flush actuator, wherein the controller is configured to activate the air moving device when the flush actuator is actuated.

20. The toilet assembly according to claim 18, comprising an actuator configured to activate the air moving device when a person manipulates the actuator.

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