Passive deodorization device

Abstract

The present invention provides a passive deodorization device housing suitable for use in a portable toilet enclosure having a vent tube for venting odors from a holding tank. The deodorization device housing includes an engagement surface for engaging a vent tube outer surface, and an aperture. Two fingers extend from the aperture into the vent tube. A retention member mounted on the fingers engage a vent tube inner surface and clamp the vent tube wall between the housing and retention member. A deodorizing element slipped into the aperture between the fingers can deodorize the malodorous vapors associated with the toilet.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A passive deodorization device housing suitable for use in a toilet enclosure having a vent tube for venting odors from a holding tank, said deodorization device housing comprising: 
 a wall fixable relative to an outer surface of the vent tube;    an aperture formed in said wall, and having a perimeter;    two or more fingers extending from said aperture perimeter defining an open ended passageway for receiving an element passed through said aperture, said fingers being extendable through an opening into the vent tube; and    a retention member fixed to an outer surface of at least one of said fingers, and engageable with the vent tube for securing said wall to the vent tube when said fingers are extending through the opening in the vent tube.    
     
     
         2 . The deodorization device housing as in    claim 1   , in which a lip extends radially inwardly from said aperture.  
     
     
         3 . The deodorization device housing as in    claim 1   , wherein walls join proximal ends of said fingers forming a hollow shaft extending from said aperture.  
     
     
         4 . The deodorization device housing as in    claim 3   , wherein said shaft has smooth walls.  
     
     
         5 . The deodorization device housing as in    claim 1   , wherein said wall is cup shaped.  
     
     
         6 . The deodorization device housing as in    claim 1   , wherein said wall has vents formed therein.  
     
     
         7 . The deodorization device housing as in    claim 1   , wherein said retention member is a self-locking member.  
     
     
         8 . The deodorization device housing as in    claim 1   , wherein said retention member is formed as an integral part of said fingers.  
     
     
         9 . The deodorization device housing as in    claim 1   , wherein said fingers have equal widths.  
     
     
         10 . The deodorization device housing as in    claim 1   , wherein said wall and fingers are molded plastic.  
     
     
         11 . A method for replacing a deodorizing element in a deodorization device suitable for use in a toilet having a vent tube for venting vapors from a holding tank, said method comprising the steps of: 
 inserting a replacement deodorizing element into an aperture formed in a deodorization device housing;    forcing a spent deodorizing element out of the grasp of fingers extending from said aperture into an opening formed in said vent tube; and    allowing said spent deodorizing element to fall through said the vent tube into said holding tank.