Toilet ventilation system

Abstract

A toilet ventilation system includes a manifold having an inlet through which gasses may be drawn from a toilet bowl area, at least one outlet, and a hollow interior through which gasses are routed from the inlet to the outlet(s). An exhaust conduit extends from the outlet(s). An air flow inducing element draws air from the toilet area through the manifold from its inlet to the outlet(s) through the exhaust conduit to an exhaust point. The manifold has a bottom surface adjacent the inlet which slopes downwardly in the direction of the inlet, causing fluid which enters the inlet to drain back out of the inlet. In one embodiment, the manifold includes at least one wall extending upwardly from the bottom surface, preventing fluid from traveling through the manifold from the inlet to the outlet(s).

We claim:  
     
         1 . A toilet ventilation system for a toilet comprising: 
 a manifold comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, said manifold having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet leading to an interior portion of said manifold having a bottom surface, at least a portion of said bottom surface of said interior portion sloping downwardly in a direction of said inlet, at least one fluid flow prevention element associated with said sloping portion of said bottom surface, said element adapted to inhibit the flow of liquid through said manifold from said inlet to said outlet, and a connection member extending downwardly from said bottom portion of said manifold at said outlet;    an elbow member having a first end and a second end, said first end extending vertically into connection with said connection member at said outlet and defining an exhaust path therethrough leading from said outlet so said second end, extending generally horizontally;    an exhaust conduit connected to said second end of said elbow member, said exhaust conduit defining an exhaust path therethrough leading from said elbow member; and    means for drawing air from an area adjacent said toilet through said at least one inlet into said manifold to said at least one outlet, through said outlet into said elbow member and through said exhaust conduit to an exhaust point.