Methods and systems for reducing spread of microbes

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses of the invention relate to reduction of a spread of microbes, in particular from a toilet into the environment. In one aspect, a method of reducing a spread of microbes is provided comprising: providing a pressurized water supply to a toilet bowl; providing an externally accessible reservoir containing an anti-microbial additive; providing a conduit comprising a first end in fluid communication with the pressurized water supply and a second end in fluid communication with the externally accessible reservoir; and administering the anti-microbial additive into the toilet bowl, through the conduit; wherein the spread of microbes into an environment proximal to the toilet is reduced. In another aspect, a method of introducing an additive into a toilet is provided comprising: providing a pressurized water supply to a toilet bowl; providing an externally accessible reservoir containing an anti-microbial additive; providing a conduit comprising a first end in fluid communication with the pressurized water supply and a second end in fluid communication with the externally accessible reservoir; and administering the anti-microbial additive to the water at the level of the water supply when the toilet is flushed, wherein microbes are killed prior to the flush. Other aspects comprise apparatuses for reducing a spread of microbes and introducing an additive into a toilet.

1 . A method of reducing a spread of microbes from a toilet comprising:
 (a) providing a pressurized water supply to a toilet bowl;   (b) providing an externally accessible reservoir containing an anti-microbial additive;   (c) providing a conduit comprising a first end in fluid communication with the pressurized water supply and a second end in fluid communication with the externally accessible reservoir; and   (d) administering the anti-microbial additive into the toilet bowl, through the conduit;   wherein the spread of microbes into an environment proximal to the toilet is reduced.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-microbial additive comprises an anti-aerosol. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein flushing dynamics in the toilet remain about constant. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the flushing dynamics comprise volume and pressure of water. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising introduction of an anti-odor agent into the toilet. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pressurized water supply comprises a vacuum breaker tube, flushometer, a valve, or water inlet. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the conduit is disposed in fluid communication with a venturi tube. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein aerosolized microbes are reduced. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein spores are killed. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising supplying at least one oil, sheet, foam, spray or gel into the toilet bowl water, wherein spread of aerosolized microbes is reduced. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the toilet bowl contains an inoculum and the method further comprises reducing infectivity of said inoculum. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising reducing pressure in the pressurized water supply. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising administering at least one anti-odor agent, starch or dye. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the toilet is selected from the group consisting of a tanked toilet, tankless toilet or urinal. 
     
     
         15 . A method of introducing an additive into a toilet comprising:
 (a) providing a pressurized water supply to a toilet bowl;   (b) providing an externally accessible reservoir containing an anti-microbial additive;   (c) providing a conduit comprising a first end in fluid communication with the pressurized water supply and a second end in fluid communication with the externally accessible reservoir; and   (d) administering the anti-microbial additive to the water at the level of the water supply when the toilet is flushed;   wherein microbes are killed prior to the flush.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the anti-microbial additive comprises an anti-aerosol. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein flushing dynamics in the toilet remain about constant. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the flushing dynamics comprise volume and pressure of water. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the pressurized water supply comprises a vacuum breaker tube, flushometer, a valve, or water inlet. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first end of the conduit is disposed in fluid communication with a venturi tube. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the anti-microbial additive is activated by contact with water. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the administering comprises delivering the anti-microbial additive into water as it is supplied to the toilet bowl during a flush cycle. 
     
     
         23 . An apparatus for reducing spread of microbes from a toilet comprising:
 (a) an externally accessible reservoir; and   (b) a conduit comprising a first end for disposal in fluid communication with a pressurized water supply and a second end for disposal in fluid communication with the externally accessible reservoir;   wherein the reservoir is configured to contain an effective amount of anti-microbial additive to be added the toilet, through the conduit.   
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the conduit is mounted downstream from the water supply. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , comprising a plurality of reservoirs. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 25 , further comprising a mixing valve disposed in the conduit. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the pressurized water supply comprises a vacuum breaker tube, flushometer, a valve, or water inlet. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the first end of the conduit is disposed in fluid communication with a venturi tube. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the reservoir is refillable. 
     
     
         30 . A method of reducing spread of microbes from a toilet comprising:
 (a) providing a venturi water supply to a toilet bowl;   (b) providing a housing;   (c) providing an externally accessible reservoir disposed within the housing and containing an anti-microbial additive;   (d) providing a conduit comprising a first end in fluid communication with a venturi water supply and a second end in fluid communication with the externally accessible reservoir;   (e) administering the anti-microbial additive into the venturi through the conduit, wherein the spread of microbes into an environment proximal to the toilet is reduced.