Device for Removing Odors Around a Toilet, System Having Such Devices, and Methods of Using the Systems

Abstract

A device for removing odors around a toilet includes: an engagement surface that is configured to engage a top portion of a toilet bowl; two attachment holes formed through the engagement surface which are configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; and a housing for removing odors that is positioned between the two attachment holes. The housing includes a bottom wall formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls that extend from sides of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed through the front of the housing. Further, the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for removing odors which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed away from the toilet. A system and method utilizing the device are also included.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for removing odors around a toilet, the device comprising:
 an engagement surface that is configured to engage a top portion of a toilet bowl;   two attachment holes formed through the engagement surface and which are configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; and   a housing for removing odors that is positioned between the two attachment holes,   wherein the housing comprises a bottom wall formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls that extend from sides of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed through the front of the housing, and   wherein the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for removing odors and which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed away from the toilet.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a length of the device measured between opposing sides of the engagement surface is greater than a width of the device measured between a front and back edge of the engagement surface. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is sized and shaped to fit between the top portion of the toilet bowl and a toilet seat. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the conduit for removing odors extends from the one side of the housing longitudinally along a back edge of the engagement surface, and wherein the conduit for removing odors extends longitudinally to a point past a side of the engagement surface. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the conduit for removing odors extends downwards from the point past the side of the engagement surface and then laterally toward a back of the toilet. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of the conduit for removing odors extending longitudinally along the engagement surface is extendable. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the conduit comprises a trap release for removing fluids and/or solids from the conduit. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the trap release is formed between the downward extending portion of the conduit and the laterally extending portion of the conduit. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the device is made of a plastic material. 
     
     
         10 . A system for removing odors around a toilet, the system comprising:
 a toilet comprising a toilet bowl;   a toilet seat positioned over the toilet bowl; and   a device for removing odors that is attached to a top portion of the toilet bowl,   wherein the device for removing odors comprises:
 an engagement surface that is configured to engage a top portion of a toilet bowl; 
 two attachment holes formed through the engagement surface and which are configured to attach to the top portion of the toilet bowl; and 
 a housing for removing odors that is positioned between the two attachment holes, 
   wherein the housing comprises a bottom wall formed from a portion of the engagement surface, a top wall, two side walls that extend from side of the top wall to the bottom wall, a back wall, and an opening formed through the front of the housing, and   wherein the back wall of the housing forms a conduit for removing odors and which extends from one side of the housing to an area where gas is dispersed.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein a length of the device measured between opposing sides of the engagement surface is greater than a width of the device measured between a front and back edge of the engagement surface. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the housing is sized and shaped to fit between the top portion of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the conduit for removing odors extends from the one side of the housing longitudinally along a back edge of the engagement surface, and wherein the conduit for removing odors extends longitudinally to a point past a side of the engagement surface. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the conduit for removing odors extends downwards from the point past the side of the engagement surface and then laterally toward a back of the toilet. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the conduit for removing odors extending longitudinally along the engagement surface is extendable. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the conduit comprises a trap release for removing fluids and/or solids from the conduit. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the trap release is formed between the downward extending portion of the conduit and the laterally extending portion of the conduit. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein at least a portion of the device is made of a plastic material. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a motor attached to a second end of the conduit for removing odors. 
     
     
         20 . A method of removing odors around a toilet with the system according to  claim 10 , the method comprising suctioning gas formed around the toilet through the device for removing odors.