It has long been recognised that toilets, in particular those arranged as public conveniences, are the source of unpleasant odours. For public conveniences in particular, this can prove problematic in view of their potential frequency of use and the potential for such odours to remain in the locality of the convenience and so become stagnant.

A variety of attempts have been made to overcome such problems by seeking to remove odours from the vicinity of toilets. In particular, various attempts have been made to combine odour extraction apparatus directly with the toilet bowl.

Such attempts are illustrated, for example, by US Patent 3,916, 459 and US Patent 4,726, 078.

These documents clearly identify the nature of the problem, and propose solutions in which the odorous air is to be removed directly from the toilet bowl. However, such known apparatus nevertheless exhibit inefficiencies and are generally inappropriate for use in non-domestic facilities.

In particular, the arrangements disclosed in the above- mentioned documents are somewhat unnecessarily complex.

They are also prone to failure and do not lend themselves to easy maintenance and, more importantly, ease of retrofitting nor initial installation.

The features required of such known systems do not generally lend themselves to use within a non-domestic environment where such apparatus might not be so diligently, nor carefully, used.

Also, the ease of maintenance is restricted and the air- extraction channel configuration can limit the efficiencies with which known apparatus seeks to overcome the acknowledged problems. For example, in US 4,726, 078, the configuration of the transfer duct formed within the seat is such as to encourage the retention of stagnant odours and associated fluids; as is the provision of the pre-filter arrangement associated with the toilet seat. In seeking to deal with the perceived problem of trapped moisture,. the speed and efficiency with which odorous air can be removed from the toilet bowl within US 4, 726,078 is disadvantageously limited.

The present invention seeks to provide for toilet bowl ventilation apparatus which does not suffer disadvantages exhibited by known such apparatus.

According to the present invention there is provided toilet bowl ventilation apparatus comprising: a toilet seat arranged to be pivotally mounted to an elongate mounting member for pivotal motion between a raised position and a lowered position, the toilet seat having a channel extending across a rear portion thereof; the elongate mounting member being arranged to be mounted on the toilet bowl and having a transversely extending channel opening on opposite sides thereof, the channel in the seat being contiguous with a first of the said openings when the toilet seat is in the lowered position; the elongate mounting member being provided with an engagement formation in the region of the second of the openings for receiving a funnel formation arranged to deliver air extracted from the toilet bowl via the said channels to an outlet tubular member arranged to be connected to a driven air-extraction mechanism.

The invention is particularly advantageous in that, through simplicity of design, and the adoption of the contiguous ducting channels both in the rear portion of the seat and through an intermediatory elongate mounting member, the cross sectional area of the ducting channel can advantageously remain of a wide rectilinear profile so as to allow for efficient removal of odorous air from the toilet bowl. This can offer an advantageously inconspicuous, easily installed and low maintenance toilet bowl ventilation apparatus.

In its simplest form, the invention can advantageously employ channels in the form of recesses in a portion of the under surface of the seat and also the elongate mounting member.

Alternatively, at least one of the ducting channels in the seat and mounting member can present at least one opening in the form of an orifice and, further, the ducting can comprise a rectilinear enclosed passage extending between two orifices. The cross sectional dimensions of the ducting channels are then advantageously defined solely by the toilet seat and/or mounting member and so do not rely upon a surface of the toilet bowl. Such an arrangement enhances the manner in which the apparatus of the present invention may be fitted, or indeed retrofitted, to a variety of shapes and configuration of toilet bowl.

Advantageously, the ducting channel extending through the toilet seat and/or the mounting member can be provided with a lower surface which exhibits an angle of inclination such that the surface is inclined downwardly in the direction of the toilet bowl. Such an arrangement advantageously serves to prevent the ingress of liquid and moisture from the region of the toilet bowl further into the ducting of the ventilation apparatus.

Preferably, the said engagement formation includes a recess portion arranged to be mated to at least part of the said funnel member. Such an arrangement advantageously allows for a secure yet inconspicuous interface between the front end of the odour extraction apparatus, i. e. that portion associated with the direct removal of the odorous air from the toilet bowl, and the downstream back end section of the apparatus in which the driven air extractor is located and in which, as noted below, a filtering arrangement can be included.

Yet further, the funnel member may also present a channel wherein the lower surface of which is also arranged to be inclined in use downwardly in the direction of the toilet bowl.

To assist with the ease and ready configurability with which the apparatus can be used in a wide variety of different locations, the funnel member is advantageously operatively connected to the outlet tubular member by means of a pipe connector which, in use, is arranged to be rotatable relative to at least one of the funnel member and the outlet tubular member. Preferably, the connector comprises an angular pipe connecter member.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the outlet tubular member is arranged to feed into a driven air-extractor and filter arrangement which, advantageously, can be driven by an on-board power supply and which can be arranged for ready mounting upon a nearby vertical wall. Advantageously, the filter arrangement includes an activated charcoal filter element and the air drawn through the filter is arranged to be expelled back into the local environment within which the toilet bowl is located.

Through the provision of the above-mentioned features of the

present invention, an advantageously simple, and readily configurable, ventilation apparatus can be provided which offers a high degree of simplicity and efficiency when in use, and when requiring maintenance.

The invention is described further hereinafter, by way example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view of the underside of the toilet seat and mounting member of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is a cut-away view of a toilet seat and mounting member of Fig. 1 when mounted on the toilet bowl; Fig. 4 is a rear view of the toilet seat and mounting member of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the funnel member and pipe connector of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is an exploded view of a toilet seat and air- extraction mounting arrangement according to another embodiment of the present invention ; and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a mounting member of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Turning first to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of toilet apparatus 10 employing an odour extraction arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the illustrated example, the toilet apparatus 10 comprise a standard toilet bowl 12 found in many non-domestic environments which has a toilet seat 14 associated therewith. In accordance with the present invention, the ventilation apparatus is arranged to extract air from the inner region of the toilet bowl 12 and deliver the same via an outlet tubular member 16 and drawn by an air extraction

and filtering arrangement 18 provided in a wall-mounted enclosure. The outlet tubular member 16 is connected to ducting channels associated with the toilet bowl 12 by means of a pivotable angular pipe connector 20 as discussed further below in relation to Fig. 5.

Fig. 2 illustrates the underside of the toilet seat 14 which is arranged to be pivotally connected to an elongate mounting member 22 which, by way of mounting arrangements 24, is arranged to be secured to the toilet bowl. The securing of the mounting member 22 to the toilet bowl therefore renders the toilet seat 14 pivotable for use relative to the toilet bowl between a raised position and a lowered position for use.

Accordingly, the rear portion of the underside of the toilet seat 14 is provided with a substantially rectangular ducting channel 26 serving to allow for the channelling of odorous air away from the region of the toilet bowl in the direction of arrow A.

Also, the underside of the toilet seat 14 is provided with a channel 28 for containing electrical wiring which is connected to a pressure switch (not visible in the drawings) associated with one 30 of the rubber provided on the underside of the toilet seat 14 and which serve to support the toilet seat 14 on the rim of the toilet bowl 12.

The pressure switch is arranged to be activated upon a user sitting on the toilet seat when in its lowered position such that the switch is closed thereby activating an air extractor fan associated with the apparatus as will be described further below.

Turning now to Fig. 3, there is provided a part cut-away view of the apparatus illustrating the mounting member 22 secured to an upper surface of the toilet bowl 12 and having

the toilet seat 14 disposed in an upright position. In this position, a transverse rectangular duct 32 provided through the mounting member 22 is clearly visible and serves to form a further part of the passage allowing for the removal of odorous air from the toilet bowl. It can also be seen that the ducting channel 26 formed in the undersurface of the toilet seat 14 is provided with a rectangular opening which, when the toilet seat 14 is disposed in its lower position, is contiguous with the duct 32 extending through the mounting member 22.

The mounting member 22 is also provided with engagement formations which, in the illustrated example, comprise screw-receiving apertures 34 which are used in the attachment of an air extractor funnel as described further below.

Fig. 3 in particular illustrates the relatively simple construction of the present invention in that the complete seating unit can be readily secured to the toilet bowl, merely through the mounting of the mounting member 22 thereon in a conventional manner.

Fig. 4 is a rear view of. the toilet seat 14 and mounting member 22 combination in which the toilet seat 14 is again illustrated in a raised position. Here it can be seen that the elongate mounting member 22 is provided with a further engagement formation in the form of a recess 36 which is arranged to mate with a funnel member such as that illustrated in Fig. 5.

Turning now to Fig. 5, a funnel member 38 employed within the present invention is illustrated and which possesses dimensions corresponding to the configuration of the engagement formations 34,36 associated with the mounting member 22 so as to provide for a tight, mated, fit between the funnel member 38 and the mounting member 22. In the

illustrated example, the front face edges of the funnel member 38 are provided with apertures 40 for receiving self- tapping screws which are arranged to be received, and extend through, the apertures 34 provided through the mounting member 22.

Advantageously, the lower inner surface 39 of the funnel 38 is arranged to be disposed in an inclined manner such that the surface slopes downwardly towards the toilet bowl.. In this manner, any moisture'or liquid ingress that finds its way into the funnel 38 from the toilet bowl 12, is then returned towards the toilet bowl by means of the inclined surface 39.

At a tapered end 42 of the funnel 38 there is provided a threaded connection formation which is arranged to receive, in a sealed manner, an angular pipe connector 20 which, at its other end, is arranged to be secured to, in a sealed manner, a tubular outlet pipe 16. Advantageously,'whilst allowing for a sealed connection between the funnel 38 and the tubular outlet pipe 16, the pipe connector 20 is arranged to allow for pivotable motion relative to the funnel 38 so as not to restrict the particular angular orientation required by the tubular pipe 16, when the apparatus and in particular the extraction and filtering arrangement 18, is mounted for use.

With regard to Fig. 6, there is illustrated a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention and where a slightly different air extraction configuration is employed. Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded part view a toilet seat 44 the rear edge of which is provided with a laterally extending elongate nozzle 46 which is contiguous with the channel formed in the toilet seat and which nozzle 46 can provide for an inner lower surface having a relatively gentle angle of inclination serving to prevent moisture ingress into the air extraction system. As the toilet seat

is pivoted to its horizontal, in-use position, the nozzle 46 serves to enter an opening within the elongate mounting member 48, which opening can comprise an appropriately shaped rectangular aperture 50 defining a short channel passing through an upstanding wall of the amounting member 48.

In the region of the channel aperture 50 on a laterally extending surface of the mounting member 48 is an upstanding wall 52 extending from either side of the aperture 50 and which wall is provided with a gasket seal formation on the upper edge surface thereof.

The laterally extending surface of the mounting member 48 is also provided with a resilient detent 54 which serves to engage with an engagement formation within a cover 56 arranged to slide onto the mounting member 48 in the direction of arrow B.

The lower lateral edge of the cover 56 is provided with a recess 58 which engages with the resilient detent 54 so as to allow for a releasably secure mounting of the cover 56 relative to the mounting member 48.

The cover 56 includes a central upstanding region 60 having lateral dimensions defined by upstanding walls 62, the undersurface of which within the cover 56 is arranged to engage with the gasket seal formed on the upper edge surface of the channel wall.

In this illustrated embodiment, the cover 56 therefore also forms as a funnel formation for channelling air extracted through the nozzle 46 and aperture 50 outwardly towards a filter and air extraction arrangement.

As can be seen, each of the upstanding walls 62 of the funnel formation 60 are provided with apertures 64 which can

allow for pipe connections to the air extraction filter arrangement in accordance with any of the connection features defined and disclosed here before.

In the illustrated example, one of the aperture 64. is arranged to receive a pipe connector 66 allowing for connection to an outlet pipe delivering air to an air extraction and filter arrangement, whereas the other of the apertures is arranged to be closed by means of a blanking cap 68. Of course, this embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous in that either of the two aperture 64, or indeed both, can be employed for air extraction whilst the other is blanked, or used, as appropriate.

The embodiment of Fig. 6 provides for a particularly effective means for providing an air extraction funnel arrangement whilst also providing a releasably secure cover for the mounting member of the present invention.

If required, the cover/funnel member 56,60 illustrated in Fig. 6 can be arranged for connection to an angled pipe connector 20 such as that illustrated in relation to Fig. 5.

Turning now to Fig. 7, there is illustrated in perspective an alternative mounting member 148 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This mounting member is similar in form to that of Fig. 6 and includes an internal upstanding wall 152 and a resilient detent 154.

However, it differs in that it includes a laterally extending nozzle 146 extending therefrom. The seat (not shown in Fig. 7) does not then exhibit the nozzle 46 of Fig.

6, but rather can correspond to the seat of Figs 1 to 5.

Thus the nozzle 146 of the mounting member 148 is arranged to be received in part of the channel in the underside of the seat. The lower inner surface of the nozzle 146 is again inclined to the horizontal so as to prevent the ingress of moisture.

Returning to Fig. 1, it can therefore be seen that the housing 18 for the air extractor and filter arrangement can then be advantageously, and simply, located at, for example, any required wall-mounted position. This assists the ease with which the apparatus of the present invention can be fitted, and in particular, retrofitted, within the vicinity of the toilet bowl. As mentioned previously, the housing 18 includes a local battery power supply which is arranged to drive an extractor fan activated by means of the aforementioned pressure switch associated with an under-seat pad 30.

Also, the control circuitry associated with the electrical monitor arranged to drive the fan can advantageously be arranged to run for a predetermined period subsequent to opening of the pressure switch so as to provide for continued air removal even once a user has got up from the toilet seat.

As will be appreciated, the present invention therefore provides for a relatively simple, and readily adaptable, easily installed and maintained apparatus which can be used in relation to a variety of different toilet bowls and toilet environments and so as to achieve efficient removal and filtering of odorous air so as to prevent the build-up of unpleasant odours within the environment within which the toilet is located. The arrangement has minimised moving parts and presents air extraction channelling/ducting that exhibits a simple and efficient configuration. The flexibility with which the air extraction/filtering arrangement can be located relative to the toilet bowl also enhances the suitability of the apparatus after use particularly in non-domestic environments.