Overview
This patent describes a compact toilet vent system that separates odorous gases from sanitary fluid supply within a standard toilet tank. Filed December 21, 2012 and granted March 22, 2016, the claims capture an integrated assembly that routes a first fluid connection from the tank’s upper airspace to an external gas outlet while simultaneously routing a sealed second fluid connection that supplies water to internal tank components. Inventors based in Amarillo, TX and an applicant/assignee based in Dalhart, TX developed a solution that installs through an existing tank fluid input and uses cooperating manifolds, a snorkel, an up‑rod channel, and a buoyant floating vent to manage flow and prevent cross‑contamination. The floating vent opens when the tank is at normal fill to allow vacuum‑assisted exhaust of tank gases and reliably closes during flush/refill cycles to block mixing or leakage. The drafting captures sealing detail around the up‑rod and manifold interfaces, an outbound passage for gases, and an inbound channel for sanitary fluid, providing robust protection against unwanted gas return to the bowl without placing active components inside the wetted portion of the tank.
Key Features
- Dual fluid paths: separate outbound gas exhaust and inbound water supply
- Floating vent that opens/closes with tank water level
- Manifold and up‑rod sealing to prevent mixing
- Installs via existing tank fluid input; compatible with external fan/vacuum
By addressing both fluid mechanics and practical installation constraints, the invention improves sanitary ventilation in bathrooms and offers a practical route for retrofit ventilation and odor control in plumbing systems.
Granted: 2016-03-22
