Abstract:
A leak prevention device is provided for use in operation with a fill valve with a fill valve arm in a toilet tank. The device may comprise a pivotable locking lever having a first portion positioned to pivot into and out of contact with the fill valve arm or an extension thereof. The fill valve arm affects actuation of the fill valve to modulate fluids from entering the toilet tank, wherein the pivotable locking lever is operable to contact or is capable of contacting the fill valve arm thereby prohibiting the operation of the fill valve.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to fill valves for toilets and more specifically, to systems directed towards preventing and detecting leaky flush valves in toilets and preventing waste of water during use of the same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Occasionally, valves in toilets leak fluids. A leaky flush valve for example will cause water in the tank to leak out into the corresponding toilet bowl and ultimately down the drain. When a leak causes the water level in the tank to dip below its shut-off level, the water inlet valve typically opens in order to refill the tank. Between flushes, the tank is almost completely filled. As a result of the tank being ostensibly filled, a user may not be able to recognize that a valve such as the flush valve is leaking. A leaky flush valve that goes unrepaired will waste water which is of particular concern in an age when water has become increasingly scarce and expensive. 
         [0003]    Previous approaches to resolving leaky toilet valves been designed so that the inlet valve of the toilet assembly is prevented from opening and thus disabling introduction of water until a person affirmatively flushes the toilet. As such, any valve that is leaking will empty the tank so that future flushes are only possible after the user manually fills the tank and/or fixes the leak. This is advantageous since water is conserved and users are put on notice that there is a leak due to the empty tank. 
         [0004]    Aside from conservation of water, other considerations for solutions to leaky toilet valves include ensuring that any solution remains inexpensive and easy to implement on many different systems such as the approach taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,891 (hereinafter “&#39;891 patent”). However, the &#39;891 patent requires that the inlet valve post of the system be modified which is not easily achievable by one skilled in the art such as a plumber or handyman. Moreover, this approach is relatively difficult to use in practice since it requires mounting a bracket to the valve float (which may additionally not be capable of receiving such a bracket). Perhaps most importantly, this approach fails to operate when the position of the valve float changes even slightly. 
         [0005]    Other approaches have including positioning floats that slide along vertical posts of the toilet as is the case in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,100,928 and 4,703,653. Each of these approaches, however, fail to describe a fill valve leak prevention device of relatively simple construction which is imperative in the field of toilets. Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a fill valve leak prevention device that addresses these and other needs in the art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The following simplified summary is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, a leak prevention device is provided for use in operation with a fill valve that is seated on a post in a toilet. The device may comprise a locking lever pivotable about a central pivot comprising a bias element operable to bias a first portion of the locking lever pivotally about the central pivot. The first portion may be operable to be pivotally positioned to prevent movement of a fill valve arm in communication with the fill valve. 
         [0008]    The locking lever may be pivotally connectable to the central pivot that is in communication with the post. The central pivot may be associated with a fixed hinge in a toilet tank, the first portion further comprising a locking member operable to securely engage with a lever receiving surface of the fill valve arm. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, a second portion may be positioned opposite the first portion of the locking ever such that the first portion may weigh less than the second portion thereby creating the bias element of the locking lever. As such, the second portion may comprise a material density, material thickness, or material width that differs or is otherwise greater than the first portion. The center of gravity of the locking lever may likewise be positioned in the second portion. Optionally, the bias element of the locking lever may be provided by a coil or a spring in communication with the first portion and the central pivot. 
         [0010]    The first and second portions may be joined at the central pivot thereby creating an angle defined by the first portion, the second portion, and the central pivot. The second portion of the locking lever may be operable to receive a flush actuator such as a chain, rope, wire, or string in communication with a flush lever. Further, the angle may be adjustable between one or more fixed positions. 
         [0011]    In other embodiments, a leak prevention system is provided for use in operation with a fill valve seated on a post in a toilet. The system may comprise a float slidably coupled to the post underneath the fill valve, a link with an upper end and a lower end, the lower end being rigidly coupled to the float, an arm pivotally connected to the fill valve and pivotally connected to the upper end of the link, and a locking lever pivotally connected to a central pivot underneath the arm and the fill valve. In this respect, a first portion of the locking lever is configured to pivot about a central pivot and bias towards the link. The locking lever may further comprise a second portion positioned opposite the first portion so that a center of gravity of the locking lever is positioned in the second portion. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the central pivot in the system may be associated with a fixed hinge in a toilet tank, wherein the first portion further comprising a locking member operable to securely engage with a lever receiving surface of the fill valve arm. In this respect, the lever receiving surface may comprise teeth, projections, grooves, members or an otherwise friction-inducing surface to securely receive and engage the locking member of the first portion. The locking member may be integrally formed with the first portion or removable attached thereto. The first and second portions may likewise be joined at the central pivot of the locking lever thereby creating an angle defined by the first portion, the second portion, and the central pivot. The angle may also be adjustable between one or more fixed positions. 
         [0013]    In this system, the first portion may weight less than the second portion so that the first portion naturally pivots towards the link and the second portion naturally pivots towards the fill valve. To achieve this weight distribution, the second portion may comprise a material density, material thickness, or material width that differs or is greater than that of the first portion. A flush actuator may extend from the locking lever in this embodiment, wherein the flush actuator may be operable to cause the first portion of the locking lever to pivot about the central pivot away from the link. The flush actuator may comprise a chain, rope, wire, beam, member or string in communication with a flush lever. 
         [0014]    In other embodiments, the central pivot may be in communication with the post wherein a lever attachment mechanism may pivotally receive the locking lever at the central pivot, the lever attachment mechanism disposed on the post between the fill valve and the float. The lever attachment mechanism may be removably attached and/or slidable coupled to the post or the lever attachment mechanism is integrally formed with the post. 
         [0015]    The system may likewise comprise a lever locking receiver mechanism that is disposed on the link underneath the upper end the same. The first portion of the locking lever may therefore be operable to pivot about the central pivot until being securely received by the lever locking receiver. The lever locking receiver mechanism may comprise an annular ring, shoulder, flange or projection operable to securely receive the first portion of the locking lever. The lever locking receiver mechanism may likewise be integrally formed with the link or be removably attached thereto and slidable between one or more fixed positions. 
         [0016]    In other embodiments, a method is provided for preventing a toilet tank with a fill valve seated above a post from leaking. The method may comprise the following steps: pivotally connecting a locking lever to a central pivot in communication with the fill valve (which may be directly or indirectly to the corresponding post), wherein a first portion of the locking lever is operable to bias away from the post; and preventing the fill valve from actuating the flow of fluids into the toilet tank by pivoting the first portion of the locking lever about the central pivot towards a fill valve link mechanically attached to a float slidably couple to the post so that an actuating arm pivotally connected to the link and the fill valve is prevented from translating. 
         [0017]    The method may further comprise: unlocking the fill valve by actuating a flush actuator operably connected with the locking lever causing the first portion of the locking lever to pivot about the central pivot away from the fill valve link so that the fill valve is operable. The method may additionally comprise pivotally connecting the central pivot of the locking lever with a lever attachment mechanism disposed on the post, wherein the central pivot is in communication with the post and/or securely engaging a first portion of the locking lever with a lever locking receiver mechanism disposed on the link, wherein the central pivot is in communication with the post. 
         [0018]    In other embodiments, a leak prevention device may also be provided for use in operation with a fill valve with a fill valve arm in a toilet. The device may comprise a pivotable locking lever having a first portion positioned to pivot into and out of contact with the fill valve arm or an extension thereof. The fill valve arm affects actuation of the fill valve to modulate fluids from entering the toilet tank, wherein the pivotable locking lever is operable to contact or is capable of contacting the fill valve arm thereby prohibiting the operation of the fill valve. 
         [0019]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a fill valve leak prevention system in a first position between flushes. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of the system  FIG. 1  in an engaged position to prevent the fill valve from actuating flow of fluids into the toilet tank. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of the system of  FIG. 1  just after being released from the engaged position of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of another fill valve leak prevention system in a first position between flushes. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of the system  FIG. 4  in an engaged position to prevent the fill valve from actuating flow of fluids into the toilet tank. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration of the system of  FIG. 4  just after being released from the engaged position of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    The fill valve leak prevention device and method of use described herein are configured to conserve vital resources such as water, manufacturing resources, and time associated with repairs and system maintenance that otherwise require attention. Accordingly, the device and systems described herein depict a fill valve leak prevention device moving between unlocked and locked positions. 
         [0027]    Specifically,  FIG. 1  depicts a side view of a fill valve leak prevention device  10  assembled within a tank  14  of a toilet  1  (each not depicted) for use with a fill valve  15 . In  FIG. 1 , the leak prevention device  10  is depicted unlocked with associated float  26  in a down position.  FIG. 2  depicts the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with valve  15  in a locked engagement so arm  47  is prevented from translating such that valve  15  is prevented from refilling tank  14 .  FIG. 3  similarly depicts the embodiments of  FIG. 1-2  just after valve  15  has been released from its locked engagement in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0028]    Device  10  is disposed internal to tank  14  above the associated bowl  12 . Typically, a flush actuator  55  such as a chain is in communication with a flush actuator (not depicted) that allows the user to pull, push, or otherwise actuate toilet  10  in order to cause a flush. Accordingly, actuating actuator  55  in conventional flush systems causes fill valve arm  47  to translate associated fill valve  15  to allow ingress of water into tank  14  between flushes. 
         [0029]    Fill valve  15  may be seated above an associated post  17  that mounts to the lower surface of the tank  14  and slidably couples to float  26 . In this regard float  26  may slide between pre-flush and flush configurations along post  17  as described. Post  17  may be constructed from a variety of materials and/or shapes such as tubular, rectangular, or otherwise shaped cross sections so that associated float  26  may slide therealong between positions with its correspondingly shaped internal float guide. 
         [0030]    A lever attachment mechanism  19  may also be operatively coupled to the post  17  above float  26  and below fill valve  15 . Mechanism  19  may be integrally formed with post  17  or removably attached thereto, wherein mechanism  19  may be slidably coupled or fixedly attached in one or more fixed positions on post  17 . In a preferred embodiment, mechanism  19  is an annular ring, collar, shoulder, or flange that substantially encircles the external surface of post  17  at a predetermined position, wherein one or more projections of mechanism  19  extend away from post  17  towards link  27  terminating in lever central coupling pivot  31 . Pivot axis of pivot  31  may be oriented substantially orthogonal relative to post  17  and substantially parallel with the plane of the lower surface of the tank. 
         [0031]    Arm  47  in turn may pivotally couple to fill valve  15  on one end and on its opposite end may be pivotally coupled to an upper end of link  27  underneath cap  37 . In some embodiments, a link end of arm  47  slidably mounts to the upper end of link  27  with C-shaped or U-shaped coupling members and is securely fastened thereto by cap  37 . Cap  37  may comprise internal threads configured to fasten with external threads of link  27 . However, link  27  may optionally comprise integrally formed fasteners such as a hook, loop, pin, dowel, snap/fit engagement or the like so that arm  47  is slidably received by and/or fastened to the upper portion of link  27 . 
         [0032]    A locking lever  45  is also provided pivotally coupled to mechanism  19  at central pivot  31 . Specifically, lever  45  couples to pivot  31  at a central pivot of lever  45  thereby dividing lever  45  into first  29  and second portions  30 . A hinge, axel, rotatable pin, or the like may be provided to couple pivot  31  and lever  45  together so that the desired pivoting movement between mechanism  19  and lever  45  may be achieved. 
         [0033]    In this regard, when comparing  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that first portion  30  of lever  45  pivotally moves about pivot  31  until contacting link  27 . Further, because portions  29  and  30  are joined at central pivot  31 , lever arm angle  35  is provided defined between portions  29  and  30 . Likewise, lever  45  comprises a center of gravity  85  positioned substantially in portion  29 . In practice, when the water level of tank  14  decreases, portion  30  of lever  45  is operable to naturally bias towards link  27  in order to prevent arm  47  from translating so that valve  15  in turn is prevented from opening and thus actuating ingress of fluids into tank  14  between flushes. Because of the unique positioning of center of gravity  85  in portion  29 , lever  45  is naturally biased towards having portion  29  pivot about pivot  31  towards post  17  with corresponding portion  29  being constructed to pivot about pivot  31  towards link  27 . 
         [0034]    Lever arm angle  35  may be any angle less than 180 degrees and preferably, more than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, angle  35  may be adjustable which provides additional ease of installation as well as ability to customize to design constrains since relative distance between float  26 , post  17 , and valve  15  has no effect on whether lever  45  can be incorporated into tank  14 . 
         [0035]    An alternative approach to achieving the bias element of lever  45  includes provision of an optional coil or a spring in communication with central pivot  31  and portion  30  so that portion  30  in turn comprises a resistance element that causes portion  30  to naturally pivot about pivot  31  until contacting link  27  and ultimately mechanism  65  as required. Preferably, however, portion  29  may be heavier than portion  30 . Portion  29  may therefore be constructed from denser or heavier materials) and/or respective material thicknesses, length or width of portion  29  may differ with respect to those of portion  30 . As a result, lever  45  will comprise a bias element that causes portion  30  to naturally pivot about pivot  31  towards link  27 . The aforementioned difference in weight between portions  29  and  30  may be optionally achieved by removably positioning ballast to one or more portions  29  and  30  as desired. 
         [0036]    When comparing  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it can be seen that  FIG. 2  clearly shows lever  45  in an engaged position, wherein arm  47  is in a raised position relative to  FIG. 1  and portion  30  is seated underneath or otherwise in communication with mechanism  65 . Portion  30  therefore contacts mechanism  65  thereby imparting a substantially upward resistance force depicted by the upward arrow. In practice, if tank  14  comprising the herein described lever  45  and associated system comprises a leak, lever  45  as described prevents float  26  and corresponding link  27  from moving arm  47 . In turn, arm  47  is prevented from actuating valve  15  to the extent that fluids are prevented from being introduced into tank  14  via valve  15  thereby unnecessarily wasting water that otherwise would result if the refilling action caused by valve  15  were left unchecked. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  depicts lever  45  and it associated system after actuator  55  pulls and/or moves portion  29  to pivot away from post  17  towards link  27 . In this respect, portion  30  of lever  45  pivots about pivot  31  away from link  27  towards post  17  thereby releasing its engagement with mechanism  65 . By removing portion  30  from being securely engaged with mechanism  65 , link  27  and associated arm  47  are now free to translate to an unlocked position during a flush as represented by downward arrow of  FIG. 3 . Thus, pulling or otherwise moving actuator  55  may cause portion  29  to rotate about pivot  31  towards link  27  and rotate portion  30  about pivot  31  towards post  17  (i.e. opposite the pivoting movement caused by the bias element of lever  45 ). By pivoting portion  30  away from link  27  in this manner, arm  47  is no longer prevented from translating since the upward, preventive force imparted by portion  30  to mechanism  65  has been released. As a result valve  15  may now permit ingress of water into tank  14  during tank  14  refilling (since link  27 , cap  37 , associated float  26 , and arm  47  are able to translate freely between flushes). 
         [0038]    As can be seen, mechanism  65  may comprise an annular ring, shoulder, flange, collar, projection or the like operable to securely receive and engage with arm  47  once arm  47  has naturally pivoted into position underneath mechanism  65 . Optionally, mechanism  65  may be integrally formed with link  27  below cap  37  at a predetermined position dependent upon corresponding size and shape of lever  45 . Preferably, mechanism  65  may be removably attached to link  27  at one or more fixed positions on link  27 . 
         [0039]    In another embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 4-6 , a similar locking lever  145  is provided moving between engaged and translatable positions so that lever  145  may prevent corresponding fill valve  15  and fill valve arm  47  from translating and in turn activating fill valve  15  to refill tank  114 .  FIG. 4  specifically depicts lever  145  when pivotally attached to central pivot  131  on a fixed hinge inside tank  14  and in communication with valve  15  (e.g. directly to post  17  or any other feature or component operatively coupled thereto), wherein corresponding float  26  is positioned in a down position since the tank  14  is empty.  FIG. 5  by contrast depicts the same system of  FIG. 4  whereas tank  14  now comprises fluids such that float  26  is oriented in an upward position with portion  130  of lever  145  securely engaged with arm  47  (thereby preventing translation and thus actuation of arm  47 ). Finally,  FIG. 6  depicts the previously described system of  FIGS. 4-5  just after corresponding actuator  55  has been pulled or otherwise moved so that portion  130  is caused to pivot about pivot  131  towards link  27  thereby releasing its secure engagement with arm  47 . 
         [0040]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 4-6 , arm  47  further comprises a locking member surface  152  disposed on the an underside of arm  47  adjacent to or otherwise nearby where arm  47  couples to link  27  underneath cap  37 . Portion  129  of lever  145  may optionally comprise a locking member  150  disposed on distal end of portion  129  (opposite pivot  131 ) that extends away from the portion  129 . In this respect, instead of securely engaging with link  27  as in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-3 , portion  129  of lever  145  is operable to pivot about central pivot  131  until contacting arm  47  and securely engaging with corresponding surface  152  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0041]    Portion  130  of locking lever  145  may optionally comprise corresponding locking member  150  which may be a blade or extruded member that extends from the distal end of portion  130  until contacting lower locking surface  152  of arm  47 . It can be seen that portion  130  engages with arm  47  at locking surface  152 , such that locking surface  152  is operable to receive lever  45  and/or any corresponding member  150 . When lever  145  or member  150  is seated against or otherwise in contact with surface  152 , advantageously lever  145  is naturally maintained in a secure engagement that prevents translation and thus actuation of arm  47 . In so doing, arm  47  is prevented from actuating valve  15  such that valve  15  is incapable of introducing fluids into tank  14  until portion  130  disengages with arm  47  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
         [0042]    Similar to lever  45 , when comparing  FIGS. 4-6 , it can be seen that first portion  130  of lever  145  is operable to pivotally moves about pivot  131  until contacting arm  47 . Further, because portions  129  and  130  are joined at central pivot  131 , when the water level of tank  14  ascends ( FIGS. 4 to 5 ) or descends ( FIGS. 5 to 6 ), portion  130  of lever  145  is operable to naturally bias towards surface  152  of arm  47  in order to prevent arm  47  from translating so that valve  15  in turn is prevented from opening and thus actuating ingress of fluids into tank  14  between flushes. 
         [0043]    The unique bias element comprised by lever  145  that causes portion  129  to pivot about pivot  131  towards post arm  47  with corresponding portion  130  being constructed to pivot about pivot  131  towards link  27  may be preferably be achieved as follows. Portion  129  may be heavier than portion  130 , wherein portion  129  may be constructed from denser or heavier materials) and/or respective material thicknesses, lengths or width of portion  129  may differ with respect to those of portion  130 . As a result, bias element of lever  145  causes portion  130  to naturally pivot about pivot  131  towards arm  47  to prevent arm  47  from translating or otherwise moving to actuate refill by valve  15 . The aforementioned difference in weight between portions  129  and  130  may be optionally achieved by removably positioning ballast to one or more portions  129  and  130  as desired. Alternatively, the bias element of bias element of lever  145  may comprise an optional coil or a spring in communication with central pivot  131  and portion  130  so that portion  130  in turn comprises a resistance element that causes portion  130  to naturally pivot about pivot  131  until contacting arm  47 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, member  150  may comprise a locking blade constructed from stainless steel or other metal with binding teeth configured to etch or dig into surface  152 . This induces friction between member  150  and surface  152  (which may be plastic). Although metal may be preferred, member  150  may utilize any material more rigid than surface  152 . Member  150  may also comprise a relatively sharp edge configured to etch into surface  152  to induce friction securely engage member  150  to arm  47  thereby preventing arm  47 &#39;s pivoting movement. 
         [0045]    The present device  10  differs significantly from the approach taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,111 (hereinafter “&#39;111 patent”). The &#39;111 patent teaches a leak prevention device but is of relatively complex construction and its installation consists of a buoyant cup that must be mounted underneath a valve float. The device functions by preventing the float from moving down between flushes by the buoyant cup. A mount assembly attaches to the underside of the float below the water such that the cup is normally immersed in water. When the water drops, the weight of the float causes the cup to pivot towards the post of the float until it locks the float in place. To unlock the cup of the &#39;111 patent, a chain is moved thereby disengaging the cup from contacting the float so that refilling may take place. This approach requires intricately machined parts, a mount to the float, a buoyant cup, and a pivot arrangement that relies upon the weight of the float for leak prevention functionality. 
         [0046]    By contrast, the approaches described in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-6  secure the actuating arm  47  in order to prevent actuation of fill valve  15  through a relatively simple system that incorporates locking lever  45 / 145  and associated portions  29 / 129  and  30 / 130 . Lever arm  47  is maintained in place upwards by the tendency of locking lever  45 / 145  to pivot about pivot  31 / 131  (either by contacting arm  47  itself or contacting and securely engaging link  27 ). This advantageously provides a simpler solution to the foregoing problems since it does not rely upon levels of water floating a buoyant cup or the weight of a float. 
         [0047]    The fill valve leak prevention system and device as taught and described herein is able to be installed on any variety of toilets. Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed and described herein. Therefore, it is understood that the illustrated and described embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they are not to be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiments include other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
         [0048]    The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. It is also contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination(s). 
         [0049]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments. 
         [0050]    What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.