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Toilet overflow sensor and pump apparatus

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-07-12
MORRIS KEVIN J
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While indoor plumbing is a significant advance and indeed a requirement in most urban areas, there are also some drawbacks associated with indoor plumbing.
One such drawback is that toilets will, from time to time, become clogged when the waste outlet line leading from the toilet bowl becomes obstructed with waste matter, toilet paper, or the like.
Because conventional toilets are not equipped with any means for sensing and reacting to a clogged condition, those toilets will often overflow, resulting in spillage or a flooding condition in the lavatory area.
Such spillage or flooding can cause significant property damage, as well as create an unsanitary condition, and is a burden to clean up.
While such a device is arguably suitable for bathtub applications, this system is not suitable for use in toilet applications where the liquid level varies during the normal use of the toilet, for example during a standard toilet flush.

Method used

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  • Toilet overflow sensor and pump apparatus
  • Toilet overflow sensor and pump apparatus
  • Toilet overflow sensor and pump apparatus

Examples

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first embodiment

[0015] In a first embodiment, the present invention comprises a system including a sensor to detect a clogged condition of a toilet and in response thereto simultaneously turn off the water supply, sound an alarm and begin pumping liquid from the toilet bowl.

[0016] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the system 10 is mounted on a toilet bowl 12 containing a quantity of liquid A. The system 10 comprises a pump housing 14 in which is mounted a pump 15 and control circuitry for operating the invention. Attached to the suction side of the pump housing 14 is an inlet pipe 16. The inlet pipe 16 is attached to the toilet boil 12 by having a U-shaped configuration that is placed over the toilet rim 18. A retaining tab 20 extends under the rim 18 and secures the inlet pipe 16 and pump housing 14 to the toilet 12. The inlet pipe 16 defines an opening 22 adjacent an end 24 thereof to allow the pump 15 to draw liquid from the toilet bowl 12.

[0017] An outlet pipe 26 exits the pump housing 14 and attac...

third embodiment

[0023] In the invention (FIG. 3), the elements of the system are integrated within the toilet, and liquid discharges to the sewage stack 46 through the toilet. The moisture sensor 30 is placed on an inside lip 48 of the rim 18 of the toilet bowl 12.

[0024] The components of the present disclosure may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to various metals, plastics, ceramics, wood, or any other suitable material that will provide sufficient structural integrity for the each component to perform its desired function as stated herein. Each dimension of the disclosure, and thereby all of its components, may be of varying sizes. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that structural members may be added to strategic positions on or in the disclosure to allow the use of a variety of materials.

[0025] While the above description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather a...

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Abstract

A device for preventing overflow of a toilet, the device comprising a pump, a moisture sensor and a circuit for receiving a signal from the moisture sensor and activating the pump. The pump is associated with the toilet and attached to an inlet pipe to receive liquid from the toilet bowl of the toilet. The pump is further attached to an outlet pipe for discharging liquid from the toilet bowl. The fluids removed from the toilet can be discharged into an expandable receptacle, a drain line or the discharge line in the base of the toilet. The moisture sensor senses an overflow condition in the toilet.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This non-provisional application is converted from provisional U.S. application No. 60 / 758,090, filed Jan. 10, 2006, for the invention of Kevin J. Morris, entitled “TOILET OVERFLOW SENSOR AND PUMP APPARATUS,” and derives and claims priority from that application.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The invention relates to toilets, and more specifically, to a system for sensing the fill level of a toilet bowl and for pumping liquid from the toilet bowl to prevent spillage from an overflow condition. [0004] Most residences today have indoor plumbing, which delivers liquid directly to sinks, bathtubs, and toilets for use by the occupants of the residence as needed. While indoor plumbing is a significant advance and indeed a requirement in most urban areas, there are also some drawbacks associated with indoor plumbing. One such drawback is that toilets wil...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E03D11/02E03D11/18
CPCE03D11/00E03D5/026Y02A10/30
Inventor MORRIS, KEVIN J.
Owner MORRIS KEVIN J