Toilet Tank Draining Apparatus

Abstract

A toilet tank draining apparatus includes a housing, a pump system, a battery, and a power switch. The pump system that removes water from the toilet tank includes a pump, an inlet hose, and an outlet hose. The pump is hermetically connected within the housing. The inlet hose is in fluid communication with the pump to remove water from the toilet tank of the toilet. The outlet hose is in fluid communication with the pump to discharge water into the drain hole of the toilet. The inlet hose and the outlet hose traverses through the housing to be placed within the toilet tank. The battery is removably positioned within the housing, and the power switch is connected onto the housing. The pump is electrically connected to the battery through the power switch in order to activate and operate the toilet tank draining apparatus.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of toilet repairing tools. More specifically, the present invention is a toilet tank draining apparatus that completely drains the toilet tank to perform necessary repairs.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A typical toilet has a tank, also known as toilet tank, fixed above the bowl which contains a fixed volume of water. When the tank is flushed, the fixed amount of water can be discharged rapidly into the toilet bowl thus causing the contents of the bowl to be swept or sucked out of the toilet and into the drain. Simultaneously, the water inlet of the tank automatically supplies a flow of water into the tank until the water level is appropriate for a subsequent flush. When the toilet fails to perform as intended, specific parts of the toilet such as the fill valve, the flapper, the flush mechanism, or other related components have to be repaired or replaced. In order to replace or repair the aforementioned parts, the tank has to be completely empty of water to avoid spillage of water. After the tank is flushed, there is about an inch of water left in the bottom of the tank. The typical way to remove this water is to use a towel and soak up the water or scoop it out with a cup or other object. When a towel is used, the towel gets soaking wet with toilet water and creates a messy surrounding as the towel is moved into a bucket to squeeze the toilet water. When a cup is used, the cup is not able to completely remove the toilet water due to the rigid shape of the cup. Additionally, both of these methods are time consuming and can potentially damage other components within the tank.

[0003] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a toilet tank draining apparatus so that the user can fully empty the tank during toilet repairs. More specifically, the present invention is a pump unit with two hoses that function as an inlet hose and outlet hose. When the present invention is activated, the inlet hose is able to remove water from the tank as the outlet hose discharges water into the drain hole of the tank. As a result, the present invention is able to drain the last water out of the tank in an easy and non-messy way.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention, showing the plane upon which a cross sectional view is taken shown in FIG. 4.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical connections of the present invention.DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0011] The present invention is a toilet tank draining apparatus so that the user can fully empty the tank during toilet repairs. More specifically, the present invention is able to pump 6 out the excess water that normally remains within the tank after the water supply is turned off and the tank is flushed. As result, the present invention is able to drain the last water out of the tank in an easy and non-messy way thus allowing the user to perform necessary repairs such as changing the fill valve, the flapper, the flush mechanism, or other related components of the tank.

[0012] In reference to general configuration, as shown in FIG. 1-4 and FIG. 6, the present invention comprises a housing 1, a pump system 5, a battery 13, and a power switch 14. The housing 1 functions as an enclosure so that the remaining components of the present invention can be oriented or connected. The pump system 5 that circulates the remaining water within the tank comprises a pump 6, an inlet hose 9, and an outlet hose 10. The pump 6 is hermetically connected within the housing 1 to protect the housing 1 from the outside elements such as water. The inlet hose 9 is in fluid communication with the pump 6 thus allowing the pump 6 to withdraw the excess water from the tank. The outlet hose is in fluid communication with the pump 6 so that the excess water from the tank can 10 be discharged into the drain hole of the tank. In order to easily maneuver the inlet hose 9 within the tank, the inlet hose 9 traverses through the housing 1. In order to easily maneuver the outlet hose 10 into the drain hole, the outlet hose 10 traverses through the housing 1. The battery 13 is removably positioned within the housing 1 so that the pump 6 can be operated. More specifically, the pump 6 is electrically connected to the battery 13 through the power switch 14 as the power switch 14 is connected onto the housing 1. For example, when the power switch 14 is in the on-position, the pump 6 is operational and the tank water can be pumped out. When the excess water is completely removed from the tank, the pump 6 can be deactivated by the off-position of the power switch 14.

[0013] In reference to FIG. 2-3, the housing 1 comprises a front panel 2, a rear panel 3, and a lateral panel. Even though the preferred embodiment of the housing 1 is formed into a rectangular shape for aesthetic appearance, the housing 1 can be formed into any other geomatic shape other than the rectangular shape. More specifically, the front panel 2 and the rear panel 3 are oppositely positioned of each other about the lateral panel as the housing 1 is formed into an enclosure. The front panel 2 is designed to be oriented towards the user, and the rear panel 3 is designed to be oriented towards the back wall of the tank.

[0014] In reference to FIG. 4, the housing 1 further comprises a compartment 4 so that the battery 13 is removably positioned within the compartment 4. More specifically, the compartment 4 is connected within the housing 1 and accessible from the outside via a removable plate. When the removable plate is detached from the housing 1, the battery 13 can be accessed. When the removable plate is attached to the housing 1, the battery 13 is fully enclosed and hermetically sealed within the compartment 4 to eliminate the entry of water.

[0015] In reference to FIG. 4, the battery 13 is a disposable-battery so that the user can conveniently use the present invention without having to recharge the battery 13. However, it is understood that the battery 13 can be a secondary-battery without deviating from the scope of the functionality. In the event that the present invention is equipped with a secondary-battery, a charging port that is electrically connected to the battery 13 can optionally be integrated into housing 1 to recharge the battery 13.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2-3, the power switch 14 is preferably connected to the front panel 2 so that the user can easily access the power switch 14. The preferred embodiment of the power switch 14 is a single-button switch that can be configured between the on-position and the off-position. However, the present invention can utilize any type of industry standard electrical component that can disconnect or connect the conducting path in an electrical circuit as the power switch 14. As explained before, when the power switch 14 is in the on-position, the pump 6 is activated as the battery 13 is able to provide the necessary electrical current to the pump 6 via the power switch 14. When the power switch 14 is in the off-position, the pump 6 is deactivated as the power switch 14 disconnect the electrical current of the battery 13 to the pump 6.

[0017] In reference to FIG. 3-4, the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 each comprises a proximal end 11 and a distal end 12 to further explain the positioning of the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 with respect to the housing 1. More specifically, the proximal end 11 of the inlet hose 9 is connected to an inlet port 7 of the pump 6 as the inlet hose 9 traverses through the housing 1. The distal end 12 of the inlet hose 9 is externally positioned to the housing 1. As a result, the user can utilize the distal end 12 of the inlet hose 9 to remove the excess water from the tank. The proximal end 11 of the outlet hose 10 is connected to an outlet port 8 of the pump 6 so that the excess water that enters into the pump 6 via the inlet port 7 can be redirected to the outlet port 8. The distal end 12 of the outlet hose 10 is externally positioned to the housing 1 as the outlet hose 10 traverses through the housing 1. As a result, the user can insert the distal end 12 of the outlet hose 10 into the drain hole of the tank to discharge the excess water. Preferably, the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 are made from flexible material so that the user can easily maneuver the positioning of the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 within the tank. For example, the flexibility of the inlet hose 9 is essential to the present invention as excess water always flow toward the low-end of the tank. The flexibility of the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 also enables the user to easily position and orient both the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 around obstacles such as the fill valve, float, overflow tube, chain, handle lever, or other related tank components.

[0018] In reference to FIG. 4-5, the present invention further comprises a control stick 16 so that the user can easily maneuver the inlet hose 9 within the tank. The control stick 16 is an elongated shaft and directly attached to the distal end 12 of the inlet hose 9. More specifically, the user can grasp the top end of the control stick 16 to precisely maneuver the distal end 12 of the inlet hose 9 that is attached to the bottom end of the control stick 16, without having to enter their hand into the tank. As a result, the control stick 16 is able to eliminate potential hand injuries and damage to components of the tank.

[0019] In reference to FIG. 5, the present invention further comprises a mounting hook 15. The mounting hook 15 is integrated into the rear panel 3 of the housing 1 so that the present invention can be hung to the tank wall during operation. The mounting hook 15 can be integrated to the housing 1 as a slidable hook or a retractable hook to eliminate unnecessary tangles within a toolbox.

[0020] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0010]All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0011]The present invention is a toilet tank draining apparatus so that the user can fully empty the tank during toilet repairs. More specifically, the present invention is able to pump 6 out the excess water that normally remains within the tank after the water supply is turned off and the tank is flushed. As result, the present invention is able to drain the last water out of the tank in an easy and non-messy way thus allowing the user to perform necessary repairs such as changing the fill valve, the flapper, the flush mechanism, or other related components of the tank.

[0012]In reference to general configuration, as shown in FIG. 1-4 and FIG. 6, the present invention comprises a housing 1, a pump system 5, a battery 13, and a power switch 14. The housing 1 functions as an enclosure so that the remainin...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of toilet repairing tools. More specifically, the present invention is a toilet tank draining apparatus that completely drains the toilet tank to perform necessary repairs.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A typical toilet has a tank, also known as toilet tank, fixed above the bowl which contains a fixed volume of water. When the tank is flushed, the fixed amount of water can be discharged rapidly into the toilet bowl thus causing the contents of the bowl to be swept or sucked out of the toilet and into the drain. Simultaneously, the water inlet of the tank automatically supplies a flow of water into the tank until the water level is appropriate for a subsequent flush. When the toilet fails to perform as intended, specific parts of the toilet such as the fill valve, the flapper, the flush mechanism, or other related components have to be repaired or replaced. In order to replace or repair the aforementioned parts, the tank has to be completely empty of water to avoid spillage of water. After the tank is flushed, there is about an inch of water left in the bottom of the tank. The typical way to remove this water is to use a towel and soak up the water or scoop it out with a cup or other object. When a towel is used, the towel gets soaking wet with toilet water and creates a messy surrounding as the towel is moved into a bucket to squeeze the toilet water. When a cup is used, the cup is not able to completely remove the toilet water due to the rigid shape of the cup. Additionally, both of these methods are time consuming and can potentially damage other components within the tank.

[0003] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a toilet tank draining apparatus so that the user can fully empty the tank during toilet repairs. More specifically, the present invention is a pump unit with two hoses that function as an inlet hose and outlet hose. When the present invention is activated, the inlet hose is able to remove water from the tank as the outlet hose discharges water into the drain hole of the tank. As a result, the present invention is able to drain the last water out of the tank in an easy and non-messy way.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention, showing the plane upon which a cross sectional view is taken shown in FIG. 4.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical connections of the present invention.DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0011] The present invention is a toilet tank draining apparatus so that the user can fully empty the tank during toilet repairs. More specifically, the present invention is able to pump 6 out the excess water that normally remains within the tank after the water supply is turned off and the tank is flushed. As result, the present invention is able to drain the last water out of the tank in an easy and non-messy way thus allowing the user to perform necessary repairs such as changing the fill valve, the flapper, the flush mechanism, or other related components of the tank.

[0012] In reference to general configuration, as shown in FIG. 1-4 and FIG. 6, the present invention comprises a housing 1, a pump system 5, a battery 13, and a power switch 14. The housing 1 functions as an enclosure so that the remaining components of the present invention can be oriented or connected. The pump system 5 that circulates the remaining water within the tank comprises a pump 6, an inlet hose 9, and an outlet hose 10. The pump 6 is hermetically connected within the housing 1 to protect the housing 1 from the outside elements such as water. The inlet hose 9 is in fluid communication with the pump 6 thus allowing the pump 6 to withdraw the excess water from the tank. The outlet hose is in fluid communication with the pump 6 so that the excess water from the tank can 10 be discharged into the drain hole of the tank. In order to easily maneuver the inlet hose 9 within the tank, the inlet hose 9 traverses through the housing 1. In order to easily maneuver the outlet hose 10 into the drain hole, the outlet hose 10 traverses through the housing 1. The battery 13 is removably positioned within the housing 1 so that the pump 6 can be operated. More specifically, the pump 6 is electrically connected to the battery 13 through the power switch 14 as the power switch 14 is connected onto the housing 1. For example, when the power switch 14 is in the on-position, the pump 6 is operational and the tank water can be pumped out. When the excess water is completely removed from the tank, the pump 6 can be deactivated by the off-position of the power switch 14.

[0013] In reference to FIG. 2-3, the housing 1 comprises a front panel 2, a rear panel 3, and a lateral panel. Even though the preferred embodiment of the housing 1 is formed into a rectangular shape for aesthetic appearance, the housing 1 can be formed into any other geomatic shape other than the rectangular shape. More specifically, the front panel 2 and the rear panel 3 are oppositely positioned of each other about the lateral panel as the housing 1 is formed into an enclosure. The front panel 2 is designed to be oriented towards the user, and the rear panel 3 is designed to be oriented towards the back wall of the tank.

[0014] In reference to FIG. 4, the housing 1 further comprises a compartment 4 so that the battery 13 is removably positioned within the compartment 4. More specifically, the compartment 4 is connected within the housing 1 and accessible from the outside via a removable plate. When the removable plate is detached from the housing 1, the battery 13 can be accessed. When the removable plate is attached to the housing 1, the battery 13 is fully enclosed and hermetically sealed within the compartment 4 to eliminate the entry of water.

[0015] In reference to FIG. 4, the battery 13 is a disposable-battery so that the user can conveniently use the present invention without having to recharge the battery 13. However, it is understood that the battery 13 can be a secondary-battery without deviating from the scope of the functionality. In the event that the present invention is equipped with a secondary-battery, a charging port that is electrically connected to the battery 13 can optionally be integrated into housing 1 to recharge the battery 13.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2-3, the power switch 14 is preferably connected to the front panel 2 so that the user can easily access the power switch 14. The preferred embodiment of the power switch 14 is a single-button switch that can be configured between the on-position and the off-position. However, the present invention can utilize any type of industry standard electrical component that can disconnect or connect the conducting path in an electrical circuit as the power switch 14. As explained before, when the power switch 14 is in the on-position, the pump 6 is activated as the battery 13 is able to provide the necessary electrical current to the pump 6 via the power switch 14. When the power switch 14 is in the off-position, the pump 6 is deactivated as the power switch 14 disconnect the electrical current of the battery 13 to the pump 6.

[0017] In reference to FIG. 3-4, the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 each comprises a proximal end 11 and a distal end 12 to further explain the positioning of the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 with respect to the housing 1. More specifically, the proximal end 11 of the inlet hose 9 is connected to an inlet port 7 of the pump 6 as the inlet hose 9 traverses through the housing 1. The distal end 12 of the inlet hose 9 is externally positioned to the housing 1. As a result, the user can utilize the distal end 12 of the inlet hose 9 to remove the excess water from the tank. The proximal end 11 of the outlet hose 10 is connected to an outlet port 8 of the pump 6 so that the excess water that enters into the pump 6 via the inlet port 7 can be redirected to the outlet port 8. The distal end 12 of the outlet hose 10 is externally positioned to the housing 1 as the outlet hose 10 traverses through the housing 1. As a result, the user can insert the distal end 12 of the outlet hose 10 into the drain hole of the tank to discharge the excess water. Preferably, the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 are made from flexible material so that the user can easily maneuver the positioning of the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 within the tank. For example, the flexibility of the inlet hose 9 is essential to the present invention as excess water always flow toward the low-end of the tank. The flexibility of the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 also enables the user to easily position and orient both the inlet hose 9 and the outlet hose 10 around obstacles such as the fill valve, float, overflow tube, chain, handle lever, or other related tank components.

[0018] In reference to FIG. 4-5, the present invention further comprises a control stick 16 so that the user can easily maneuver the inlet hose 9 within the tank. The control stick 16 is an elongated shaft and directly attached to the distal end 12 of the inlet hose 9. More specifically, the user can grasp the top end of the control stick 16 to precisely maneuver the distal end 12 of the inlet hose 9 that is attached to the bottom end of the control stick 16, without having to enter their hand into the tank. As a result, the control stick 16 is able to eliminate potential hand injuries and damage to components of the tank.

[0019] In reference to FIG. 5, the present invention further comprises a mounting hook 15. The mounting hook 15 is integrated into the rear panel 3 of the housing 1 so that the present invention can be hung to the tank wall during operation. The mounting hook 15 can be integrated to the housing 1 as a slidable hook or a retractable hook to eliminate unnecessary tangles within a toolbox.

[0020] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0010]All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0011]The present invention is a toilet tank draining apparatus so that the user can fully empty the tank during toilet repairs. More specifically, the present invention is able to pump 6 out the excess water that normally remains within the tank after the water supply is turned off and the tank is flushed. As result, the present invention is able to drain the last water out of the tank in an easy and non-messy way thus allowing the user to perform necessary repairs such as changing the fill valve, the flapper, the flush mechanism, or other related components of the tank.

[0012]In reference to general configuration, as shown in FIG. 1-4 and FIG. 6, the present invention comprises a housing 1, a pump system 5, a battery 13, and a power switch 14. The housing 1 functions as an enclosure so that the remainin...

Claims

1. A toilet tank draining apparatus comprising:a housing;a pump system;a battery;a power switch;control stick;the pump system comprising a pump, an inlet hose, and an outlet hose;the pump being hermetically connected within the housing;the inlet hose being in fluid communication with the pump;the outlet hose being in fluid communication with the pump;the inlet hose traversing through the housing;the outlet hose traversing through the housing;the battery being removably positioned within the housing;the power switch being connected onto the housing;the pump being electrically connected to the battery through the power switch; andthe control stick being directly attached to a distal end of the inlet hose.

2. The toilet tank draining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:the housing comprising a compartment;the compartment being connected within the housing; andthe battery being removably positioned within the compartment.

3. The toilet tank draining apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power switch is connected to a front panel of the housing.

4. The toilet tank draining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:the inlet hose and the outlet hose each comprising a proximal end and a distal end;the proximal end of the inlet hose being connected to an inlet port of the pump;the proximal end of the outlet hose being connected to an outlet port of the pump;the distal end of the inlet hose being externally positioned to the housing; andthe distal end of the outlet hose being externally positioned to the housing.

5. (canceled) The toilet tank draining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:a control stick; andthe control stick being terminally attached to a distal end of inlet hose.

6. The toilet tank draining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising:a mounting hook; andthe mounting hook being integrated into a rear panel of the housing.

7. A toilet tank draining apparatus comprising:a housing;a pump system;a battery;a power switch;a mounting hook;a control stickthe pump system comprising a pump, an inlet hose, and an outlet hose;the pump being hermetically connected within the housing;the inlet hose being in fluid communication with the pump;the outlet hose being in fluid communication with the pump;the inlet hose traversing through the housing;the outlet hose traversing through the housing;the battery being removably positioned within the housing;the power switch being connected onto the housing;the pump being electrically connected to the battery through the power switch;the mounting hook being integrated into a rear panel of the housing; andthe control stick being directly attached to a distal end of the inlet hose.

8. The toilet tank draining apparatus as claimed in claim 7 comprising:the housing comprising a compartment;the compartment being connected within the housing; andthe battery being removably positioned within the compartment.

9. The toilet tank draining apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the power switch is connected to a front panel of the housing.

10. The toilet tank draining apparatus as claimed in claim 7 comprising:the inlet hose and the outlet hose each comprising a proximal end and a distal end;the proximal end of the inlet hose being connected to an inlet port of the pump;the proximal end of the outlet hose being connected to an outlet port of the pump;the distal end of the inlet hose being externally positioned to the housing; andthe distal end of the outlet hose being externally positioned to the housing.

11. (canceled)12. A toilet tank draining apparatus comprising:a housing;a pump system;a battery;a power switch;a mounting hook;a control stickthe pump system comprising a pump, an inlet hose, and an outlet hose;the pump being hermetically connected within the housing;the inlet hose being in fluid communication with the pump;the outlet hose being in fluid communication with the pump;the inlet hose traversing through the housing;the outlet hose traversing through the housing;the battery being removably positioned within the housing;the power switch being connected onto the housing;the power switch is connected to a front panel of the housing;the pump being electrically connected to the battery through the power switch;the mounting hook being integrated into a rear panel of the housing; andthe control stick being directly attached to a distal end of the inlet hose.

13. The toilet tank draining apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprising:the housing comprising a compartment;the compartment being connected within the housing; andthe battery being removably positioned within the compartment.

14. The toilet tank draining apparatus as claimed in claim 12 comprising:the inlet hose and the outlet hose each comprising a proximal end and a distal end;the proximal end of the inlet hose being connected to an inlet port of the pump;the proximal end of the outlet hose being connected to an outlet port of the pump;the distal end of the inlet hose being externally positioned to the housing; andthe distal end of the outlet hose being externally positioned to the housing.

15. (canceled)

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