Devices, kits, and methods for temporarily stopping an automatic flushing assembly for a toilet or urinal from flushing

Abstract

The present invention provides devices, kits, and methods for temporarily stopping an automatic flushing assembly on a toilet or urinal from activating. The device may be placed over or on the sensor assembly of the toilet to temporarily block the sensor assembly from sensing the user. In preferred aspects, the device is composed of a material that the user is able to flush down the toilet or urinal such that when the user is finished, the device may be removed and disposed of directly into the toilet or urinal.

1 . A device for temporarily blocking a sensor assembly attached to a flush valve on a toilet or urinal, the device comprising:
 a body that is sized and shaped to block the sensor assembly to prevent the sensor assembly from sensing a user adjacent or on the toilet or urinal; and   a coupling assembly configured to temporarily position the body adjacent the sensor assembly.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the body is biodegradable. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the body is flushable. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the body comprises cellulose. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the body comprises paper. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the body comprises dissolvable tissue. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the coupling assembly comprises adhesive. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the sensor assembly comprising a body and a sensor face, wherein the coupling assembly is configured to be placed over the sensor assembly body. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the coupling assembly comprises a static charge in the body that is configured to removably attach the body to the sensor assembly. 
   
   
       10 . A kit for blocking a sensor assembly on a toilet or urinal, the kit comprising:
 a plurality of devices, each of the devices comprising a body that is sized and shaped to block the sensor assembly to prevent the sensor assembly from sensing a user adjacent or on the toilet or urinal and a coupling assembly configured to temporarily position the body adjacent the sensor assembly; and   a container configured to hold the plurality of devices.   
   
   
       11 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the plurality of devices are disposable. 
   
   
       12 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the devices comprise a flushable material. 
   
   
       13 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the plurality of devices comprise a biodegradable material. 
   
   
       14 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the plurality of devices comprise dissolvable cellulose. 
   
   
       15 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the coupling assembly comprises adhesive or double-sided tape. 
   
   
       16 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the sensor assembly comprising a body and a sensor face, wherein the coupling assembly is configured to be placed over the sensor assembly body. 
   
   
       17 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the coupling assembly comprises a static charge in the body that is configured to removably attach the body to the sensor assembly. 
   
   
       18 . A method of blocking a sensor assembly on a toilet or urinal, the method comprising:
 temporarily placing a device over or on the sensor assembly of the toilet or urinal to block the sensor assembly from sensing a user of the toilet or urinal;   removing the device from the sensor assembly; and   disposing of the device in the toilet or urinal.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein temporarily placing the device on the sensor assembly comprises statically attaching the device on the sensor assembly. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein temporarily placing the device on the sensor assembly comprises sticking the device on the sensor assembly using at least one of an adhesive or double sided tape that is on at least one side of the device.