Toilet Overflow Preventer

Abstract

A toilet overflow preventer includes an overflow sensor configured to extend into the interior of a toilet bowl. The overflow sensor includes a housing having a liquid-porous bottom with a switch located inside the housing. A battery is in electrical communication with the overflow sensor. An actuator assembly is connected to the battery and the overflow sensor. The actuator assembly includes an actuator having an actuator arm moveable from a first position not in contact with the toilet flush valve to a second position in contact with the toilet flush valve based upon a signal from the overflow sensor switch.

1 . A toilet overflow preventer, comprising:
 an overflow sensor configured to extend into the interior of a toilet bowl;   an electrical power source connected to the overflow sensor; and   an actuator assembly connected to the overflow sensor and the electrical power source such that activation of the overflow sensor causes the actuator assembly to mechanically close a toilet flush valve.   
     
     
         2 . The overflow preventer of  claim 1 , wherein the overflow sensor includes a housing having a porous bottom. 
     
     
         3 . The preventer of  claim 1 , wherein the overflow sensor includes a float switch. 
     
     
         4 . The preventer of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical power source is a battery. 
     
     
         5 . The preventer of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator assembly includes an actuator having an actuator arm, with the actuator arm configured to move from a first position not contacting a flush valve to a second position pressing a flush valve against a tank drain. 
     
     
         6 . A toilet overflow preventer, comprising:
 an overflow sensor comprising a housing having a liquid permeable bottom and a two-position switch located in the housing;   a battery connected to the overflow sensor;   an actuator assembly connected to the overflow sensor and the battery, the actuator assembly comprising an actuator having an actuator arm movable from a first position to a second position.   
     
     
         7 . A toilet having an overflow preventer, comprising:
 a toilet having a toilet bowl, a rim, and a flush valve;   an overflow sensor connected to the rim and extending into the interior of the toilet bowl, the overflow sensor comprising a housing having a liquid-porous bottom with a switch located inside the housing;   a battery in electrical communication with the overflow sensor;   an actuator assembly connected to the battery and the overflow sensor, the actuator assembly comprising an actuator having an actuator arm moveable from a first position not in contact with the toilet flush valve to a second position in contact with the toilet flush valve based upon a signal from the overflow sensor switch.