Patent Application
20120260472
The present invention generally relates to a ring device. More specifically, the invention is a toilet flapper ring device.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved toilet flapper ring device that serves as a connection between a flapper chain and toilet handle of a toilet.
It is an object of the invention to provide a toilet flapper ring device that serves as a connection between a flapper chain and toilet handle of a toilet that is relatively more durable and less susceptible to braking, twisting, becoming entangled or coming off than traditional s-shaped or clip connections.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved toilet flapper ring device that serves as a bridge between a flapper chain and toilet handle of a toilet that avoids repairs, avoids unnecessary running toilets and will help save water and improve the functionality of all existing flappers.
What is really needed is an improved toilet flapper ring device that serves as a connection between a flapper chain and toilet handle of a toilet that is relatively more durable and less susceptible to braking, twisting, becoming entangled or coming off than traditional s-shaped or clip connections and that avoids repairs, avoids unnecessary running toilets and will help save water and improve the functionality of all existing flappers.
The present invention will be described by way of exemplary embodiments, but not limitations, illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which like references denote similar elements, and in which:
Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.
Various operations will be described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation.
The phrase “in one embodiment” is used repeatedly. The phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment, however, it may. The terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise.
The toilet flapper ring device 100 serves as a connection between a flapper chain and toilet handle of a toilet (all not shown) that is relatively more durable and less susceptible to braking or coming off than traditional s-shaped or clip connections and that avoids repairs, avoids unnecessary running toilets and will help save water and improve the functionality of all existing flappers. The toilet flapper ring device 100 has a solid and smooth surface that doesn't get hung-up, twisted or become dislodged like traditional S hooks or clips. The toilet flapper ring device 100 can serve as an alternative support tool in preventing toilet malfunctions. Currently within the market there have been limited improvements to thwart lavatory maintenance problems, such as hardware employed to support flushing mechanisms that become altered or easily dislodged with use, resulting in excessive water leaks and reoccurring labor fees due to repairs.
The ring body 110 of the toilet flapper ring device 100 is made from stainless steel, although other suitable waterproof materials can also be used. The ring body 110 provides a smooth, durable and rigid surface that is not affected by moisture or darkness. The toilet flapper ring device 100 attaches to a chain and adjoining handle of a toilet, by use of a sliding piece 130 that returns to a locked position, due to an internal spring 120 that provides an internal coiled feature. The sliding piece 130 and two slide stops 140 lock in place to close the toilet flapper ring device 100 and can be opened to allow for installation of a pull chain onto a tank handle of a toilet (not shown). The toilet flapper ring device 100 compliments and can be utilized with both traditional and modern toilet models and provides users with a relatively fail-safe solution to address potential sanitary plumbing problems.
When in use, the toilet flapper ring device 100 helps to ensure toilet mechanisms function properly, reducing concerns of faulty parts or other common lavatory malfunctions. The toilet flapper ring device 100 can be marketed for use by professional maintenance workers as well as general consumers. The toilet flapper ring device 100 is approximately the size of a United States dime, but is in the shape of a circular ring. The toilet flapper ring device 100 is also able to slide unrestrictedly when in use and has no edges or protrusions which could be snagged, caught on or hung-up on.
While the present invention has been related in terms of the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. The present invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention.
