Fill valve leak prevention device

Abstract

A device for preventing leaks in a toilet that comprises a fill valve operatively connected to and disposed above a float. In certain embodiments an arm is rotably connected to the fill valve such that the arm comprises a pivot. A lever is, for example, pivotally connected to the pivot of the arm and biased towards the fill valve, wherein a flush actuator causes the lever to pivot away from the fill valve. The lever may comprise a first side and a second side joined at the pivot, wherein the first side weighs less than the second side, and wherein the distribution of weight between the first and second sides of the lever causes the lever to bias towards the fill valve.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A leak prevention device for use in operation with a fill valve in a toilet, comprising:
 (a) the toilet fill valve having an arm extending therefrom;   (b) a positionable locking lever connected to the arm, wherein the locking lever is configured to bias toward the fill valve; and   (c) a pull connector extending from the locking lever.   
     
     
         2 . A leak prevention device, comprising:
 a fill valve operatively connected to and disposed above a float in a toilet;   an arm connected to the fill valve, wherein the arm comprises a pivot;   a lever connected to the pivot of the arm and biased towards the fill valve, wherein a flush actuator causes the lever to pivot away from the fill valve.   
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the lever comprises a center of gravity positioned further from the fill valve than the pivot. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein the lever comprises:
 a first side and a second side joined at the pivot; and   an angle defined by the first side, the second side, and the pivot.   
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein the angle is adjustable. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein the lever comprises a first side and a second side joined at the pivot, wherein the first side weighs less than the second side, and wherein distribution of weight between the first and second sides of the lever causes the lever to bias towards the fill valve. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the flush actuator is connected to a lower end of the second side of the lever. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the flush actuator comprises a chain, rope, wire, or string in communication with a flush lever. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the second side comprises a material density greater than the first side. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the second side comprises a material thickness greater than a material thickness of the first side. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the second side comprises a material width greater than a material width of the first side. 
     
     
         12 . A method of preventing a fill valve in a toilet from leaking, comprising:
 rotably connecting a fill valve arm to the fill valve, wherein the fill valve is positioned above a float;   pivotally connecting a lever to a pivot of the fill valve arm, wherein the lever is biased towards the fill valve; and   locking the fill valve by permitting a lower end of the lever to bias toward the fill valve when the lever is in a first position.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising:
 unlocking the fill valve by actuating a flush actuator and thereby biasing the lever away from the fill valve toward a second position causing water to ingress into a tank of the toilet.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the lever comprises a first side and a second side joined at the pivot, and wherein the lever is biased towards the fill valve. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the first side weighs less than the second side such that distribution of weight between the first and second sides of the lever causes the lever to bias towards the fill valve. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the lever further comprises:
 an angle defined by the first side, the second side, and the pivot, wherein the angle is adjustable.   
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the lever further comprises a locking member coupled to the lower end of the lever extended towards the fill valve. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the locking member is constructed from metal and comprises binding teeth configured to dig into a perimetral surface of the fill valve. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the perimetral surface of the fill valve is constructed from a plastic. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the lever further comprises a center of gravity positioned further from the fill valve than the pivot.