Water saving toilet device

Abstract

A water saving toilet device is provided which allows the user to select one of two flush modes at the time of use. A low volume flush mode is selected by turning the handle counter clockwise and a high volume flush mode is selected by turning the handle clockwise. The device can be retrofitted to accommodate existing toilets.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention pertains to the field of water-saving devices, and more particularly to the field of water saving toilets. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Clean water has become a precious commodity in recent years. This can be attributed to increases in population and climatic variabilities causing severe drought to populated areas. The average American uses about 42 gallons of water per day for domestic living. More water is used for toilet flushing than for any other domestic water application. The present invention offers an elegant and economical solution to the problem of water wastage by providing a new device which can be installed in most toilets already in existence or can be installed in newly constructed homes and businesses. The device of the present invention allows the user to select a low volume flush mode for flushing liquid and a higher volume flush mode for flushing semi-solid waste. [0003] The art has put forth several desig...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] After a review of the prior art, Applicant asserts that none of the prior art describes, either in whole or in combination, a device which accomplishes the same result in the same way as the present invention.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism for controlling the flush volume of a toilet.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel mechanism which can be adapted to almost any toilet now in use.

[0011] It is a still further object of the invention to provide a novel mechanism which allows the user of a toilet to easily select at the time of use either a high volume flush or a low volume flush by turning the handle clockwise or counter-clockwise, respectively.

[0012] The present invention provides a modified float arm which permits the user to choose a low volume flush by turning the handle counterclockwise, or a high volume flush by turning the handle clockwise. The low volume flush can be used to effectively evacuate liquid waste from the toilet bowl, while the high volume flush is sometimes needed to evacuate solid waste material from the toilet bowl. By selecting the appropriate volume of water to flush, a significant amount of water is saved.

[0013] The modified float arm of the present invention comprises a float rod which has on its distal end two protrusions, one of which is movable, for controlling the length of time and distance that the flapper is open. In addition to the float rod, is a flush control arm which moves with the float rod, but at a different pivot axis. The float rod and the flush control arm move simultaneously to control the length of time the flapper opens and thereby controlling the amount of water discharged. In one embodiment, the flush control arm comprises two essentially parallel sides, although a single piece construction is also contemplated. If the flush control arm has two essentially parallel sides, the float rod travels between the two essentially parallel sides of the flush control arm and serves to control the movement of the barrel and tether. If the flush control arm is constructed of one piece, the float rod travels alongside of the flush control arm. The flush volume is selected by directional variance of the handle. Rotation in one direction directly moves the float rod upward, like is commonly known. Rotation in the opposite direction actuates a cam mechanism which rotates the flush control arm.

Problems solved by technology

This can be attributed to increases in population and climatic variabilities causing severe drought to populated areas.

Hsiao's device is not suitable for retrofitting the millions of toilets currently in use.

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