US20070094781A1

US20070094781A1 - Water displacement device for toilet tanks

Info

Publication number: US20070094781A1
Application number: US11/261,718
Authority: US
Inventors: James Gadomski
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-31
Filing date: 2005-10-31
Publication date: 2007-05-03

Abstract

A water displacement device for a toilet tank provides a hollow container that is configured and arranged to hold liquid therein. The container has a fill spout for entry of the liquid and a fill cap to secure the liquid therein. The liquid may be water or a combination of water and a disinfectant. The container defines a first aperture that is configured and arranged to be received around an overflow tube in a toilet tank and a first indention that is configured and arranged to be received about a fill valve of a toilet tank. The container further defines a second indention that is configured and arranged to permit clearance for a connecting member between a lever control arm in a toilet tank and the valve seat. The position of the first aperture is optionally disposed to the right or left of a center point of the second indention. When the device is filled with liquid, the device maintains buoyant repose within the toilet tank while maintaining downward pressure onto the top surface of water within the toilet tank. A pair of feet are optionally disposed about the bottom of the container to avoid contact with the bottom of the toilet tank and thereby permit free operation of a valve seat within the toilet tank.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to water displacement devices for toilet tanks. More particularly, the present invention relates to buoyant displacement devices that may be inserted into a conventional toilet tank to conserve water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The precise origins of the flush toilet are in dispute. However, in 1596, Sir John Harington published a book related to the flush toilet entitled “The Metamorphosis of Ajax.” This led to use of the British slang term “a jakes” or “jakes” to refer to the flush toilet. However, some attribute the invention of the flush toilet to Alexander Cummings, due to his award of English patent number 814 in 1775. Other sources attribute the origins of the flush toilet to Englishman Joseph Adamson for his 1853 design of the siphon flush toilet. Misunderstandings that Thomas Crapper invented the flush toilet are generally attributed to false advertising by Mr. Crapper himself, Wallace Reyburn's 1969 book “Flushed With Pride: The Story of Thomas Crapper,” and a number of British patents held by Mr. Crapper. The patents include British Patent No. 1,628, awarded in 1881 for ventilating house drains, and British Patent No. 11,604, awarded in 1893, for a mechanism to flush a lavatory by means of a foot lever.
The modern water closet relies upon the tendency of a moving liquid to continue flowing, even in defiance of gravity. The tank is kept nearly full, and during a flush, the water rushes into the bowl, thereby creating a surge over a weir (or dam). The flow stops when the bowl is empty, and the tank refills in preparation for the next flush. Originally, tanks were placed high above the bowl such that water would move forcefully to clear the weir. However, by 1915, narrower, smoother porcelain passageways allowed quieter, 5 to 7 gallon tanks to be mounted on the backs of bowls. These toilet designs remained constant until the 1970's, when water conservation became more of an issue. Toilet tanks generally became standardized to a design of 5.5 gallons per flush (gpf), then 3.5 gpf in the early 1980's, which was termed by the industry as a “Water Saver.” This standard lasted until the early 1990's.
On Jan. 1, 1994, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1992 (“EPCA”) became effective, and thereby prescribed water conservation standards for faucets, showerheads, water closets and urinals. The EPCA further provided that if the requirements of ASME/ANSI Standard A112.18.1M-1989 or ASME/ANSI Standard A112.19.6-1990 are amended to improve the efficiency of water use, the Secretary shall publish a final rule establishing an amended uniform national standard unless the Secretary determines that adoption of such a standard at the level specified is not (i) technologically feasible and economically justified, (ii) consistent with the maintenance of public health and safety; or (iii) consistent with the purposes of this Act. EPCA, Sec. 325(j) and 325(k), 42 U.S.C. Sec. 6295(j) and Sec. 6295(k). Accordingly, all residential toilets, i.e. gravity tank-type toilets, flushometer tank toilets, and electromechanical hydraulic toilets, manufactured after Jan. 1, 1994 use a standard of 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf). All new homes built after 1996 are required to be equipped with toilets having 1.6 gpf. The final agency rule implementing the national standard is codified in Part 430 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations. In addition, many state and local governments have passed laws restricting gallons per flush for water closets within their jurisdiction.
In order to comply with the new government standards, many toilet tank manufacturers modified the internal components of their 3.5 gpf Water Saver models to provide 1.6 gpf, while retaining the standard size toilet tank. However, the new low flow toilet tanks were plagued by a number of performance related issues. In October of 2000, Jim Henderson and Gary Woodard prepared a report for the City of Phoenix and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation entitled Functioning of Aging Low-Consumption Toilets in Tucson. According to the study, 170 homes were monitored with water data loggers and specialized software to identify toilet flushes. According to the data, 42.9% of all types of toilets experienced some form of problem, while 14.2% required double flushing—thereby obviating the need for the low-consumption toilet. Since 1.6 gpf low-consumption toilets became the standard, there have been anecdotal reports of problems with their functioning, including a need for multiple flushes to clear the bowl, and frequent clogging. More anecdotal evidence suggests that the functioning of some early low-consumption toilets has continued to decline as they age. Even though low-consumption toilet performance has improved since the first models, many current models still rely on the same adjustments to the 3.5 gallon toilet. Lack of correct replacement parts seems a likely contributor to a possible decline in toilet performance with age, as early-close flappers are replaced with generic flappers which allow a 3.5 gallon flush, or as toilet dams are removed.
In view of the above, today's toilets are designed to minimize water consumption while still effectively eliminating waste. The latest ultra-low flush toilet models provide 1.6 gallons per flush, which is significantly less than older models which use 3.5 gallons per flush or even 6 gallons per flush. There are estimates of 350 million toilets in the U.S. alone. Almost 70% of those are still the old, 3.5 gpf and 6 gpf models. Their construction is very similar among manufacturers, with the supply tube being disposed towards the left rear of the tank and the overflow tube being central near the valve seat (i.e. flush valve).
The U.S. daily average of water used is 185 gallons per person, for a total of almost 450 billion gallons per day. Nearly 40% of personal water consumption is related to water flushed by toilets. Thus, a savings of 25% equates to a savings of over 18 gallons per day—per person. In other words, a savings of 25% translates into a savings of 45 billion gallons of water in the U.S. on a daily basis.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a device that can be used in conjunction with standard or older model toilets to reduce the volume of water flow while maintaining consistent and reliable performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one preferred form, the present invention provides a water displacement device for a toilet tank in the form of a hollow container that is configured and arranged to hold liquid therein. The container has a fill spout for entry of the liquid and a fill cap to secure the liquid therein. The liquid may be water or a combination of water and a disinfectant. The container defines a first aperture that is configured and arranged to be received around an overflow tube in a toilet tank and a first indention that is configured and arranged to be received around a fill valve of a toilet tank. The container further defines a second indention that is configured and arranged to permit clearance for a connecting member between a lever control arm and a valve seat in a toilet tank. The position of the first aperture is optionally disposed to the right or left of a line perpendicular to the center point of the second indention. When the device is filled with liquid, the device maintains buoyant repose within the toilet tank while maintaining downward pressure on water within the toilet tank.
In another preferred form, the present invention provides a unit that is configured and arranged to maintain buoyant repose with respect to water within a toilet tank. The unit has a width dimension between 12 and 20 inches, a depth dimension between 3.75 and 6.75 inches, and a height dimension between 1 and 4 inches. The unit further defines a first aperture having a diameter dimension between 1.25 and 4 inches to thereby fit around an overflow tube within the toilet tank.
The present invention also provides for use in older toilets that have a nearly standardized design in North America. The present invention provides for installation without the requirement of technical plumbing skills or specialized tools. Accordingly, a homeowner may reduce the amount of water consumption by up to 25% with each flush, without minimizing the effectiveness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of an exemplary conventional siphon toilet for use with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary siphon toilet bowl for use with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an elevated top view of an exemplary toilet tank for use with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a water displacement device in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an elevated front view of a water displacement device in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an elevated side view of a water displacement device in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a top view of a water displacement device showing dimensions;
FIG. 9 is a side view of a water displacement device showing dimensions;
FIG. 10 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 14 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the figures, and in particular FIG. 1, an elevated perspective view of an exemplary conventional siphon toilet 100 is shown for use with the present invention. Toilet 100 includes tank 102 that is connected to bowl 104 by way of gasket fitting 106 and securing bolts 108. The interior components of tank 102 are covered by tank cover 103. Water is supplied to tank 102 by way of water supply line 110.
The internal components of tank 102 include a supply tube 112 that is connected to the water supply line 110 by way of connecting member 114. Supply tube 112 is connected to fill valve 116 (also known as a ballcock), which is generally disposed at a higher location than the highest water level in tank 102. Plumbing codes generally provide that fill valve 116 be an anti-siphon valve to prevent backflow of water from tank 102 into the household water system. In order to maintain the anti-siphoning effect, the water level within tank 102 is not permitted to rise above fill valve 116. By convention, the supply tube 112 and fill valve 116 are generally disposed in the rear left-hand side of tank 102.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the float ball 118 is attached to lever 120 by way of float arm 117, and rises and falls with the water level in tank 102. The position of float ball 118 controls operation of fill valve 116. According to this illustrated embodiment, the fill valve 116 is connected to float arm 117, which also connects to lever 120. According to alternate toilet control embodiments that are compatible with the present invention, the float arm 117 connects directly to fill valve 116 through a separate connection (see FIG. 3). Water is flushed from tank 102 by way of lever 120. When the lever 120 is turned, the connection member 122 lifts valve seat 124 (also known as a flapper), to permit water to flow into bowl 104. The valve seat is generally 2 to 3 inches in diameter, which corresponds to 5.08 to 7.62 centimeters.
As illustrated, connection member 122 is a chain. However, connection member 122 may be a rigid member in accordance with different configurations of toilet tank components. After tank 102 has been discharged, float ball 118 lowers, which turns fill valve 116 on. Water is then transmitted from fill valve 116 into tank 102 through refill tube 126. The refill tube 126 is approximately ⅛ inch in diameter. The end spout of refill tube 126 is generally placed above overflow tube 128 with a clip (not shown), which directs the water downward into tank 102. Overflow tube 128 is generally 1 inch in diameter (5.08 cm) and is conventionally disposed adjacent to valve seat 124 near the center of tank 102. According to various configurations of interior toilet tank components, overflow tube may be greater or less than 1 inch in diameter. The pressure of water exiting refill tube 126 and flowing into overflow tube 128 is generally not powerful enough to displace a closed valve seat 124 and exist into bowl 104. However, should the water level in tank 102 reach the top of overflow tube 128, the pressure of the downwardly flowing water into overflow tube 128 is generally powerful enough to displace a closed valve seat 124 and thereby prevent overflow of tank 102. According to some models, fill valve 116 also includes a fill tube (not shown) that extends downwardly from fill valve 116 to provide a second pathway for filling tank 102.
The height of overflow tube 128 is significant, and the top thereof is generally disposed lower than fill valve 116 and lower than the level of handle 120. In the event of a malfunction in the control of fill valve 116 by float ball 118, the water would continually rise within tank 102. However, once the water level reaches the top of overflow tube 128, the water flows into overflow tube 128 and is directed past valve seat 124 and into bowl 104. This prevents overflow of tank 102. Likewise, by positioning the top of overflow tube 128 lower than lever 120, water leaks around lever 120 are avoided.
The overflow tube 128 includes trunion “mounting ears” that are approximately ⅛-inch diameter by ⅜-inch long shafts protruding out from overflow tube 128 near its base. These are the “ears” to which the valve seat 124 connects. In some cases the overflow tube 128 is void of these ears in which case, a “rubber” type round “trunion-ring” with two mounting ears slides down over the tube to provide the connecting points for valve seat 124. However, the overflow tube 128 in North American toilets is located adjacent to the valve seat 124 that is located in the center of tank 102. This position allows the water entering the top of overflow tube 128 to bypass valve seat 124 and drain into bowl 104.
FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary siphon toilet bowl 104 holding water 131. When water travels from tank 102 into bowl 104, a portion of the water is ejected from holes 130 disposed about the rim 132. However, a large portion of the water flows down to siphon jet 134, which is a larger hole at the bottom of the bowl 104. Siphon jet 134 releases most of the water directly into siphon tube 136. The majority of water in the bowl enters from the tank in about three seconds, and thereby activates the siphon effect to suck the water and waste out of bowl 104. The water filled bowl 104 will flush as long as there is enough flowing water into it to activate the siphon.
The siphon action in bowl 104 is only engaged when a large flow of water enters bowl 104. Thus, if a cup of water was poured into the bowl, nothing appears to happen. In reality, the water level in the bowl rises but the extra water immediately spills over the edge of siphon tube 136 and drains away. On the other hand, if a bucket of water, approximately 2 gallons, is rapidly poured into bowl 104, the bowl flushes. Once siphon tube 136 is filled, the water is sucked out of the bowl and down the sewer pipe. When the contents of bowl 204 are emptied, air enters siphon tube 136, which stops the siphoning process.
Accordingly, the purpose of tank 102 is to hold and then rapidly dump about 1.6 gallons of water into bowl 104. Thus, it is not merely the amount of water that is displaced by into bowl 104 that triggers the siphoning action, but it is also the speed at which the water travels. When water travels from tank 102 into bowl 104, it is the weight of the water under the influence of gravity that influences the speed, and thereby the efficiency of the flush.
FIG. 3 is an elevated top view of an exemplary toilet tank 102 with the float ball 118, removed for clarity and ease of understanding. In this illustrated embodiment, float ball 118 (not shown) would connect to a float arm 117 (not shown) that would in turn connect to fill valve control extension 116 a. In this case, lever 120 connects to lever control arm 121 that is connected via chain (not shown) to valve seat 124. Alternately, lever control arm 121 connects to valve seat 124 by way of a rigid member (also not shown).
Fill valve 116 and supply tube 112 generally remain fixedly attached to the bottom of tank 102. Likewise, overflow tube 128 and valve seat 124 remain fixedly attached to the bottom of tank 102. However, refill tube 126 is generally held to overflow tube 128 by way of a clip that is readily removed by hand. Refill tube 126 is generally positioned above the top surface of overflow tube 128 instead of being disposed downwardly within overflow tube 128 to avoid suction of water from refill tube 126 during the siphoning action of the bowl 104. Float ball 118 (not shown) is readily movable about tank 102 by hand. The illustrated static positions of fill valve 116 and overflow tube 128 relate to the preferred embodiment of the subject water displacement device. However, different configurations of tank components exist and therefore the illustrated positions are by way of example. Alternate embodiments of the subject water displacement device are provided to correspond to alternate arrangements of toilet tank components, while achieving the same functionality and effect.
FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a water displacement device 140 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Water displacement device 140 is preferably embodied as a generally hollow container 141 that is configured and arranged to hold liquid. The liquid is preferably water. A sealable sealable fill spout 142 is formed in container 141. The amount of water to be filled into device 140 is approximately 1.5 gallons. However, the amount will vary depending upon the particular size and dimensions of device 140. A cap 143 is removable engaged with fill spout 142 to permit water tight sealing thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, container 141 is filled with water. According to an alternate embodiment, container 141 is filled with water and disinfectant, such as 4 to 5 ounces of bleach to prevent stagnation of water therein.
The dimensions of water displacement device 140 are configured to be received within the interior of tank 102. An aperture 144 is configured and arranged to be received around overflow tube 128, and a first indention 146 is disposed at the rearward left corner such that the device 140 does not touch fill valve 116. According to a preferred embodiment, aperture 144 is generally circular. A second indention 148 is provided about the frontward center of device 140 to allow the connection member 122 to freely control operation of valve seat 124. According to a preferred embodiment, second indention 148 is generally arcuate. Some models of toilet tank components provide the connection member 122 as a chain or a rigid member. Water is filled into device 140 until the device barely floats on the water surface within tank 102. According to a preferred embodiment, fill line 150 is provided on the side of device 140 to indicate to the user the amount of water that should be filled within device 140. When device 140 is installed in tank 102 around overflow tube 128, float ball 118 rests on the top thereof. As tank 102 is discharged, the device 140 falls along with the top level of the water, and the float ball 118 also falls along with the top of device 140.
The speed of water exiting tank 102 and then outputting from siphon jet 134 of bowl 104 is proportional to the amount of water in tank 102. The greater the amount of water in tank 102, the greater the weight of water, and thereby the greater the speed of water flow. The weight of device 140, when filled with water to the appropriate amount, is almost equal to the weight of water that is displaced within tank 102. Accordingly, the weight of device 140 pushes downwardly on the remaining water within tank 102 such that the speed of water exiting the tank is equal to the speed if no displacement device was in the tank. The speed of the water exiting the tank provides for normal siphoning action within bowl 104, and contributes to normal and effective operation.
FIG. 5 is an elevated top view, FIG. 6 is an elevated front view, and FIG. 7 is an elevated side view of a water displacement device 140 in accordance with the present invention. During installation, the aperture 144 is disposed around overflow tube 128 and float ball 118 is positioned on the top of water displacement device 140. The position of aperture 144 corresponds to a position of overflow tube 128 located to the left of valve seat 124 as illustrated in FIG. 3. First indention 146 is preferably molded in such a manner as to allow clearance with respect to fill valve 116 during upward and downward movement of device 140 about overflow tube 128. Water is then filled into fill spout 142 such that device 140 is barely maintained in buoyant repose on the top of water in tank 102. As set forth above, the water level in tank 102 is set to be below the top of overflow tube 128 and below the height of lever 120. Accordingly, there is not interference with movement of lever 120. Moreover, second indention 148 is configured and arranged to permit movement of a connection member between lever control arm 121 and valve seat 124. First foot 152 and second foot 154 are disposed on the bottom of device 140 such that when water is emptied from tank 102, device 140 does not contact valve seat 124. According to a preferred embodiment, first foot 152 and second foot 154 are molded integrally with device 140 such that water within device 140 is present therein. According to an alternate embodiment, the bottom of device 140 is flat and first molded foot 152 and second molded foot 154 are separate plastic members that are affixed to the bottom of device 140 through a bonding agent such as glue, a solvent or ultrasonic bonding. According to yet another embodiment, the bottom of device 140 is flat without the provision of feet 152, 154. This embodiment may actually save even more water due to the fact that device 140 will actually cause valve seat 124 to close upon contact, thereby preventing the final ¼ gal (approx) from being expelled into the tank.
Water displacement device 140 is preferably a plastic container having an outer dimension that approximates the shape of an interior of a standard tank 102. Device 140 is filled with liquid, approximately 1.5 gallons, and then placed into tank 102. Device 140 then floats (or “bobs”) on the water surface inside the tank 102. When the toilet is flushed, the weight of the approximately 1.5 gallons of liquid contained within device 140 provides a nearly identical amount of flushing pressure for the water within tank 102. However, the volume of water within device 140 is never used. The container sinks as the tank empties, but the design ensures that the normal operation of the flush valve is not impeded. Thus, for a 6 gpf “older style” toilet, 4.5 gallons of water contained in tank 102 is flushed, while 1.5 gallons is conserved. Likewise, as set forth above, toilets having 3.5 gpf or 1.6 gpf generally maintain the use of the standard 6 gallon toilet tank. Accordingly, for these toilets, the water displacement device can also be used to provide downward pressure on the water within the tank 102, and thereby maintain the desired water speed during a flush. When the water is drained, the flush valve closes, and the water is replaced via the fill tube.
By way of example, the user of the subject water displacement device will follow the steps set forth below:
a) Remove the tank cover 103 and carefully set it aside;
b) Remove cap 143 from device 140, fill device to fill line 150, and replace cap 143;
c) Remove refill tube 126 from attachment to overflow tube 128;
d) Slide the device 140 under float ball 118 and around overflow tube 128;
e) Replace refill tube 126 tube into position above overflow tube 128;
f) Flush toilet with lever 120 to verify operation; and
g) Carefully replace the tank cover 103.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, water displacement device 140 is filled with water and the fill cap 143 is permanently affixed to fill spout 142. In this case, the water level would be pre-filled prior to purchase by the end user such that the user would not be required to fill device 140 to the appropriate level. According to this embodiment, optional fill line 150 may be removed.
Alternately, water displacement device 140 may be filled with a solid, a combination of solid and gas, a combination of solid, liquid, and gas, or other material such as foam or gel such that the device is maintained in a state of buoyant repose while continually pressing downward on the liquid in the tank. Alternately, water displacement device 140 may be integrally formed of a solid material that has buoyant properties, and a weight similar but slightly less than water, such that placement in toilet tank 102 provides the effect as set forth above. Alternately, water displacement device 140 may be constructed out of a porous material that will absorb and hold water and remain buoyant as well. This material would offer the consumer the ability to actually cut and shape the device to fit their particular toilet design.

FIG. 8 is a top view and FIG. 9 is a side view of water displacement device 140 showing dimensions. Dimension A is the width, dimension B is the depth, dimension C is the diameter of aperture 144, dimension D is the width of second indention 148, dimension E is the depth of second indention 148, dimension F is the depth of first indention 146, dimension E is the width of first indention 146, dimension H is the height of device 140 from the top surface thereof to the bottom surface thereof without regard to

feet

152 and 154, and dimension I is the height of

feet

152 and 154. Dimensions of device 140 in accordance with operation of the present invention are provided by Table 1 as set forth below.

	TABLE 1


	Dimension	Length

A	12 to 20	inches
B	3.75 to 6.75	inches
C	1.25 to 4	inches
D	2 to 8	inches
E	0.5 to 3	inches
F	1.5 to 5	inches
G	1.5 to 5	inches
H
1 to 4	inches
I	2 to 5	inches

A more preferable range of dimensions is provided by Table 2 as set forth below.

	TABLE 2


	Dimension	Length

A	14 to 18	inches
B	4.5 to 6	inches
C	1.5 to 3	inches
D	3 to 7	inches
E
1 to 2	inches
F	2 to 3	inches
G	2 to 3	inches
H	2 to 2.25	inches
I	3 to 4	inches

The preferred dimensions of device 140 are provided by Table 3 set forth below.

	TABLE 3


	Dimension	Length

	A	15.5 inches
	B	5.25 inches
	C	2.25 inches
	D	5 inches
	E	1.5 inches
	F	2.5 inches
	G	2.5 inches
	H	2.125 inches
	I	3.5 inches

FIG. 10 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device 160 according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Device 160 is shown with first indention 162 to provide clearance of fill valve 116, second indention 164 to provide clearance for the connecting members between lever control arm 121 and valve seat 124, and third indention 166 to provide clearance for an alternate position of overflow tube 128. According to an embodiment, molded or attached feet are provided on the bottom surface of device 160 to avoid contact with the bottom of tank 102 and permit free operation of the valve seat 124. According to an alternate embodiment, first indention 162 has a lower depth dimension F than the embodiment of FIG. 8 such that device 140 is positioned around supply tube 112, but below fill valve 116 during operation thereof.
FIG. 11 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device 170 according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Device 170 includes overflow tube hole 172 and a first indention 174 that are generally similar to aperture 144 and first indention 146 in FIG. 5. According to this embodiment, second indention 176 has a shape that is generally rectangular to permit clearance for the connecting members between lever control arm 121 and valve seat 124. According to an embodiment, molded or attached feet are provided on the bottom surface of device 170 to avoid contact with the bottom of tank 102 and permit free operation of the valve seat 124.
FIG. 12 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device 180 according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Device 180 includes overflow tube hole 182, first indention 184 and second indention 186. In this embodiment, overflow tube hole 182 is configured to accommodate tank components wherein the overflow tube 128 is positioned to the right of the valve seat 124 as particularly illustrated in FIG. 1. Second indention 186 permits clearance for the connecting members between lever control arm 121 and valve seat 124. According to an embodiment, molded or attached feet are provided on the bottom surface of device 180 to avoid contact with the bottom of tank 102 and permit free operation of the valve seat 124.
FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the water displacement device 180, wherein the necessity of first indention 184 and second indention 186 are eliminated by way of reduced outside geometry of device 180. According to this embodiment, device 180 floats upwardly and downwardly within tank 102 about overflow tube 128, but does not interfere with fill valve 116 or the connecting members for valve seat 124 due to the reduced geometry. According to an alternate embodiment, aperture 182 is configured for an overflow tube being positioned to the right of valve seat 124. According to an alternate embodiment, aperture 188 is configured for an overflow tube being positioned to the left of valve seat 124.
FIG. 13 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device 190 according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Device 190 includes first hole 192, second hole 194 and first indention 196. The first hole 192 and first indention 196 generally correspond to the first aperture 144 and first indention 146 in FIG. 5. However, according to this embodiment, second hole 194 is provided to permit clearance for the connecting members between lever control arm 121 and valve seat 124. Thus, for installation, the connecting members between lever control arm 121 and valve seat 124 would be disconnected and then threaded through hole 194 to permit operation thereof. According to an embodiment, molded or attached feet are provided on the bottom surface of device 190 to avoid contact with the bottom of tank 102 and permit free operation of the valve seat 124.
FIG. 14 is an elevated top view of a water displacement device 200 according to an alternate embodiment. Device 200 includes first hole 202, second hold 204, and third hole 206. First hole 202 is disposed around overflow tube 128. Second hole 204 permits connection of connecting members between lever control arm 121 and valve seat 124. Third hole 206 is threaded around supply tube 112. According to an embodiment, molded or attached feet are provided on the bottom surface of device 190 to avoid contact with the bottom of tank 102 and permit free operation of the valve seat 124.
While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water displacement device for a toilet tank, comprising:

a hollow container that is configured and arranged to hold liquid therein, said container having a fill spout for permitting entry of the liquid;

said container defining a first aperture configured and arranged to be received around an overflow tube in a toilet tank; and

said container defining a first indention that is configured and arranged to be received about a fill valve of the toilet tank.

2. The water displacement device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a fill cap configured and arranged to mate with the fill spout to thereby seal the liquid when held within said container.

3. The water displacement device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is water.

4. The water displacement device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is a combination of water and a disinfectant.

5. The water displacement device according to claim 1, wherein the container further defines a second indention that is configured and arranged to permit clearance for a connecting member between a lever control arm in the toilet tank and a valve seat in the toilet tank.

6. The water displacement device according to claim 5, wherein the second indention is generally arcuate.

7. The water displacement device according to claim 5, wherein the second indention is generally rectangular.

8. The water displacement device according to claim 5, wherein the first aperture is disposed to the left of a center point of the second indention.

9. The water displacement device according to claim 5, wherein the first aperture is disposed to the right of a center point of the second indention.

10. The water displacement device according to claim 1, wherein said container is filled with liquid to maintain the water displacement device in buoyant repose within the toilet tank while maintaining downward pressure on water within the toilet tank.

11. The water displacement device according to claim 10, wherein said container includes a liquid fill mark on the side thereof to indicate the amount of liquid to be filled into said container through the fill spout to maintain the device in buoyant repose with respect to water in the toilet tank.

12. The water displacement device according to claim 1, wherein said container defines a second aperture to permit passage there through for a connecting member between a lever control arm in the toilet tank and a valve seat in the toilet tank.

13. The water displacement device according to claim 1, wherein said container has at least one foot disposed about a bottom thereof such that the bottom of said container avoids contact with the bottom of the toilet tank and permits free operation of a valve seat within the toilet tank.

14. The water displacement device according to claim 13, wherein said container has a second foot disposed about a bottom thereof such that the bottom of said container avoids contact with the bottom of the toilet tank and permits free operation of a valve seat within the toilet tank.

15. The water displacement device according to claim 1, the toilet tank including a valve seat that opens and closes to thereby control flow of water from the toilet tank, wherein said container does not have feet extending from the bottom thereof such that the bottom of said container contacts the valve seat as the water flows from the toilet tank.

16. A water displacement device for a toilet tank, comprising:

a unit that is configured and arranged to maintain buoyant repose with respect to water, said unit having a width dimension between 12 and 20 inches, a depth dimension between 3.75 and 6.75 inches, and a height dimension between 1 and 4 inches; and

said unit defining a first aperture having a diameter dimension between 1.25 and 4 inches.

17. The water displacement device according to claim 16,

said unit defining a first indention having a depth dimension between 1.5 and 5 inches and a width dimension between 1.5 and 5 inches.

18. The water displacement device according to claim 16,

said unit defining a second indention having a width between 2 and 8 inches and a depth between 0.5 and 3 inches.

19. The water displacement device according to claim 16, wherein said unit is a molded hollow container that is configured and arranged to hold liquid therein, said container having a fill spout for permitting entry of the liquid.

20. A water displacement device for a toilet tank, comprising:

a molded hollow container that is configured and arranged to hold liquid therein, said container having a fill spout for permitting entry of the liquid;

said container defining a first aperture configured and arranged to be received around an overflow tube in a toilet tank;

said container defining a first indention that is configured and arranged to be received about a fill valve of the toilet tank; and

said container further defining a generally arcuate second indention that is configured and arranged to permit clearance for a connecting member between a lever control arm in the toilet tank and a valve seat in the toilet tank,

wherein when said molded hollow container is at least partially filled with liquid and said molded hollow container is placed within the toilet tank about the overflow tube, said molded hollow container is maintained in a state of buoyant repose with respect to the water within the toilet tank and presses downwardly on the water within the toilet tank during a flushing operation of the toilet tank.