Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6425148
-
Patent Number
6,425,148
-
Date Filed
Friday, August 17, 200123 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, July 30, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
-
Examiners
- Huson; Gregory
- Nguyen; Tuan
Agents
- Kamrath; Alan
- Rider, Bennett, Egan & Arundel, LLP
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 004 664
- 004 665
- 004 378
- 004 415
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A water-saving device for a toilet comprises a tank, a tank lid mounted on top of the tank, a sink formed on the sink and communicated with a chamber in the tank via a hole in the sink, and an output tube having a lower end communicated with an inlet tube and an upper end for supplying water into the sink. A guide tube is mounted in the tank and comprises an upper end communicated with the hole of the sink and a lower end immersed in the water in the chamber of the tank such that drainage of water in the sink via the hole of the sink and the guide tube into the chamber of the tank is almost silent.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a water-saving device for a toilet.
2. Description of the Related Art
A device has been proposed to save water when using a toilet. The device comprises a sink defined in the tank lid. An output tube has a lower end communicated with an inlet tube in the tank and an upper end with a spout for outputting water. Thus, the user may wash his or her hands in the sink with the water from the spout. A drainage hole is defined in a bottom of the sink for draining used water into the tank for flushing the toilet. However, no plug is provided for plugging the drainage hole such that the water from the spout is drained into the tank immediately. The use of water is not so effective. In addition, the sound of drainage of the water from the sink into the tank via the drainage hole is relatively loud, which would sound even louder when using the toilet in the night.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a water-saving device for a toilet, wherein water is effectively used before it is drained into the tank of the toilet.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a water-saving device for a toilet, wherein drainage of water in the sink into the tank of the toilet is almost silent.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a water-saving device for a toilet, wherein water can be outputted via a spout without flushing the toilet.
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a water-saving device for a toilet comprises:
a tank defining a chamber therein, a wall defining the chamber having an outlet for draining water in the chamber of the tank out of the tank;
an inlet tube having an end communicated with a water source;
a tank lid mounted on top of the tank, a sink being formed on the tank lid and comprising a hole-communicated with the chamber of the tank;
an output tube having a first end communicated with the inlet tube and a second end for supplying water into the sink;
an outlet cover mounted to the tank for covering the outlet, the outlet cover being movable between a flushing position in which the outlet of the tank is not covered by the outlet cover to thereby allow drainage of water in the chamber via the outlet and a non-flushing position wherein the outlet of the tank is covered by the outlet cover; and
a guide tube comprising an upper end communicated with the hole of the sink and a lower end immersed in water in the chamber of the tank.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a water-saving device for a toilet comprises:
a tank defining a chamber therein, a wall defining the chamber having an outlet for draining water in the chamber of the tank out of the tank,
an inlet tube having a first end communicated with a water source and a second end;
a tank lid mounted on top of the tank, a sink being formed on the tank lid and comprising a hole communicated with the chamber of the tank;
an outlet cover mounted to the tank for covering the outlet, the outlet cover being movable between a flushing position in which the outlet of the tank is not covered by the outlet cover to thereby allow drainage of water in the chamber via the outlet and a non-flushing position wherein the outlet of the tank is covered by the outlet cover;
a valve mounted on the second end of the inlet tube;
a filling tube having a first end communicated with the second end of the inlet tube and a second end, the filling tube further having at least one transverse hole;
an output tube having a first end communicated with the second end of the filling tube and a second end for supplying water into the sink;
a float arm having a first end pivotally and thus operably connected to the valve and a second end;
a float attached to the second end of the float arm, the float being operably connected to the plug;
wherein when the water in the chamber of the tank is at a high level ready for flushing, the valve is closed to prevent water in the inlet tube from entering the filling tube and the outlet cover is in the non-flushing position;
wherein when the water in the chamber of the tank is lowered to a predetermined level after flushing, the valve is opened to allow the water in the inlet tube to enter the filling tube, a portion of the water from the filling tube entering the chamber of the tank via said at least one transverse hole, a remaining portion of the water from the filling tube entering the sink via the second end of the filling tube and the outlet tube, the plug being moved to a position preventing drainage of water in the sink via the hole.
In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, a water-saving device for a toilet comprises:
a tank defining a chamber therein, a wall defining the chamber having an outlet for draining water in the chamber of the tank out of the tank;
an inlet tube having a first end communicated with a water source and a second end;
a tank lid mounted on top of the tank, a sink being formed on the tank lid and comprising a hole communicated with the chamber of the tank;
an outlet cover mounted to the tank for covering the outlet, the outlet cover being movable between a flushing position in which the outlet of the tank is not covered by the outlet cover to thereby allow drainage of water in the chamber via the outlet and a non-flushing position wherein the outlet of the tank is covered by the outlet cover;
a valve mounted on the second end of the inlet tube;
a filling tube having a first end communicated with the second end of the inlet tube and a second end, the filling tube further having at least one transverse hole;
an output tube having a first end communicated with the second end of the filling tube and a second end for supplying water into the sink;
a float arm having a first end pivotally and thus operably connected to the valve and a second end;
a float attached to the second end of the float arm;
a guide tube comprising a first section having an upper end communicated with the hole of the sink, an intermediate portion, and a lower end, the guide tube further comprising a second section having an upper end communicated with the intermediate portion of the first section and a lower end immersed in water in the chamber of the tank, the lower end of the guide tube being arranged to prevent drainage of water from the hole of the sink into the chamber of the tank via the lower end of the first section of the guide tube; and
a valve stem slidably received in the first section, the valve stem having an upper end securely engaged with the plug and a lower end extending beyond the lower end of the first section for operable connection with the float;
wherein when the water in the chamber of the tank is at a high level ready for flushing, the valve is closed to prevent water in the inlet tube from entering the filling tube and the outlet cover is in the non-flushing position;
wherein when the water in the chamber of the tank is lowered to a predetermined level after flushing, the valve is opened to allow the water in the inlet tube to enter the filling tube, a portion of the water from the filling tube entering the chamber of the tank via said at least one transverse hole, a remaining portion of the water from the filling tube entering the sink via the second end of the filling tube and the outlet tube, the plug is moved to a position plugging the hole in the sink and thus preventing drainage of water in the sink via the hole; and
wherein when the water in the tank reaches a level between the high level and the predetermined level, the valve stem is moved by the float to a position allowing drainage of the water in the sink via the hole of the sink, the first section of the guide tube, and the second section of the guide tube.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, a water-saving device for a toilet comprises:
a tank defining a chamber therein, a wall defining the chamber having an outlet for draining water in the chamber of the tank out of the tank;
an inlet tube having a first end communicated with a water source and a second end;
a tank lid mounted on top of the tank, a sink being formed on the tank lid and comprising a hole communicated with the chamber of the tank;
an outlet cover mounted to the tank for covering the outlet, the outlet cover being movable between a flushing position in which the outlet of the tank is not covered by the outlet cover to thereby allow drainage of water in the chamber via the outlet and a non-flushing position wherein the outlet of the tank is covered by the outlet cover;
a valve mounted on the second end of the inlet tube;
a filling tube having a first end communicated with the second end of the inlet tube and a second end, the filling tube further having at least one transverse hole;
an output tube having a first end having a first inlet port and a second inlet port and a second end for supplying water into the sink, the second inlet port of the output tube being communicated with the second end of the filling tube;
a float arm having a first end pivotally and thus operably connected to the valve and a second end;
a bypass tube having a first end communicated with the inlet tube and a second end communicated with the first inlet port of the output tube;
a water handle mounted to the first end of the output tube for controlling opening and closing of the first inlet port;
a float attached to the second end of the float arm;
a guide tube comprising a first section having an upper end communicated with the hole of the sink, an intermediate portion, and a lower end, the guide tube further comprising a second section having an upper end communicated with the intermediate portion of the first section and a lower end immersed in water in the chamber of the tank, the lower end of the guide tube being arranged to prevent drainage of water from the hole of the sink into the chamber of the tank via the lower end of the first section of the guide tube; and
a valve stem slidably received in the first section, the valve stem having an upper end securely engaged with the plug and a lower end extending beyond the lower end of the first section for operable connection with the float;
wherein when the water handle is in a closed position and when the water in the chamber of the tank is at a high level ready for flushing, the valve is closed to prevent water in the inlet tube from entering the filling tube and the outlet cover is in the non-flushing position, and wherein when the water handle is in an open position, water is outputted via the inlet tube, the bypass tube, and the output tube;
wherein when the water handle is in a closed position and when the water in the chamber of the tank is lowered to a predetermined level after flushing, the valve is opened to allow the water in the inlet tube to enter the filling tube, a portion of the water from the filling tube entering the chamber of the tank via said at least one transverse hole, a remaining portion of the water from the filling tube entering the sink via the second end of the filling tube and the outlet tube, the plug is moved to a position plugging the hole in the sink and thus preventing drainage of water in the sink via the hole;
wherein when the water handle is in a closed position and when the water in the tank reaches a level between the high level and the predetermined level, the valve stem is moved by the float to a position allowing drainage of the water in the sink via the hole of the sink, the first section of the guide tube, and the second section of the guide tube.
Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a toilet with a water-saving device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of the water-saving device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3
is an exploded perspective view of the water-saving device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4
is a sectional view taken along line A—A in FIG.
2
.
FIG. 5
is a sectional view similar to
FIG. 4
, illustrating operation in the tank.
FIG. 6
is a sectional view similar to
FIG. 5
, illustrating supply of water after flushing.
FIG. 7
is a sectional view similar to
FIG. 6
, illustrating drainage of water from the sink into the toilet tank.
FIG. 8
is a sectional view illustrating a modified embodiment of the water-saving device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9
is a sectional view illustrating use of the water-saving device in FIG.
8
.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to
FIGS. 1 through 4
, a water-saving device in accordance with the present invention generally comprises a tank
10
defining a chamber
11
for receiving water. Defined in a bottom wall defining the chamber
11
is an inlet
12
to which an inlet pipe
121
is connected and an outlet
13
(
FIG. 4
) to which an outlet tube
131
is connected. An outlet cover
14
is pivotally mounted to the bottom wall defining the chamber
11
for covering the outlet
13
and thus stopping drainage of water from the tank
10
into a bowl
15
(
FIG. 1
) located below the tank
10
.
A flush handle
17
has a threaded stem
171
that extends through a hole
16
in a side of the tank
10
into the chamber
11
and through a hole
181
in an end of a link
18
and is then engaged with a nut
19
, thereby pivotally mounting the flush handle
17
to the tank
10
. The other end of the link
18
is connected to the outlet cover
14
via a lift wire
182
such that the outlet cover
14
is lifted upward when the flush handle
17
is pivoted, thereby draining water in the tank
10
into the bowl
15
. The flush handle
17
, the link
18
, and the lift wire
182
together form a flushing means.
An inlet tube
20
is mounted in the chamber
11
of the tank
10
and comprises a lower end extended through the inlet
12
and then threadedly engaged with the inlet pipe
121
that is communicated with a water source. A passage
21
is defined in the inlet tube
20
. A filling tube
22
has an end communicated with an upper end of the inlet tube
21
. At least one transverse hole
22
is defined in the filling tube
22
for filling water into the chamber
11
of the tank
10
. A valve
231
is mounted to the upper end of the inlet tube
21
for removably blocking the passage
21
. A float arm
23
has a first end pivotally and thus operably connected to the valve
231
and a second end to which a float
232
is securely attached.
A tank lid
30
is mounted on top of the tank
10
and comprises a sink
32
formed on an upper side thereof. The sink
32
is communicated with the chamber
11
of the tank
10
via a hole
33
. An output tube
34
has a lower end extended through a hole
31
in the tank lid
30
and an upper end having a spout
35
facing the sink
32
. A connecting tube
40
has a first end
42
communicated with to the lower end of the output tube
34
and a second end
41
communicated with the other end of the filling tube
22
.
A guide tube
50
is mounted in the chamber
11
of the tank
10
and comprises a relatively long vertical section
55
, a relatively short vertical section
51
, and a horizontal connecting section
54
. In this embodiment, the relatively short vertical section
51
is mounted below and communicated with the hole
33
of the sink
32
at an upper end
52
thereof. A lower end
53
of the relatively short vertical section
51
is preferably located above the float
232
. A valve stem
56
is slidably mounted in the relatively short vertical section
51
of the guide tube
50
and a plug
57
is attached to a threaded upper end
561
of an upper portion
564
of the valve stem
56
. The plug
57
tapers downward and has a maximum diameter greater than an inner diameter of the hole
33
in the sink
32
. As illustrated in
FIG. 4
, the horizontal connecting section
54
of the guide tube
50
has a first end communicated with an intermediate section of the relatively short vertical section
51
and a second end communicated with an upper end of the relatively long vertical section
55
. The valve stem
56
comprises an annular groove
562
on a lower portion
565
thereof for receiving an O-ring
563
to thereby prevent from drainage of water from the hole
33
into the chamber
11
of the tank
10
via the lower end
565
of the valve stem
56
.
Before flushing, as illustrated in
FIG. 4
, the float
232
is in a substantially horizontal position and at a high level under the action of buoyancy. It is noted that the lower end
565
of the valve stem
56
is moved upward by the float
232
to a position in which the plug
57
is above the hole
33
of the sink
32
while the first end of the connecting section
54
is blocked by the lower end
565
of the valve stem
56
. In addition, the valve
231
is in a closed position preventing the water from the passage
21
from entering the filling tube
22
.
Referring to
FIG. 5
, when the flush handle
17
is pivoted, the outlet cover
14
is lifted, the water in the chamber
11
of the tank
10
flows via the outlet tube
131
into the bowl
15
, and the float
232
moves downward along with the lowering water level in the tank
10
. The valve stem
56
moves downward under the action of gravity, as it is no longer supported by the float
232
. As illustrated in
FIG. 5
, the plug
57
is in a position blocking the hole
33
in the sink
32
. Downward movement of the float
232
also causes opening of the valve
231
to thereby allow the water from the passage
21
to enter the filling tube
22
.
Referring to
FIG. 6
, when the flush handle
17
is released, the outlet cover
14
moves back to its initial position under the action of gravity to thereby stop draining of water via the outlet tube
131
of the tank
10
. Water from the inlet pipe
121
enters the passage
21
and then the filling tube
22
, as the valve
231
is open. A portion of the water entering the filling tube
22
flows into the chamber
11
of the tank
10
via the transverse holes
221
of the filling tube
22
. The remaining portion of the filling tube
22
is outputted via the spout
35
after passing through the connecting tube
40
and the output tube
34
. As illustrated in
FIG. 6
, the water from the spout
35
is accumulated in the sink
32
for effective use by the user, as the hole
33
in the sink
32
is blocked by the plug
57
.
Referring to
FIG. 7
, when the water flowing into the chamber
11
of the tank
10
reaches a first predetermined level, the float
232
is moved upward, which, in turn, moves the valve stem
56
upward. Thus, the plug
57
is moved upward and thus no longer blocks the hole
33
while the first end of the connecting section
54
is not blocked. The upper end
564
of the valve stem
56
has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hole
33
of the sink
32
to allow drainage of water in the sink
32
via the hole
33
and the first end of the connecting section
54
. As a result, the used water in the sink
32
flows into the chamber
11
of the tank
10
via the hole
33
in the sink
32
, the relatively shorter vertical section
51
, the connecting section
54
, and the relatively longer vertical section
55
, as indicated by the arrows in FIG.
7
. The lower end of the relatively longer
55
is immersed in the water in the chamber
11
of the tank
10
such that the drainage of the water in the sink
32
into the tank
10
is almost silent. When the water in the chamber
11
of the tank
10
reaches a second predetermined level above the first predetermined level, the float
232
is moved further upward, which, in turn, moves the valve stem
56
further upward to a level that the first end of the connecting portion
54
is blocked by the lower end
565
of the valve stem
56
, as shown in FIG.
4
. The toilet is now ready for next flushing.
Referring to
FIG. 3
, the lower end of the inlet tube
20
may include a transverse hole
24
for optional connection to an external water source when required. In a simplified embodiment of the invention, the valve stem
56
is omitted, and the guide tube
50
comprises an upper end directly communicated with the hole
33
of the sink
32
and a lower end immersed in the water in the chamber
11
of the tank
10
. In addition, the plug
57
is manually inserted into the hole
33
of the sink
32
for washing hands or other purpose. In another modified embodiment of the invention, the relatively shorter vertical section
51
can be deemed as a first section, and the connecting section
54
and the relatively longer vertical section
55
can be deemed as a second section having an upper end communicated with an intermediate section of the first section and a lower end immersed in the water in the tank
10
.
FIG. 8
illustrates a modified embodiment of the water-saving device in accordance with the present invention, wherein the output tube (now designated by
60
) has an upper end having a spout
61
facing the sink
32
and a lower end
62
extended through the hole
31
in the tank lid
30
. The lower end
62
of the output tube
60
comprises a first inlet port
621
to which a water handle
623
is attached and a second inlet port
622
to which the first end
42
of the connecting tube
40
is connected. The second end
41
of the connecting tube
40
communicated with the other end of the filling tube
22
. In addition, a further connecting tube
63
is provided in which a first end
631
of the connecting tube
63
is connected to the first inlet port
621
and a second end
632
of the connecting tube
63
is connected to a bypass pipe
25
formed on the inlet tube
20
. By such an arrangement, even no flushing action is taken, the user may wash his or her hands by switching the water handle
623
to an output position, as the water will be fed via the bypass pipe
25
, the connecting tube
63
, and the output tube
60
.
According to the above description, it is appreciated that the water flowing into the sink
32
is effectively used before it is drained into the chamber
11
of the tank
10
. The used water in the sink
32
is automatically drained into the chamber
11
of the tank
10
without causing noise. The user needs not to manually turn on/off the faucet in conventional toilet for washing hands, as water is automatically supplied into the sink
32
via the output tube
34
. Plugging movement is also automatically achieved by the plug
57
under control of the float
232
and the valve stem
56
. Sanitary improvement is thus provided.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Claims
- 1. A water-saving device for a toilet, comprising:a tank defining a chamber therein, a wall defining the chamber having an outlet for draining water in the chamber of the tank out of the tank; an inlet tube having a first end communicated with a water source and a second end; a tank lid mounted on top of the tank, a sink being formed on the tank lid and comprising a hole communicated with the chamber of the tank; an outlet cover mounted to the tank for covering the outlet, the outlet cover being movable between a flushing position in which the outlet of the tank is not covered by the outlet cover to thereby allow drainage of water in the chamber via the outlet and a non-flushing position wherein the outlet of the tank is covered by the outlet cover; a valve mounted on the second end of the inlet tube; a filling tube having a first end communicated with the second end of the inlet tube and a second end, the filling tube further having at least one transverse hole; an output tube having a first end communicated with the second end of the filling tube and a second end for supplying water into the sink; a float arm having a first end pivotally and thus operably connected to the valve and a second end; a float attached to the second end of the float arm; wherein when the water in the chamber of the tank is at a high level ready for flushing, the valve is closed to prevent water in the inlet tube from entering the filling tube and the outlet cover is in the non-flushing position; wherein when the water in the chamber of the tank is lowered to a predetermined level after flushing, the valve is opened to allow the water in the inlet tube to enter the filling tube, a portion of the water from the filling tube entering the chamber of the tank via said at least one transverse hole, a remaining portion of the water from the filling tube entering the sink via the second end of the filling tube and the outlet tube and a plug being moved to a position preventing drainage of water in the sink via the hole by the float.
- 2. The water-device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet tube further comprises a transverse hole outside the tank for communication with an external water source.
- 3. The water-saving device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for moving the outlet cover between the flushing position and the non-flushing position.
- 4. The water-saving device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the means for moving the outlet cover between the flushing position and the non-flushing position comprises a flush handle pivotally mounted to the tank, a link having a first end connected to the flush handle and a second end, and a lift wire having a first end connected to the second end of the link and a second end connected to the outlet cover.
- 5. A water-saving device for a toilet, comprising:a tank defining a chamber therein, a wall defining the chamber having an outlet for draining water in the chamber of the tank out of the tank; an inlet tube having a first end communicated with a water source and a second end; a tank lid mounted on top of the tank, a sink being formed on the tank lid and comprising a hole communicated with the chamber of the tank; an outlet cover mounted to the tank for covering the outlet, the outlet cover being movable between a flushing position in which the outlet of the tank is not covered by the outlet cover to thereby allow drainage of water in the chamber via the outlet and a non-flushing position wherein the outlet of the tank is covered by the outlet cover; a valve mounted on the second end of the inlet tube; a filling tube having a first end communicated with the second end of the inlet tube and a second end, the filling tube further having at least one transverse hole; an output tube having a first end communicated with the second end of the filling tube and a second end for supplying water into the sink; a float arm having a first end pivotally and thus operably connected to the valve and a second end; a float attached to the second end of the float arm; a guide tube comprising a first section having an upper end communicated with the hole of the sink, an intermediate portion, and a lower end, the guide tube further comprising a second section having an upper end communicated with the intermediate portion of the first section and a lower end immersed in water in the chamber of the tank, the lower end of the guide tube being arranged to prevent drainage of water from the hole of the sink into the chamber of the tank via the lower end of the first section of the guide tube; and a valve stem slidably received in the first section, the valve stem having an upper end securely engaged with a plug and a lower end extending beyond the lower end of the first section; wherein when the water in the chamber of the tank is at a high level ready for flushing, the valve is closed to prevent water in the inlet tube from entering the filling tube and the outlet cover is in the non-flushing position; wherein when the water in the chamber of the tank is lowered to a predetermined level after flushing, the valve is opened to allow the water in the inlet tube to enter the filling tube, a portion of the water from the filling tube entering the chamber of the tank via said at least one transverse hole, a remaining portion of the water from the filling tube entering the sink via the second end of the filling tube and the outlet tube, the plug is moved to a position plugging the hole in the sink by the float and thus preventing drainage of water in the sink via the hole; and wherein when the water in the tank reaches a level between the high level and the predetermined level, the valve stem is moved by the float to a position allowing drainage of the water in the sink via the hole of the sink, the first section of the guide tube, and the second section of the guide tube.
- 6. The water-saving device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inlet tube further comprises a transverse hole outside the tank for communication with an external water source.
- 7. The water-saving device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising means for moving the outlet cover between the flushing position and the non-flushing position.
- 8. The water-saving device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the means for moving the outlet cover between the flushing position and the non-flushing position comprises a flush handle pivotally mounted to the tank, a link having a first end connected to the flush handle and a second end, and a lift wire having a first end connected to the second end of the link and a second end connected to the outlet cover.
- 9. The water-saving device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plug tapers downward and has a maximum diameter greater than an inner diameter of the hole in the sink.
- 10. The water-saving device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the upper end of the first section of the guide tube has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hole in the sink.
- 11. The water-saving device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lower end of first section of the guide tube comprises an annular groove, further comprising an O-ring received in the annular groove of the lower end of the first section to thereby prevent drainage of water from the hole of the sink into the chamber of the tank via the lower end of the first section of the guide tube.
- 12. A water-saving device for a toilet, comprising:a tank defining a chamber therein, a wall defining the chamber having an outlet for draining water in the chamber of the tank out of the tank; an inlet tube having a first end communicated with a water source and a second end; a tank lid mounted on top of the tank, a sink being formed on the tank lid and comprising a hole communicated with the chamber of the tank; an outlet cover mounted to the tank for covering the outlet, the outlet cover being movable between a flushing position in which the outlet of the tank is not covered by the outlet cover to thereby allow drainage of water in the chamber via the outlet and a non-flushing position wherein the outlet of the tank is covered by the outlet cover; a valve mounted on the second end of the inlet tube; a filling tube having a first end communicated with the second end of the inlet tube and a second end, the filling tube further having at least one transverse hole; an output tube having a first end having a first inlet port and a second inlet port and a second end for supplying water into the sink, the second inlet port of the output tube being communicated with the second end of the filling tube; a float arm having a first end pivotally and thus operably connected to the valve and a second end; a bypass tube having a first end communicated with the inlet tube and a second end communicated with the first inlet port of the output tube; a water handle mounted to the first end of the output tube for controlling opening and closing of the first inlet port; a float attached to the second end of the float arm; a guide tube comprising a first section having an upper end communicated with the hole of the sink, an intermediate portion, and a lower end, the guide tube further comprising a second section having an upper end communicated with the intermediate portion of the first section and a lower end immersed in water in the chamber of the tank, the lower end of the guide tube being arranged to prevent drainage of water from the hole of the sink into the chamber of the tank via the lower end of the first section of the guide tube; and a valve stem slidably received in the first section, the valve stem having an upper end securely engaged with a plug and a lower end extending beyond the lower end of the first section; wherein when the water handle is in a closed position and when the water in the chamber of the tank is at a high level ready for flushing, the valve is closed to prevent water in the inlet tube from entering the filling tube and the outlet cover is in the non-flushing position, and wherein when the water handle is in an open position, water is outputted via the inlet tube, the bypass tube, and the output tube; wherein when the water handle is in a closed position and when the water in the chamber of the tank is lowered to a predetermined level after flushing, the valve is opened to allow the water in the inlet tube to enter the filling tube, a portion of the water from the filling tube entering the chamber of the tank via said at least one transverse hole, a remaining portion of the water from the filling tube entering the sink via the second end of the filling tube and the outlet tube, the plug is moved to a position plugging the hole in the sink by the float and thus preventing drainage of water in the sink via the hole; wherein when the water handle is in a closed position and when the water in the tank reaches a level between the high level and the predetermined level, the valve stem is moved by the float to a position allowing drainage of the water in the sink via the hole of the sink, the first section of the guide tube, and the second section of the guide tube.
- 13. The water-saving device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plug tapers downward and has a maximum diameter greater than an inner diameter of the hole in the sink.
US Referenced Citations (4)