Toilet tank washbasin

A toilet tank washbasin and faucet system that rests on top of a toilet tank is described by way of example. The faucet dispenses water intended to fill the toilet tank over a drain that leads into the toilet tank. The faucet is useful to a person for washing their hands with the water dispensed from the faucet to advantageously provide a second use of the water before flushing down the toilet. Generally described is a basin that sits atop an open toilet tank. A faucet having a nozzle end is attached to the basin via a keyed member that a) positions the nozzle end over a drain in the basin and b) prevents rotation of the faucet when attached to the basin, the drain leads into the toilet tank. Water is provided to a flexible tube that attaches to a bowl refill tube. The flexible tube extends through the faucet and terminates essentially at the nozzle end.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a washbasin and faucet system that rests on top of a toilet tank, the faucet dispenses water intended to fill the toilet tank.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Our growing world population is straining our planet's natural resources, especially clean fresh water. In some geographical regions, fresh water is scarce. Accordingly, conservation of fresh water is a matter of survival for certain populations. It is to innovations related to addressing conservation of fresh water that the disclosed invention is generally directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a washbasin and faucet system that rests on top of a toilet tank, the faucet dispenses water intended to fill the toilet tank over a drain that leads into the toilet tank. The faucet is useful for a person to wash their hands with the water dispensed from the faucet to advantageously provide a second use of the water before flushing down the toilet.

Certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate a toilet tank washbasin comprising: a base; a rim extending from the perimeter of the base, the base and the rim defining a basin, the basin adapted to rest on top of a toilet tank; a drain that leads to the toilet tank; and a faucet possessing a faucet base attachable to the basin, the faucet extending from the faucet base distally to a faucet end, the faucet further possessing a tube extending essentially from the faucet end beyond the faucet base and terminating at a proximal tube end, the tube passing through an accommodating opening in the base, the proximal tube end adapted to attach to a bowl refill tube, the bowl refill tube is a water source to the toilet tank, water provided by the bowl refill tube is directed towards the drain via the faucet end; and the faucet base possessing a key protrusion that mates with a key slot in the base that rigidly positions the faucet end over the drain.

Embodiments of the toilet tank washbasin further contemplate the basin essentially conforms to the top of the toilet tank, the faucet is curved towards the base, that the tube228is flexible, that the faucet further possesses a plurality of barbs integrated at the faucet end, or that the barbs possess the ramped portion that is widest closest to the faucet end and terminating with an edge having an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the ramp, or that there is at least one Barb adapted to retain the tube228unidirectionally (one direction) in the faucet202at essentially at the faucet end404, or that the faucet further possesses a plurality of rib structures in the faucet to position the tube along the faucet, or that the washbasin possesses a platform extending from the base to accommodate a faucet base, and at the faucet is secured to the faucet base via a threaded nut, or optionally that the faucet further comprises a bite ring adapted to permit the tube to move only in one direction through the bite ring the one direction being towards the faucet end, or that the washbasin itself further comprises an internal lip and an external lip that extend from the basin to prevent the toilet tank base washbasin from sliding off of the top of the toilet tank.

Other embodiments described below contemplate a toilet tank washbasin comprising: a basin that sits atop an open toilet tank; a faucet having a nozzle end, the faucet attached to the basin via a keyed member that a) positions the nozzle end over a drain in the basin and b) prevents rotation of the faucet when attached to the basin, the drain leads into the toilet tank; a flexible tube that attaches to a bowl refill tube, the bowl refill tube is a water source to the toilet tank, the flexible tube extends through the faucet and terminates essentially at the nozzle end; and a means for retaining the flexible tube at the nozzle end.

Embodiments of this toilet tank washbasin further contemplates that the means for retaining the flexible tube at the nozzle end prevents the flexible two from slipping out of the nozzle end, or that the toilet tank washbasin further comprises at least one retaining member that extends on both the outside of the toilet tank preventing the toilet tank washbasin from sliding off the top of the toilet tank, or where in the toilet tank washbasin possesses a periphery that essentially conforms to the top of the toilet tank, or wherein the faucet possesses a plurality of ripped channels that can retain the flexible tube along the inside of the faucet, or the washbasin further comprises a raised platform extending from the basin, the faucet attached to the raised platform.

Yet other embodiments of the present invention described below contemplate a toilet tank washbasin comprising: a basin adapted to sit atop an open toilet tank; a faucet having a nozzle end, the faucet attached to the basin via a keyed member that rotationally locks the faucet nozzle end over a drain in the basin, the drain leading into the toilet tank; a flexible tube adapted to attach to a bowl refill tube, the bowl refill tube is a water source to the toilet tank, the flexible tube extends through the faucet and terminates essentially at the nozzle end; and a means for retaining the flexible tube at the nozzle end. Certain other embodiments contemplate the toilet tank washbasin possessing a periphery that essentially conforms to the top of the toilet tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Initially, this disclosure is by way of example only, not by limitation. Thus, although the instrumentalities described herein are for the convenience of explanation, shown and described with respect to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the principles herein may be applied equally in other types of dual-purpose use water systems.

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a toilet tank washbasin200(FIG. 2) that is arranged to rest on top of a toilet tank100, shown inFIG. 1. The washbasin200replaces a toilet tank lid or cover (not shown) often covering the toilet tank100. The toilet tank washbasin200does not have any moving parts and is connected by way of a faucet tube, such as a flexible tube228, to the bowl refill tube104. The faucet tube runs through the toilet tank washbasin200through a faucet202and to a nozzle end of the faucet204. The toilet tank washbasin200replaces a standard toilet tank lid that normally rests atop the toilet tank100. When a person flushes a toilet arranged with a toilet tank washbasin200, water flows from the faucet202to a drain208in the toilet tank washbasin200and then from the drain208to the toilet tank100. A person can wash their hands with the water that would normally flow unused into the toilet tank100. The water used for hand washing flows down the drain208filling the toilet tank thus conserving water.

FIG. 1depicts a standard toilet tank used as an exemplary environment in which preferred embodiments of the present invention can be practiced. The depicted toilet tank100typically rests behind a toilet bowl (not shown) and provides water to the toilet bowl to flush waste to a sewer or septic tank. The toilet tank100receives water from a water line110(water source). When the toilet tank100is essentially empty (i.e., after the toilet has been flushed), the float120attached to a lever arm122pivots towards the bottom101of the toilet tank100opening a shutoff valve (not shown) located in a shutoff valve housing150. When a shutoff valve is open, water from the water line110freely flows through a bowl refill tube104to fill the toilet tank100with water. Typically, the bowl refill tube104is pointing downward directing water towards the bottom of the toilet tank100via the bowl refill tube end106. The bowl refill tube end106is depicted pointing upward, which in one embodiment is ready to connect with a flexible tube end230(shown inFIG. 2D, for example) which feeds the faucet assembly202that is part of the toilet tank washbasin200. As the water rises in the toilet tank100, the float120rises with the water causing the lever arm122to close the shutoff valve. If the water rises too high in the toilet tank100, the overflowing water passes into the toilet bowl via the toilet bowl fill/overflow tube114instead of over the top102, or rim, of the toilet tank100. When the toilet tank100is full of water, a person can toggle the flushing handle108, which slightly rotates the lever112pulling open the flush valve and flapper116via the chain118causing the toilet bowl to fill with water and flush the toilet. When the water empties from the toilet tank100, the flapper116closes and water from the bowl refill tube104refills the toilet tank100. In this embodiment, extra water is saved by minimizing water retained in the toilet bowl.

FIG. 2A-2Ddepicts an embodiment of a toilet tank washbasin200consistent with embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 2A, the toilet tank washbasin200comprises a base212with a rim210extending from the perimeter of the base212. The base212and the rim210define a basin201. In some embodiments, the basin201essentially conforms to standard shapes and sizes of a toilet tank top102. In other embodiments, the basin102conforms to a specific shape and size of a specific toilet tank top102. In yet other embodiments, the basin201does not conform to the specific shape of a toilet tank top102, but rests thereon nonetheless. The basin201further possesses a drain208that leads into the toilet tank100. In the present embodiment, the basin201also comprises a platform216extending from the base212to accommodate a faucet202. In the present embodiment, the basin201also comprises a soap pad214adapted to accommodate a bar of soap (not shown). The faucet202is attached to the basin201at a faucet base206. The faucet202is curved and extends to a faucet end204that supports a nozzle through which water exits.

FIG. 2Bdepicts a top view of the toilet tank washbasin200consistent withFIG. 2A. As shown, the faucet end204is positioned over the drain208.FIG. 2Cshows a side view of the toilet tank washbasin200consistent withFIG. 2A. As shown here, internal and external retention lips218extend from the base212and butt up against the toilet bowl100to prevent the toilet tank washbasin200from sliding off the toilet bowl top102.FIG. 2Ddepicts a bottom view of the toilet tank washbasin200consistent withFIG. 2A. The drain perforations208are shown penetrating through the basin201, the retention lips218are visible extending slightly from the bottom surface212of the washbasin200, and a faucet nut226is shown retaining the faucet to the basin201. Extending from the faucet202is a flexible tube228, such as a tygon tube, that terminates at a proximal tube end230. The flexible tube end230is adapted to connect to the bowl refill to104by way of a standard hollow coupler (not shown). The basin201is envisioned to be made from molded plastic, machined plastic, printed plastic, stamped metal, printed metal, machined metal, ceramic (e.g., the same material and finish as the toilet bowl and toilet tank100), just to name several examples. Certain embodiments contemplate a tube that is not flexible, such as copper tubing, for example. Yet other embodiments contemplate a tube leading to the faucet base206and an internal pathway in the faucet202that is not a tube providing a conduit for the water to exit the nozzle end204.

FIGS. 3A-3Edepict an embodiment of a deconstructed faucet202providing an internal view of the faucet structure consistent with embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 3Aillustratively shows a perspective view of the curved faucet support305. Extending from the faucet base206is a threaded bolt member306, which mates with an accommodating opening in the basin201. Also located at the faucet base206is a key protrusion325, or keyed member, which mates with a key slot (not shown) in the basin201, shown larger inFIG. 3B. The key protrusion325both positions the nozzle end204so that water exiting the nozzle and204is directed over the drain208, and the key protrusion325prevents rotation of the faucet202when attached to the basin201. The curved faucet support305further depicts a pair of holes307to accommodate screws and a nozzle structure304located at the faucet end204.

FIG. 3Cdepicts a side view of the curved faucet support embodiment consistent withFIG. 3A. As shown here, the curved faucet support305possesses ribbed guides304that guide the flexible tube228from the base end206to the nozzle end204. In the embodiment associated withFIGS. 3A-3D, facilitate a flexible tube228facilitating the conduit for water extending the base end of the faucet206to the nozzle end204.

FIG. 3Dillustratively depicts a back view of the curved faucet support305displaying the ribbed guides304that are sized to support and guide the flexible tube228from the base end206to the nozzle end204. The ribbed guides304act as a channel that constrains the flexible tube228when the faucet cover402(shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B).

FIG. 3Edepicts a close-up view of the nozzle end204embodiment consistent with the curved faucet support embodiment ofFIG. 3A. As shown, the nozzle end204possesses a semicircular opening308that is sized and arranged to accommodate the flexible tube228. Near the end of the semicircular opening308are a plurality of barbs310arranged to constrain the flexible tube228from creeping in the direction opposite the arrow309. In other words, the tube228is retained unidirectionally (one direction) in the faucet202at essentially the distal end of the faucet. The barbs310are ramped so that the thickest end is closest to the distal end of the nozzle204and terminate at a sharp angle of less than 90°. This arrangement allows the flexible tube228to be threaded into the semicircular opening308in the direction of the arrow309, but constrains the flexible tube228from going in a direction opposite the direction of the arrow309. The barbs310keep the flexible228from slipping out of the semicircular opening308when water is pouring there through. Other embodiments include a bite ring with a barb that goes significantly around the semicircular opening308. Yet other embodiments include a single barb310. Certain embodiments envision the semicircular opening308being a full circle opening (enclosed on the entire periphery of the circle308).

FIGS. 4A and 4Bdepict the curved faucet support embodiment ofFIG. 3Awith the flexible tube228positioned on the curved faucet support305, consistent with embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 4Aillustratively shows a side view of the flexible tube228positioned in the ribbed guides304. Also depicted, is a channel guide416. As shown, the flexible tube228, which in this example is a unitary tube/conduit for water, extends beyond the base of the faucet202where it can attach to the bowl refill tube104. The faucet nut226is used to secure the faucet to the basin201. In this embodiment, the flexible tube228terminates at the distal end of the faucet forming a nozzle404.FIG. 4Billustratively depicts the back view of the curved faucet support305displaying the ribbed guides304and the channel guide416that are sized to support and guide the flexible tube228from the base end206to the nozzle end204, as shown. The ribbed guides304act as a channel that constrains the flexible tube228when the faucet cover402.

FIG. 5Adepicts an embodiment of the complete faucet assembly202consistent with embodiments of the present invention. The faucet cover402is bolted down to the curved faucet support305via bolt holes307shown in the curved faucet support and also bolt holes311in the nozzle end404.FIG. 5Bdepicts a side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 5A.

FIGS. 6A and 6Billustratively depict an optional embodiments toFIG. 1, whereby water is diverted to both the overflow and toilet bowl fill/overflow tube114and to the an equal three-way connector used as a water diverter consistent with embodiments of the present invention. UnlikeFIG. 1, this embodiment fills the toilet bowl with a standard level of water to maintain a constant reservoir.FIG. 6Ais one example of an equal three-way connector502that diverts incoming water504and a faucet direction508and a toilet bowl direction506. A skilled artisan will recognize that a number of different diverters can be used to accomplish what the three-way connector502is accomplishing. Certain embodiments envision a diverter that restricts water going to the toilet bowl514in order to minimize water waste by filling the water in the toilet bowl514to a level that is less than or equal to maximum level water can rise in the toilet bowl freely (when the toilet drain (not shown) is not clogged).

FIG. 6Billustratively depicts a side view of the three-way connector502sending water to the faucet202and the toilet bowl fill tube114consistent with embodiments of the present invention. When the toilet is flushed (by way of all toggling the handle108as described in conjunction withFIG. 1), the float120actuates the shutoff valve to open allowing water to pass through the shutoff valve housing152and flow towards the toilet tank102via the bowl refill tube104, see arrow504. Water is diverted in the three-way connector502to a) fill, at least partially, the toilet bowl514via the toilet bowl fill tube114, see arrow506, and b) fill in the toilet tank100to a set level via the faucet202, see arrow508. As discussed above, certain embodiments envision the three-way connector502constricting the flow of water to the toilet bowl514to conserve water use in the toilet bowl and increasing water to the faucet202for faster handwashing water508. When the water level510in the toilet tank100reaches the fill level of the toilet tank100(that which is set by the float120), the float120actuates the shutoff valve to a closed position thereby stopping water from flowing into the toilet bowl refill tube104.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with the details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the summary is expressed. For example a faucet constructed from a simple, essentially unitary piece of material having a rotation limiting key can be used in a consistent manner with embodiments of the present invention while still maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Another example can include various mechanisms to secure a flexible tube in the faucet end without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Other embodiments contemplate another three-way coupler connected to the bowl refill tube104that diverts water out of the toilet tank100for other uses, such as a drip system in a garden, for example. Yet other embodiments envision a filtration system between the retention tube and the faucet, for example.

It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the invention disclosed.