Patent Publication Number: US-8522371-B2

Title: Dump bucket tank insert for new and used toilets

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/280,325, filed Nov. 2, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed towards devices, methods and kits for converting or retrofitting a conventional flush toilet to a water-saving, dump bucket-style flapperless flush toilet; especially towards a toilet tank insert, for use with used conventional flush toilets, but which can also be used with a new, water saving, dump bucket style, flapperless toilet. 
     In recent years, many areas have experienced severe water shortages. As a result, water conservation has become an important issue. Unfortunately, in the U.S. and many other locations, most currently installed toilets include conventional flush valve and flapper systems that leak frequently and consume large quantities of water. The chemicals used to treat water often deteriorate the flappers so they leak and conventional flush toilets manufactured prior to 1994 use at least 3.5 gallons of water per flush. In contrast, some modern, low-flow toilets use between 0.8 and 1.6 gallons of water per flush. 
     Conventional flush toilets are subject to a variety of malfunctions, especially slow water leaks, caused by the above noted deterioration, that may not be noticed by the homeowner until an excessive volume of water has been wasted. In a related problem, since conventional flush valves and toilets are not manufactured for accuracy or precision, they often have inaccurate, variable flush volumes. During some flushes, because the tank was under filled, the volume of water used is insufficient to clear the bowl, requiring a second flush and wasting water. During other flushes, too much water is used because the tank was over filled. 
     External connections on toilets may also leak and seep water on the floor. This can be further exacerbated by the tendency of a conventional flush toilet&#39;s water tank to sweat, because the temperature of the water in the tank is lower than that of the ambient air, causing the water to collect and drip on the floor. 
     Since water use and conservation is such an important issue, many areas require that approved water-saving toilets be installed in new building construction and that homeowners replace older, already installed toilets with such water-saving toilets. Currently, California requires homeowners to replace their older, conventional flush toilets with new toilets that use 1.6 gallons of water per flush or less. This saves about 25-gallon of water per day, for the average household. 
     Unfortunately, water-saving toilets that actually flush effectively in comparison to the amount of water used tend to be expensive, which puts them out of reach of much of the population. Further, more affordably-priced water-saving toilets tend to be poorly designed and require extra flushes to clear the bowl. Therefore, there is a need for an affordable, efficient and effective water-saving flushing device that can be installed in existing conventional flush toilets and in new toilets. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a tank insert for a toilet, comprising a water reservoir including a longitudinal axis of rotation, wherein the water reservoir is sized and shaped to receive a quantity of water from a fill valve system of the toilet and having a dump side; and a catch basin sized and shaped to be received snugly within a water tank of the toilet and including an upper interior portion adapted to pivotably receive the water reservoir therein, a lower interior portion sized and shaped to receive the quantity of water from the water reservoir, and an inwardly extending splash guard mounted on an interior surface of the catch basin beneath the water reservoir opposite the water reservoir dump side, the splash guard being adapted to substantially direct water exiting the water reservoir toward the lower interior portion; a mounting subassembly adapted to pivotably attach the water reservoir to said upper interior portion; and an actuation subassembly adapted for pivoting the dump side of the water reservoir along the longitudinal axis of rotation, so as to discharge the quantity of water from the water reservoir and into the lower interior portion. 
     In a further embodiment, the tank insert includes a water outlet located in the lower interior portion. The water outlet is adapted for fluid communication between the lower interior portion and a flush channel of the toilet. 
     In another further embodiment, the splash guard is inwardly bowed. 
     In another further embodiment, the splash guard includes a concave upper surface and a concave lower surface. In a still further embodiment, the concave upper surface includes a curve substantially equal to a curved outer surface of the water reservoir. 
     In another further embodiment, the water reservoir includes an interior defined by a pair of opposed generally upright U-shaped side walls and a continuous facing wall. 
     In another further embodiment, the reservoir is trough-shaped. 
     In another further embodiment, the quantity of water is about 1.6 gallons or less. 
     In another further embodiment, the quantity of water is about 1.28 gallons or less. 
     In another further embodiment, the water reservoir is adapted to discharge an amount of water sufficient to generate a flushing vortex in the toilet. 
     In another further embodiment, the water reservoir is adapted to receive the water from a fill valve and float system of the toilet. 
     In another further embodiment, the mounting subassembly includes a pair of brackets, each of the brackets being disposed on one of a pair of opposed interior surfaces of the upper interior portion; and a pair of trunnions disposed on opposed exterior side surfaces of the water reservoir, the trunnions being disposed coaxially with the longitudinal axis of rotation; wherein each of the trunnions is rotatably engaged in one of the brackets. In a still further embodiment, the water reservoir is adapted for discharging the quantity of water into the catch basin upon rotation of the trunnions about the axis of rotation. 
     In a still further embodiment, the brackets are integral with the interior surfaces. 
     In another further embodiment, the water reservoir is adapted to pivot from front to rear about the axis of rotation and with respect to the toilet. 
     In another further embodiment, the water reservoir includes a first position associated with receiving the quantity of water and a second position associated with discharging the quantity of water. In a still further embodiment, when the water reservoir is in the second position, it is rotated approximately 90° about the axis of rotation with respect to the first position. 
     In another further embodiment, the actuation subassembly includes an eyelet located on a bottom exterior surface of the water reservoir, the eyelet being adapted for attachment to a chain attached to a flush handle of the toilet. 
     In another further embodiment, the eyelet is adapted for pulling by the chain when the handle is actuated, such that simultaneously the eyelet is moved forward and upward with respect to the toilet and an upper opening of the water reservoir is tilted rearward and downward with respect to the toilet. 
     In another further embodiment, the catch basin includes a basin floor having opposed front and rear edges, a pair of opposed side edges, and a water outlet; wherein the basin floor includes at least one slope selected from the group consisting of: a downward slope from at least one of said front, rear and side edges towards an opposed edge; and a downward slope from at least one of the front, rear and side edges towards a central portion of the floor; wherein the water outlet is lower than the basin floor with respect to the toilet. 
     In a still further embodiment, the downward slope includes an angle optimized for efficient toilet flushing. 
     In a still further embodiment, the basin floor is generally funnel-shaped. 
     In a second embodiment of the present invention, a method of converting a toilet with a flapper valve flush system to a flapperless toilet is provided. The method includes the steps of removing the flush valve and flapper system from the toilet tank; inserting a dump bucket insert into the toilet tank; fluidly connecting the dump bucket insert to a flush channel of the toilet; fluidly connecting a water reservoir of the dump bucket insert to a fill valve of the toilet; and connecting the water reservoir of the dump bucket insert to a flush handle of the toilet, whereby actuation of the flush handle tilts the water reservoir. 
     In a further embodiment, the step of inserting the dump bucket insert into the toilet tank includes inserting a catch basin into the toilet tank; and installing a water reservoir into the catch basin such that a curved outer surface of the water reservoir is in spaced relationship with an inwardly bowed splash guard. 
     In a third embodiment of the present invention, a kit for retrofitting an installed flapper-flush toilet is provided. The kit includes a tank insert as recited in the first embodiment; and a set of instructions for performing the method as recited in the second embodiment. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, the following are objects of the present invention; however, it is noted that certain of the objects may not apply to all of the various embodiments of the invention including enabling significant water saving by providing a simple and inexpensive device for easily converting a conventional flush toilet, which likely includes a flapper flush valve, to a low-water-using, dump bucket-style toilet; reducing consumer costs by offering an affordable alternative to toilet replacement; reducing greenhouse gases by reducing the amount of raw materials and energy used to manufacture, ship and install replacement toilets; reducing the number of used toilets that end up in landfills; and providing a flush mechanism that is easy to use and especially well suited for the intended usage thereof. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a toilet tank insert according to the present invention, wherein the tank insert is installed in a tank of a pre-existing toilet and portions are cut away to show detail thereof. 
         FIG. 2  is a reduced front elevational view of the tank insert of  FIG. 1 , wherein the tank insert is installed in the tank of the toilet that is shown in phantom. 
         FIG. 3  is a reduced side elevational view of the tank insert of  FIG. 1 , with the water reservoir in a first position or configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is another reduced side elevational view of the tank insert of  FIG. 1 , with the water reservoir in a second position or configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the tank insert of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a reduced perspective view of a catch basin of the tank insert. 
         FIG. 7  is a reduced front elevational view of the catch basin of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a reduced side elevational view of the catch basin of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a reduced top plan view of the catch basin of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 10  is a reduced perspective view of a water reservoir of the tank insert of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a reduced side elevational view of the water reservoir of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a reduced top plan view of the water reservoir of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a reduced bottom plan view of the water reservoir of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 14  is a flow diagram of a method of installing the toilet insert of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  is a box diagram of a kit including the toilet insert of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-13 , a tank insert for converting a conventional flush toilet into a dump bucket toilet is denoted by the numeral  100 . The term “conventional flush toilet” as used herein is a broad term, and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and it is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers without limitation to a flushing toilet that includes a flush valve with a flapper or ball to close the flush channel and an overflow tube, and/or which is adapted to normally use a large volume of water to clear the toilet bowl, for example, more than about 1.6 gallons. 
     The tank insert  100  is inserted (e.g., placed) into the water tank  102  of a conventional flush toilet, such as to convert (e.g., retrofit) a new, uninstalled flush toilet or a currently installed conventional flush toilet into a dump-bucket toilet, so as to reduce water usage when flushing the toilet compared to a conventional flush toilet. The tank insert  100  includes a water reservoir  104  that receives water  106  from the toilet&#39;s water fill system  108 , and a catch basin  110  that is fluidly connected to the toilet&#39;s flush channel  112 . To flush the toilet, the water  106  is discharged from the water reservoir  104  into the catch basin  110 . From the catch basin  110 , the water  106  flows out to the toilet&#39;s flush channel  112 , and into the toilet bowl so as to flush or clear the toilet bowl. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  100  (e.g., catch basin  110 ) is sized and shaped to be received snugly within the toilet water tank  102 . For example, the catch basin  110  includes a longitudinal length L 1 , which is at least slightly shorter than a longitudinal length L 2  of the toilet tank  102 . Similarly, the device  100  (e.g., the catch basin  110  plus the water reservoir  104 ) has a depth D 1  which is at least slightly shorter than the toilet tank&#39;s depth D 2 . The catch basin  110  includes a height H 1 , which is at least slightly shorter than the toilet tank&#39;s height H 2 . Preferably, the height H 1  of the catch basin  110  is sufficiently short that a water inlet tubing  109  and with a shut off valve  111  of the toilet&#39;s water fill system  108  can fit over the catch basin  110  and be received into the water reservoir  104 , which is most easily seen in  FIG. 2 . The valve  111  can be any conventional valve that senses a desired resting water level has been acquired in the toilet and thereafter automatically turns off water flowing through the tube  109 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6-9 , the catch basin  110  includes an interior portion  113  defined by opposed front and back walls  114  and  116 , a pair of opposed side walls  118 , a floor  120 , and a neck  122 . Each wall  114 ,  116  and  118  has an interior surface  114 A,  116 A and  118 A, respectively, an exterior surface  114 B,  116 B and  118 B, respectively, and a top edge  114 C,  116 C, and  118 C, respectively. For example, the front wall  114  has interior and exterior surfaces  114 A and  1142 , and a top edge or lip  114 C. Similarly, the back wall  116  includes interior and exterior surfaces  116 A and  116 B, and top edge  116 C; and each side wall  118  includes an interior surface  118 A, an exterior surface  118 B and a top edge  118 C. Similarly, the floor  120  includes an interior surface  120 A and exterior surface  120  B. When the catch basin  110  is installed within a toilet tank  102 , the front and back exterior surfaces  114 B and  116 B are adjacent to the tank&#39;s front and rear walls, respectively, and the side exterior surfaces  118 B are adjacent to the tank&#39;s side walls. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 ,  6  and  7 , the front wall  114  is substantially shorter than the side and back walls  118  and  116 . For example, the front top edge  114 C is substantially lower than the side and back top edges  118 C and  1160 , with respect to the catch basin&#39;s neck  122  and with respect to the top of the toilet tank  102  and/or the room floor. Since the walls  114 ,  116  and  118  are generally joined at their side edges, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , a generally rectangularly-shaped cut-out portion  132  of the catch basin  110  is defined by the intersection of the front edges  118 D (of the side walls  118 ) and the front wall top edge  114 C. As is discussed elsewhere herein, the cut-out portion  132  is sized and shaped to allow passage of the protruding portion of the water reservoir  104 , as the water reservoir  104  is rotated to discharge the water  106 . As is discussed in greater detail herein and is most easily seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the water reservoir  104  is located within the catch basin  110 , so that at least a portion of the water reservoir  104  extends forward, towards the front of the toilet tank  102 , such that a portion of the water reservoir  104  protrudes out of the catch basin  110  (e.g., past front wall  114 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-9 , the catch basin floor  120  includes interior and exterior surfaces  120 A and  120 B, and a water outlet  121  or channel. The floor  120  generally curves downward from the walls  114 ,  116  and  118  to the water outlet  121 . In some circumstances, a transition  133  between a floor  120  and an adjacent wall (e.g., where they are joined) is easily demarcated, such as by a corner. In other circumstances, such a transition  133  is not so well demarcated, and includes a curve. For example, a wall can gently curve into the floor such that it is difficult to determine where one structure ends and the other begins. In still other circumstances, the transition  133  is intermediate between a sharp corner and a substantial curve.  FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary transition  133  with a clearly demarcated edge or corner, namely, the transitions  133  between the capture basin&#39;s side walls  118  and the floor  120 . In contrast,  FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary non-demarcated transition  133 , namely, where the front wall  114  joins the curved floor  120  via a curve, instead of a sharp corner. 
     In preferred embodiments, the walls  114 ,  116 ,  118  and floor  120  of the catch basin  110  are integrally formed, such as of injection molded plastic. However, it is foreseen that the walls  114 ,  116 ,  118  and floor  120  can be individually formed (e.g., as one or more pieces each) and subsequently joined using techniques known in the art, such as but not limited to welding and adhesives. 
     The floor  120  is adapted to direct water  106  within the catch basin interior  113  toward the water outlet  121 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the floor  120  is curved from its forward, rear and/or side edges towards the neck  122 . In other embodiments, at least a portion of the floor  120  is a plane. Additionally or alternatively, the floor  120  is shaped such that it includes at least one slope. The present invention contemplates the floor  120  including a plurality of sloped planes, including, but not limited to, a first sloped plane from the lower edges of at least one of the front, rear and side walls  114 ,  116 ,  118  towards the water outlet  122 ; and a second sloped plane from the lower edge of another of at least one of the front, rear and side walls  114 ,  116 ,  118  towards the water outlet  122  or a centrally-located portion or area of the floor  120 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary floor  120  having a plurality of downward slopes (e.g., flat or curved portions of the floor  120 ), each slope being oriented from a front, a back or a side wall  114 ,  116 ,  118  toward a centrally located water outlet  122 . For example, a front portion of the floor  120  slopes from the front wall  114  towards the center of the floor  120  (e.g., towards orifice  126 ). It is anticipated that, in some circumstances, the floor  120  slopes downward, from front to rear (e.g., with respect to the toilet), from rear to front, or from one opposed side to the other. In preferred embodiments, a water outlet  121  is located at the lowest portion or area of the catch basin floor  120 , with respect to the toilet  102 , such that the floor  120  directs water  106  to the water outlet  122  and out channel  124 . In some embodiments, the water outlet  122  is centrally located and the floor  120  is generally funnel-shaped. 
     In general, a slope of the floor  120  is associated with and/or is defined by an angle.  FIG. 7  shows a first exemplary angle denoted by the letter P. When viewed from the front wall  114  of the catch basin  110 , angle P is associated with a slope of the floor  120 , from a side wall  118  towards orifice  126 . Angle P is defined by lines Q and R. Line Q is parallel to edge  114 C, such that it (line Q) intersects with the floor&#39;s lowest point  134  (e.g., water outlet  121 ). Line R intersects both the floor&#39;s lowest point  134  and intersection  133  (e.g., the outer “edge” of the floor  120 ). It is noted that in this example, because this portion of the floor  120  is somewhat curved, line R intersects the floor at only two points (e.g., places). 
       FIG. 8  shows a second exemplary angle denoted by the letter T. When viewed from the perspective of a side wall  118 , angle T is associated with a slope of the floor  120 , from the back wall  116  towards orifice  126 . Angle T is defined by lines U and V. Line U is parallel to a top edge  138  of side wall  118  and intersects with the lowest point  134  of the floor  120 . Line V intersects the lowest point  134  and point  136  (e.g., the intersection of the floor  120  and back wall  116 ). Line V intersects the floor  120  at only two points because this portion of the floor  120  is substantially curved. The slope of line T is greater than that of line R, since the portion of the floor  120  associated with angle T is more steeply sloped than the portion of the floor  120  associated with angle P. Therefore, angle T is greater than angle P. Additional angles associated with additional slopes of the floor  120  can be drawn. 
     It is foreseen that, depending upon the design of the floor  120 , the floor  120  can include a plurality of slopes, and therefore a plurality of angles P and T. For example, angles P and T can be relatively greater or smaller, depending upon the design of the floor  120 . In some circumstances, the angle is 0°. In an exemplary floor  120 , all of the angles equal 0°, such that the floor  120  is flat and parallel to the floor of the room. In some circumstances, the catch basin floor  120  is generally funnel-shaped due to the presence of one or more slopes, such that water  106  is directed out of the catch basin  110 . Preferably, the angle of a downward slope (e.g., an angle such as P and/or T) is optimized for efficient toilet flushing. In preferred embodiments, such an angle associated with a slope of the floor  120  is about 2°, 4°, 6°, 8°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45° or greater. 
     A neck portion  122  (e.g., neck) extends downwardly from the floor  120 , for fluidly connecting the device  100  with the toilet&#39;s flush channel  112  (e.g., forming a fluid communication between the device  100  and the flush channel  112 ), most commonly be insertion therein. An interior channel  124  (e.g., a water outlet) is located within the neck portion  122 , and includes an interior opening or orifice  126  and an opposed exterior opening or orifice  128 . The catch basin interior  113  is in fluid communication with the channel  124  via the interior opening  126 . The channel  124  is in fluid communication with the device  100  exterior that extends through the flush channel  112  via the exterior opening  128 . Thus, the catch basin interior  113  is in fluid communication with the toilet flush channel  112  via channel  124 . 
     In general, when the device  100  is installed in a toilet tank  102 , the channel  124  is fluidly connected (e.g., joined) to the toilet&#39;s flush channel  112 . The terms “fluidly connected” and “fluid communication” as used herein are broad terms, and are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and are not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), and refer without limitation to components or structures being connect or joined in such a way that fluid can flow therebetween. Since channel  124  and flush channel  112  are in fluid communication, the water  106  can flow out of the catch basin  110  and into the toilet flush channel  112  (e.g., when the device  100  is actuated). Generally, as is known in the art, water flows from the flush channel  112 , through the toilet bowl, and into a sewer pipe, such that the bowl is cleared. In some circumstances, the fluid connection between the channel  124  and the toilet flush channel  112  (e.g., neck  122 ) is made by removing the toilet&#39;s flush valve (e.g., flapper and overflow tube) and inserting the neck  122  into the flush channel  112 . In some circumstances, the device  100  is sized and shaped such that the neck  122  aligns with the flush channel  112  when the device  100  is placed in the tank  102 . In some circumstances, the neck  122  is flexible so that it can be pushed into a misaligned flush channel  112  during device  100  installation. In some circumstances, a sealing compound is used to form a seal between the flush channel  112  and the neck  122 , using methods and materials known in the art. In some circumstances, additional sealing materials and/or devices (e.g., parts) are provided to create a water-tight seal, such as, but not limited to O-rings, adhesive compound, adhesive tape, Teflon® tape, flashing, and collars. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4  and  10 - 13 , the water reservoir  104  is pivotably received within an upper interior portion  140  of the catch basin  110 , such that the water reservoir  104  is spaced above the floor  120 . The water reservoir  104  includes an interior portion  144  defined by a pair of opposed side walls  146  and a continuous facing wall  148  having a dump side  149 . In some circumstances, the water reservoir side walls  146  are generally upright U-shaped, and the facing wall  148  is attached therebetween. Thus, in these circumstances, the water reservoir  104  is generally trough-shaped, with an outwardly curving facing wall  148 . The water reservoir  104  further includes a longitudinal axis of rotation denoted by the letter A. The water reservoir  104  is rotated about (e.g., around) axis A to discharge (e.g., dump) water  106  in the interior portion  144  into the bottom of the catch basin  110 , as is discussed in greater detail below. 
     A mounting subassembly  150 , including a pair of brackets  152  and a pair of trunnions  154 , pivotably attaches (e.g., supports) the water reservoir  104  is within the upper interior portion  140  of the catch basin  110 . The brackets  152  are disposed (e.g., located, mounted) within the catch basin  110 , on opposed interior surfaces  118 A of walls  118 , such that they are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of rotation A. The trunnions  154  are disposed (e.g., located, mounted) on the water reservoir  104 , on opposed exterior surfaces of the side walls  146 , such that they are coaxial also with axis A. The water reservoir  104  is installed within the catch basin  110  such that each trunnion  154  rotatably engages (e.g., mates with) a corresponding bracket  152 , and is still coaxial with axis A. Thus, when the trunnions  154  are engaged in the corresponding brackets  152 , the water reservoir  104  can be moved (e.g., rotated) about axis A, between a first position associated with receiving and holding water  106  (see  FIG. 3 ) and a second position associated with discharging the water  106  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     An exemplary bracket  152  is shown in  FIG. 6 . This bracket  152  includes a vertical slot  152 A for receiving a trunnion  154 . However, any bracket sized and shaped to receive a trunnion  154  can be used. The brackets  152  can be integrally formed with the catch basin  110 , or they can be attached after the catch basin  110  has been manufactured, using methods known in the art. 
     A pair of exemplary trunnions  154  are shown in  FIG. 13 . The trunnions  154  are located on opposed sides of the reservoir  104 , such that they are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of rotation A. Thus, the water reservoir  104  is pivotable about axis A on the trunnions  154 , from the first position ( FIG. 3 ) to the second position ( FIG. 4 ), and back again. The trunnions  154  can be integrally formed with the side walls  148  of the water reservoir  104 , or they can be attached after the water reservoir  104  has been manufactured. For example, metal pins can be mounted on the exterior surfaces of the side walls  148 , using adhesive, rivets, welding, or other attachment structures and/or materials known in the art. In another example, the trunnions  154  include a metal rod extending from the end of one trunnion, through the walls  146  and reservoir interior  144 , to the end of the other trunnion. 
     A pair of stop pins  155  are located within the catch basin  110 , such that the pins  155  contact the water reservoir  104  in each of the first and second positions, thereby stopping its rotation about axis A (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise). For example,  FIGS. 5 and 9  show that the pins  155  are located on interior surfaces  118 , such that they are spaced from back wall  116  and the top edges  118 C of the side walls  118 , and project or extend inwardly, such that extend over at least a rear portion of the water reservoir&#39;s side walls  146  (e.g., adjacent to a rear portion of the facing wall  148 ). In some circumstances, the pins  155  extend at least partially over the rear upper corners of the side and facing walls  146 ,  148 . 
     Efficient bowl clearing is critical in low-water (e.g., low-flow) flush toilets. Accordingly, such toilets must be carefully designed to maximize flushing efficiency. For example, if a single flush is not sufficient to clear the bowl, then water will be wasted with additional flushes. Accordingly, the tank insert  100  is configured and arranged to optimize toilet flushing. Namely, the insert  100  is configured and arranged to generate a flushing vortex sufficient to clear the bowl, when the toilet is flushed. The term “vortex” as used herein is a broad term, and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and it is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers without limitation to a spinning flow of fluid or a spiral motion of fluid with closed streamlines. The speed and rate of rotation of the fluid are greatest at the center, and decrease progressively with distance from the center. Thus, a flushing vortex has a sufficiently high speed and/or rate of rotation to clear the toilet bowl. 
     Several parameters contribute to effective and/or efficient bowl clearing. These parameters include, but are not limited to, the shape of the floor  120  (described above), the amount of water  106  used per flush, the velocity of the water  106  when it is discharged from the water reservoir  104 , the height of the water  106  within the water reservoir  104  with respect to the floor  120 , and the diameter of the neck channel  124 . 
     Preferably, the water reservoir  104  is sized and shaped to optimize flushing of the toilet. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a trough-shaped water reservoir  104  discharges the water  106  with a greater velocity than a box-shaped reservoir, and therefore enables better toilet bowl clearing. Further, the amount of water  106  is optimized such that the amount of water  106  is sufficient for effective flushing while avoiding water waste. Stated another way, the amount of water  106  sufficient to generate a flushing vortex in the toilet. Thus, depending upon the shape of the water reservoir  104  and its height from the floor  120 , in preferred embodiments, the interior portion  144  is sized to receive about 1.6 gallons of water  106  or less. In a more preferred embodiment, the interior portion  144  is sized to receive about 1.28 gallons of water  106  or less. In some embodiments, the interior portion  144  is adapted to receive about 2.0, 1.8, 1.4, 1.3, 1.1, 1.0 or 0.8 gallons of water  106  or less. In preferred embodiments, the amount of water  106  is sufficient to generate a flushing vortex in the toilet, when the toilet is flushed. Referring to  FIG. 5 , when the water reservoir  104  is in a first position, the pins  155  contact the rear upper corners of the water reservoir  104 . When the water reservoir  104  is rotating to the first position (e.g., clockwise), the pins  155  stop the rotation when the upper opening  167  (e.g., a plane defined thereby) is substantially parallel to the room floor, as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , when the water reservoir  104  is in the second position, the pins  155  contact the forward upper corners of the water reservoir  104 . When the water reservoir  104  is rotating to the second position (e.g., counter clockwise), the pins  155  stop the rotation when the upper opening  167  (e.g., a plane defined thereby) is generally perpendicular to the room floor. It is noted that when in the second position, the bottom most portion of the water reservoir extends out of the catch basin opening  132 . 
     While in preferred embodiments, the device  100  is configured such that the water reservoir  104  pivots from front to rear (e.g., with respect to the toilet or to the room floor) about the axis of rotation A, it is foreseen that the device  100  can be configured such that, when the device  100  is installed in a toilet tank  102 , the water reservoir  104  pivots in the opposite direction, from rear to front. For example, the device  100  can be configured such that it is installed backwards (e.g., with reference to  FIGS. 1-14 ), such that the catch basin&#39;s front wall  114  is adjacent to the toilet tank&#39;s rear wall. 
     The device  100  includes an actuation subassembly  158 , for pivoting the water reservoir  110  about the longitudinal axis of rotation A, so as to discharge (e.g., dump) the water  106  from the water reservoir  110  (e.g., the interior portion  144 ) and into the catch basin  110  (e.g., the lower interior portion  142 ). The actuation subassembly  158  includes at least an eyelet  161  for connecting the water reservoir  104  to the toilets handle  163 . The eyelet  161  is located on a bottom exterior surface of the water reservoir  104 . For example, referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an exemplary eyelet  161  is attached to the lowest portion of the facing wall  148 , approximately half-way between the opposed side walls  146  (e.g., ½ L 3 ). It is foreseen that the eyelet  161  can be attached at other locations on the facing wall  148 , such as but not limited to a location closer to the forward portion of the facing wall  148 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the eyelet  161  is attached to the toilet&#39;s flush handle  163 , such as by a chain  165 , string or cord. In some embodiments, the actuation subassembly  158  is provided (e.g., sold as a kit) with a flush handle  163  and/or a chain  165  included (e.g., a new handle  163  and chain  165 ). In other embodiments, the actuation subassembly  158  includes only the eyelet  161 , and the toilet&#39;s old handle  163  and/or chain  165  are connected to the device&#39;s  100  actuation subassembly  158  (e.g., eyelet  161 ). 
     When the toilet is flushed (e.g., the flush handle  163  is actuated), the eyelet  161  is moved (e.g., pulled via chain  165 ) forward and upward with respect to the toilet bowel  102 . This causes the water reservoir  104  to move from the first position ( FIG. 3 ) to the second position ( FIG. 4 ) by rotating the trunnions  154  within the brackets  152 , about axis A. Stated another way, when the toilet is flushed, the actuation subassembly causes the water reservoir  104  to rotate counter clockwise about 90° (e.g., when viewed from the perspective of  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), about axis A. In some embodiments, this counter clockwise rotation is stopped when the forward upper edge of the water reservoir  104  hits stop tabs  155 , as described elsewhere herein. Simultaneously, as the upper opening  167  (e.g., of the water reservoir  104 ) is tilted rearward and downward with respect to the toilet (e.g., the room floor), water  106  within the interior portion  144  is discharged (e.g., dumped) into the catch basin  110  lower interior portion  142  (e.g.,  FIG. 4 , indicated by the water droplets  106 ). When the water  106  is discharged into the lower interior portion  142 , a flushing vortex is generated. The water  106  flows from the lower interior portion  142 , through the neck  122 , channel  124 , and into (e.g., out, through) the toilet&#39;s flush channel  112 . After the water has been discharged, the water reservoir returns to the first portion by rotating about 90° clockwise about axis A. In some embodiments, this clockwise rotation is stopped when the rear upper edge of the water reservoir  104  hits the stop tabs  155 . 
     As water is discharged from the water reservoir  104  and contacts the floor  120 , a portion of the water  106  flows (e.g., splashes) upwards along the catch basin interior front surface  114 A, towards opening  132 . To prevent the water from splashing out of the opening, an inwardly and laterally extending splash guard  169  is disposed (e.g., located, mounted) on the catch basin&#39;s front interior surface  114 A, adjacent to edge  114 C (see  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 ). The splash guard extends inwardly from the front interior surface  114 A, along the length of the front  114 , and includes both upper and lower convex surfaces  169 A and  169 B, respectively. In some embodiments, the front wall  114  is inwardly bowed, such as shown in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the front wall  114  is a plane, including a substantially flat interior surface  114 A, and the splash guard  169  is attached to the interior surface  114 A. 
     The upper surface  169 A is spaced from the outer surface  148 B of the water reservoir  104  and includes a curvature that is adapted such that as the water reservoir  104  moves between the first and second positions (e.g.,  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), the outer surface  148 B does not contact the upper surface  169 . For example, in some embodiments, the upper and lower convex surface  169 A,  169 B are radiused surfaces. Thus, the radius of the upper convex surface  169 A may be equal to or greater than the radius of the curvature of the bottom of the water reservoir  104 . 
     Even though the space  169 C between the splash guard upper surface  169 A and the water reservoir outer surface  148 B is large enough such that movement of the water reservoir  104  is not substantially blocked by the proximity of the splash guard  169  to the water reservoir  104 , the space  139 C is sized such that it is sufficiently small (e.g., narrow) enough to substantially block water  106  from splashing out of the catch basin cut-out portion  132  (e.g., front opening) is substantially blocked. In some circumstances, such as wherein the eyelet is located on the bottom of the water reservoir  104 , the space  169 C is sufficiently large that the eyelet  161  (or a chain  158  connected to the eyelet) does not contact the upper surface  169 A. Alternatively, the eyelet  161  may be located in an indentation or well located in the outer surface  148 B of the water reservoir  104 , such that eyelet  161  does not extend or protrude from or past the level of the outer surface  148 B. 
     In addition to preventing water  106  from splashing out of the device  100 , the splash guard  169  is sized and shaped to redirect the flow of water  106  moving upward along the front inner surface  114 A back towards the lower interior portion of the catch basin  110 , such as but not limited to towards the opening  134  in the floor  120 . Accordingly, the lower surface  169 B of the splash guard  169  is concave or radiused. Thus, when the water  106  is discharged and contacts (e.g., hits, runs into) the floor  102 , some of the water flows or splashes up along surface  114 A and then moves along the lower concave surface  169 B. As the splashing water  106  moves along the lower concave surface  169 B, the water  106  is directed backward and downward, and falls towards the floor  120  and the interior orifice  126 . Thus, substantially little water  106  splashes towards space  169 C. Consequently, the water  106  discharged into the catch basin  110  substantially does not splash out of the device  100 , when the toilet is flushed. 
       FIG. 14  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of converting a toilet with a flapper valve flush system to a low-flow toilet, such as a flapperless toilet. This method is denoted by the numeral  172 , and includes a plurality of steps. 
     At box  174 , the toilet&#39;s flush valve system (e.g., including a flapper associated with the flush channel  112 ) is removed. This step is performed using tools and methods known in the art. Prior to installing the device  100 , the water supply to the toilet is turned off. Then, water in the toilet tank  102  is drained, and the connector holding the flush valve system in place is disconnected (e.g., unscrewed) with a wrench. Upon removal, the flush valve system is thrown away. If the water fill system is not suitable for use with the dump tank, then the water fill system is also removed and replaced with a new fill system and/or valve when required. 
     At box  176 , the device  100  (e.g., a dump bucket toilet tank insert) is inserted (e.g., placed) into the toilet tank  102 . 
     At box  178 , the catch basin  110  is fluidly connected to the toilet&#39;s flush channel  112 . For example, in some circumstances, the device&#39;s neck portion  122  is simply inserted into the flush channel  112 , such that water flowing out of the neck  122  flows directly into the flush channel  112  (e.g., the interior channel  124  is in fluid communication with the flush channel  122 ). In some further circumstances, a plumbing compound and/or tape is used to attach the neck  122  to the flush channel  112 , such that a water-tight seal is formed. A variety of connection devices and methods known in the art can be used, such as welding, bolts, washers and nuts, O-rings, sealing tape, adhesives, and the like. 
     At box  180 , the water reservoir  104  is fluidly connected to the toilet&#39;s water fill system  108 . Conventional (toilet tank) fill system  108  generally include a float, water supply tubing, and a valve  111  that is actuated by the raising and lowering of the float. To connect the fill system  108 , the water supply tubing is moved to the side or back of the device  100  (e.g., between the device  100  and the toilet tank&#39;s wall). The tubing of the fill system  108  is placed over the wall (e.g., side or rear) of the water reservoir  104 , such that the fill valve is disposed within the water reservoir  104  at a height suitable to control filling the reservoir  104  with a desired quantity of water  106 . For example, the float is placed in the water reservoir  104 , and functions as it would in a conventional flush valve system known in the art. In a further example, when the water  106  level (e.g., in the water reservoir  104 ) is low, the float actuates opening the fill valve, and water  106  flows into the water reservoir  104 . As water  106  accumulates in the water reservoir  104 , the float rises with the water level. When the float reaches its desired maximum level within the water reservoir  104 , the float actuates closing the fill valve, and the water flow is turned off (e.g., terminated, stops). As is known in the art, the maximum level or height of the float can be adjusted, such that a desired amount of water  106  fills the water reservoir  104 . In one example, the float is adjusted to actuate the valve in the off position when 1.6 gallons of water  106  is within the water reservoir  104 . In another example, the float is adjusted such that it turns off the water flow when 1.28 gallons of water  106  is in the water reservoir  104 . In some circumstances, indicia are provided on the interior of the water reservoir  104 , to indicate amount of water. For example, when the water meniscus reaches a first line, the volume of water  106  within the water reservoir  104  is 1.28 gallons. In a further example, when the water meniscus reaches a second line, the volume of water  106  within the water reservoir  104  is 1.3 gallons. Various water volumes can be utilized in accordance with the needs of specific toilet. 
     At box  182 , the actuation subassembly  158  is assembled. Namely, the eyelet  116  is connected to the toilet&#39;s flush handle  163 , such as via the toilet&#39;s chain  165 . In some circumstances, the insert is provided with the chain  165  and/or the handle  163 . 
     Once the actuation subassembly  158  has been assembled, the water supply to the toilet is turned back on. The water reservoir  104  fills with water  106 , and the device  100  is in condition (e.g., ready) to flush the toilet. 
       FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram of kits for converting a conventional flush toilet (e.g., with a flapper flush valve system) to a dump bucket-style toilet. A first kit, denoted by the numeral  184 , includes a device  100  as described above and with reference to  FIGS. 1-13 , and a set of instructions  186 . The instructions  186  describe a method of installing the device  100 , such as the method  172  described above and with reference to  FIG. 14 . The instructions can further explain how to actuate the device  100 , how to adjust the amount of water  106  received into the water reservoir  104 , troubleshooting, and the like. A second kit  188  includes the device  100  and the set of instructions  186 . The kit  188  may also include an installation tool  190  to facilitate installation or where a specialized tool is required that is unique to the device  100 . In some circumstances, disposable tools, such as an amount of plumber&#39;s adhesive compound, a small screw driver or an alien wrench is provided with the second kit  188 . 
     The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. 
     All numbers expressing quantities used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches. 
     It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.