Two handed toilet flushing mechanism

Abstract

A flush plate mechanism comprising a full-flush activation mechanism configured to enable release of a full-flush volume of liquid, a half-flush activation mechanism configured to enable release of a half-flush volume of liquid, and a stop mechanism that, in a first configuration, prevents activation of the full-flush activation mechanism and, in a second configuration, allows activation of the full-flush activation mechanism. For release of a full flush volume of liquid, it is necessary to both transfer the stop mechanism to the second configuration and to activate the full-flush activation mechanism. Release of a half flush volume of liquid needs only activation of the half-flush activation mechanism.

Description

[0001] TWO HANDED TOILET FLUSHING MECHANISM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally pertains to a system and method for providing a toilet flushing mechanism where a single- hand operation can activate a half flush, while a full flush requires two- handed activation. The toilet flushing mechanism can be adapted for wall-mounted use with a concealed cistern.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Most modern flush toilets have a dual-flush mechanism so that, if less material needs disposing of, only a part of the cistern is emptied, generating a half flush, whereas if more material needs disposing of, the cistern is completely (or nearly completely) emptied, generating a full flush, thus using the flushing water more efficiently and reducing waste of water.

[0006] However, typically, the half-flush control and the full-flush control are placed in the same location and, typically, the full flush control is larger than the half-flush control so that it is easy for a user to confuse the two, or to simply make it a habit to always use a full flush even though only a half flush is needed, which wastes a significant amount of water. It is estimated flushing toilets accounts for about 40% of the general consumption of water. As a conservative estimate, ensuring that the full flush is used only when needed will reduce total household water consumption by about 10%.

[0007] U.S Granted Patent No. US8484770 discloses a toilet for the disabled that has a toilet bowl and a toilet seat configured to face the toilet tank, thereby enabling disabled and physically debilitated persons to move forward to sit on the toilet seat. The toilet has a pedestal on which the tank is mounted, and an inverted U-shaped support member having legs attached to opposite sides of the pedestal. The support member includes a crossbar handle above the level of the tank that a disabled person may grasp for assistance in moving forward onto the toilet seat and rearward off the toilet seat. The handle may have a resilient grip. The toilet may have two independently flush handle mounted on opposite sides of the tank for operation by right-handed or left-handed users.

[0008] However, only one hand is needed to flush the toilet so that a full flush can be carried out inadvertently, even if only a half flush is needed.

[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2021 / 0246645 discloses Toilets and accessories associated with toilets. According to various implementations, an exemplary toilet includes a base configured to be fastened to a floor and a pair of bracket panels, which are connected to the base and extend upward from the floor in a vertical direction. The exemplary toilet also includes a tank housing confined between the pair of bracket panels. The tank housing has an adjustable height above the base such that the tank housing can move in the vertical direction between a raised position and a lowered position. The exemplary toilet also includes a bowl attached to the tank housing, wherein the bowl is configured to support the weight of a user. The flushing operation can be activated by a handle, by an automatic sensor or by voice control.

[0010] However, only one hand is needed to flush the toilet so that a full flush can be carried out inadvertently, even if only a half flush is needed. Nor is there any suggestion that the sensor can differentiate between the need for a full flush and the need for a half flush, nor that different voice commands can be used for a full flush and a half flush.

[0011] It is therefore a long felt need to provide a flushing mechanism configured so that a full flush can not be activated with a single hand inadvertently.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to disclose a system for providing a toilet flushing mechanism where a single- hand operation can activate a half flush, while a full flush requires two- handed activation. The toilet flushing mechanism can be adapted for wall-mounted use with a concealed cistern.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a two-handed push-button activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush depressible button configured, when depressed, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush depressible button configured, when depressed, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising an auxiliary latching button having a pressable proximal end and an opposite distal end; wherein said depression of said full-flush depressible button is only possible at such times as said auxiliary latching button is depressed.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed push-button activation mechanism as described in any of the above, wherein said push-button activation mechanism is configured for use with said dual-flush toilet valve in a concealed cistern.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed push-button activation mechanism as described in any of the above, wherein said auxiliary latching button comprises a hole near said distal end of said auxiliary latching button.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed push-button activation mechanism as described in any of the above, wherein said full-flush depressible button further comprises an extension protruding from the underside of said full-flush depressible button; said auxiliary latching button not being depressed, said distal end of said auxiliary latching button blocking said extension and preventing depression of said full-flush depressible button; said auxiliary latching button being depressed, said full-flush depressible button receivable in said hole, thereby allowing depression of said full-flush depressible button.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of using a two-handed push-button activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: providing a push-button activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush depressible button configured, when depressed, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush depressible button configured, when depressed, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising an auxiliary latching button having a pressable proximal end and an opposite distal end; mounting said push-button activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve; connecting said push-button activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve to a dual-flush toilet valve; either depressing said half-flush depressible button, thereby activating a half-flush valve in said dual-flush toilet valve or depressing said auxiliary latching button and, said auxiliary latching button being depressed, depressing said full-flush depressible button, thereby activating a full-flush valve in said dual-flush toilet valve.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of configuring said push-button activation mechanism for use with said dual-flush toilet valve in a concealed cistern.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of providing said auxiliary latching button comprising a hole near said distal end of said auxiliary latching button.

[0021] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of said full-flush depressible button further comprising an extension protruding from the underside of said full-flush depressible button; said auxiliary latching button not being depressed, said distal end of said auxiliary latching button blocking said extension and preventing depression of said full-flush depressible button; said auxiliary latching button being depressed, said full-flush depressible button receivable in said hole, thereby allowing depression of said full-flush depressible button.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a two-handed lever-type activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush handle configured, when rotated, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush handle configured, when rotated, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising a full-flush stop lever having two configuration, a stopping configuration and a permitting configuration and reversibly transformable between said stopping configuration and said permitting configuration; the full-flush stop lever having a short arm and a long arm, the short arm flexibly linked to the distal end of the long arm, the long arm fixedly held at its proximal end; a gap existing between the free end of the short arm and the free end of the half-flush rotatable handle so that rotation of the half-flush rotatable handle is not impeded by the fullflush stop lever; in the stopping configuration, the short arm of the full-flush stop lever lies in the rotational path of the full-flush handle, preventing rotation of the full-flush handle; in the permitting configuration, the short arm of the full-flush stop lever is rotated away from the toilet tank so that the full-flush handle, when rotated, is not impeded by the full-flush stop lever.

[0023] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of using a two-handed handletype activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: providing a handle-type activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush handle configured, when rotated, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush handle configured, when rotated, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising a full-flush stop lever having two configuration, a stopping configuration and a permitting configuration and reversibly transformable between said stopping configuration and said permitting configuration; the full-flush stop lever having a short arm and a long arm, the short arm flexibly linked to the distal end of the long arm, the long arm fixedly held at its proximal end; a gap existing between the free end of the short arm and the free end of the half-flush rotatable handle so that rotation of the half-flush rotatable handle is not impeded by the full-flush stop lever; in the stopping configuration, the short arm of the full-flush stop lever lies in the rotational path of the full-flush handle, preventing rotation of the full-flush handle; in the permitting configuration, the short arm of the full-flush stop lever is rotated away from the toilet tank so that the full-flush handle, when rotated, is not impeded by the fullflush stop lever. mounting said handle-type activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve; connecting said handle-type activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve to a dual-flush toilet valve; either rotating said half-flush handle, thereby activating a half-flush valve in said dual-flush toilet valve or pulling said full-flush stop lever away from said toilet tank and, said full-flush stop lever pulled away from said toilet tank, rotating said full-flush handle, thereby activating a full-flush valve in said dual-flush toilet valve..

[0024] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a two-handed toilet flushing mechanism comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a latching mechanism in communication with said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism; wherein said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism are sufficiently far apart to prevent activation of both said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism with a single hand; further wherein said latching mechanism prevents activation of said full-flush activation mechanism in the absence of at least partial activation of said half-flush activation mechanism, so that a half flush is activatable with a single hand, and a full flush is activatable with two hands.

[0025] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed toilet flushing mechanism as defined in any of the above, wherein said flushing mechanism comprises a half-flush float and a full-flush float. It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed toilet flushing mechanism as defined in any of the above, wherein said half-flush activation mechanism comprises a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, a squeezable portion or any combination thereof.

[0026] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed toilet flushing mechanism as defined in any of the above, wherein said full-flush activation mechanism comprises a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, or any combination thereof.

[0027] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed toilet flushing mechanism as defined in any of the above, wherein said latching mechanism comprises a latching protrusion and latching depression, said latching protrusion fitting removably into said latching depression.

[0028] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed toilet flushing mechanism as defined in any of the above, wherein said latching protrusion comprises a shape selected from a group consisting of a spherical cap, a wedge, a polyhedron, or any combination thereof.

[0029] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed toilet flushing mechanism as defined in any of the above, wherein said latching protrusion is retractable.

[0030] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of flushing a toilet, comprising steps of: providing a toilet comprising a two-handed toilet flushing mechanism, said two-handed flushing mechanism comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism are sufficiently far apart to prevent activation of both said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism with a single hand; and a latching mechanism in communication with said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism; said latching mechanism preventing activation of said full-flush activation mechanism in the absence of at least partial activation of said half-flush activation mechanism; and activating said half-flush activation mechanism with a single hand, thereby generating a flush comprising a half-flush volume of liquid; or activating said half-flush activation mechanism with one hand and said full-flush activation mechanism with another hand, thereby generating a flush comprising a full-flush volume of liquid.

[0031] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of providing said flushing mechanism comprising a half-flush float and a full-flush float.

[0032] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of selecting said half-flush activation mechanism comprising a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, a squeezable portion or any combination thereof.

[0033] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of selecting said full-flush activation mechanism comprising a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, or any combination thereof.

[0034] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of selecting said latching mechanism comprising a latching protrusion and latching depression, said latching protrusion fitting removably into said latching depression.

[0035] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of selecting said latching protrusion comprising a shape selected from a group consisting of a spherical cap, a wedge, a polyhedron, or any combination thereof.

[0036] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of providing said latching protrusion being retractable.

[0037] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a kit for fitting a two-handed toilet flushing mechanism to an existing toilet, comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a latching mechanism in communication with said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism; wherein said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism are sufficiently far apart to prevent activation of both said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism with a single hand; further wherein said latching mechanism prevents activation of said full-flush activation mechanism in the absence of at least partial activation of said half-flush activation mechanism, so that a half flush is activatable with a single hand, and a full flush is activatable with two hands.

[0038] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the kit as defined in any of the above, wherein said flushing mechanism comprises a half-flush float and a full-flush float.

[0039] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the kit as defined in any of the above, wherein said half-flush activation mechanism comprises a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, a squeezable portion or any combination thereof.

[0040] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the kit as defined in any of the above, wherein said full-flush activation mechanism comprises a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, or any combination thereof.

[0041] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the kit as defined in any of the above, wherein said latching mechanism comprises a latching protrusion and latching depression, said latching protrusion fitting removably into said latching depression.

[0042] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the kit as defined in any of the above, wherein said latching protrusion comprises a shape selected from a group consisting of a spherical cap, a wedge, a polyhedron, or any combination thereof. It is another object of the present invention to disclose the kit as defined in any of the above, wherein said latching protrusion is retractable..

[0043] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a two-handed flush plate mechanism comprising: a full-flush activation plate, configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a full-flush volume of liquid; a half-flush activation plate configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a half-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising a rotatable lever having at least two configurations, in a first configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is prevented and in a second configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is possible.

[0044] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a two-handed flush plate mechanism comprising: a full-flush activation plate, configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a full-flush volume of liquid; a half-flush activation plate configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a half-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising a slidable switch having at least two configurations, in a first configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is prevented and in a second configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is possible.

[0045] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a two-handed flush plate mechanism comprising: a full-flush activation plate, configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a full-flush volume of liquid, said full-flush activation plate being rotatable about a central axis, said full-flush activation plate having at least two configurations, a first configuration having a longitudinal axis of the full-flush activation plate perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a full-flush hole in the two-handed flush plate mechanism so that depression of said full-flush activation plate is prevented and a second configuration having a longitudinal axis of the full-flush activation plate parallel to a longitudinal axis of a fullflush hole in the two-handed flush plate mechanism so that depression of said full-flush activation plate is possible; and

[0046] IO a half-flush activation plate configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a half-flush volume of liquid.

[0047] It is another object of the present invention to disclose a two-handed flush plate mechanism comprising: a full-flush activation plate, configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a full-flush volume of liquid; a half-flush activation plate configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a half-flush volume of liquid; and a slidable button configured to cover a portion of said full-flush plate, said slidable button having at least two configurations, in a first configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is prevented and in a second configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is possible.

[0048] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of locating said stop mechanism within the boundary of said fullflush activation mechanism.

[0049] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, additionally comprising a step of locating said stop mechanism in a frame of said two-handed toilet flushing mechanism.

[0050] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed flush plate mechanism as defined in any of the above, wherein said stop mechanism is located within the boundary of said full-flush activation mechanism.

[0051] It is another object of the present invention to disclose the two-handed flush plate mechanism as defined in any of the above, wherein said stop mechanism is located in a frame of said two-handed toilet flushing mechanism.

[0052] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0053] In order to better understand the invention and its implementation in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a dual-flush flush button mechanism of the prior art;

[0054] Fig. 2A-B schematically illustrates an embodiment of a two-handed dual-flush flush button mechanism of the present invention, in a configuration allowing only a half flush;

[0055] Fig. 3A-B schematically illustrates an embodiment of a two-handed dual-flush flush button mechanism of the present invention, in a configuration allowing a full flush;

[0056] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a two-handed dual-flush flush button mechanism in communication with a dual-flush valve;

[0057] Figs. 5A-C and 6A-B schematically illustrate an embodiment of a dual-flush mechanism where the pushbutton is mounted on a wall and the tank is behind the wall;

[0058] Fig. 7A-C schematically illustrate two embodiments of a handle-type dual-flush mechanism;

[0059] Fig. 8 depicts a standard dual-flush mechanism;

[0060] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the standard dual-flush mechanism in a full cistern;

[0061] Fig. 10A-B schematically illustrates the movements of the seal and half-flush float for a half flush;

[0062] Fig. 11 A-B schematically illustrates the movements of the seal and full-flush float for a full flush;

[0063] Fig. 12 schematically illustrates an exemplary two-handed dual flush flushing mechanism in position in a toilet tank;

[0064] Fig. 13A-D, 14A-D and 15A-D schematically illustrate embodiments of the dual-flush mechanism of the present invention;

[0065] Fig. 16 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the dual-flush mechanism comprising two halftanks of water; and

[0066] Figs. 17-29, 30A-B, 31 A-B, 32A-B, 33A-B and 34-37 schematically illustrate embodiments of the dual-flush mechanism.

[0067] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0068] The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a means and method for providing a toilet flushing mechanism where a single- hand operation can activate a half flush, while a full flush requires two- handed activation. The toilet flushing mechanism can be configured for most conventional types of toilet flushing mechanisms, such as, for non-limiting example, flushing mechanisms on top of a tank, on the front of a tank, or mounted on a wall.

[0069] The term 'cap' hereinafter refers to the region of a sphere which lies above (or below) a given plane. If the plane passes through the center of the sphere, the cap is a called a hemisphere.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 1, in the prior art, a pushbutton dual-flush mechanism has two buttons, a halfflush button (11) and a full-flush button (12). Each flush button is connected with a shank (13, 14). When the half-flush button (11) is depressed, its shank (13) causes a half-flush float (not shown) to be released from its seat (not shown), thereby allowing release of water from the cistern (not shown) and allowing a half flush of the toilet. Similarly, when the full-flush button (12) is depressed, its shank (14) causes a full-flush float (not shown) to be released from its seat (not shown), thereby allowing release of water from the cistern (not shown) and allowing a full flush of the toilet. In the prior art, a user can push either the half-flush button or the full-flush button; many users, either through ignorance or through carelessness, invariably press the full-flush button even when it is not necessary.

[0071] The pushbutton dual-flush mechanism of the present invention prevents unnecessary use of the full-flush activation mechanism by ensuring that both hands are needed to initiate a full flush. The half-flush part of the mechanism is unchanged. It comprises a depressible button in communication with a standard mechanism to initiate a half flush, which will not be further described, as any type of standard dual-flush mechanism activatable by press-buttons can be used.

[0072] The pushbutton dual-flush mechanism of the present invention can be mounted on a wall and be connected to a dual-flush cistem valve in a cistern concealed behind the wall, or can be mounted on the top of the cistern and connected to the dual-flush cistern valve in the cistern.

[0073] Unlike the standard full-flush pushbutton of the prior art, the full-flush part of the present invention comprises two depressible buttons, a full-flush button (120) and an auxiliary latching button (130). As in the prior art, the full-flush button (120) is in communication with a standard dual-flush flushing mechanism, which will not be further described, as any type of standard dual-flush mechanism activatable by press-buttons can be used.

[0074] However, in the present invention, a full flush can not be initiated unless the full-flush button (120) and the auxiliary latching button (130) are simultaneously depressed.

[0075] Figs. 2A-B and 3A-B show an embodiment of the present invention (100). Fig. 2A-B shows the push-buttons of the present invention in a first configuration, where the full-flush button (120) can not be depressed, and Fig. 3A-B shows the push-buttons of the present invention in a second configuration, where the full-flush button (120) can be depressed. Fig. 2B and Fig. 3B show closeups of circled area A in Fig. 2A and circled area B in Fig. 2B, respectively.

[0076] The embodiment of the present invention (100) comprises a half-flush button (110) and a full-flush button (120), the half-flush button (110) being an embodiment of a standard half-flush button. The recess (114) in the half-flush button (110) can accept a shank or other connector, to communicate the half-flush button (110) with a standard half-flush flushing mechanism. The half-flush button (HO) can comprise, in place of or in addition to the recess (114) shown, any standard communication means with a standard half-flush flushing mechanism.

[0077] The full-flush button also comprises a recess (124) that can accept a shank or other connector to communicate the full-flush button (120) with a standard full-flush flushing mechanism. The fullflush button (120) can comprise, in place of or in addition to the recess (124) shown, any standard communication means with a standard full-flush flushing mechanism.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 2A-B, If a user tries to depress the full-flush button with the auxiliary latching button not depressed, a full-flush extension (125) on the full-flush button (120) is obstructed by the distal end (134) of the auxiliary latching button (130), preventing flushing.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 3A-B, when the auxiliary button (130) is depressed, the full-flush extension (125) in the full-flush button (120) is no longer obstructed by the distal end (134) of the auxiliary latching button (130) and can pass through a hole (135) in the auxiliary button (130), allowing full depression of the full-flush button (120) and a full flush of the toilet.

[0080] A spring or other conventional return mechanism (not shown) ensures that the auxiliary button (130) returns to its non-depressed state and remains in its non-depressed state unless pressure is being exerted on the proximal end of the auxiliary button (130).

[0081] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a method of connecting the pushbutton dual- flush mechanism (100) of the present invention to a conventional dual-flush cistem valve (140). In some embodiments of this method, the dual-flush cistern valve (140) is mounted in a concealed cistern (not shown), with the pushbutton dual-flush mechanism (100) of the present invention typically mounted on a wall (not shown) in front of or above the concealed cistern (not shown). The connection method shown is a conventional method; any conventional method of connection can be used with any appropriate conventional dual-flush cistern valve. The type of connection and the type of dual-flush cistern valve is not germane to the patent. The parts as shown in Fig. 4 are not to scale.

[0082] In the method of Fig. 4, the connection between the pushbutton dual-flush mechanism (100) and a conventional dual-flush cistern valve (140) comprises two cables (142, 144) movably enclosed in a cable housing (not shown). In practice, both cables (142, 144) are enclosed in the same cable housing (not shown); in Fig. 4, they are shown separated for clarity. The cables (142, 144) are sufficiently stiff to transmit movement of the full-flush button (120) and the half-flush button (110) to the release mechanisms of, respectively, the full-flush valve (not shown) and the half-flush valve (not shown) in the conventional dual-flush cistem valve (140).

[0083] When the half-flush button (110) is depressed, the half-flush extension (115) enters the end of the half-flush cable connector (148) and contacts the end of the half-flush cable (144) Further depression of the half-flush button (110) causes the proximal end of the half-flush cable (144) to move outward in the half-flush cable connector (148); the movement is transmitted through the cable housing (not shown) and the resulting movement of the distal end of the half-flush cable (144) causes the half-flush valve (not shown) in the dual-flush cistern valve (140) to be opened, thereby inducing a half flush of the toilet.

[0084] When the auxiliary button (130) has been depressed, the full-flush button (120) can be depressed, as disclosed above. When the full-flush button (120) is depressed, the full-flush extension (125) enters the end of the full-flush cable connector (146) and contacts the end of the full-flush cable (142). Further depression of the full-flush button (120) causes the proximal end of the full-flush cable (142) to move outward in the full-flush cable connector (146); the movement is transmitted through the cable housing (not shown) and the resulting movement of the distal end of the fullflush cable (142) causes the full-flush valve (not shown) in the dual-flush cistern valve (140) to be opened, thereby inducing a full flush of the toilet. Fig. 5A-C schematically illustrates another embodiment of a pushbutton dual-flush mechanism (200), where the tank is hidden behind a wall (not shown). Fig. 5A shows the tank (2000), Fig. 5B shows the pins (346, 348) that connect the pushbuttons to the flushing mechanism (not shown), and Fig. 5C shows the front panel of the pushbutton dual-flush mechanism (200) and its full-flush (220) and half-flush (210) buttons. In some variants of this embodiment, the pushbutton mechanism (200) is similar to that shown in Fig. 2A-B and 3A-B, with an auxiliary button (not shown) on the side of the pushbutton dual-flush mechanism (200). In these variants of the embodiment, the front plate and the pushbuttons stand sufficiently proud of the wall to allow the auxiliary button (not shown) to operate. The holes (256, 258, Fig. 5A) in the exemplary tank accept pins (246, 248, Fig. 5B). At the ends of the pins inside the tank, the pins connect to the flushing mechanism in a conventional manner. The ends of the pins outside the tank fit into recesses in the backs of the pushbuttons (210, 220, Fig. 5C) in the same manner as the connectors (146, 148) fit into the recesses (114, 124) in the backs of the tank-mounted pushbuttons (110, 120) shown in in Fig. 2A-B and 3A-B, thus connecting the wall-mounted pushbuttons (210, 220) to a conventional dual-flush mechanism in the tank.

[0085] Fig. 6A-B schematically illustrates another variant of the embodiment of a pushbutton dual-flush mechanism (500), where the pushbutton mechanism is mounted on the top of a toilet tank (570). Fig. 6A schematically illustrates the pushbutton mechanism (500) in place on the toilet tank (570) and Fig. 6B schematically illustrates connection of the pushbutton mechanism (500) to the connector (550) transmitting the desire flush to the dual-flush mechanism (not shown) in the toilet tank (570). As shown in Fig. 6A, in this variant, the pushbutton mechanism (500) is sited on top of the toilet tank (570). As shown in Fig. 6B, the type of flush is transmitted from the pushbutton mechanism (500) via a connector (540) that fits into a receptor (550), with the receptor (550) in communication with a conventional dual flushing valve (not shown) in the tank (500) in a conventional manner.

[0086] Fig. 7A schematically illustrates another embodiment, a handle-type dual-flush mechanism (400). The handle-type dual-flush mechanism (400) comprises two conventional dual-flush handles, a full-flush handle (420) and a half-flush handle (410), connected in a conventional manner to a conventional dual-flush valve mechanism. The handle-type dual-flush mechanism (400) further comprises a full-flush stop lever (430). The full-flush stop lever (430) is substantially J-shaped or V-shaped. The free end of the full-flush stop lever (436) is preferably bent outward to provide a handle for pulling the bend out of the full-flush stop lever. The long arm (432) of the full-flush stop lever (430) lies underneath the full-flush handle (420), with its proximal end connected fixedly to the support structure for the dual-flush handles so that the full-flush stop lever (430) can not rotate relative to the toilet tank (not shown). The short arm (434) of the full-flush stop lever (430) rests against or close to the full-flush handle (420), on the side towards which the full-flush handle (420) rotates, typically the lower side of the full-flush handle (420). The short arm (434) of the full-flush stop lever (430) is short enough so that it does not interfere with the rotation of the halfflush handle (410).

[0087] The full-flush stop lever (430) is made of a flexible material. When a half-flush is wanted, the half-flush handle (410) is used in the conventional manner. However, if a full-flush is wanted, movement of the full-flush handle (420) is prevented by the full-flush stop lever (430) until the short arm (434) of the full-flush stop lever (430) has been pulled outward, away from the tank, sufficiently far so that the full-flush handle (420) can be rotated between the short (434) and long (432) arms of the full-flush stop lever (430).

[0088] Figs. 7B-C schematically illustrate another variant of a handle-type dual-flush mechanism (400). Fig. 7B shows the full-flush stop lever (430) in a stopping configuration, while Fig. 7C shows the full-flush stop lever (430) in a flushing configuration, with the full-flush handle (420) rotated to activate the flushing mechanism.

[0089] The handle-type dual-flush mechanism (400) comprises two conventional dual-flush handles, a full-flush handle (420) and a half-flush handle (410), connected in a conventional manner to a conventional dual-flush valve mechanism. The handle-type dual-flush mechanism (400) further comprises a full-flush stop lever (430). The full-flush stop lever (430) is substantially J-shaped or V-shaped, with a tab at the end; a user pulls the tab away from the end of the full-flush handle (420) (to the right in Figs. 7B-C), freeing the full-flush handle (420) to be rotated.

[0090] In yet another embodiment, the flushing mechanism comprises two activators; where the activator can comprise a handle, a lever, a button, a knob or any other conventional toilet flushing activator.

[0091] For simplicity and clarity, the exemplary mechanisms disclosed for this embodiment will comprise levers as activators and, in these exemplary designs, a standard dual-flush mechanism has been modified to require a two-handed full flush. The standard dual-flush mechanism which has been modified uses two floats, as shown in Fig. 8. The mechanism was taken from https: / / toiletspares.com.au / blogs / more-information / how-does-a- dual-flush-toilet-valve-work-this-is-the-best-explanation.

[0092] The flushing mechanism is enclosed in a casing (17). The full-flush float (14) is positioned at the bottom of the cylinder, as with a single flush valve, and is operated by the full flush button (11A) positioned above on the cistern lid. The half-flush float (13) is positioned half way up the valve body and is operated by the half flush button (11B) above. Both the full-flush float (14) and the half-flush float (13) are connected to the seal (15) below. They are not however connected to each other and lift the seal (15) independently of each other.

[0093] When the full-flush button (11 A) is pushed down, it raises the float (14) at the bottom of the cistern. This float (14) is connected to the seal (15) which lifts and remains open until the water has drained down to the toilet below. Once the cistern empties, the float (14) drops. This causes the seal (15) to drop shut and the incoming water again fills the cistern.

[0094] When the half-flush button (11B) is pushed down, the half-flush float (13) is raised. This float (13) is also connected to the seal (15) which is raised and remains open until the water drains below the level of the half flush float (13). Once this float (13) is exposed by the falling water, it drops, returning the seal (15) to its closed position. The inlet valve then fills the cistem to the required level.

[0095] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates the standard dual-flush mechanism (10) in position in a tank or cistern (90); the cistern (90) is full of water (99). The flushing mechanism is enclosed in a casing (17). The full-flush float (14) is positioned at the bottom of the cylinder, as with a single flush valve, and is operated by the full flush button (11 A) positioned above on the cistern lid. The halfflush float (13) is positioned half way up the valve body and is operated by the half flush button (11B) above. Both the full-flush float (14) and the half-flush float (13) are connected to the seal (15) below. They are not however connected to each other and lift the seal (15) independently of each other.

[0096] Fig. 10A-B schematically illustrates the movements of the seal and full-flush float for a full flush. As shown in Fig. 10A, when the full-flush button (11A) is pushed down (striped arrow), it raises (white arrow) the full-flush float (14) at the bottom of the cistem. The full-flush float (14) is connected to the seal (15) which is also lifted (black arrow) when the full-flush button (11A) is pushed down (striped arrow). The full-flush float (14) remains open while the water drains down (98) into the toilet below (not shown).

[0097] As shown in Fig. 10B, once the once the water level (99) gets below the level of the full-flush float (14), the float (14) drops (white arrow). This causes the seal (15) to drop shut (black arrow), returning the system to the position shown in Fig 9 and allowing the incoming water to fill the cistern (not shown).

[0098] Fig. 11A-B schematically illustrates the movements of the seal and half-flush float for a half flush. As shown in Fig. 11A, when the half-flush button (11B) is pushed down (striped arrow), it raises (white arrow) the half-flush float (13) within the casing (17), in the middle of the cistern. The halfflush float (13) is connected to the seal (15) which is also lifted (black arrow) when the half-flush button (11B) is pushed down (striped arrow). The half-flush float (13) remains open while the water drains out of the casing (curved arrows) and down into the toilet below (not shown).

[0099] As shown in Fig. HB, once the water level (99) gets below the level of the half-flush float (13), the float (14) drops (white arrow). This causes the seal (15) to drop shut (black arrow), returning the system to the position shown in Fig 9 and allowing the incoming water to fill the cistern (not shown).

[0100] Fig. 12 schematically illustrates an exemplary two-handed dual flush flushing mechanism in position in a toilet tank (90); the tank (90), as illustrated is full of water (99). The exemplary mechanism is taken from that of Fig. 13A-D, below, and the functioning of the mechanism is described in full detail below. The flushing mechanism (100) has a half-flush flushing lever (132) protruding through the right-hand wall of the tank (90) and a full-flush flushing lever (142) protruding through the left-hand side of the tank (90). When the half-flush flushing lever (132) is pressed down (green-and-purple striped arrow), the connector (139) is raised, raising the half-flush float (130) and the seal (150), as described below. Pressing the half-flush flushing lever (132) down also frees a protrusion at the end of the half-flush flushing lever (132) from a matching depression in the piston (120), allowing a full flush to be executed.

[0101] If the full-flush flushing lever (142) is pressed down (purple arrow) when the protrusion is free of the depression (at the same time as or after the half-flush flushing lever (132) is pressed down), the upper collar (125) is raised, thereby raising the full-flush float (140) and the seal (150), as described below, and generating a full flush. Figs. 13-15 and 16 schematically illustrate examples of mechanisms for providing a dual-handed flush. All are based on the standard mechanism disclosed above. The mechanisms of Figs. 13-15 have a half-flush float (13) about halfway up the tank and a full-flush float (14) near the bottom of the tank, with the floats (13, 14) being independently connected to a single seal (15) at the bottom of the tank. The differences between the mechanisms of Figs. 13-15 he in the means by which the floats (14, 15) are lifted.

[0102] In Figs. 13-15, a latching mechanism prevents the full-flush activation mechanism from being activated unless the half-flush activation mechanism has been activated. The latching mechanism (121, 131) has a protruding part (131) connected to the half-flush lever and a matching depression (121) in the full-flush collar. The two can be activated simultaneously or the half-flush activation mechanism can be activated first; as long as the full-flush activation mechanism is activated before the half-flush float drops, a full flush will be generated.

[0103] In the embodiments of Figs. 13A-D and 14A-D, the protruding part (131) is hemispherical and is fixed to the half-flush flushing lever, while in the embodiment of Fig. 15, the protruding part (131) is a retractable latch.

[0104] In the embodiment of Fig. 13A-D, the half-flush float is lifted by raising the end of the half-float flushing lever connected to the half-flush float, whereas in the embodiment of Fig. 14A-D, the inner end of the half-float flushing lever is moved outward. This inner end of the half-flush flushing lever is connected to the half-flush float via a tab. When the inner end of the half-float flushing lever moves outward, the end of the tab connected to the half-flush float moves upward, thereby lifting the half-flush float.

[0105] In the embodiment of Fig. 16, the tank is divided into two halves, with one flush mechanism in each half. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 15, the flush mechanism is based on and functions like the full-flush mechanism of the standard dual-flush device disclosed above. For the device of Fig. 16, if one of the two buttons (11 A, 11B) is pressed, that half of the tank empties, generating a half flush. If both buttons are pressed, both halves of the tank empty and a full flush is generated.

[0106] In all of these embodiments, the same full flush mechanism is used.

[0107] These are exemplary embodiments only; it is obvious that activation of the half-flush and fullflush activation mechanisms can be mechanical or electrical, and that buttons, levers, squeeze mechanisms, voice commands, gestures or any combination thereof can be used to activate the half and full flushes.

[0108] It should be noted that, if hand gestures are used to activate a flush, a half flush can be activated by a single gesture but either two different gestures with one hand or one gesture for each hand must be used to activate a full flush. Similarly, if voice commands (or other predetermined sounds) are used, a half flush can be generated by a single predetermined sound, but either a repeated voice command or two different voice commands must be used to activate a full flush.

[0109] It should further be noted that different combinations of the mechanisms of Figs. 13-15 are possible. For non-limiting example, the squeeze mechanism that retracts the latch in Fig. 13 can be combined with either of the float-lifting lever mechanisms of Figs. 13 or 14.

[0110] Fig. 13A-D schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a dual-handed flushing mechanism (100) based on the standard mechanism described above but modified so that a half flush can be carried out with one hand, but a full flush requires two hands. As in the standard mechanism above, the full-flush float and the half-flush float are independently connected to the seal. These connections are unchanged and are not shown.

[0111] Fig. 13A schematically illustrates the embodiment of the dual-handed flushing mechanism (100), while Figs. 13B-D schematically illustrate a close-up of the area inside the circle A. As in the standard flushing mechanism (10), the dual-handed flushing mechanism (100) is enclosed in a casing (170). Water can exit the enclosed area around the half-flush float (130) by means of the openings (160).

[0112] As shown in Fig. 13A, the full-flush float (140) is connected to the piston (120) and the upper collar (125). The full-flush flushing lever (142) is flexibly (110) connected to the upper collar (125). The flexible connection can be a hinge, a staple, or any other conventional flexible connection; the type of flexible connection is not germane to the patent. When the free (left) end of the full-flush flushing lever (142) is pressed down (145), the upper collar (125) is lifted upward, lifting the piston (120), thereby lifting the full-flush float (140) (and the seal 150), allowing the water to leave the cistern (not shown).

[0113] The half-flush float (130) is connected to the half-flush flushing lever (132) by the connector (139). When the free (right) end of the half-flush flushing lever (132) is pressed down (2235), the halfflush float (130) (and the seal 150) is lifted, allowing water to leave the cistem (not shown). The connector (139) is flexibly (138) connected to the half-flush flushing lever (132). The flexible connection can be a hinge, a staple, or any other conventional flexible connection; the type of flexible connection is not germane to the patent. In this exemplary embodiment, the half-flush flushing lever (132) rotates about a pin (137). In other variants of this embodiment, the half-flush flushing lever (132) can pass through a ring (not shown) or use any other conventional means of allowing controllable rotation about an axis; the means of allowing rotational movement is not germane to the patent.

[0114] Fig. 13B schematically illustrates a close up of the area inside red circle A, showing the left end of the half-flush flushing lever (132) and the surface of the piston (120). The piston (120) and half-flush flushing lever (132) have been separated for clarity. The latching protrusion (131), a substantially hemispherical spherical cap in this embodiment, at the left end of the half-flush flushing lever (132) fits into a matching latching depression (121), being a depression shaped like a substantially hemispherical spherical cap in this embodiment, in the surface of the full-flush piston (120). The flexible connection (138) connects the half-flush flushing lever (132) to the connector (139) and to the half-flush float (130, not shown).

[0115] Fig. 13C schematically illustrates a close up of the area inside red circle A, showing the half-flush activation mechanism in a closed position. The half-flush flushing lever (132) rests on the upper collar (125) of the full-flush activation mechanism. To operate, the half-flush flushing lever (132) is pushed down (2235) at the free (right) end (vertical arrow) which raises (1035) the left end and rotates (curved arrow) the latching protrusion (131) away from the latching depression (121) in the piston (120). The flexible connection (138) connects the half-flush flushing lever (132) to the connector (139) and to the half-flush float (130, not shown).

[0116] Fig. 13D schematically illustrates a close up of the area inside red circle A, showing the half-flush activation mechanism in the open position. The half-flush flushing lever (132) has rotated clockwise about the pin (137), lifting the half-flush float (not shown) and freeing the latching protrusion (131) at the left end of the half-flush flushing lever from the latching depression (121) in the piston (120). The flexible connection (138) connects the half-flush flushing lever (132) to the connector (139) and to the half-flush float (130, not shown).

[0117] A half flush can be done with one hand. Pressing down (2235) the free (right) end of the halfflush flushing lever (132) raises the left end of the half-flush flushing lever (2235) and rotates (1035) the latching protrusion (131) out of the latching depression (121), allowing the half-flush flushing lever (132) to lift the half-flush float (130) (and the seal 150).

[0118] A full flush requires two hands. When the both the free (left) end of the full-flush flushing lever (142) is pressed down and the free (right) end of the half-flush flushing lever (132) is pressed down, the latching protrusion (131) will rotate out of the latching depression (121) as the collar (125) moves upward, allowing the full-flush float (140) to be lifted and the seal (150) to be lifted. The half-flush float (130) will also be lifted; this is not critical as a full flush will be done since the full-flush float (140) was lifted.

[0119] If a user attempts to use the full-flush flushing lever (142) by itself, the latching protrusion (131) will remain in the latching depression (121), preventing the collar (120) from moving upward and preventing a full flush.

[0120] Fig 14A-D schematically illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a dual-handed flushing mechanism (200) based on the standard mechanism described above but modified so that a half flush can be carried out with one hand, but a full flush requires two hands. As in the standard mechanism above, the full-flush float and the half-flush float are independently connected to the seal. These connections are unchanged and are not shown.

[0121] Fig. 14A schematically illustrates this exemplary embodiment of the dual-handed flushing mechanism (200), while Figs. 14B-D schematically illustrate a close-up of the area inside the circle A. As in the standard flushing mechanism (10), the dual-handed flushing mechanism (200) is enclosed in a casing (170). Water can exit the enclosed area around the half-flush float (130) by means of the openings (160).

[0122] In this exemplary embodiment (200), the full-flush activation mechanism works in the same manner as in the exemplary embodiment above (100), with the full-flush lever (142) raising a collar (125) attached to a piston (120), the piston (120) being flexibly (110) attached to the fullflush float (140).

[0123] In this exemplary embodiment (200), the left (232A) portion of the half-flush flushing lever (232A, 232B) rests on the collar (125) and a pin (137). The half-flush flushing lever (232A, 232B) has a hinge (2032), the hinge (2032) being just beyond the pin (137) so that, when the free (right) end of the half-flush flushing lever (232B) is pressed down (2235), the left portion (232B) of the halfflush flushing lever slides rightward (2035), freeing the latching protrusion (not shown) from the latching depression (not shown) in the piston (120) and allowing the full-flush lever (142) to be pushed down.

[0124] In order to lift the half-flush float (130) (and the seal 150), a tab (238) is flexibly (not shown) attached to the underside of the left portion (232A) of the half-flush flushing lever. The tab is flexibly (239) connected to the half-flush float (130) by a connector (139). The tab (238) rests on a stationary and rigid tab pin (237). When the right end (232B) of the half-flush flushing lever is pressed down (2235) and the left portion (232A) of the half-flush flushing lever moves rightward (2035), the top of the tab (238) moves rightward relative to the rigid tab pin (237). This forces the left end of the tab (238) (the end connected to the connector 139) to move upward, thus lifting the float (130) (and the seal 150) and allowing a half flush.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 14A, the full-flush float (140) is connected to the piston (120) and the upper collar (125). The full-flush flushing lever (142) is flexibly (110) connected to the upper collar (125). The flexible connection can be a hinge, a staple, or any other conventional flexible connection; the type of flexible connection is not germane to the patent. When the free (left) end of the full-flush flushing lever (142) is pressed down (145), the upper collar (125) is lifted upward, lifting the piston (120), thereby lifting the full-flush float (140) (and the seal 150), allowing the water to leave the cistern (not shown).

[0126] The half-flush float (130) is connected to the half-flush flushing lever (232A, 232B) by the connector (139) and the (diagonal) tab (238). The half-flush flushing lever has a flexible portion (2032); the left (protrusion end) portion (232A) of the half-flush flushing lever rests on the pin (137) and the right (free end) portion (232B) of the half-flush flushing lever rests against the pin (137). When the free (right) end (232B) of the half-flush flushing lever is pressed down (2235), the half-flush float (130) (and the seal 150) is lifted, allowing water to leave the cistern (not shown). The flexible portion (2032) can comprise a hinge, a joint, a flexible material or any combination thereof; the manner of providing flexibility is not germane to the patent.

[0127] Fig. 14B schematically illustrates a close up of the area inside red circle A, showing the left end of the half-flush flushing lever (232A, 232B) and the surface of the piston (120). The piston (120) and half-flush flushing lever (232A, 232B) have been separated for clarity. The latching protrusion (131) at the left end of the half-flush flushing lever fits into the latching depression (121) in the surface of the piston (120). The half-flush float (130, not shown) is connected to the half-flush flushing lever (232A, 232B) by the connector (139) and the (diagonal) tab (238). The half-flush flushing lever has a flexible portion (2032); the left (protrusion end) portion (232A) of the half-flush flushing lever rests on the pin (137) and the right (free end) portion (232B) of the half-flush flushing lever rests against the pin (137). When the free (right) end (232B) of the half-flush flushing lever is pressed down (2235), the half-flush float (130, not shown) (and the seal 150, not shown) is lifted, allowing water to leave the cistern (not shown). The flexible portion (2032) can comprise a hinge, a joint, a flexible material or any combination thereof; the manner of providing flexibility is not germane to the patent.

[0128] Fig. 14C schematically illustrates a close up of the area inside red circle A, showing the left end of the half-flush flushing lever (232A, 232B), the surface of the piston (120), the collar (120), the connector (139) and the half-flush flushing mechanism. The half-flush activation mechanism is in the closed position. The half-flush flushing lever (232 A, 232B) rests on the collar (120) of the full-flush activation mechanism. To operate, the half-flush flushing lever (232A, 232B) is pushed down (2235) at the free (right) end (232B), rotating the right portion of the half-flush flushing lever (232B) about the pin (137), which slides the left end (232A) rightward (2035), freeing the latching protrusion (131) from the latching depression (121) in the collar (120). The top (right) end of the tab (238) moves rightward with the with left end of the half-flush flushing lever (232A) and is forced upward by the pin (137), forcing the bottom end of the tab (238) upward and rotating (2135) the connector (139), thereby lifting (2335) the half-flush float (130, not shown) (and the seal 150, not shown).

[0129] Fig. 14D schematically illustrates a close up of the area inside red circle A, showing the left end of the half-flush flushing lever (232A, 232B), the surface of the piston (120), the collar (120), the connector (139) and the half-flush flushing mechanism. The half-flush activation mechanism in the open position. The left portion (232A) of the half-flush flushing lever has slid rightward (2035) on the upper pin (137), freeing the latching protrusion (131) at the left end of the half-flush flushing lever (232A) from the latching depression (121) in the collar (120). The bottom of the tab (238) has moved upward (2335), forcing the bottom end of the tab (238) upward and rotating (2135) the connector (139), thereby lifting (2335) the half-flush float (130, not shown) (and the seal 150, not shown). Fig. 15A-D schematically illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a dual-handed flushing mechanism (200), an embodiment with a latch. This embodiment, like the embodiments of Figs. 13A-D and 14A-D, is based on the standard mechanism described above but modified so that a half flush can be carried out with one hand, but a full flush requires two hands. As in the standard mechanism above, the full-flush float and the half-flush float are independently connected to the seal. These connections are unchanged and are not shown.

[0130] Fig. 15A schematically illustrates the latch embodiment of the dual-handed flushing mechanism (200), while Figs. 15B-D schematically illustrate a close-up of the area inside the circle A. As in the standard flushing mechanism (10), the dual-handed flushing mechanism (200) is enclosed in a casing (170). Water can exit the enclosed area around the half-flush float (130) by means of the openings (160).

[0131] In this exemplary latch embodiment (300), the full-flush activation mechanism works in the same manner as in the exemplary embodiments above (100, 200), with the full-flush lever (142) raising a collar (125) attached to a piston (120), the piston (120) being flexibly (110) attached to the fullflush float (140).

[0132] As shown in Fig. 15A, the full-flush float (140) is connected to the piston (120) and the upper collar (125). The full-flush flushing lever (142) is flexibly (110) connected to the upper collar (125). The flexible connection can be a hinge, a staple, or any other conventional flexible connection; the type of flexible connection is not germane to the patent. When the free (left) end of the full-flush flushing lever (142) is pressed down (145), the upper collar (125) is lifted upward, lifting the piston (120), thereby lifting the full-flush float (140) (and the seal 150), allowing the water to leave the cistern (not shown).

[0133] The half-flush float (130) is connected to the half-flush flushing lever (132) by the connector (139). When the half-flush latch lever (333) is squeezed (3235) towards the half-flush flushing lever (132), the half-flush float (130) (and the seal 150) is lifted, allowing water to leave the cistern (not shown). The connector (139) is flexibly (138) connected to the half-flush flushing lever (132). The flexible connection can be a hinge, a staple, or any other conventional flexible connection; the type of flexible connection is not germane to the patent. In this exemplary embodiment, the halfflush flushing lever (132) rotates about a pin (137). In other variants of this embodiment, the halfflush flushing lever (132) can pass through a ring (not shown) or use any other conventional means of allowing controllable rotation about an axis; the means of allowing rotational movement is not germane to the patent.

[0134] This embodiment further comprises a latch (331, see Figs. 15B and 15D) connected to the halfflush latch lever (333). Squeezing the half-flush latch lever (333) towards the half-flush flushing lever (132) both retracts the latch (331), allowing the full-flush lever to be depressed, and causes the connector (139) to be raised, as in the second embodiment (200) above, thus allowing a half flush.

[0135] Fig. 15B schematically illustrates a close up of the area inside red circle A, showing the left end of the half-flush flushing lever (132) and the surface of the piston (120). The piston (120) and half-flush flushing lever (132) have been separated for clarity.

[0136] The latching protrusion (331), in this embodiment a latch with triangular longitudinal crosssection, is at the left end of the half-flush flushing lever (132) and fits into a matching latching depression (321), as shown, it is a depression in the surface of the full-flush piston (120) with rectangular cross-section. The depression can have any shape that allows free retraction and extension of the latch (331).

[0137] The flexible connection (138) connects the half-flush flushing lever (132) to the connector (139) and to the half-flush float (130, not shown).

[0138] Fig. 15C schematically illustrates a close up of the area inside red circle A, showing the half-flush activation mechanism in a closed position. The half-flush flushing lever (132) rests on the upper collar (125) of the full-flush activation mechanism. To operate, the half-flush latch lever (332) is squeezed (3235) towards the half-flush flushing lever (132), which causes the tab to rotate clockwise (2135), moving the bottom end of the tab (238) upward and lifting the connector (139), thereby lifting (2335) the half-flush float (130, not shown) (and the seal 150, not shown).

[0139] When the half-flush latch lever (332) is squeezed (3235) towards the half-flush flushing lever (132), the latch (331) is retracted into the half-flush flushing lever (132). This frees the half-flush flushing lever (132) from the piston (120), which allows the collar (125) to rise and the full-flush float (130, see Fig. 15A) to be lifted if the full-flush lever (142) is pressed downward (145).

[0140] Fig. 15D schematically illustrates a close up of the area inside red circle A, showing the half-flush activation mechanism in the open position. The half-flush flushing lever (132) is shown separated from the piston (120) for clarity. The peg (238) has rotated clockwise about the pin (137), lifting the half-flush float (not shown) and retracting (3135) the latch (331) at the left end of the halfflush flushing lever, freeing the latch (331) from the latching depression (321) in the piston (120). The flexible connection (138) connects the half-flush flushing lever (132) to the connector (139) and to the half-flush float (130, not shown).

[0141] A half flush can be done with one hand. Squeezing (3235) the half-flush latch lever (332) towards the half-flush flushing lever (132) causes the tab to rotate clockwise (2135), moving the bottom end of the tab (238) upward and lifting the connector (139), thereby lifting (2335) the half-flush float (130, not shown) (and the seal 150, not shown).

[0142] A full flush requires two hands. When the both the free (left) end of the full-flush flushing lever (142) is pressed down and the half-flush latch lever (332) is squeezed towards the half-flush flushing lever (132), the latch (331) will retract out of the latching depression (321), allowing the full-flush float (140) to be lifted and the seal (150) to be lifted. The half-flush float (130) will also be lifted; this is not critical as a full flush will be done since the full-flush float (140) was lifted.

[0143] If a user attempts to use the full-flush flushing lever (142) by itself, the latch (331) will remain in the latching depression (321), preventing the collar (120) from moving upward and preventing a full flush.

[0144] It should be noted that the latch mechanism of Fig. 15A-D can be combined with a lever that is pressed downward, as in the first two embodiments.

[0145] It should be noted that, although the cross-sections of the flushing members are schematically illustrated as rectangular, the shape of the flushing members is not germane to the patent and the cross-sections can be square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, oval, or any other conventional shape.

[0146] It should be noted that, although the connector (139) is schematically illustrated as a bar, it can comprise a chain or any other conventional means of connecting a flushing lever to a float that is configured to be able to transfer sufficient tension from a flushing lever to a float to lift the float.

[0147] The manner of providing flexible connection between one part and another is not germane to the patent. Any conventional means of providing a non-stretchable and flexible connection can be use. Non-limiting examples of types of flexible connection comprise a flexible polymer, a hinge, a joint, or any combination thereof. Fig. 16 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the two-handed flushing mechanism with two tanks. In this embodiment, the water tank is divided into two sub-tanks (90A, 90B). Each subtank (90A, 90B) has an inflow water pipe (not shown) connected to a water supply (not shown) so that both sub-tanks (90A, 90B) can be refilled. Each sub-tank (90A, 90B) has a float (14A, 14B); the floats are independently connected to a single seal (15) by means of connectors (151A, 151B) so that pressing an activation button (11 A, 11B) raises the corresponding float (14A, 14B) and the seal; when the water level (99 A, 99B) in the sub-tank (90A, 90B) has dropped below the level of the float (14A, 14B), the float (14A, 14B) drops, dropping the seal (15) back onto the outlet (not shown). A cover box (152) prevents emptying of a sub-tank (90A, 90B) unless the float (14 A, 14B) has been raised. In the embodiment shown, the cover box (152) has movable shutters (153 A, 153B) connected (black bars) to the connectors (151A, 151B) to allow complete emptying of each sub-tank (90 A, 90B).

[0148] Although the embodiments of a dual-handed toilet flushing mechanism disclosed herein comprise activation levers, any conventional means of allowing activation can be employed. Non-limiting examples of an activation mechanisms comprise a lever, a button, a plate, a switch, a knob, a hand gesture, a voice command or any combination thereof.

[0149] Although the embodiment of a latching protrusion and a matching latching depression are illustrated herein as a spherical cap, any conventional matching protrusion and depression, where the protrusion fits removably into the depression, can be used. Non-limiting examples of a protrusion comprise wedge-shaped, polyhedral, cylindrical, conic, or any combination thereof.

[0150] In some embodiments, the latching protrusion is retractable from the latching depression, for nonlimiting example, in the manner of a door latch. In an exemplary embodiment of a two-handed flush mechanism comprising a retractable latching protrusion, squeezing a movable part on the full-flush lever retracts the latching protrusion, thereby allowing the full-flush lever (or other fullflush activation mechanism) to activate the full flush.

[0151] A new toilet can comprise an embodiment of a two-handed toilet flushing mechanism.

[0152] A replacement toilet tank can comprise an embodiment of a two-handed toilet flushing mechanism.

[0153] An embodiment of a two-handed toilet flushing mechanism can be provided as a kit, to be used to replace the flushing mechanism in an existing, installed toilet tank. In another type of embodiment, the flushing mechanism is electro-mechanical, for non-limiting example., a motor or solenoid controlled valve.

[0154] In this type of embodiment, the electrical control system can be mechanically or electrically activated, as described above.

[0155] The toilet can additionally comprise at least one sensor configured to sense what is in the toilet bowl. The sensor(s) are in communication with a processor and the processor is configured to reversibly activate at least one water valve, which can be a conventional seal, as disclosed above. Upon activation of the flushing mechanism, the processor is configured to accept the sensor signal(s) and, from information determined from the sensor signal(s), to calculate how much water is needed to remove the matter from the toilet bowl. The processor then opens the valve(s), allowing the water from the tank to flow into the toilet bowl. When the calculated amount of water has flowed from the tank, the valve(s) are closed and the tank can refill. The valve(s) can remain open for a predetermined time or until a measured amount of water has flowed, the amount of water being calculated either from the height of the water in the tank or from a flowmeter.

[0156] In some variants of this embodiment, the valve remains open until, from the sensor signal(s), the processor can determine that no more matter remains in the bowl.

[0157] Figs. 17-22 schematically illustrate embodiments of a dual-flush mechanism comprising a vertically rotatable lever (1030). Figs. 17-20 show the vertically rotatable lever (1030) in place on a panel comprising the full flush plate (120) and the half-flush plate (110), with Figs. 18 and 19 being enlargements of the full-flush plate (120) and the vertically rotatable lever (1030). Fig. 19 shows the vertically rotatable lever (1030) in an "up" position, while Fig. 20 shows the vertically rotatable lever (1030) in a "down" position. Figs. 21 and 22 show the vertically rotatable lever (1030) only, where Fig. 21 shows an embodiment where the vertically rotatable lever (1030) is pushed up to free the full flush plate (120) and allow it to be depressed, while Fig. 22, which comprises a stopping mechanism (1035) that would rest behind the full-flush plate in the up position, shows an embodiment where the vertically rotatable lever (1030) is pushed down to free the full flush plate (120) and allow it to be depressed.

[0158] Figs. 23-25 schematically illustrate an embodiment of a dual-flush mechanism comprising a horizontally slidable lever (1130). Fig. 23 schematically illustrates the flush panel, with a halfflush plate (110), a full flush plate (120) and a horizontally slidable lever (1130). Fig. 24 schematically illustrates the horizontally slidable lever (1130) in a "left" position, while Fig. 25 schematically illustrates the horizontally slidable lever (1130) in a "right" position. In the embodiment shown, the right position allows depression of the full-flush plate (120) and the left position prevents depression of the full-flush plate (120); in other embodiments, the left position allows depression of the full-flush plate (120) while the right position prevents depression of the full-flush plate (120).

[0159] Figs. 26-29 schematically illustrate an embodiment of a dual-flush mechanism comprising a rotatable (1230) full-flush plate (120). Figs. 26-27 schematically illustrates the flush panel, with a half-flush plate (110) and a full flush plate (120) with a rotatable portion (1230). Fig. 26 schematically illustrates the rotatable portion (1230) in a "stop" orientation, with the rotatable portion (1230) having its long axis (horizontal short dashes) rotated 90° to the long axis (vertical long dashes) in the flush panel. Fig. 27 schematically illustrates the rotatable portion (1230) in a depressable orientation, with the rotatable portion (1230) having its long axis parallel to the long axis (vertical long dashes) in the flush panel. Fig. 28 schematically illustrates the rotatable portion (1230) with its upper part tilted outward and its inner part tiled inward to allow the rotatable portion (1230) to return to its stop position. Fig. 29 schematically illustrates the possible movements of the rotatable portion (1230), it can be pressed inward (Z direction, blue arrow), it can be tilted (movement between Y arrow and Z arrow) or it can rotate (yellow circle).

[0160] Fig. 30A-B schematically illustrates an embodiment of a dual-flush mechanism comprising a slidable button (1630) covering one of the plates, such as (as shown), but not limited to, the fullflush plate (120). Fig. 30A shows the front of the embodiment, while Fig. 30B shows the embodiment from the rear.

[0161] In some variants of the embodiment, the slidable button (1630) covers the full-flush plate, with the half-flush button (120) exposed and usable for a half-flush. For a full flush, the slidable button (1630) is slid along the groove (1635) to the left in Fig. 30 A, after which the full-flush button (not shown) is exposed and can be depressed, activating the full flush. The spring (1632) returns the slidable button (1630) to the right in Fig. 30A when the user releases the slidable button (1630).

[0162] In some variants of the embodiment, the slidable button (1630) comprises both the full-flush button and the half-flush button. With the slidable button (1630) on the right, as shown in Fig. 30A, when the slidable button (1630) is depressed, a half flush is activated. When the slidable button (1630) is slid along the groove (1635), to the left in Fig. 30A, and is then depressed, a full flush is activated. The spring (1632) returns the slidable button (1630) to the right in Fig. 30A when the user releases the slidable button (1630).

[0163] Fig. 31A-B schematically illustrates an embodiment of a dual-flush mechanism comprising a depressable button (1430) and two L-shaped hinges (1432) attached to the outer wall (115) of the flush plate. The full-flush button is not shown, but comprises a downward-facing bar (not shown) on its underside. In the "stop" position, when the depressable button (1430) is not depressed (Fig. 31A), the base of the L (1434) rests under the bar (not shown) and prevents depression of the fullflush plate (not shown). As shown in Fig. 31B, depressing the depressable button (1430) pushes the L-shaped hinges (1432) outward, freeing the base of the downward-facing bar (not shown) and allowing depression of the full-flush button (not shown).

[0164] Fig. 32A-B schematically illustrates an embodiment of a dual-flush mechanism comprising an L- shaped bar (1532) attached to the outer wall (115) of the flushing mechanism by a living hinge (1535). The L-shaped bar (1532) passes through a hole (dotted line) in the "stop" button (1530) and extends under the full-flush plate (120). As shown in Fig. 32A, when the stop button (1530) is not depressed, the L-shaped bar (1532) lies under the full-flush plate (120) and prevents the fullflush plate (120) from being depressed. As shown in Fig. 32B, when the stop button (1530) is depressed, the L-shaped bar (1532) is freed from the underside of the full-flush plate (120), allowing depression of the full-flush plate (120).

[0165] Fig. 33A-B schematically illustrates an embodiment of a dual-flush mechanism comprising a shutter (1330) that can cover the full-flush plate (120) but not the half-flush plate (110). As shown in Fig. 33A, when the "stop" button (1232) is not depressed, the shutter (1330) covers the fullflush plate (120), preventing depression of the full-flush plate (120) and activation of the full-flush activation mechanism (not shown). As shown in Fig. 33B, when the stop button (1232) is depressed, the shutter (1330) retract to one side of the full-flush plate (120), allowing access to and depression of the full-flush plate (120) and allowing activation of the full-flush activation mechanism (not shown).

[0166] Figs. 34-37 schematically illustrate examples of possible locations for a stop mechanism, which can be, as described hereinabove, a lever, a press-button, a slide switch or a flip switch, or any other conventional means of releasing or unblocking a lever, switch or push button so as to allow it to function. In Fig. 34, the exemplary stop mechanism is a depressible button; in Figs. 35-37, the exemplary stop mechanism is a rotatable lever. In all of Figs. 34-37, the half-flush button (110) can be freely depressed at all times.

[0167] As shown hereinabove, Figs. 2A-B and 3A-B disclose a stop mechanism for use with a dual-button flushing activation mechanism where the stop mechanism comprises a depressible button at the side of the dual-button flushing activation mechanism. It should be noted that the depressible button of Figs. 2A-B and 3A-B should be adjacent to the full-flush button but can otherwise be located anywhere on the circumference of the dual-button flushing activation mechanism.

[0168] Fig. 34 schematically illustrates a dual-button flushing activation mechanism (100) where the stop mechanism (129) is on the top of the dual-button flushing activation mechanism (100), in this exemplary embodiment, near the left edge of the full flush button (120). The stop mechanism (129) is preferably near an edge of the full flush button (120), although it can be located anywhere on the top of the full flush button (120).

[0169] Note that the stop mechanism can also be adjacent to the full-flush activation button (120) and either within the boundary of the half-flush activation button (110), as shown below, or between the full-flush activation button (120) and the half-flush activation button (110).

[0170] Fig. 35A schematically illustrates exemplary possible locations (119, 122, 124, 126, 128) for a stop mechanism in a wall-mounted flush plate (200) where the full-flush activation button (120) comprises a major segment of a circle, while the half-flush activation button (110) comprises a minor segment of the circle. The stop mechanism can be located within the boundary of the fullflush activation button (120), for example, at the bottom (126) of the full-flush activation button (120), on a side (124) of the full-flush activation button (120) or at the top (122) of the full-flush activation button (120), as shown, within the boundary of the half-flush button. The stop mechanism can be located in the flush plate frame (180), outside of the boundary of the full-flush activation button (120). The locations can be similar to those of the exemplary stop mechanism located within the boundary (122, 124, 126) of the full-flush activation button (120) as shown herein, for non-limiting example, at the bottom (128A) of the full-flush activation button (120) or at the side (128B) of the full-flush activation button (120). The stop mechanism can also be located (119) adjacent to the full-flush activation button and either within the boundary of the half-flush activation button or between the full-flush activation button (120) and the half-flush activation button (110).

[0171] As shown in Figs. 35 B-C, the above exemplary locations for a stop mechanism can also be used for a wall-mounted flush plate for differently-shaped half-flush and full-flush activation buttons that are adjacent. For non-limiting example, the half-flush and full-flush activation buttons can form smaller and larger portions of a polygon, for non-limiting example, be rectangular (Fig. 35B), or can form larger and smaller portions of a hexagon (Fig. 35C). In Figs. 35 B-C, exemplary locations are shown for a stop mechanism adjacent to (119) the full-flush activation button and either within the half-flush activation button or between the full-flush activation button (120) and the half-flush activation button (110).

[0172] Fig. 36 schematically illustrates possible locations (122, 124, 126, 128) for a stop mechanism in a wall-mounted flush plate with the full-flush activation button (120) comprising a larger depressible button and the half-flush activation button (110) comprising a smaller depressible button. In this exemplary flush plate, the depressible buttons (110, 120) are substantially rectangular; in other embodiments of flush plates with depressible buttons, the depressible buttons (110, 120) can comprise at least a portion of a circle, at least a portion of an ellipse, at least a portion of an oval, or a polygon, with a polygonal button having between 3 and 20 sides. For any pair of sides of the polygon, the lengths of the sides can be the same or different. The full-flush button and the halfflush button can be the same size or different sizes, and can be the same shape or have different shapes. Similarly, the full-flush button and the half-flush button can be the same color or different colors, and can have the same pattern or different patterns. A polygon can have rounded corners. The shape of the depressible buttons is not germane to the patent.

[0173] The stop mechanism can be located within the boundary of the full-flush activation button (120), for example, at the bottom (126) of the full-flush activation button (120), on the side (124) of the full-flush activation button (120) or at the top (122) of the full-flush activation button (120). The stop mechanism can be located on the flush plate frame (180), outside of the boundary of the fullflush activation button (120). It can be, as for the stop mechanism located within the boundary of the full-flush activation button (120), at the bottom (128A) of the full-flush activation button (120), at a side (128B) of the full-flush activation button (120) or at the top (128C) of the full-flush activation button (120). The stop mechanism can be outside the flush plate, on any side thereof.

[0174] The stop mechanism, can be, but is not limited to, a button, a lever, a slidable lever, a flip switch, a button rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the flush plate, a button rotatable about an axis parallel to the flush plate, a slidable cover plate, or any other conventional means of latching and unlatching a flushing activation means.

[0175] All of the stop mechanism locations as shown herein can also be applied to flush plates mounted on the top or side of a toilet tank.

[0176] Fig. 37 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wall-mounted flush plate where the stop mechanism (128A) is located on the flush plate frame (180), below the full-flush activation button (120).\

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A two-handed push-button activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush depressible button configured, when depressed, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush depressible button configured, when depressed, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising an auxiliary latching button having a pressable proximal end and an opposite distal end; wherein said depression of said full-flush depressible button is only possible at such times as said auxiliary latching button is depressed.

2. The two-handed push-button activation mechanism of claim 1, wherein said push-button activation mechanism is configured for use with said dual-flush toilet valve in a concealed cistern.

3. The two-handed push-button activation mechanism of claim 1 , wherein said auxiliary latching button comprises a hole near said distal end of said auxiliary latching button.

4. The two-handed push-button activation mechanism of claim 1, wherein said full-flush depressible button further comprises an extension protruding from the underside of said fullflush depressible button; said auxiliary latching button not being depressed, said distal end of said auxiliary latching button blocking said extension and preventing depression of said fullflush depressible button; said auxiliary latching button being depressed, said full-flush depressible button receivable in said hole, thereby allowing depression of said full-flush depressible button.

5. A method of using a two-handed push-button activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: providing a push-button activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume;a half-flush depressible button configured, when depressed, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush depressible button configured, when depressed, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising an auxiliary latching button having a pressable proximal end and an opposite distal end; mounting said push-button activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve; connecting said push-button activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve to a dual-flush toilet valve; either depressing said half-flush depressible button, thereby activating a half-flush valve in said dual-flush toilet valve or depressing said auxiliary latching button and, said auxiliary latching button being depressed, depressing said full-flush depressible button, thereby activating a full-flush valve in said dual-flush toilet valve.

6. The method of claim 5, additionally comprising a step of configuring said push-button activation mechanism for use with said dual-flush toilet valve in a concealed cistern.

7. The method of claim 5, additionally comprising a step of providing said auxiliary latching button comprising a hole near said distal end of said auxiliary latching button.

8. The method of claim 5, additionally comprising a step of said full-flush depressible button further comprising an extension protruding from the underside of said full-flush depressible button; said auxiliary latching button not being depressed, said distal end of said auxiliary latching button blocking said extension and preventing depression of said full-flush depressible button; said auxiliary latching button being depressed, said full-flush depressible button receivable in said hole, thereby allowing depression of said full-flush depressible button.

9. A two-handed handle-type activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush handle configured, when rotated, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush handle configured, when rotated, to induce activation of said flushing mechanismin said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising a full-flush stop lever having two configuration, a stopping configuration and a permitting configuration and reversibly transformable between said stopping configuration and said permitting configuration; the full-flush stop lever having a short arm and a long arm, the short arm flexibly linked to the distal end of the long arm, the long arm fixedly held at its proximal end; a gap existing between the free end of the short arm and the free end of the half-flush rotatable handle so that rotation of the half-flush rotatable handle is not impeded by the full-flush stop lever; in the stopping configuration, the short arm of the full-flush stop lever lies in the rotational path of the full-flush handle, preventing rotation of the full-flush handle; in the permitting configuration, the short arm of the full-flush stop lever is rotated away from the toilet tank so that the full-flush handle, when rotated, is not impeded by the fullflush stop lever.

10. A method of using a two-handed handle-type activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: providing a handle-type activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush handle configured, when rotated, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush handle configured, when rotated, to induce activation of said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising a full-flush stop lever having two configuration, a stopping configuration and a permitting configuration and reversibly transformable between said stopping configuration and said permitting configuration; the full-flush stop lever having a short arm and a long arm, the short arm flexibly linked to the distal end of the long arm, the long arm fixedly held at its proximal end; a gap existing between the free end of the short arm and the free end of the half-flush rotatable handle so that rotation of the half-flush rotatable handle is not impeded by thefull-flush stop lever; in the stopping configuration, the short arm of the full-flush stop lever lies in the rotational path of the full-flush handle, preventing rotation of the full-flush handle; in the permitting configuration, the short arm of the full-flush stop lever is rotated away from the toilet tank so that the full-flush handle, when rotated, is not impeded by the full-flush stop lever. mounting said handle-type activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve; connecting said handle-type activation mechanism for a dual-flush toilet valve to a dual-flush toilet valve; either rotating said half-flush handle, thereby activating a half-flush valve in said dual-flush toilet valve or pulling said full-flush stop lever away from said toilet tank and, said fullflush stop lever pulled away from said toilet tank, rotating said full-flush handle, thereby activating a full-flush valve in said dual-flush toilet valve..

11. A two-handed toilet flushing mechanism comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a latching mechanism in communication with said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism; wherein said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism are sufficiently far apart to prevent activation of both said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism with a single hand; further wherein said latching mechanism prevents activation of said full-flush activation mechanism in the absence of at least partial activation of said half-flush activation mechanism, so that a half flush is activatable with a single hand, and a full flush is activatable with two hands.

12. The two-handed toilet flushing mechanism of claim 11, wherein said flushing mechanismcomprises a half-flush float and a full-flush float.

13. The two-handed toilet flushing mechanism of claim 11, wherein said half-flush activation mechanism comprises a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, a squeezable portion or any combination thereof.

14. The two-handed toilet flushing mechanism of claim 11, wherein said full-flush activation mechanism comprises a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, or any combination thereof.

15. The two-handed toilet flushing mechanism of claim 11, wherein said latching mechanism comprises a latching protrusion and latching depression, said latching protrusion fitting removably into said latching depression.

16. The two-handed toilet flushing mechanism of claim 15, wherein said latching protrusion comprises a shape selected from a group consisting of a spherical cap, a wedge, a polyhedron, or any combination thereof.

17. The two-handed toilet flushing mechanism of claim 15, wherein said latching protrusion is retractable.

18. A method of flushing a toilet, comprising steps of: providing a toilet comprising a two-handed toilet flushing mechanism, said two-handed flushing mechanism comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism are sufficiently far apart to prevent activation of both said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism with a single hand; and a latching mechanism in communication with said half-flush activation mechanism andsaid full-flush activation mechanism; said latching mechanism preventing activation of said full-flush activation mechanism in the absence of at least partial activation of said half-flush activation mechanism; and activating said half-flush activation mechanism with a single hand, thereby generating a flush comprising a half-flush volume of liquid; or activating said half-flush activation mechanism with one hand and said full-flush activation mechanism with another hand, thereby generating a flush comprising a full-flush volume of liquid.

19. The method of claim 18, additionally comprising a step of providing said flushing mechanism comprising a half-flush float and a full-flush float.

20. The method of claim 18, additionally comprising a step of selecting said half-flush activation mechanism comprising a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, a squeezable portion or any combination thereof.

21. The method of claim 18, additionally comprising a step of selecting said full-flush activation mechanism comprising a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, or any combination thereof.

22. The method of claim 18, additionally comprising a step of selecting said latching mechanism comprising a latching protrusion and latching depression, said latching protrusion fitting removably into said latching depression.

23. The method of claim 22, additionally comprising a step of selecting said latching protrusion comprising a shape selected from a group consisting of a spherical cap, a wedge, a polyhedron, or any combination thereof.

24. The method of claim 22, additionally comprising a step of providing said latching protrusion being retractable.

25. A kit for fitting a two-handed toilet flushing mechanism to an existing toilet, comprising: a flushing mechanism configured to allow release of at least two predetermined volumes of liquid, a half-flush volume and a full-flush volume; a half-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in saidconfiguration releasing said half-flush volume of liquid; a full-flush activation mechanism, configured to activate said flushing mechanism in said configuration releasing said full-flush volume of liquid; and a latching mechanism in communication with said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism; wherein said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism are sufficiently far apart to prevent activation of both said half-flush activation mechanism and said full-flush activation mechanism with a single hand; further wherein said latching mechanism prevents activation of said full-flush activation mechanism in the absence of at least partial activation of said half-flush activation mechanism, so that a half flush is activatable with a single hand, and a full flush is activatable with two hands.

26. The kit of claim 25, wherein said flushing mechanism comprises a half-flush float and a fullflush float.

27. The kit of claim 25, wherein said half-flush activation mechanism comprises a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, a squeezable portion or any combination thereof.

28. The kit of claim 25, wherein said full-flush activation mechanism comprises a member of a group consisting of a lever, a button, a knob, or any combination thereof.

29. The kit of claim 25, wherein said latching mechanism comprises a latching protrusion and latching depression, said latching protrusion fitting removably into said latching depression.

30. The kit of claim 29, wherein said latching protrusion comprises a shape selected from a group consisting of a spherical cap, a wedge, a polyhedron, or any combination thereof.

31. The kit of claim 29, wherein said latching protrusion is retractable.

32. A two-handed flush plate mechanism comprising: a full-flush activation plate, configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a full-flush volume of liquid; a half-flush activation plate configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a half-flush volume of liquid; anda stop mechanism comprising a rotatable lever having at least two configurations, in a first configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is prevented and in a second configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is possible.

33. A two-handed flush plate mechanism comprising: a full-flush activation plate, configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a full-flush volume of liquid; a half-flush activation plate configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a half-flush volume of liquid; and a stop mechanism comprising a slidable switch having at least two configurations, in a first configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is prevented and in a second configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is possible.

34. A two-handed flush plate mechanism comprising: a full-flush activation plate, configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a full-flush volume of liquid, said full-flush activation plate being rotatable about a central axis, said full-flush activation plate having at least two configurations, a first configuration having a longitudinal axis of the full-flush activation plate perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a full-flush hole in the two-handed flush plate mechanism so that depression of said full-flush activation plate is prevented and a second configuration having a longitudinal axis of the full-flush activation plate parallel to a longitudinal axis of a fullflush hole in the two-handed flush plate mechanism so that depression of said full-flush activation plate is possible; and a half-flush activation plate configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a half-flush volume of liquid.

35. A two-handed flush plate mechanism comprising: a full-flush activation plate, configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a full-flush volume of liquid; a half-flush activation plate configured to activate a flushing mechanism in a configuration releasing a half-flush volume of liquid; and a slidable button configured to cover a portion of said full-flush plate, said slidable button having at least two configurations, in a first configuration, depression of said full-flush activation plate is prevented and in a second configuration, depression of said full-flushactivation plate is possible.

36. The method of any one of claims 5, 10 or 18, additionally comprising a step of locating said stop mechanism within the boundary of said full-flush activation mechanism.

37. The method of any one of claims 5, 10 and 18, additionally comprising a step of locating said stop mechanism in a frame of said two-handed toilet flushing mechanism.

38. The two-handed flush plate mechanism of any one of claims 1, 9 or 32, wherein said stop mechanism is located within the boundary of said full-flush activation mechanism.

39. The two-handed flush plate mechanism of any one of claims 1, 9 or 32, wherein said stop mechanism is located in a frame of said two-handed toilet flushing mechanism.

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