USOO8584268B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,584.268 B2

Han (45) Date of Patent: Nov. 19, 2013
(54) DUAL FLUSH TOILET DEVICES 4,225,985. A 10/1980 Joshi et al.
4.293,964 A 10, 1981 Riedel
4,356,576 A 11/1982 Gala
(76) Inventor: James T. Han, Rockville, MD (US) 4,433,445 A 2f1984 Morris et al.
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this : A '3. RMy
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 4,829,605 A 5/1989 Agostino
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. 4,837,867 A 6/1989 Miller
4,864,665 A 9, 1989 Toltzman
4,878.256 A 1 1/1989 Bagwell
(21) Appl. No.: 13/562,308 4.881,279 A 1 1/1989 Harney
4.941,214. A 7/1990 Harris ............................... 4.325
(22) Filed: Jul. 30, 2012 5,023,960 A 6/1991 Ratanagsu
5,117,513 A 6/1992 Burrowes
(65) Prior Publication Data 5,206,960 A 5/1993 Hooshley et al.
5,301,373 A 4, 1994 Hull et al.
US 2013/O232678A1 Sep. 12, 2013 5,319,809 A 6/1994 Testa
5,400.445 A 3, 1995 Hull
Related U.S. Application Data 5,511,253 A 4, 1996 Zamudio-Castillo et al.
5,555,573 A 9, 1996 Jensen
(60) Provisional application No. 61/634,974, filed on Mar. 5,673,440 A * 10/1997 Carmona .......................... 4.325
9, 2012. (Continued)
(51) Int. Cl. Primary Examiner — Gregory L. Huson
Et3D 5/00 (2006.01) Assistant Examiner — Janie Christiansen
(52) U.S. Cl.
USPC ............................ 4/405:4/324; 4/415:4/412 (7) ABSTRACT
(58) Field of Classification Search A dual flush device is disclosed to provide a full flush for
USPC ...................................... 4/405, 415,324, 325 removing Solid waste and a water-saving partial flush for
See application file for complete search history. removing liquid or light Solid waste in a toilet. It includes a
first flush handle attached to a shaft to raise a lever to open a
(56) References Cited flapper valve, and a second flush handle that overlaps the first
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
handle and opens the flapper valve through the first handle. A
float assembly is disclosed to be used either with the dual
2,744,261 A 5, 1956 Gram flush device or with the original single flush lever assembly to
3.487,476 A 1/1970 Stiernet al. prematurely close an opened flapper valve and reduce water
3,795,016 A 3, 1974 Eastman consumption. Using the original flapper valve in a conven
3,894,299 A 7/1975 Cleary tional toilet tank, a dual flush function is achieved by any of
3,988,786 A 11, 1976 Lehfeldt the three implementation choices: (1) the dual flush device
4,014,050 A 3/1977 Goldsworthy alone; (2) the dual flush device and a float assembly; and (3)
4,096,591 A 6, 1978 Awis
4,110,850 A 9, 1978 Tedei a float assembly alone.
4,135,263. A 1/1979 Anderson
4,145,774 A 3, 1979 Sullivan 12 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
 US 8,584.268 B2
Page 2

(56) References Cited 6,898,808 B25/2005 Molho et al.

7,200,877 B24, 2007 Peng
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 7,526,819 B25/2009 Beaupre
7,591,027 B29, 2009 Scruggs
5,887,292 A 3, 1999 Goren 2003/O150053 A1* 8, 2003 Rische et al. ..................... 4,405
5,903.931 A 5, 1999 Kolb, Sr. 2004, OO64879 A1 4, 2004 Hand
11, 2001 Brewer 2005/0044614 A1 3, 2005 McKee
6,317,899 B1 2006, OO15993 A1 1, 2006 Hennessy
6,704,945 B2 3, 2004 Bellmore
6,775,859 B1 8, 2004 Gorginians 2008/0295238 A1 12, 2008 Hawley et al.
2009, OO19627 A1 1/2009 Le et al.
6,785,913 B2 9, 2004 Ho 2011/0041242 A1 2, 2011 Courtney et al.
6,823,534 B2 11, 2004 Li
6,829,787 B1 12, 2004 Pipenburg * cited by examiner
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1. 2
DUAL FLUSH TOLET DEVICES Type 2 of the prior art generally uses the original flapper
valve in the toilet tank and replaces the flush lever assembly
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED with a dual flush handle and lever assembly and a float assem
APPLICATIONS bly with engaging mechanism. A full flush is activated by
depressing the full flush handle once as in a conventional
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Pro single flush toilet. Similarly, a partial flush is activated by
visional Patent Application No. 61/634,974, filed Mar. 9, depressing the partial flush handle for which the amount of
2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its the water allowed to drain into the bowl is controlled by the
entirety. float assembly. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,400.445 dis
10 closes a dual flush handle and lever assembly that includes a
FIELD OF THE INVENTION full flush handle attached to one of the two concentric shafts,
a partial flush handle attached to other concentric shaft, a
The present invention relates generally to toilets and toilet housing to enclose both shafts, two levers fixed to the two
flushing devices, mechanisms and systems. More specifi flush handles respectively at one end and connected at the
cally, the present invention relates to dual flush toilet devices.
15 other end to the flapper valve by a chain or the like, stop
members to limit rotation and rising of both flush levers, and
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a hand-turning nut to fix the shaft housing to the square
opening on an upper tank wall.
1. Description of the Prior Art The dual flush handle and lever assembly is in use with a
float assembly with engaging mechanism described in U.S.
Water conservation is essential in addressing water short Pat. No. 5,301,373, which is slidably mounted on the over
age caused by climate change and population increase in flow tube in a toilet tank. The float assembly with engaging
many parts of the world. Since water consumption in toilet mechanism includes a cam, a vertical round shaft, a disk cam
flushing is an important contributor to the household water follower, a disk-shaped float, and a float stopper on the shaft.
usage, manufacturers have been making better toilets using 25 The cam is pivotally mounted at the upper end of the vertical
less water in a full flush than those made a few decades earlier. shaft, and it is connected to the full flush lever and partial flush
Meanwhile, about four out of five toilet flushes remove lever respectively by a separate chain at a different location on
mainly liquid waste (such as urine and a small amount of the cam. The lower end of the vertical shaft is linked by a
toilet paper) from the bowl into the discharge pipe below, and chain or the like to the top of a non-buoyant flapper valve. If
they do not need a full tank of the flushable water, which is 30 the original flapper valve in a toilet tank is a buoyant one, Such
defined herein as the water volume between the normal water as the one with an air chamber under the disk-shaped valve
level in the toilet tank (when the tank has been refilled) and the lid, it needs to be replaced with a non-buoyant flapper valve
flush valve seat opening (located slightly above the tank bot shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,373.
tom) and is designed to remove a full load of solid waste (such To activate a partial flush, depress the partial flush handle to
as feces). To reduce the water consumption, the prior art has 35 lift the partial flush lever and rotate the cam counterclockwise
revealed a number of dual flush toilet mechanisms to provide by a smaller angle and lower the float at a shorter distance
a user with two choices—a conventional full flush to remove (than in a full flush operation) below the neutral position
Solid waste and a partial flush to remove liquid waste using before flushing; as the water level drops to uncover the float,
less water than in a full flush. A large number of prior art the float will follow the decreasing water level and allow the
patents related to the dual flush toilet mechanisms have been 40 non-buoyant flapper valve to reseat and stop water flow into
published. For example, over 140 U.S. patents are referenced the toilet bowl. To activate a full flush, depress the full flush
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,027. The prior art inventions can be handle to lift the full flush lever and rotate the cam counter
generally divided into seven types based on overall charac clockwise by about 90 degrees, while simultaneously pushing
teristics. the float to a lower level (than in a partial flush operation); the
Type 1 of the prior art provides two flush valves at different 45 flapper valve will therefore remain open longer to allow more
heights in a toilet tank, including a lower flush valve installed water to drain into the bowl below. Note that after the comple
near the bottom opening of the tank and an upper flush valve tion of a full flush, the cam remains in the near vertical
installed at a certain height above the tank bottom. An position, and it doesn’t return to its initial near horizontal
example is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,795.016. Each flush position. Consequently, this can be a serious problem when
valve is connected with a metal chain to a separate flush lever. 50 trying to activate a partial flush after a full flush actuation,
A handle for full flush is connected to one of the two concen because depressing the partial flush handle may not be able to
tric shafts that at its other end is fixed to the full flush lever. jerk the cam back to its initial position to perform a successful
Similarly, a handle for partial flush is connected to the other partial flush. To install the dual flush trip lever assembly and
concentric shaft that at its other end is fixed to the partial flush float assembly along with the engaging mechanism, the origi
lever. To activate a full flush, depress the full flush handle to 55 nal flush lever assembly and the buoyant flapper valve in a
raise the full flush lever and open the lower flush valve to conventional toilet have to be replaced with those described in
empty the tank water above the lower flush valve seat, as in a U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,400,445 and 5,301,373.
conventional single flush toilet. To activate a partial flush, As another example of the Type 2 prior art, U.S. Pat. No.
depress the partial flush handle to raise the partial flush lever 4,624,018 discloses a different design of a rather complicated
and open the upper flush valve to empty tank water above the 60 float assembly with engaging mechanism for a dual flushing
upper flush valve seat. Type 1 of the prior art mechanisms is apparatus that has a full flush handle and apartial flush handle
in general much bulkier than the original flush valve assembly connected separately to two concentric shafts respectively.
in a conventional single flush toilet tank. Furthermore, it When the partial flush handle is depressed, it rotates the
would be difficult to install the Type 1 mechanism because the connected shaft until stopped by a stop member to limit the
toilet tank needs to be removed to replace the original flush 65 lifting distance of the flush lever so that the opening of the
valve and overflow tube assembly. In addition, the original flapper valve is below a threshold position beyond which the
flush lever assembly also needs to be replaced. flapper valve will flip open to a fully-opened position (due to
 US 8,584,268 B2
3 4
buoyancy and hydrodynamic force exerted to the valve) as in flapper valve is used to replace the original flapper valve in a
a full flush. The engaging or latching mechanism Subse conventional single flush toilet. A flush is activated by con
quently keeps the lever in the raised position until the decreas tinuingly depressing the flush handle until the toilet bowl is
ing water level uncovers the float assembly to allow the lever cleared of the waste. Since it takes less water to remove the
to drop to its initial position and the flapper valve to reseat. 5 liquid waste than the solid waste from the bowl, the user will
However, the design is rather complicated with many moving release the handle earlier and therefore only a fraction of tank
parts to make the apparatus not only expensive to manufac water is used in flushing out the liquid waste. Type 5 of the
ture but also much less reliable and durable to operate. In prior art mechanisms is easy to install by replacing only the
Summary, Type 2 of the prior art generally uses complex original flapper valve in a conventional single flush toilet. But
designs such as two concentric shafts and two separate levers 10 it is rather inconvenient to hold down the flush handle and
as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,400.445 (in contrast to a single shaft and manually control the flush duration.
lever design of this invention discussed hereafter). More criti Type 6 of the prior art uses a mechanical or electric timer
cally, the disclosed float assemblies with engaging mecha with a drive shaft to control the time duration for a flush valve
nism may not work properly, and the manufacturing cost is to stay open in a partial flush or in a full flush. For example,
relatively high. However, the installation is not difficult, 15 U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,050 describes a timer-controlled, dual
because there is no need to remove the toilet tank during flush toilet apparatus that is designed for a vertically sliding
installation. bulb valve instead of the pivotally-mounted flapper valve. To
Type 3 of the prior art provides a dual flush handle and lever activate a partial flush, depress a partial flush handle to lift the
assembly to replace the original flush lever assembly in a flush valve and rotate the drive shaft of the timer for approxi
conventional single flush toilet, while using the original flush mately 22.5 degrees; after the partial handle is released, a
valve and overflow tube assembly. For example, U.S. Pat. No. timer-driven linkage will push downward and reseat the bulb
3.988,786 reveals a dual flush mechanism, including a full valve in about 2.5 seconds. Similarly, a full flush is activated
flush handle attached to a hollow shaft that is connected at the by depressing the full flush handle to lift the flush valve to a
other end to a flush lever, a partial flush handle attached to a higher elevation and rotate the timer drive shaft for approxi
smaller concentric shaft that is inserted inside the hollow 25 mately 45 degrees; after releasing the full flush handle, the
shaft and is bent at the other end to form a crank located under timer-driven linkage will reseat the bulb valve in about 5
the same flush lever, and stopping members to limit the rota seconds. To install the apparatus, the original flush lever
tion of the flush lever and the crank. To activate a partial flush, assembly of a toilet tank needs to be replaced with the timer
depress and hold down the partial flush handle to partially controlled drive shaft, and the original pivotally-mounted
open the flush valve below the point of buoyancy and manu 30 flapper valve needs to be replaced with a vertically-sliding
ally control the duration of valve opening. Releasing the bulb valve. More critically, Type 6 of the prior art requires the
partial flush handle will allow the flush valve to reseat and use of a timer that is relatively expensive and introduces an
terminate water flow while using less water than in a full unattractive appearance outside the toilet tank. However,
flush. Depressing the full flush handle once will activate a full installation is not difficult.
flush as in a conventional single flush toilet. Type 3 of the 35 Type 7 of the prior art discloses a dual flush mechanism
prior art is easy to install by replacing only the original flush activated by two spring-loaded push buttons that are verti
lever assembly. However, it would take a while for the user to cally mounted on the top lid of a toilet tank to operate a full
get used to actuating a partial flush by holding down the flush and a partial flush respectively. Pushing either button
partial flush handle until the waste is flushed out of the toilet will lift and open a vertically sliding, disk-type flush valve
bowl. 40 away from its valve seat in a cylindrical structure that also
Type 4 of the prior art uses partition walls to divide water in contains a float assembly. An example is given in U.S. Pat.
a toilet tank into two compartments for which the access to the No. 6,785.913, in which the float assembly is concentrically
tank draining discharge pipe is controlled by valves that are attached to the stem of the flush valve and is shaped like an
opened by a dual flush handle and lever assembly. A partial inverted cup trapping air inside. Each push button is con
flush is activated by depressing the partial flush handle to lift 45 nected to a separate vertical rod that touches one end of a
and open the flush valve of a designated compartment to drain nearly horizontal lever below, and the lever is hinged at the
its water into the bowl below. A full flush is activated by middle with the other end linked to the valve stem. Push either
depressing the full flush handle to open the flush valves of button will thus depress the lever and lift the disk-type flush
both compartments to drain the tank water into the bowl. For valve away from the valve seat to start flushing by draining
example, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,476. Type 4 of the prior art 50 tank water into the toilet bowl below. A key feature is that
would have limited applications, because the partition walls pushing the full flush button will lift the flush valve and the
for the compartments have to be custom-made to fit inside float assembly to a level where the float assembly is buoyant,
toilet tanks of various inside dimensions, which are manufac while pushing the partial flush button will lift the flush valve
turer-dependent and also model-dependent for the same to a lower level where the float assembly is not buoyant. As a
manufacturer. Furthermore, installation of the Type 4 device 55 full flush button is depressed and then released in a full flush
requires the removal of the original flush valve and overflow activation, it will take a longer time (than in a partial flush
tube assembly, and professional plumbing skill would likely activation) for the flush valve to move downward with the
be needed. decreasing water level until it reseats to stop water flowing
Type 5 of the prior art uses a non-buoyant flapper valve that into the toilet bowl. To activate a partial flush, depress and
has no air chamber and is enhanced with a weight so that it 60 release the partial flush button to lift the flush valve to a lower
will quickly sink to the valve seat and shut off water flow into level (than in a full flush operation) where the float assembly
the toilet bowl, when the depressed flush handle is released by is not buoyant, and it therefore takes less time for the flush
the user. There is no threshold of valve opening beyond which valve to move downward and reseat than in a full flush opera
the weighted non-buoyant valve would uncontrollably flip to tion. Consequently, less water is consumed in a partial flush
a widely open position. The water consumption of a flush is 65 than in a full flush.
manually controlled by the duration of holding down the flush Type 7 of the prior art is easy to operate as long as it is top
handle. In U.S. Pat. No. 4.293.964, a weighted non-buoyant mounted on the lid of a toilet tank. Since most of the existing
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5 6
toilets have the built-in hole on either the front wall or a side SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
wall of the tank, the prior art mechanism described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,785,913 is not applicable and cannot be used to The present invention is a dual flush device and a float
retrofit these toilets, not to mention that its installation would assembly for use in a toilet tank. The dual flush device is one
be difficult and involved with the replacement of the original 5 of the several embodiments of the invention. It is mountable
flush valve and overflow tube assembly and the flush lever through a built-in hole in a toilet tank wall. As a non-limiting
assembly. Although modifications may be made to allow the example, it comprises a first flush handle with a thinner exten
two spring-loaded push buttons to be horizontally mounted sion formed by a cutout at the top, a shaft fastened to the knob
on either the front wall or the side wall of a toilet tank and an of the first flush handle (preferably built as a unit), a stop
adapter may be added to mate with the original flapper valve 10 member limiting the rotation of the first flush handle and the
seat, it would be rather inconvenient for a user to operate the shaft, a second flush handle assembly partially enclosed in a
modified dual flush mechanism by depressing a horizontally housing that also serves as a stop member limiting rotation of
mounted, spring-loaded pushbutton from most likely a stand the second flush handle, a shaft housing that has a square head
ing position. A variation of Type 7 mechanisms uses a con followed by a threaded section and is hollow in the center to
ventional flush handle instead of two pushbuttons; a full flush 15 allow insertion and free rotation of the shaft, a hand-tighten
is activated by depressing the handle, while a partial flush is ing nut mounted over the threaded section of the shaft housing
activated by pulling the handle upward and rotating it in other (to attach it to the toilet tank wall during installation), and a
direction. But it is inconvenient for the user to pull the handle flush lever fixed to the end of the shaft. The further end of the
upward to activate the partial flush. In addition, there are two lever has several holes, and it is connected by a chain to the
constraints in retrofitting a conventional single flush toilet original flapper flush valve in the toilet tank. Several members
with a Type 7 mechanism. First, the inside height of the toilet are preferably integrally built as a single unit that includes the
tank must be large enough to accommodate the height of the first flush handle stop member, the housing for the second
Type 7 mechanism and the existing overflow tube has to be flush handle assembly, and the shaft housing. The entire
tall enough to permit a sufficient water level in the toilet tank device is vertically supported by the tank wall and axially
for partial flush to work properly. Second, finding replace 25 restrained from movement by the nut fastened to the tank
ment parts to repaira malfunctioned Type 7 mechanism could wall.
be a problem, unless the user is willing to replace the entire The second flush handle assembly is preferably built as a
mechanism at a high cost. In contrast, replacement parts for single unit, which comprises a second flush handle with a
the conventional single flush toilets are readily available, and thinner transverse end section formed by a cutout at the bot
it is rather inexpensive and easy to replace a leaking flapper 30 tom to overlap over the thinner extension of the first flush
valve or a flush lever assembly. handle, a hub extension connecting the other end of the sec
In conclusion, many prior art devices are expensive to ond flush handle to a hub, and the hub with a circular hole in
manufacture (for example, using two concentric shafts and the center somewhat larger than the shaft to allow free rota
two flush levers, and/or complex floats with engaging mecha tion of the shaft after its insertion. The housing of the second
nism), difficult to install (removing the toilet tank to replace 35 flush handle assembly comprises a stop member, approxi
the flush valve and overflow tube assembly), expensive to mately resembling a letter “C” with a wide opening on one
repair a leaking flush valve, unreliable to operate (due to side to allow lateral insertion of the hub of the handle assem
complex designs with too many moving parts), or inconve bly, and two end members to form an enclosure. Both end
nient to operate (pushing a spring-loaded push button members have a circular hole in the center somewhat larger
installed on the toilet front or side wall, or manually control 40 than the shaft to allow free rotation of the inserted shaft.
ling the duration of a flush by holding down a flush handle Before the shaft is install, the second handle assembly is
until completion). These deficiencies may have contributed to laterally inserted into the housing so that the central hole of its
the fact that the overwhelming majority of the U.S. house hub aligns with the central holes of the housing end members.
holds still use the conventional single flush toilets, without the The second flush handle assembly is supported by the
benefit of a partial flush option to reduce the unnecessary 45 inserted shaft and by the overlapped portion of the first flush
water and energy consumption. handle. Since the shaft is smaller than the circular holes of the
2. Advantages of the Present Invention second flush handle hub and housing, the inserted shaft is
The present invention provides an innovative dual flush allowed to rotate freely when the first flush handle is
device that uses a single shaft and a single lever to work with depressed by the user to activate a flush. When the second
the original flapper flush valve. The present invention also 50 flush handle is depressed by the user, it depresses the first
provides an innovative float assembly that can operate either flush handle (via the overlapped end section) to rotate the
with the innovative dual flush device or with the original shaft, lift the flush lever, and open the flapper valve. Rotation
single flush lever assembly in a conventional toilet. Com of the second flush handle is limited by the upper surface (for
pared to the prior art mechanisms (Types 2 and 3 in particu upward rotation) and lower surface (for downward rotation)
lar), the innovative device and float assembly are simpler in 55 of the opening of the C-shaped stop member.
design and inherently reliable to operate, less expensive to An adjustable screw is installed through a threaded hole on
make, and among the easiest to install. The invention provides the hub extension of the second flush handle assembly. The
three choices to the user to achieve a full flush and a partial length of the screw projected below the hub extension further
flush in a toilet while using the original flapper flush valve: (1) restricts downward rotation of the second flush handle and is
installing only the dual flush device; (2) installing the dual 60 adjustable to accommodate any potential variations in the
flush device and a float assembly; or (3) installing only a float toilets made by different manufacturers or among different
assembly (while using the original single flush lever assem models made by a manufacturer. The downward rotation of
bly). The only hardware that needs to be replaced in a con the second flush handle is stopped when the tip of the screw
ventional single flush toilet is the flush lever assembly for the (or the lower surface of the second flush handle assembly if
first two choices and none for the third choice. Installation of 65 there is no screw) contacts the lower surface of the C-shaped
any of the three choices can be readily made by homeowners stop member to ensure that the opening of the flapper valve is
without hiring a professional plumber. below the threshold, beyond which the flapper valve will flip
 US 8,584,268 B2
7 8
to a widely open position due to valve buoyancy and hydro flush first. In another embodiment, a float assembly with an
dynamic force of the flowing water. When the dual flush adjustable vertical length is disclosed, and it has a lower head
device of the present invention is used in a stand-alone mode that can be vertically lowered or raised along a screw or
without the installation of the float assembly, a full flush is threaded rod in the float. Within a limit, increasing the vertical
activated by depressing the first flush handle, and a partial length of the adjustable float will generally consume less
flush is activated by holding down the second flush handle water in a partial flush by closing the flapper valve earlier,
until flushing completion. After the second flush handle is while decreasing the vertical float length will generally con
released, the flush lever falls back to its normal pre-flush Sume more water in a partial flush. There are two advantages
position and the flapper valve drops on top of the valve seat in using an adjustable float: (1) it enables the user to select the
and terminates water flow to the toilet bowl below. 10
In another embodiment of the invention, a float assembly is optimum amount of water in a partial flush to clean the toilet;
disclosed and it is installed on the overflow tube. When acti and (2) it can accommodate Some differences in various toi
vated, it will prematurely close the flapper valve. Note that lets and has more applications.
when the float assembly is installed with the aforementioned The invention has three objects: (1) provide several
dual flush device, the screw on the second flush handle assem 15 embodiments to reduce water usage that can be used to easily
bly is either removed or raised to have no projection below the and inexpensively retrofit the conventional single flush toi
hub extension to increase the downward rotation of the sec lets; (2) create three implementation choices for the user; and
ond flush handle to allow the flapper valve to flip to a widely (3) make external operation and appearance of the embodi
open position (as in a convention full flushing toilet). A sim ments similar to what is in the conventional single flush
pler flush handle assembly is disclosed in another toilets. The objects and advantages of the present invention
embodiment of the invention that has no screw northemating will become apparent from the detailed description of the
threaded hole, and it can also be used with the float assembly. invention and the accompanying drawings. And, they do not
The float assembly includes a vertically sliding float, a necessarily represent the full scope of the invention, which
mounting structure that has a hollow double-wall shell to may be employed in other embodiments and covered in the
mate with the upper wall of the toilet overflow tube and 25 claims of the invention.
anchors a vertical bar to be inserted into the float as a guide
along with the float rising or falling according to the water BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
level in the toilet tank, and an asymmetric, approximately flat
disk with one side heavier than the other side. The disk hangs FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a toilet tank showing a
on a pivot located near the top of the mounting structure and 30 dual flush device of the present invention, in an activated
it has a projection on the lighter side to engage a cutout on the position that lifts to open a pivotally-mounted flapper flush
bottom of the float (to prevent it from descending with the valve;
decreasing water level). The pivotally mounted disk has an FIG. 2 is a top view of the dual flush device, in the neutral
eyelet on top of the heavier side (opposite to the projection) position (with the length of a flush lever shortened for illus
that is loosely connected to the flush lever with a slack in a 35 tration);
chain. Depressing the first flush handle will overcome the FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the dual flush device of
slack in the chain and rotate the projection of the disk away FIG. 2:
from the float, while depressing the second flush handle will FIG. 4 is a perspective, exploded view of the dual flush
not overcome the slack in the chain so that the float will be device of the present invention;
kept in place by the disk. 40 FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first flush handle with a
When both the dual flush device and float assembly of the round shaft and a stop member (for limiting first flush handle
present invention are installed in a toilet, a full flush is acti and shaft rotation);
vated by depressing the second flush handle (without holding FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the first flush handle of FIG.
down the handle) to widely open the flapper valve while the 5:
disk keeps the float in place as the tank water level decreases. 45 FIG. 7 is an additional perspective view of the stop member
A partial flush is activated by depressing the first flush handle of FIG.5;
(without holding down the handle) to widely open the flapper FIG. 8 is a top view of the stop member of FIG. 7:
valve and rotate the disk to disengage the float; when the float FIG.9 is a perspective, exploded view of an embodiment of
is partially uncovered by the decreasing water level, it falls a second flush handle assembly and its housing:
with the decreasing water level and prematurely closes the 50 FIG.10 is an enlarged, perspective view of the embodiment
flapper valve to terminate water flow into the toilet bowl. As of the second flush handle assembly of FIG. 9;
a result, a partial flush uses only a fraction of the water of a FIG. 11 is an enlarged, perspective view of another
conventional full flush. Note that the role of the first flush embodiment of the second flush handle assembly:
handle and second flush handle is reversed when the float FIG. 12 is an enlarged, perspective view of a further
assembly is in use with the dual flush device. 55 embodiment of the second flush handle assembly:
In another embodiment of the invention, a float assembly is FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the dual flush device of the
disclosed in which the aforementioned disk and the chain present invention as an assembled unit;
linked to the flush lever are removed to allow free movement FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a
of the float. The float assembly is mounted on the overflow float assembly of the present invention;
tube in a toilet tank to work with the original single flush lever 60 FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the mounting structure of
assembly and flapper valve. There is no replacement of any the float assembly of FIG. 14;
hardware in a toilet. Depress the flush handle (without hold FIG.16 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting structure
ing the handle) to activate a water-saving partial flush. If some taken along line A-A in FIG. 15:
waste still remains in the toilet bowl after a partial flush, the FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
user can hold down the flush handle until the bowl is com 65 vertical bar (for guiding float movement) of FIG. 14;
pletely clean. Alternatively, the user can hold down the flush FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the float
handle to activate a full flush without going through a partial of FIGS. 14 and 21;
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10
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the 23, 24, 17, 27, and 28 are built as a single unit identified as
lower support structure for the vertical bar of FIGS. 14 and integral shaft housing unit, and they are shown in FIG. 4 as
17; individual pieces merely for illustration. Hub 39 of second
FIG.20 is a front elevation view of a toilet tank showing the flush handle assembly 25 is inserted inside C-shaped stop
dual flush device and an embodiment of the float assembly member 17 before being inserted with shaft 21. Several com
(with an opened flapper valve and the float in a deactivated ponents shown in FIG. 4 have a smooth circular opening of
position); preferably the same diameter that is slightly larger than shaft
FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the float assembly of 21 to allow insertion and free rotation of shaft 21: they include
FIG. 14 with the pivotally-mounted flat disk removed to allow stop member 23 with a hole 45, end members 24 with a hole
free movement of the float; 10 40 in the center, second flush handle assembly 25 with a hole
FIG.22 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of 30, end member 27 with a hole 69, and shaft housing 28 with
the float assembly, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 21 but a hole 44. Stop member 17 has a larger opening 68 to accom
that the vertical length of the float is adjustable; and modate hub 39 of second flush handle assembly 25. For
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the float of FIG. 22. installation, hub 39 of second flush handle assembly 25 is
15 inserted inside stop member 17 of the integral shaft housing
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED unit, before shaft 21 is inserted and lever 5 is attached to shaft
EMBODIMENTS 21 with end screw 22. The assembled device is then inserted
through the hole on the toilet tank wall, and nut 19 is then
The present invention provides a dual flush device 1 and a mounted around the further end of lever 5 and tightened over
float assembly 73 or 76 for use in a toilet tank 16. threaded body 20 against the tank wall.
In FIG. 1, an embodiment of dual flush device 1 of the The embodiment of dual flush device 1 shown in FIGS. 1-4
present invention has been installed in a toilet tank 16 through has a straight flush lever 5 that is suitable for installing on the
a built-in hole 29 on the front wall of tank 16 behind a flush front wall of a toilet tank 16. However, it can be easily modi
handle knob 4. It replaces the original flush lever assembly to fied for installing on a side wall of toilet tank 16 by merely
retrofit a conventional single flush toilet to a dual flush toilet. 25 replacing straight lever 5 with a bent one to fit nicely inside
The dual flush device 1 is shown in an activated position when tank 16 to lift flapper valve 10. As shown in FIG.4, nut 19 has
a first flush handle 2 is depressed to lift flush lever 5 and open an internally threaded opening 70 to mate with external thread
a flapper flush valve 10. Inside toilet tank 16, there are flapper 20 of shaft housing 28. In FIGS. 4-8, stop member 23 is a
valve 10, which is connected at an eyelet 12 by a chain 8 to short hollow cylinder with two identical cutouts 36 that are
flush lever 5 of dual flush device 1 and is pivotally mounted on 30 circumferentially 180-degree apart, and they engage spokes
two opposite projections 13 on an overflow tube 9, and an 34 inside knob 4 of first flush handle 2 to limit the rotation of
inclined flush valve seat 14 to mate with flapper valve 10. shaft 21 and first flush handle 2. When first flush handle 2 is
Connected to valve seat 14 is a discharge pipe 15 into which depressed and rotated downward by approximately 40 to 50
the tank water is drained into a toilet bowl (not shown). degrees, or by an angle large enough so that flapper valve 10
Flapper valve 10 in FIG. 1 has a hemi-spherical air chamber 35 flips fully open due to valve buoyancy and hydrodynamic
11 at the lower end to help trap air inside and make the valve force of flowing water around flapper valve 10, spokes 34
buoyant in water. An inlet valve assembly controlling water come into contact with the other side of cutouts 36 so that
flow into the tank is purposely omitted in FIG. 1 to avoid further rotation of shaft 21 is stopped while flapper valve 10
cluttering the illustration, since it has no impact to embodi is widely opened to allow tank water draining into the toilet
ments of the present invention. 40 bowl below.
In FIGS. 1-10 and especially in FIG. 4, an embodiment of FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of second flush handle
dual flush device 1 comprises a first flush handle 2 that has a assembly 25 surrounded by an exploded view of its housing,
thinner extension 35 (with a cutout at top), a knob 4 of first including a generally C-shaped stop member 17 and end
flush handle 2 that is fixed to a rotation shaft 21, a stop members 24 and 27. Second flush handle assembly 25 is
member 23 for limiting the rotation of first flush handle 2 and 45 loosely mounted around shaft 21, and it indirectly rotates
shaft 21, a second flush handle 3 approximately shaped like a shaft 21 and opens flapper valve 10 by depressing first flush
letter “L” that has a thinner extension 37 (with a cutout at handle 2 through the overlap of second flush handle extension
bottom) to overlap and rest on top of extension 35 offirst flush 37 and first flush handle extension 35 as shown in FIGS. 1-4.
handle 2, two identical end members 24 and 27 enclosing a A lower surface 41 of C-shaped stop member 17 limits down
generally C-shaped stop member 17 to form a housing for 50 ward rotation, and an upper Surface 72 limits upward rotation
second flush handle3, a second flush handle assembly 25 that of second flush handle assembly 25. A screw 26 is installed
comprises second flush handle3, a hub 39 and a hub extension through a threaded hole 71 on hub extension 43 of second
43 with a top-mounted adjustable screw 26, a shaft housing 28 flush handle assembly 25, and the length of a screw projection
that has a square head 18 (to be inserted inside the built-in 42 below hub extension 43 is adjustable to further restrict the
hole 29 of a tank wall 38) followed by a screw threaded body 55 rotation of second flush handle assembly 25 whenever nec
20, a hand-tightening nut 19 (with an internal thread to essary; a purpose is to accommodate any potential variations
engage threaded body 20 of shaft housing 28), a flush lever 5 in the toilets made by different manufacturers or among dif
that has a preferably rectangular hole31 at one end (to engage ferent models made by the same manufacturer. FIG. 10 shows
a rectangular end section32 of shaft 21) and several holes 6 on an enlarged, perspective view of the embodiment of second
other end, a hook 7 attached to a hole 6 on lever 5 to support 60 flush handle assembly 25 in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 shows another
chain 8that links flapper valve 10 to lever 5, and an end screw embodiment of second flush handle assembly 25, which is
22 (or a cotterpin or the like) to secure flush lever 5 to shaft 21 similar to the embodiment of second flush handle assembly
by engaging a threaded hole 33 near the tip of shaft 21. 25 in FIGS. 9 and 10 but that an end cap 46 is mounted at the
In FIGS. 4 and 5, shaft 21 and first flush handle 2 with knob lower end of screw 26 to increase contact area (between the
4 are preferably built as a single unit. Alternatively, shaft 21 65 end of screw 26 and lower surface 41 of stop member 17) and
can be manufactured as a separate piece and is attached to reduce wear and tear. FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of
knob 4 of first handle 2 by a proper arrangement. Components second flush handle assembly 25 in which hub extension 43A
 US 8,584,268 B2
11 12
does not have a matching threaded hole to mate with a screw. 18, and 23 and it keeps float 49 or 49A in place when not
FIG.13 shows an embodiment of assembled dual flush device activated. As shown in FIG. 14, flat disk 48 is asymmetric
1. with respect to hole 54 when pivotally mounted on lug 53 of
FIG. 14 shows a front elevation view of an embodiment of mounting structure 47, and its left side is heavier than the right
a float assembly 73, which comprises a float 49, a mounting side and produces a net torque to keep lower projection 56
structure 47, a vertical bar 50 with a top head 51 larger than engaging lower surface 57 offloat 49 or 49A. Consequently,
the main body of vertical bar 50, and a pivotally-mounted float 49 or 49A is kept in place (deactivated) when the tank
approximately flat disk 48. Float 49 has an average density water level decreases to uncover float 49 or 49A and remove
somewhat less than the density of water to remain afloat in its buoyancy as in a full flush operation.
water, and it is allowed to slide freely along vertical bar 50 10 In FIGS. 14 and 20, flat disk 48 has an eyelet 55 on the left
when activated. FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an side to be linked by a chain 66 to flush lever 5. When flat disk
embodiment of mounting structure 47 to mount over the 48 is at the neutral, deactivated position before a toilet flush,
widely-used cylindrical overflow tubes in conventional toi it keeps float 49 (or 49A) in place and chain 66 is loosely
lets. FIG.16 shows a cross-sectional view of mounting struc connected to flush lever 5 with an intentional slack. FIG. 20
ture 47 taken along line A-A in FIG. 15, and mounting struc 15 shows that a raised flush lever 5 has just removed the slack in
ture 47 has a hollow double-wall shell with a gap 62 between chain 66 with a tank water level 79. Further raising lever 5 will
the outer and inner walls to mate with the upper wall of lift the left side of flat disk 48 to clockwise rotate flat disk 48
overflow tube 9 (in toilet tank 16 in FIG. 1). A central opening and disengage projection 56 from float 49 (or 49A). Float 49
63 preserves the function of overflow tube 9 by allowing any or 49A will move downward with the decreasing tank water
water above overflow tube 9 to freely drain into overflow tube level, come into contact with the opened flapper valve 10, and
9. On top of mounting structure 47, there are a few optional prematurely close flapper valve 10 before tank 16 is near
notches 61 (with the outer wall removed to expose the inner empty. As a result, only a fraction of toilet tank water is
wall) to be attached with a fastener or the like to help prevent consumed when flat disk 48 is lifted or activated by chain 66
any axial or lateral movement of float assembly 73 (or float to allow float 49 or 49A to descend with the water level as in
assembly 76 in FIG.22), if needed. However, it is preferred to 25 a partial flush. During tank refill after flapper valve 10 is
have gap 62 at a right size to fit over the overflow tube wall to closed, float 49 or 49A will move upward with the rising
prevent any axial or lateral movement of float assembly 73. water level and will not rise beyond top protruding section 52
Ontop of mounting structure 47, there is a refill tube holder 78 of mounting structure 47.
shown in FIG. 15, which is to be inserted with the refill tube In FIG. 20, float assembly 73 of FIG. 14 is used compli
(not shown) from the inlet valve assembly to add water to the 30 mentarily with dual flush device 1 of FIG. 4 except that screw
toilet bowl through overflow tube 9. Furthermore, if any non 26 is removed (or raised to have no projection below handle 3)
cylindrical overflow tube such as a rectangular one is already from second flush handle assembly 25. Alternatively, second
installed in toilet tank 16, mounting structure 47 in FIGS. 15 flush handle assembly 25 in FIG. 4 is replaced with another
and 16 can be replaced with a rectangular double-wall shell to embodiment shown in FIG. 12 (in which the hub extension
mate with the rectangular overflow tube. 35 without a threaded hole is designated as 43A as opposed to
FIGS. 14, 15, 19, 21 and 22 show that mounting structure hub extension 43 with a threaded hole in FIGS. 9-11). The
47 has a top protruding section 52 with a hole 59 to be inserted reason to remove Screw 26 is to allow a greater rotation of
with vertical bar 50 and a bottom protruding section 58 with shaft 21, when second flush handle 3 is depressed without the
a shallow hole 60 (partially penetrating into section 58). Top protruding of screw 26 below hub extension 43. Conse
head 51 of vertical bar 50 rests on the upper surface of top 40 quently, flush lever 5 is raised higher to be able to open flapper
protruding section 52 of mounting structure 47, and the lower valve 10 beyond the threshold where flapper valve 10 will flip
end of bar 50 anchors inside bottom protruding section 58. to a widely open position. However, depressing second flush
FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of vertical bar 50 that has handle3 cannot overcome the slack in chain 66 so that float 49
preferably a rectangular cross section with Smooth corners (or (or 49A that is not shown but implied in FIG. 20) will be kept
any other Smooth cross sections) that can inhibit lateral rota 45 in place by flat disk 48. Depressing first flush handle 2 will not
tion of float 49 in FIGS. 14 and 21 or float 49A in FIG. 22. only open flapper valve 10 beyond the threshold but also
Vertical bar 50 is inserted into a slightly larger matching hole effectively overcome the slack in chain 66 and clockwise
65 in a projected section 64 on float 49 in FIG. 18 or on float rotate flat disk 48 to disengage float 49 (or 49A of FIG. 23) to
49A in FIG. 23 (which is another embodiment of float 49) to allow it to descend with the falling water level in the toilet
guide the vertical movement offloat 49 or 49A while prevent 50 tank.
ing any lateral rotation. Mounting structure 47 also serves as Therefore, a partial flush is activated by depressing first
a stop member to confine the vertical movement offloat 49 or flush handle 2 (without holding down the handle) to widely
49A between top protruding section 52 and bottom protrud open flapper valve 10 and clockwise rotate flat disk 48 to
ing section 58. In FIGS. 18 and 23, floats 49 and 49A have disengage float 49 or 49A. When float 49 or 49A is partially
respectively a rectangular-shaped main body (or any other 55 uncovered by the falling water level, float 49 or 49A will
shape whenever fit) with a lower surface 57. descend with the water level and prematurely close flapper
In FIGS. 14-16 and 20, an embodiment of flat disk 48 has valve 10 to terminate water flow into the toilet bowl. A full
around hole 54 near the top to pivotally mount on a round lug flush is activated by depressing second flush handle 3 (with
53 on mounting structure 47that has an upward projection 77 out holding down the handle) to widely open flapper valve 10,
at entrance to prevent the flat disk 48 from being detached 60 while flat disk 48 is not clockwise rotated and keeps float 49
after the mounting. Flat disk 48 has preferably a uniform or 49A in place as water level drops in the toilet tank.
thickness on the right side of hole 54 in FIG. 14 and another Float assembly 73 with flat disk 48 removed as shown in
uniform thickness on the left side of hole 54 (which can be FIG. 21 can be used as a stand-alone component to reduce
thicker than the right side if needed); hole 54 is somewhat water consumption in a conventional single flush toilet, with
larger than the diameteroflug 53 to allow free pivotal rotation 65 out the installation of dual flush device 1 of FIG. 4. Without
of flat disk 48. Flat disk 48 has a lower projection 56 on one the presence of flat disk 48, float 49 will move freely down
side to engage lower surface 57 offloat 49 or 49A in FIGS. 14, ward with the falling water level in the toilet tank until it is
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13 14
constrained by bottom protruding section 58 of mounting rotated from an initial position to a full flush position and
structure 47. FIG.22 shows another embodiment of the float returning to said initial position from said full flush
assembly, designated as float assembly 76, and a perspective position, and wherein said shaft is adapted for being
view of float 49A is shown in FIG. 23. Float assembly 76 is rotated from said initial position to a partial flush posi
similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 but the vertical tion and returning to said initial position from said par
length of float 49A is adjustable by turning a screw or tial flush position;
threaded rod 74 inside a threaded hole 67 in float 49A. Lower
a first flush handle being fastened to said shaft and down
end of screw 74 has a cap 75 larger than the body of screw 74 ward rotated by the user to rotate said shaft;
as shown in FIG. 23, and its position can be easily lowered by a first stop member being positioned inside a hub of said
clockwise turning screw 74 or raised by counterclockwise 10
first flush handle to limit the rotation of said first flush
turning screw 74. Either float assembly 73 with flat disk 48 handle and said shaft;
removed in FIG. 21 or float assembly 76 in FIG. 22 can be a second flush handle assembly being loosely inserted with
mounted on overflow tube 9 (FIG. 1) to work with the original said shaft, wherein said second flush handle assembly
single flush lever assembly and flapper valve in a conven
tional toilet without any hardware replacement. Note that the 15 comprises a second flush handle having a transverse
azimuthal location of vertical bar 50 and top protruding sec extension to overlap and rest on top of an extension of
tion 52 and bottom protruding section 58 of mounting struc said first flush handle, wherein said second flush handle
ture 47 can be made different to what is shown in FIGS. 14, assembly is activated by the user to downward rotate
20, 21 and 22, whenever necessary to accommodate various said second flush handle to downward rotate said first
toilet tanks. When the user depresses the single flush handle to flush handle to rotate said shaft, wherein said second
fully open the flapper valve, float 49 or 49A will move down flush handle assembly further comprises a hollow hub to
ward with the decreasing water level in the toilet tank to be inserted with said shaft and a hub extension connect
prematurely close the flapper valve before the tank is near ing said hollow hub to said second flush handle;
empty. If more water is needed to remove aheavy load of solid a second flush handle assembly housing partially enclosing
waste in the toilet bowl, the user can hold down the flush 25 said second flush handle assembly and serving as a stop
handle until all the waste is removed. Note that for the con member to limit the rotation of said second flush handle
ventional toilets in the United States and possibly elsewhere assembly, wherein said second flush handle assembly
in which siphon is used to help remove the waste from the housing comprises a generally C-shaped stop member
toilet bowl, a partial flush can be made powerful enough to enclosed by two end members having a hole in the center
remove not only the liquid waste but also the solid waste 30 to accommodate loose insertion of said shaft;
while using less than a full tank of flushable water. If some an integral shaft housing unit built as a single unit com
waste still remains in the toilet bowl after a partial flush, the prising said first stop member, said second flush handle
user can hold down the flush handle until the bowl is com assembly housing, and a shaft housing having a hollow
pletely clean. Alternatively, the user can hold down the flush square head and a threaded body, wherein said integral
handle to activate a full flush without going through a partial 35 shaft housing unit is inserted with said shaft;
flush first. a single flush lever with one end fastened to said shaft and
As stated earlier, float 49A in FIGS. 22 and 23 has an another end linked by a chain to a flapper valve in a toilet
adjustable vertical length. Tests conducted using a prototype tank so that the user activates a toilet flush by depressing
offloat assembly 76 in a toilet show that within the operating one of said first flush handle and said second flush handle
limit, increasing the vertical length of adjustable float 49A 40 to open the flapper Valve; and
will generally consume less water in a partial flush by closing a hand-tightening nut to fasten said integral shaft housing
the flapper valve earlier, while decreasing the vertical float unit to the wall of a toilet tank.
length will generally consume more water in a partial flush. 2. The dual flush device according to claim 1, wherein said
Therefore, float assembly 76 with adjustable float 49A in hub extension of said second flush handle assembly is
FIG.22 can be used to enable the user to select an optimum 45 installed with an adjustable screw to further limit the rotation
amount of water consumption in a partial flush in the toilet. of said second flush handle assembly within said second flush
Since the vertical length of float 49A is adjustable, it can handle assembly housing, wherein an end cap larger than the
accommodate some differences in various toilets in terms of body of said adjustable screw is installed at a tip of said
overflow tube length or the initial tank water level before a adjustable screw to prevent damage to said adjustable screw
flush activation. 50 and said second flush handle assembly housing.
It is rather easy to install the aforementioned dual flush 3. The dual flush device according to claim 1, wherein a tip
device 1 and/or float assembly 73 or 76 to convert a conven of said shaft has a generally rectangular shape to mate with a
tional single flush toilet to a dual flush toilet. rectangularhole in said single flush lever, wherein there is one
It is to be understood that the present invention is not of a smooth hole and a threaded hole on said tip of said shaft
limited to the embodiments described above or as shown in 55 perpendicular to the axis of said shaft, wherein one of a cotter
the attached figures, but encompasses any and all embodi pin and a screw is inserted into said hole after the mounting of
ments within the spirit of the invention. said flush lever on said tip of said shaft to fasten said lever to
What is claimed is: said shaft.
1. A dual flush device being mountable through a mounting 4. A float assembly being mountable over an existing over
hole in a wall of a toilet tank and comprising two overlapping 60 flow tube in a toilet tank, said float assembly comprising:
flush handles to rotate a single rotational shaft and control a a float adapted for moving vertically downward following
single flush lever in the tank to allow a user to selectively a linearpath with decreasing water level in the tank when
activate either a full flush or a partial flush using a volume of activated in a partial flush and for moving vertically
water less than a volume of water used in said full flush, said upward following a linear path with rising water level
dual flush device comprising: 65 during tank refill;
a single rotational shaft being rotatably Supported in the a mounting structure being mountable over the overflow
mounting hole, wherein said shaft is adapted for being tube and serving as a stop member to limit the vertically
 US 8,584,268 B2
15 16
downward and upward movement of said float, wherein 6. The float assembly according to claim 4, wherein said
said mounting structure comprises a mounting lug near float comprises a projection on one side having a hole to
a top; engage said vertical bar, wherein said float has a vertical
a vertical bar being installed on said mounting structure to length that is one of being fixed and being adjustable by
guide the vertical movement of said float, and inserting a vertical screw into said float and attaching to a
a vertically mountable disk comprising a hole near atop for lower end of said vertical Screw a cap that is larger than abody
being pivotally mountable on said mounting lug near the of said vertical Screw and is lowered or raised by turning said
top of said mounting structure to engage said float to Vertical screw accordingly.
keep said floatin place, when said float is in a deactivated 7. The float assembly according to claim 4, wherein said
position in a full flush. 10 mounting structure comprises a hollow double-wall shell
5. The float assembly according to claim 4, wherein said with a gap between an outer wall and an inner wall to mate
float assembly is in use with a dual flush device being mount with an upper wall of the overflow tube, wherein on to of said
able through a mounting hole in a wall of a toilet tank and mounting structure there is at least one notch comprising a
cutout by removing a small portion of said outer wall to
comprising two overlapping flush handles to rotate a single 15 expose said inner wall where a fastener is installed to fasten
rotational shaft and control a single flush lever in the tank to said mounting structure to the overflow tube to prevent any
allow a user to selectively activate either a full flush or a axial or lateral movement of said float assembly.
partial flush using a Volume of water less than a Volume of 8. The float assembly according to claim 4, wherein said
water used in said full flush, wherein said dual flush device mounting structure comprises a top protruding section having
comprises: a hole to be inserted with said vertical bar and a bottom
a single rotational shaft being rotatably Supported in the protruding section having a hole to anchor a lower end of said
mounting hole of a tank wall, wherein said shaft is Vertical bar, wherein said mounting structure confines the
adapted for being rotated from an initial position to a full vertical movement of said float between said top and bottom
flush position and returning to said initial position from protruding sections.
said full flush position, and wherein said shaft is adapted 25 9. The float assembly according to claim 4, wherein said
for being rotated from said initial position to a partial Vertically mountable disk comprises a projection on one side
flush position and returning to said initial position from of said hole that is pivotally mounted on said mounting lug
said partial flush position; near the to of said mounting structure to engage a lower
a first flush handle being fastened to said shaft and activated Surface of said float, and an eyeleton an opposite side of said
downward rotated by the user to rotate said shaft; 30 hole linked to a flush lever by a chain that is used to pivotally
a first stop member being positioned inside a hub of said rotate said disk to disengage and allow said float to vertically
first flush handle to limit the rotation of said first flush descend with the tank water level in a partial flush and to
handle and said shaft; vertically rise afterward with the tank water level during tank
a second flush handle assembly being loosely inserted with refill; wherein said disk is heavier on the side where said
said shaft, wherein said second flush handle assembly 35 eyelet is located than the opposite side where said projection
comprises a second flush handle having a transverse is located to keep said float in place when said float is in a
extension to overlap and rest on top of an extension of deactivated position in a full flush.
said first flush handle, wherein said second flush handle 10. A float assembly being mountable over an existing
assembly is activated by the user to downward rotate overflow tube and in use with an existing single flush handle
said second flush handle to downward rotate said first 40 and lever assembly in a conventional toilet to allow a user to
flush handle to rotate said shaft, wherein said second selectively activate either a full flush or a partial flush using a
flush handle assembly further comprises a hollow hub to Volume of water less than a volume of water used in said full
be inserted with said shaft and a hub extension connect flush, said float assembly comprising:
ing said hollow hub to said second flush handle, wherein a float adapted for moving vertically downward following
said hub extension of said second flush handle assembly 45 a linearpath with decreasing water level in the tank when
is installed with an adjustable screw and an end cap activated and for moving vertically upward following a
larger than a body of said adjustable screw is installed at linear path with rising water level during tank refill;
a tip of said adjustable screw; a mounting structure being mountable over the overflow
a second flush handle assembly housing partially enclosing tube and serving as a stop member to limit the vertically
said second flush handle assembly and serving as a stop 50 downward and upward movement of said float;
member to limit the rotation of said second flush handle a vertical bar being installed on said mounting structure to
assembly, wherein said second flush handle assembly guide the vertical movement of said float, and
housing comprises a generally C-shaped stop member wherein said float comprises a projection on one side hav
enclosed by two end members having a hole in the center ing a hole to engage said vertical bar, wherein said float
to accommodate loose insertion of said shaft; 55 has a vertical length that is one of being fixed and being
an integral shaft housing unit built as a single unit com adjustable by inserting a vertical screw into said float
prising said first stop member, said second flush handle and attaching to a lower end of said vertical screw a cap
assembly housing, and a shaft housing having a hollow that is larger than a body of said vertical screw and is
square head and a threaded body, wherein said integral lowered or raised by turning said vertical screw accord
shaft housing unit is inserted with said shaft; 60 ingly.
a single flush lever with one end fastened to said shaft and 11. The float assembly according to claim 10, wherein said
another end linked by a chain to a flapper valve in a toilet mounting structure comprises a hollow double-wall shell
tank so that the user activates a toilet flush by depressing with a gap between an outer wall and an inner wall to mate
one of said first flush handle and said second flush handle with an upper wall of the overflow tube, wherein on to of said
to open the flapper Valve; and 65 mounting structure there is at least one notch comprising a
a hand-tightening nut to fasten said integral shaft housing cutout by removing a small portion of said outer wall to
unit to the wall of a toilet tank. expose said inner wall where a fastener is installed to fasten
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17 18
said mounting structure to the overflow tube to prevent any
axial or lateral movement of said float assembly.
12. The float assembly according to claim 10, wherein said
mounting structure comprises a top protruding section having
a hole to be inserted with said vertical bar and a bottom
protruding section having a hole to anchor a lower end of said
Vertical bar, wherein said mounting structure confines the
vertically downward and upward movement of said float
between said top and bottom protruding sections.
k k k k k
10