Abstract:
A device for affixing a toilet seat to a toilet bowl includes a fixing component having a through-hole and removably coupling to a fixing member, a hinge base receiving the fixing component, a hinge cover, the hinge cover being rotatable when covering a portion of the hinge base and having a locked position, and a rib on an internal surface of the hinge cover, the rib including an inward projection for engaging an indentation of the fixing component when the hinge cover is in a locked position. The hinge cover of another device can slide onto the hinge base into a locked position. The device can quickly install the toilet seat and provide quick release of the toilet seat.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an affixing assembly, and more particularly, to a hinge assembly. Although embodiments of the invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for enabling easy installation and quick release of a toilet seat from a toilet bowl and for replacing a toilet seat without undoing mounting screw or bolts from the toilet bowl. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     A toilet seat generally requires more frequent replacement than a toilet bowl due to wear and tear, and a toilet seat can be replaced without replacing the entire toilet. A toilet seat also can be replaced to match any bathroom color scheme or motif. 
     In general, a toilet seat is affixed to a toilet bowl by placing mounting screws or bolts through a flange portion of the toilet bowl and by fastening screw nuts from the bottom surface of the toilet bowl to the mounting screws. Conventionally, to replace the toilet seat, each of the screws or mounting bolts needs to be unfastened from the washers and nuts. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram illustrating a toilet according to the related art. In  FIG. 1 , a toilet seat  1  is provided with two mounting bolts  2 , and a toilet bowl  3  has a flange portion with two through-holes  4 . To secure the toilet seat  1  onto the toilet bowl  3 , the mounting bolts  2 , which are first coupled to the toilet seat  1 , are inserted through the through-holes  4  of the toilet bowl  3 . Nuts  5  and washers  6  then are threaded onto the mounting bolts  2  from the bottom side of the toilet bowl  3 . The toilet seat  1  is thereby affixed to the toilet bowl  3  by the fastening of the mounting bolts  2  and the nuts  5  together. 
     To remove the toilet seat  1  from the toilet bowl  3 , the nuts  5  need to be loosened and unfastened from the mounting bolts  2 . However, as mounting screws and bolts rust or corrode especially in a moist environment, the screws or the mounting bolts can be hard to loosen or unfasten. Furthermore, the nuts can recess due to the passage of time, making the nuts practically inaccessible and toilet seat replacement difficult. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are directed to an affixing assembly that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
     An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a hinge assembly that provides easy installation and quick release of a toilet seat, and yet is inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a hinge assembly that provides easy replacement of a toilet seat despite any rusted, corroded or deformed mounting bolts or nuts. 
     Yet, another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a hinge assembly that provides replacement of a toilet seat without necessarily replacing mounting bolts or nuts. 
     Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a hinge assembly that prevents movement of mounting bolts with a rotatable cover. 
     Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a hinge assembly that prevents movement of mounting bolts with a sliding cover. 
     Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the embodiments of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of embodiments of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, a device for affixing a toilet seat to a toilet bowl includes a fixing component having a through-hole and removably coupling to a fixing member, a hinge base receiving the fixing component, a hinge cover, the hinge cover being rotatable when covering a portion of the hinge base and having a locked position, and a rib on an internal surface of the hinge cover, the rib including an inward projection for engaging an indentation of the fixing component when the hinge cover is in a locked position. 
     In another aspect, a device for affixing a toilet seat to a toilet bowl includes a fixing component having a through-hole and removably coupling to a fixing member, a hinge base receiving the fixing component, a hinge cover, the hinge cover being slidable on the hinge base to a locked position, and a rib on an internal surface of the hinge cover, the rib engaging an indentation of the fixing component when the hinge cover is in a locked position. 
     In another aspect, an affixing device includes a fixing component having a through-hole and removably coupling to a fixing member, a fixing base receiving the fixing component, a base cover, the base cover being removable from the fixing base, selectively covering a portion of the fixing base and having a locked position, and a rib formed on an internal surface of the base cover, the rib including an inward projection for engaging an indentation of the fixing component when the hinge cover is in a locked position. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of embodiments of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram illustrating a toilet according to the related art; 
         FIG. 2A  is an exploded view illustrating a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a detailed perspective view illustrating the fixing cap shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a detailed perspective view illustrating the hinge cover shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are perspective views illustrating steps of securing a toilet seat to a toilet bowl using a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the hinge assembly with the hinge cover being in a locked position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is an exploded view illustrating a hinge assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a detailed perspective view illustrating the fixing cap shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is another perspective view illustrating the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 5A ; and 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  are perspective views illustrating steps of securing a toilet seat to a toilet bowl using a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 2A  is an exploded view illustrating a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 2A , a hinge assembly  100  includes a hinge base  101 , a fixing cap  102  and a hinge cover  103 . The hinge base  101  includes a bottom extension  101   a  and a vertically post  101   b . A through-hole  101   c  is in the bottom extension  101   a  for receiving the fixing cap  102 . The through-hole  101   c  may be larger in size than the fixing cap  102  and the fixing cap  102  may have a ring-like shape, a generally circular opening or a shape complementary to receive a mounting screw or bolt  104 . For example, the fixing cap  102  could move freely in or out of the through-hole  101   c  until the hinge cover  103  engages the fixing cap  102  in a locked position. 
     The mounting screw or bolt  104  is to first pass through the fixing cap  102  and then through a fixture, such as a flange portion of a toilet bowl (shown in  FIG. 3A ). Thereafter, the mounting screw  104  is fastened to the fixture, along with the fixing cap  102 , with a screw or bolt nut  105 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a detailed perspective view illustrating the fixing cap shown in  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 2B , the fixing cap  102  has a cavity  102   a  in its center and indentation  102   b  on its outer surface. The cavity  102   a  may be circular and include a through-hole at its bottom surface. The indentation  102   b  may be along an entire outer-side circumference of the fixing cap  102 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a detailed perspective view illustrating the hinge cover shown in  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 2C , the hinge cover  103  has first and second ribs  103   a  and  103   b  on its bottom surface and a tab  103   c  along its edge. The first rib  103   a  includes an outward projection  103   aa  on its outer surface, and the second rib  103   b  has a generally smooth outer surface. The outward projection  103   aa  engages with a projection  101   d  of the hinge base  101 , when the hinge cover  103  is in the locked position. 
     In addition, one of the first and second ribs  103   a  and  103   b  includes an inward projection  103   aa ′ on its internal surface. The inward projection  103   aa ′ engages with the indentation  102   b  of the fixing cap  102 , when the hinge cover  103  in the locked position. 
       FIG. 2C  shows two of the first ribs  103   a  and two of the second ribs  103   b  alternatively arranged along the circumference of the bottom surface of the hinge cover  103 . However, the first and second ribs  103   a  and  103   b  may be arranged in any manner, and the hinge cover  103  may include one or more of each of the first and second ribs  103   a  and  103   b . Further, the inward projection  103   aa ′ may preferably be formed on an internal surface of the first rib  103   a.    
     The hinge cover  103  can cover the hinge base  101  by pressing the hinge cover  103  into the hinge base  101 . Further, when the hinge cover  103  covers the hinge base  101 , the hinge cover  103  is rotatable. The tab  103   c  facilitates an easy rotation of the hinge cover  103 . As the hinge cover  103  rotates, the hinge cover  103  comes to the locked position. As the hinge cover  103  rotates, the inward projection  103   aa ′ aligns and overlaps at least a portion of the indentation of the fixing cap  102 . Thus, in the locked position, the inward projection  103   aa ′ engages with the indentation  102   b  of the fixing cap  102 . As a result, when the hinge cover  103  is in the locked position, the hinge cover  103  engages the fixing cap  102  at its bottom surface and prevents movement of the fixing cap  102 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  are perspective views illustrating steps of securing a toilet seat to a toilet bowl using a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 3A , the mounting screw  104  is fastened to a toilet bowl  106  (illustrated as a planar ceramic pan in  FIGS. 3A-3C ), along with the fixing cap  102 , with the screw nut  105 . For example, the fixing cap  102  may first be aligned with through-holes provided in the toilet bowl  106 . The mounting screw  104  may then pass through the fixing cap  102  and the through-holes in the toilet bowl  106 . Thereafter, the screw nut  105  may be screwed on the thread of the mounting screw  104  from the bottom surface of the toilet bowl  106 . The mounting screw  104  is then fastened to the toilet bowl  106 , along with the fixing cap  102  and the screw nut  105 . A washer (not shown) may be employed along with the screw nut  105 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , a toilet seat  107  is attached to the hinge base  101 . For example, the toilet seat  107  may be attached to the vertically post  101   b  of the hinge base  101  (shown in more details in  FIG. 2A ). In particular, the attachment of the toilet seat  107  to the hinge base  101  may be separately prepared from the fastening of the mounting screw  104  to the toilet bowl  106 . 
     In  FIG. 3B , the toilet seat  107  with the hinge base  101  already attached thereto is placed over the toilet bowl  106 . More specifically, the hinge base  101  is to receive the fixing cap  102  in the cavity  101   c  (shown in  FIG. 2A ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 3C , the hinge cover  103  is then placed over the bottom extension  101   a  of the hinge base  101  by pressing the hinge cover  103  into the hinge base  101 . The hinge cover  103  can then be rotated into the locked position, such that even when a user attempt to lift up the hinge cover  103 , the hinge cover  103  could not be lifted away from the hinge base  101 . Alternatively, the hinge cover  103  may be placed over the hinge base  101  prior to the toilet seat  107  being placed over the toilet bowl  106 . Then, the hinge cover  103  is rotated into the locked position only after the hinge base  101  receives the fixing cap  102 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the hinge assembly with the hinge cover being in the locked position according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the hinge assembly includes the hinge base  101 , the fixing cap  102  and the hinge cover  103 . The hinge base  101 , the fixing cap  102  and the hinge cover  103  may be formed of plastic. In addition, the first and second ribs  103   a  and  103   b  are arranged on the bottom surface of the hinge cover  103 . When the hinge cover  103  is in the locked position, the outward projection  103   aa  engages with a projection  101   d  of the hinge base  101 . Further, when the hinge cover  103  is in the locked position, the inward projection  103   aa ′ engages with the indentation  102   b  of the fixing cap  102 . The ribs  103   a  and  103   b  therefore engage the fixing cap  102  and prevent movement of the fixing cap  102 . The toilet seat (not shown) is thereby affixed to the toilet bowl  106 . The toilet seat (not shown) can be attached to the hinge assembly at the vertical post  101   b  and can pivot about the vertical post  101   b.    
     As a result, the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention easily installs a toilet seat and allows quick release of the toilet seat. In addition, the toilet seat can be replaced without loosening the mounting screw from the toilet bowl. Thus, maintenance and repair of a toilet seat according to an embodiment of the present invention is improved. 
       FIG. 5A  is an exploded view illustrating a hinge assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 5A , a hinge assembly  200  includes a hinge base  201 , a fixing cap  202  and a hinge cover  203 . The hinge base  201  includes a bottom extension  201   a  and a vertically post  201   b . A though-hole  201   c  is in the bottom extension  201   a  for receiving the fixing cap  202 . Inward projections  201   d  are formed along the edge of the through-hole  201   c.    
     A mounting screw or bolt  204  is to first pass through the fixing cap  202  and then through a fixture, such as a flange portion of a toilet bowl (shown in  FIG. 6A ). Thereafter, the mounting screw  204  is fastened to the fixture, along with the fixing cap  202 , with a screw or bolt nut  205 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a detailed perspective view illustrating the fixing cap shown in  FIG. 5A . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the fixing cap  202  has a cavity  202   a  in its center and indentation  202   b  on its outer surface. The cavity  102   a  may be circular and include a through-hole at its bottom surface. The indentation  202   b  may be along an entire outer-side circumference of the fixing cap  202 . The fixing cap  202  may be wider at its base. For example, when the fixing cap  202  is received in the cavity  201   c  of the hinge base  201 , an upper portion of the fixing cap  202  enters into the cavity  201   c  and the wider base of the fixing cap  202  abuts against the projections  201   d . As a result, the vertical movement of the fixing cap  202  is prevented, when the fixing cap  202  is received by the hinge base  201 . 
       FIG. 5C  is another perspective view illustrating the hinge assembly shown in  FIG. 5A . As shown in  FIG. 5C , the hinge cover  203  has a rib  203   a  on its bottom surface and guides  203   b  along its longitudinal edges. The rib  203   a  may have a “U”-like opening. The rib  203   a  engages with the indentation  202   b  as the hinge cover  203  slides onto the hinge base  201 . The hinge cover  203  may slide onto the hinge base  201  along the guides  203   b.    
     In addition, the hinge base  201  may have recess  201   e  along portions of the longitudinal edges of the bottom extension  201   a . The recess  201   e  can engage the guides  203   b  as the hinge cover  203  slides onto the hinge base  201 . As the hinge cover  203  slides onto the hinge base  201 , the hinge cover  203  eventually abuts against the vertical post  201   b  and come to a locked position. Thus, in the locked position, the rib  203   a  engages with the indentation  202   b  of the fixing cap  202 . As a result, when the hinge cover  203  is in the locked position, the hinge cover  203  engages the fixing cap  202  at its bottom surface and prevents movement of the fixing cap  202 . Furthermore, vertical and horizontal movements of the fixing cap  202  are further prevented by the projections along the cavity  201   c  of the hinge base  201 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6D  are perspective views illustrating steps of securing a toilet seat to a toilet bowl using a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 6A , the mounting screw  204  is fastened to a toilet bowl  206  (illustrated as a planar ceramic pan in  FIGS. 6A-6C ), along with the fixing cap  202 , with the screw nut  205 . For example, the fixing cap  202  may first be aligned with through-holes provided in the toilet bowl  206 . The mounting screw  204  may then pass through the fixing cap  202  and the through-holes in the toilet bowl  206 . Thereafter, the screw nut  205  may be screwed on the thread of the mounting screw  204  from the bottom surface of the toilet bowl  206 . The mounting screw  204  is then fastened to the toilet bowl  206 , along with the fixing cap  202  and the screw nut  205 . A washer (not shown) may be employed along with the screw nut  205 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , a toilet seat  207  is attached to the hinge base  201 . For example, the toilet seat  207  may be attached to the vertically post  201   b  of the hinge base  201  (shown in more details in  FIG. 5A ). In particular, the attachment of the toilet seat  207  to the hinge base  201  may be separately prepared from the fastening of the mounting screw  204  to the toilet bowl  206 . 
     In  FIG. 6B , the toilet seat  207  with the hinge base  201  already attached thereto is placed over the toilet bowl  206 . More specifically, the hinge base  201  is to receive the fixing cap  202  in the cavity  201   c  (shown in  FIG. 5A ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 6C , the hinge cover  203  then slides onto the bottom extension  201   a  of the hinge base  201  and eventually abuts against the vertical post  201   b  of the hinge base  201 . 
     As a result, the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention easily installs a toilet seat and allows quick release of the toilet seat. In addition, the toilet seat can be replaced without loosening the mounting screw from the toilet bowl. Thus, maintenance and repair of a toilet seat according to an embodiment of the present invention is improved. 
     Although a plastic hinge assembly is described above, the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed of another suitable material. Further, although not shown, the hinge base according to an embodiment of the present invention may include additional cavities for reducing material use, thereby reducing manufacturing cost. 
     In addition, although the hinge assembly is described above to attach to the affixing object (such as a toilet seat) at a vertical post, the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may be attached to the affixing object in another manner. Furthermore, although the hinge assembly is described above for affixing a toilet seat to a toilet bowl, the hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may be employed to affix any object to through-holes. 
     The hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention provides easy installation of a toilet seat. The toilet seat can be aligned and placed over mounting bolts and nuts that have separately attached to the toilet bowl first. 
     The hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention also enables quick release of a toilet seat. The toilet seat can be removed without unfastening or undoing mounting bolts and nuts that are attached to the toilet bowl. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the hinge assembly of embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that embodiments of the invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.