PATENT ABSTRACT
A mounting apparatus for coupling a toilet seat hinge to a toilet flange includes a bolt with a proximal end including an upper flange and threaded distal end, a nut with a threaded opening that receives the threaded distal end of the bolt and a plurality of radial openings, and a set screw. The radial openings extend from a first end proximate to the threaded opening to a second end on the outer periphery of the nut. The set screw is received in one of the radial openings. The set screw provides a pressure to the threaded distal end of the bolt.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/478,249, filed: Apr. 22, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present technology relates generally to the field of mounting apparatuses for toilet seats, and in particular, toilet seat mounting devices that include a deformable bushing or grommet and a set screw. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Toilet seats are typically mounted to a toilet with a bolt and nut. The bolt extends through an opening in the toilet bowl flange and engages a nut on the other side. The opening in the toilet bowl flange is typically larger than the diameter of the bolt and the toilet seat is held in place by the clamping force between the bolt and the nut. Over time, as the bolt loosens, the toilet seat may begin to slide and shift due to the space or “play” between the bolt and the opening. 
         [0004]    It would be advantageous to provide an improved apparatus for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet that reduces the likelihood that the toilet seat will loosen over time. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In one aspect, a mounting apparatus is provided for coupling a toilet seat hinge to a toilet flange. The mounting apparatus includes a bolt with a proximal end comprising an upper flange and threaded distal end, a nut with a threaded opening that receives the threaded distal end of the bolt and a plurality of radial openings, and a set screw. The radial openings extend from a first end proximate to the threaded opening to a second end on the outer periphery of the nut. The set screw is received in one of the radial openings. The set screw contacts the threaded distal end of the bolt. 
         [0006]    In another aspect, a mounting apparatus is provided for coupling a toilet seat hinge to a toilet flange. The mounting apparatus includes a bolt with a proximal end including an upper flange and a threaded distal end, a nut with a threaded opening, and a bushing disposed in an opening in the toilet flange. The bushing forms an interference fit with the toilet flange. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, a method is provided for coupling a toilet seat hinge to a toilet flange with an aperture. The method includes providing a bolt on one side of the toilet flange such that the bolt extends through the aperture and providing a nut on the side of the toilet flange opposite of the bolt. The bolt includes a threaded end. The nut includes at least one opening for a set screw. The method further includes engaging the nut with the bolt such that toilet seat hinge is between the bolt and the toilet flange and providing a set screw in the opening. The set screw provides a pressure on the threaded end of the bolt. The method may further include providing a bushing in an opening in the toilet flange and forming an interference fit between the bushing and the toilet flange by tightening the nut to deform the bushing 
         [0008]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, appended claims, and the accompanying illustrative embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an apparatus for coupling a toilet seat hinge to a toilet, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of a deformable bushing for the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , according to another illustrative embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the bushing of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0013]      FIG. 2C  is an isometric view of a deformable bushing for the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , according to another illustrative embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2D  is a side view of the bushing of  FIG. 2C . 
           [0015]      FIG. 2E  is an isometric view of a deformable bushing for the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , according to another illustrative embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2F  is a cross section of the bushing of  FIG. 2E . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an apparatus for coupling a toilet seat hinge to a toilet, according to another illustrative embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a cross section of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  taken along line  4 - 4 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an apparatus for coupling a toilet seat hinge to a toilet, according to another illustrative embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a cross section of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  taken along line  6 - 6 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a schematic cross section of the apparatus hinge of  FIG. 5  showing different profiles, according to various illustrative embodiments. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of an apparatus for coupling a toilet seat hinge to a toilet, according to another illustrative embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9A-9C  are cross sections of the apparatus hinge of  FIG. 8  taken along line  9 - 9 , showing different profiles according to several illustrative embodiments. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of an apparatus for coupling a toilet seat hinge to a toilet including a nut with an integrally formed bushing member, according to another illustrative embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 11A-11D  are isometric views of a nut of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 , according to several illustrative embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a cross-section of the nut of  FIG. 11D  shown coupled to a toilet bowl flange, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 13A-13E  are isometric views of a nut with openings for a set screw, according to several illustrative embodiments. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 14A-14C  are isometric views of a wrench including frangible portions for installing an apparatus for coupling a toilet seat hinge to a toilet, according to several illustrative embodiments. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 15A-15D  are isometric views of a wrench head with frangible portions being driven with various devices, according to several illustrative embodiments. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a toilet showing a nut of  FIGS. 13A-13E  being used in several locations, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is an isometric view of a nut with a set screw for coupling a toilet tank to a toilet bowl, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of a nut with a set screw for coupling a toilet bowl to a floor, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a cross-section of the nut of  FIG. 18 , taken along line  19 - 19 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    Referring generally to the figures, a mounting apparatus configured to couple a hinge for a toilet seat to a toilet is shown. In one embodiment, the mounting apparatus includes a bolt, a nut, and a bushing member provided in the opening in the toilet bowl flange. As the bolt and the nut are tightened, they compress the bushing member, causing it to increase in diameter and fill the opening in the toilet bowl flange. This increases the stability of the toilet seat and reduces the likelihood that it will loosen over time. In another embodiment, the mounting apparatus includes a bolt, a nut, and a set screw that is received in an opening in the nut. After the bolt has been tightened to secure the toilet seat to the toilet, the set screw is tightened until it contacts the threaded portion of the bolt. This contact restricts the motion of the nut and reduces the likelihood that it will back off of the bolt over time. The toilet seat mounting apparatus may be used in residential or commercial restrooms. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a mounting apparatus  20  is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The mounting apparatus  20  couples a hinge  22  for a toilet seat to a toilet bowl flange  26 . The flange  26  extends inwardly around the rim of the bowl of the toilet and includes at least one aperture  28 . 
         [0036]    The apparatus  20  includes a bolt  30 , a nut  40 , a bushing  50 , and a set screw  60 . The bolt  30  is received within the aperture  28 . The bolt  30  is a threaded member that engages the threaded nut  40  provided on the opposite side of the flange  26 . The bushing  50  is received in the aperture  28 . Through the interconnection of the bolt  30 , the hinge  22 , and the nut  40 , the toilet seat may be coupled to toilet bowl flange  26 . 
         [0037]    The bolt  30  includes an upper portion with an upper flange  32  and a threaded end  34 . The aperture  28  has a diameter that is larger than the threaded end  34  of the bolt  30 , but smaller than the diameter of the upper flange  32 . The upper flange  32  of the bolt  30  may be received in a recess  24  in the hinge  22 . A cover  25  may be provided to conceal the upper flange  32 . 
         [0038]    The nut  40  includes an upper flange  41  and a threaded opening  42  that is configured to receive the threaded end  34  of the bolt  30 . Once engaged with the bolt  30 , the nut  40  may be tightened to advance threaded end  34  in threaded opening  42 . The nut may be tightened using a wrench  70 , described below. After being tightened, the set screw  60  may be coupled to the nut  40 . 
         [0039]    The bushing  50  is a deformable member with a central opening  52  through which the threaded end  34  of the bolt  30  may pass. According to various embodiments, the bushing  50  may be formed of a resilient material (e.g., rubber, latex, etc.) or may be a rigid material such as a polymer (e.g., nylon, polypropylene, poly ethylene, etc.). 
         [0040]    Referring in general to  FIGS. 1-7 , according to several illustrative embodiments, the bushing  50  may be a separate element. The bushing  50  is sized such that it may be placed in the aperture  28  and may have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter if the aperture  28 . The advancement of the bolt  30  compresses the bushing  50  between the hinge  22  and the upper flange  41  of the nut  40 . The compression causes the diameter of the bushing  50  to increase, forcing at least a portion of the outer periphery  54  of the bushing  50  to contact the flange  26  around the aperture  28  and form an interference fit between the bushing  50  and the toilet bowl flange  26 . This eliminates the gap that is exists between the threaded end  34  of the bolt  30  and the outer diameter of the aperture  28 . The compressed bushing  50  therefore eliminates most or all of the “play” for the toilet seat that may otherwise develop as the threaded connection between the bolt  30  and the nut  40  loosens. Axis  4  generally defines the arrangement of the above components. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-4 , according to another illustrative embodiment, the nut  40  may include a projection  44  (e.g., ring, ridge, extension, collar, etc.) that extends from the upper flange  41 . The projection  44  surrounds the threaded opening  42  and has a diameter less than the diameter of the aperture  28 . As the threaded connection between the bolt  30  and the nut  40  is tightened, the projection  44  is received in the aperture  28  to compress the bushing  50 . The hinge  22  may include a corresponding projection  23  that extends downward into the aperture  28  to compress the bushing  50 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5-7 , according to another illustrative embodiment, the projection  44  of the nut  40  may nest inside the bushing  50  to compress it outward instead of compressing it in a vertical direction, as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 . The projection  44  may have an inclined, cone-shaped outer surface that is received in a similarly shaped central opening  52  of the bushing  50 . As the threaded connection between the bolt  30  and the nut  40  is tightened, the projection  44  is received in the central opening  52  and forces the bushing  50  to expand outward. Axis  6  generally defines the arrangement of the above components. Referring to  FIG. 7 , according to various illustrative embodiments, the bushing  50  may include one or more ridges  56  about the outer periphery  54 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8-9C , according to another illustrative embodiment, the bushing  50  may be a resilient member integrally formed with the nut  40 . The nut  40  may include a projection  44  (e.g., ring, ridge, extension, collar, etc.) that extends from the upper flange  41  similar to the projection described above. The projection  44  surrounds the threaded opening  42  and has a diameter less than the diameter of the aperture  28 . The bushing  50  is integrally formed around the projection  44 , such as by a co-molding process. The bushing  50  may have an outer diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the aperture  28 . As the nut  40  is inserted into the aperture  28 , the bushing  50  is compressed to form an interference fit with the toilet bowl flange  26 . Axis  9  generally defines the arrangement of the above components. Referring to  FIGS. 9A-9C , the co-molded bushing  50  may include one or more outwardly extending ridges  56  or one or more grooves  58 . 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , according to another illustrative embodiment, the bushing  50  may be a rigid member integrally formed with the nut  40 . The bushing  50  extends from the upper flange  41  and surrounds the threaded opening  42 . The bushing  50  may include a main body with an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the aperture  28  and outwardly extending projections  55  (e.g., collapsible elements, etc.) that are larger than the diameter of the aperture  28 . As the nut  40  is inserted into the aperture  28 , the projections  55  are compressed or otherwise distorted to form an interference fit with the toilet bowl flange  26 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the projections  55  may be large, coarse threads that spiral around the bushing  50 . Referring to  FIG. 11A , in another embodiment the projections  55  may be a multitude of horizontal tabs. Referring to  FIG. 11B , in another embodiment the projections  55  may be a single, continuous flange. Referring to  FIG. 11C , in another embodiment the projections  55  may be a multitude of vertical tabs. Referring to  FIGS. 11D-12 , in another embodiment, the bushing  50  may lack deformable projections  55 . Instead, the main body of the bushing  50  may be configured to be crushed or deformed as the threaded connection between the bolt  30  and the nut  40  is tightened. As the bushing  50  is crushed, at least a portion of the bushing  50  contact the flange  26  around the aperture  28  and form an interference fit between the bushing  50  and the toilet bowl flange  26 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13A-13E , the nut  40  is shown in more detail according to several illustrative embodiments. The nut  40  includes multiple (e.g. more than one) radial openings  46  (e.g., shafts, bores, holes, etc.). The radial openings  46  extend from the outer surface of the nut  40  to the threaded opening  42 . The radial openings  46  may extend all the way through to the threaded opening  42  or may be separated from the threaded opening  42  by a thin wall  47  (see  FIG. 4 ). The radial openings  46  may be threaded or non-threaded openings. A set screw  60  is received in one of the radial openings  46 . After the apparatus  20  is installed (i.e., the nut  40  has engaged the bolt  30  and has been tightened), the set screw  60  is advanced into the radial opening  46  until it contacts the threaded end  34  of the bolt  30 . The set screw  60  may contact the threaded end  34  directly or may compress the wall  47  against the threaded end  34 . The contact between the set screw  60  and the threaded end  34  impedes the rotation of the bolt  30  and/or nut  40  and reduces the likelihood that the threaded connection between the bolt  30  and the nut  40  will loosen. 
         [0046]    The radial openings  46  are inclined relative to the horizontal plane (i.e., the plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the threaded opening  42  when the nut  40  is installed). It may be difficult to install a set screw  60  in a horizontal radial opening, as there may be little clearance below the toilet bowl flange  26 , making the use tools such as a screwdriver difficult. Inclined radial openings  46  therefore facilitate the installation of the set screw  60 . Thus, in some embodiments, the radial openings  46  are inclined at an angle of from about 1° to about 60° relative to the longitudinal axis of the threaded opening. 
         [0047]    By providing multiple radial openings  46  instead of a single radial opening  46  for the set screw  60 , it is more likely that after the bolt  30  and the nut  40  have been tightened, one of the radial openings  46  will be directed away from the toilet bowl and easily accessible for the installation of the set screw  60 . 
         [0048]    The nut  40  is configured to have an increased cross-section around the radial openings  46 . The increased cross-section gives more material for the threaded set screw  60  to engage, allowing a greater torque to be applied to the set screw  60 . Referring to  FIG. 13A-13D , in some embodiments the nut  40  may include radial openings  46  in a boss  48  that extends around the entirety of the nut  40 . The nut  40  may have a reduced diameter between the boss  48  and the flange  41  ( FIG. 13A ). Referring to  FIG. 13E , in other embodiments, the nut  40  may include separate bosses  48  for each of the radial openings  46 . 
         [0049]    According to one illustrative embodiment, the set screw  60  is a self-tapping set screw. In other illustrative embodiments, the set screw  60  may be any other suitable threaded member, such as a non-self-tapping screw, a bolt, a thumb screw. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 14A-14C , a wrench  70  for tightening the fastening members for a toilet seat is shown according to an illustrative embodiment. The wrench  70  is configured to be a disposable tool with break-away ends  72 . Referring to  FIGS. 14A-14B , in some embodiments the ends  72  are coupled to a handle portion  74  by a frangible portion  76 . The ends  72  may be closed ends or open ends. Referring to  FIG. 14C , in another embodiment the end  72  may be an open end, with a frangible portion  76  at the base of each arm  73 . 
         [0051]    To properly fasten a toilet seat cover to the toilet, the threaded fasteners are generally configured to be tightened to a specified torque. The frangible portions  76  are configured to break once they have been used to apply a specified torque to the fastener. If the wrench has two ends  72 , the wrench  70  may be used to tighten two fasteners to the pre-determined torque. Thus, in operation, the wrench is used to secure the nut, and one the pre-determined torque is attained, the frangible portion fractures and no further torque may be applied to the nut with the wrench. 
         [0052]    According to one illustrative embodiment, the frangible portions  76  comprise portions of the handle  74  with a reduced cross-sectional area. In other embodiments, the frangible portions may be achieved through other means, such as scoring, chemical treatment, or the use of different materials. 
         [0053]    According to an illustrative embodiment, the wrench  70  is formed from a polymer. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15A-15D , a wrench  80  for tightening the fastening members for a toilet seat is shown according to another illustrative embodiment. Like the wrench  70  described above, the wrench  80  is configured to be a disposable tool including a break-away end  82  with frangible portions  86 . The wrench  80  lacks a handle portion. Instead, the end  82  includes a coupling portion  88  that is configured to receive another tool or device (e.g., a conventional wrench, a hex key, a conventional screwdriver, a rod, etc.). By eliminating the handle portion, less disposable material is needed to form the wrench  80 . The lack of a handle portion also reduces the size and weight of a packaged apparatus  20  including the wrench  80 . 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16-19 , while the features have been described in relation to an apparatus for coupling a toilet seat to a toilet, they may be used for other applications, particularly with regard to the nut having inclined radial openings and/or the wrench with frangible portions. Their use should not be limited to toilet applications. Referring to  FIG. 17 , according to one illustrative embodiment, a nut  40  with radial openings  46  for a set screw  60  may be utilized to couple a toilet bowl  90  to a toilet tank  92 . Referring to FIGS.  16  and  18 - 19 , according to another illustrative embodiment, a nut  40  with radial openings  46  for a set screw  60  may be utilized to couple the toilet bowl  90  to a floor  94 . A decorative cap  96  may be provided to conceal the nut  40 . Axis  19  generally defines the arrangement of the above components. A wrench with frangible portions (e.g., wrench  70  or wrench  80 ) may be utilized to tighten the nut  40  coupling the toilet bowl  90  to the toilet tank  92  or coupling the toilet bowl  90  to the floor  94  to a predetermined torque. 
         [0056]    While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted a single particular element may also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0057]    It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the system as shown in the illustrative embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a certain number of embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. 
         [0058]    Further, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the assemblies may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment or attachment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the illustrative embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter.