Patent Publication Number: US-2020288924-A1

Title: Top mount fastening system for a toilet with retaining feature

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/818,383, filed on Mar. 14, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present technology is generally related to toilet assemblies and devices and methods for securing them. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a fastening system for a toilet seat and/or cover includes a bolt, a nut, a hinge, and a retainer. The nut is coupled to the bolt and includes a locking member defining a plurality of teeth. The hinge is disposed between a head of the bolt and the nut. The retainer is configured to engage with the locking member and the hinge. The fastening system is configured to detachably couple a toilet seat to a toilet body. The fastening system is configured to be installed onto the toilet body from a single side of the toilet body. 
     In another aspect, a method of installing a fastening system onto a toilet body includes engaging a retainer with a hinge, inserting a bolt through an opening in the hinge and into a sleeve of the hinge. The sleeve includes a plurality of slots extending upwardly from a lower end of the sleeve. The method also includes engaging a nut with the bolt. The nut includes (i) a locking member defining a plurality of teeth, and (ii) an anti-spin tab. The method additionally includes inserting the sleeve, the bolt, and the nut through a through-hole opening in the toilet body. The method further includes advancing the nut onto the bolt to engage at least one of the plurality of teeth with the retainer. 
     In yet another aspect, a hinge assembly of a toilet seat includes a body, a sleeve, and a retainer. The body defines an opening. The sleeve extends away from the body in a direction parallel to an axis of the opening. The sleeve includes a plurality of slots extending upwardly from a lower end of the sleeve. The plurality of slots defines a plurality of fingers. The retainer is coupled to the body and positioned adjacent to an upper end of the sleeve. The retainer includes a lock tab extending inwardly from a perimeter of the opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a top mount fastening system for a toilet, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the top mount fastening system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the top mount fastening system of  FIG. 1  engaged with a toilet. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a top mount fastening system for a toilet, according to another illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of a hinge of the top mount fastening system of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a bolt for the top mount fastening system of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a partially exploded view of the top mount fastening system of  FIG. 4  with the bolt engaged with the hinge. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the top mount fastening system of  FIG. 4  engaged with a toilet. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of a top mount fastening system for a toilet, according to another illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a top mount fastening system for a toilet, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a partially exploded view of the top mount fastening system of  FIG. 10  with the fastening system engaged with a toilet, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a retainer for a top mount fastening system, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a retaining key type retainer for a top mount fastening system, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a hinge configured to interface with the retaining key type retainer of  FIG. 13 , according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the hinge of  FIG. 14  engaged with the retainer of  FIG. 13 , according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a nut compatible with the hinge and retainer of  FIG. 15 , according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a retaining ring type retainer for a top mount fastening system, according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a hinge configured to engage with the retaining ring type retainer of  FIG. 16 , according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the hinge of  FIG. 17  engaged with the retainer of  FIG. 18 , according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a nut compatible with the hinge and retainer of  FIG. 19 , according to an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments are described hereinafter. It should be noted that the specific embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description or as a limitation to the broader aspects discussed herein. One aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced with any other embodiment(s). 
     As used herein, “about” will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some extent depending upon the context in which it is used. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in the art, given the context in which it is used, “about” will mean up to plus or minus 10% of the particular term. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the elements (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the claims unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential. 
     Referring generally to the Figures, systems for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet body are shown, according to various illustrative embodiments. The systems eliminate the need to access multiple sides of a mounting hole in the toilet body in order to secure the toilet seat in position with respect to the toilet body. In some embodiments, the systems also include a locking member that prevents the toilet seat from becoming detached from the toilet body or separating from the system during assembly onto the toilet body. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , a top mount fastening system  100  is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The top mount fastening system  100  includes a bolt  102 , a hinge  104 , and a nut  105 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the system  100  is at least partially integrally formed with a hinge  104  of a toilet seat to define a single unitary body (e.g., structure). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the hinge  104  includes a body  107  defining an opening  109  (e.g., a circular opening, a hole, etc.). The hinge  104  also includes an expanding hinge sleeve  106  coupled to the body  107  and which extends away from a lower surface of the body  107  parallel to an axis of the opening  109  (e.g., vertically downwardly from the body in a perpendicular orientation relative to a lower surface of the body  107 , etc.). In some embodiments, a thickness of a wall defining the sleeve  106  varies along the axis of the hole. For example, the wall may be tapered such that a thickness of the wall at an upper end of the sleeve proximate the body  107  may be greater than a thickness of the wall at a lower end of the sleeve away from the body  107 . According to an illustrative embodiment, the sleeve  106  additionally includes a plurality of crush ribs  108  configured to engage with the mounting hole  12  in the toilet body. In some embodiments, the sleeve and the hinge may be integrally formed from a plastic material via an injection molding process. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the nut  105  includes a plurality of anti-spin tabs  110  configured to prevent rotational movement of the nut  105  with respect to the sleeve  106 . The sleeve  106  defines a plurality of slots  112  for receiving at least a portion of the anti-spin tabs  110  therein. Each of the plurality of slots  112  extends from a lower end of the sleeve  106 , upwardly in a direction parallel to a central axis of a through-hole opening defined by the hinge  104 , to an intermediate position between the lower end and an upper end of the sleeve  106 . In another embodiment, the plurality of slots  112  extend to the upper end of the sleeve  106 . The bolt  102  is adjustably coupled to the nut  105 . The hinge  104  is “sandwiched” or otherwise disposed between a head of the bolt  102  and the nut  105 . 
     A method of coupling the hinge  104  to the toilet body is shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the top mount fastening system  100  is received in the mounting hole  12  in the toilet body from a single side (e.g., and upper side, a top side) of the toilet body. Once engaged with the toilet body, the head of the bolt  102  is rotated, pulling the nut  105  toward the head of the bolt  102  and into the sleeve  106 . A first end of the nut  105  includes a tapered surface  114  configured to engage with a plurality of fingers  115  formed by the slots  112  in the sleeve  106 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the tapered surface  114  expands (e.g., separates, bends, etc.) the fingers  115  substantially radially outward and away from the axis of the mounting hole  12  in response to movement of the tapered surface  114 . These fingers  115  press against the toilet body, preventing movement of the hinge  104  relative to the toilet body. The fingers  115  also apply a force to the tapered surface  114 , which can, advantageously, prevent the nut  105  from loosening over time. According to an illustrative embodiment, the hinge  104  includes a cap  116  that conceals the head of the bolt  102 . The cap  116  may be formed separately (e.g., as a separate piece) from the hinge  104  or may be integrally formed with the hinge  104  to define a single unitary body. 
     It will be appreciated that various modifications to the system may be made without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Referring now to  FIGS. 4-8 , a top mount fastening system  200  is shown to include a bolt  202  with anti-spin tabs, according to an illustrative embodiment. The system  200  additionally includes a hinge  204  and a nut  205 . The hinge  204  may be the same or similar to the hinge  104  described with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . In alternative embodiments, the hinge  204  may be different. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the anti-spin tabs are configured to engage with slots  212  on a sleeve  206  and prevent rotation of the bolt relative to the sleeve  206 . The bolt  202  also includes a tapered surface  214  configured to engage with fingers  215  on the sleeve  206  as the bolt  202  is tightened. According to an illustrative embodiment, the tapered surface  214  is integrally formed with a head of the bolt  202  at a first end of the bolt  202 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the bolt  202  includes a threaded portion  118  extending from a second end of the bolt  202 . The threaded portion  218  included a plurality of relief cuts  220  that are equally spaced along the threaded portion  218  (e.g., a central axis of the bolt  202 ). A length of the threaded portion  218 , parallel to the central axis of the bolt  202 , may be adjusted by breaking off pieces of the threaded portion  118  at the relief cuts  220  in order to prevent interference between the bolt  202  and a cap  216  of the hinge  204  (see also  FIG. 8 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the bolt  202  additionally includes a plurality of axial relief slots  222  extending from the first end of the bolt  202 , through the head of the bolt  202 , between the head and the anti-spin tabs. Among other benefits, the axial relief slots  222  allow for at least partial collapse of the tapered surface  214 , which can, advantageously, allow the system  200  to accommodate smaller mounting hole  12  sizes on the toilet body. The bolt  202  may further include a second tapered surface  224  extending from the first end to simplify engagement of the bolt  202  with the mounting hole  12  (e.g., to allow the head of the bolt  202  to collapse gradually as it is inserted into the mounting hole  12 , etc.). In some embodiments, the system  200  also includes a plug  226  configured to expand the head of the bolt  202  once inserted into the mounting hole  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a top mount fastening system  300  is shown to include an expanding hinge sleeve  306  configured to engage with a hinge  304 , according to an illustrative embodiment. The expanding hinge sleeve  306  is slidably engaged with the hinge  304  and facilitates positioning of other components of the system  300  with respect to the hinge  304 . According to an illustrative embodiment, the expanding hinge sleeve  306  is engaged with a recessed area and a slot on the hinge  304 . Among other benefits, the system  300  provides a mechanism by which the position of the toilet seat may be adjusted with respect to the toilet body. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10-11 , a top mount fastening system  400  is shown, according to an illustrative embodiment. The top mount fastening system  400  includes a bolt  402 , a hinge  404 , a nut  406 , a retainer  408 , and a crush ring  410  (e.g., bushing). In other embodiments, the system  400  may be used without the crush ring  410 . As shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , the system  400  is at least partially integrally formed with a hinge  404  of the toilet seat to define a single unitary body. The hinge  404  includes an expanding hinge sleeve  412 , which extends away from a lower surface of the hinge  404  parallel to an axis of a hole defined by the hinge  404 . In some embodiments, a thickness of a wall defining the sleeve  412  varies along the axis of the hole. In yet other embodiments, the sleeve  412  includes a crush rib (not shown) configured to engage with the mounting hole  42  in the toilet body. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the hinge  404  additionally includes a generally rectangular recessed portion  413  configured to receive the retainer  408  therein. The retainer  408  may be sized so that at least one surface of the retainer  408  is flush with a surface of the hinge  404 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , the nut  406  includes a plurality of anti-spin tabs  414  configured to prevent rotational movement of the nut  406  with respect to the sleeve  412 . The anti-spin tabs  414  are integrally formed with the nut  406  as a single unitary body. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the nut  406  includes two anti-spin tabs  414 . In other embodiments, additionally anti-spin tabs  414  may be included (e.g.,  3  anti-spin tab  414 ,  4  anti-spin tabs  414 , etc.). The anti-spin tabs  414  may be equally spaced along an outer perimeter of the nut  406 . The nut  406  additionally includes a locking member  416  disposed on a single one of the anti-spin tabs  414  and integrally formed with the anti-spin tab  414 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the nut  406  includes a single locking member  416 . In other embodiments, the nut  406  may include a plurality of locking members  416 . The locking member  416  is configured to prevent the bolt  402  from loosening from the nut  406 . The locking member  416  extends upwardly from the anti-spin tab  414  in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the anti-spin tab  414 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the locking member  416  includes a plurality of teeth  418  configured to engage with the retainer  408 . An outer end  420  of the locking member  416  is tapered to facilitate assembly of the locking member  416  and the retainer  408 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the retainer  408  is configured to slidably engage with the hinge  404 . The retainer  408  includes a plurality of tabs  422  configured to engage with a plurality of recessed areas  424  on the hinge  404  in order to prevent movement of the retainer  408  with respect to the hinge  404 . Alternatively, or in combination, the retainer  408  may include at least one locating member  425  (e.g., extensions, ribs, protrusions) (see  FIG. 12 ) or another component to facilitate assembly and prevent movement of the retainer  408  relative to the hinge  404 . In some embodiments, the retainer  408  may be sized for a “friction fit” with the hinge  404  (e.g., to interfere slightly with the hinge  404 ). The retainer  408  additionally includes a slot forming a recessed cavity  426  along an upper surface of the retainer  408 . The recessed cavity  426  may be used to facilitate removal of the retainer  408  from the hinge  404 ; for example, a user may insert a screwdriver or fingernail into the recessed cavity  426  to help grip the retainer  408 . The retainer  408  further includes a lock tab  428 . The lock tab  428  includes a generally rectangular protrusion extending outwardly from a surface of the retainer  408 . The lock tab  428  is configured to engage with the teeth  418  of the locking member  416  to secure the nut  406  in position relative to the hinge  404 . Together, the lock tab  428  and locking member  416  may be used to prevent the nut  406  from separating from the hinge  404  during assembly (e.g., before the bolt  402  is coupled to the nut  406 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the sleeve  412  defines a plurality of slots  430  for receiving at least a portion of the anti-spin tabs  414  therein. The bolt  402  is adjustably coupled to the nut  406 . The hinge  404  is “sandwiched” or otherwise disposed between a head of the bolt  402  and the nut  406 . The locking member  416  is configured to engage with the retainer  408 . Together, the retainer  408 , bolt  402 , and hinge  404  define an opening  419  configured to receive the locking member  416  therein. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the opening  419  is a slot that is contiguous with (e.g., extends along and shares a common border with) a through-hole defined by the hinge  404 . The opening  419  provides a “pass-through” for the locking member  416 , which may extend a distance beyond the opening  419  depending on a thickness of the toilet body wall. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the system  400  additionally includes a cover  421  that is configured to engage with the hinge  404  to conceal the bolt  402  and the retainer  408  and to prevent the retainer  408  from separating from the hinge  404 . 
     A method of coupling the hinge  404  to the toilet body includes inserting the locking member  416  through the opening  419  to engage the locking member  416  with the retainer  408 . The method additionally includes inserting the top mount fastening system  400  in a mounting hole  42  in the toilet body from a single side (e.g., and upper side, a top side) of the toilet body. The bolt  402  may be inserted into the system  400  either before or after the remainder of the system  400  is engaged with the toilet body. Once engaged with the toilet body, the head of the bolt  402  is rotated, pulling the nut  406  toward the head of the bolt  402  and into the sleeve  412 . A first end of the nut  406  includes a tapered surface  432  configured to engage with a plurality of fingers  434  formed by the slots  430  in the sleeve  412 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the tapered surface  432  expands (e.g., separates, bends, etc.) the fingers  434  substantially radially outward and away from the axis of the mounting hole  42  in response to movement of the tapered surface  432 . These fingers  434  press against the toilet body, preventing movement of the hinge  404  relative to the toilet body. The fingers  434  also apply a force to the tapered surface  432 , which can, advantageously, prevent the nut  406  from loosening over time. As the nut  406  rotates, the locking member  416  is forced further through the opening  419 . A method of disengaging the locking member  416  from the retainer  408  includes sliding the retainer  408  away from the opening  419  (e.g., away from a head of the bolt  402 ) until the lock tab  428  disengages with the teeth  418  of the locking member  416 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13-16 , retention can, in some embodiments, be accomplished with a retaining dial  508 . In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge  504  is adapted to receive a retaining dial  508 . The retaining dial  508  is rotatably coupled to the hinge  504  (e.g., to a body of the hinge) to a stud, shown as pivot pin  542 . The retaining dial  508  is configured to rotate generally about a pivot point  540  so as to bring the lock tab  528  end of the retaining dial  508  towards or away from the nut  506 , when the nut  506  and the bolt  502  “sandwich” the hinge  504 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . In such embodiments, any lock tabs  528  located on the retaining dial  508  will engage with the teeth  518  of the locking member  516  only when the lock tab  528  end of the retaining dial  508  is rotated towards the assembled bolt  502  and nut  506 . In some embodiments, the retaining dial  508  may include a recessed cavity  526  along an upper surface of the retaining dial  508 . The recessed cavity  526  may be used to facilitate removal of the retaining dial  508  from the hinge  504 ; for example, a user may insert a screwdriver or fingernail into the recessed cavity  526  to help rotate the retaining dial  508 . In some embodiments, the retaining dial  508  may be sized for a “friction fit” with the hinge  504  (e.g., to interfere slightly with the hinge  504 ). As shown in  FIGS. 14-15 , the “friction fit” may be limited to an annular cavity portion formed about the pivot point  540  of the retaining dial  508 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17-20 , retention can, alternatively, be accomplished with a retaining ring  608  in order to allow for additional lock tabs  628 .  FIG. 17  demonstrates one such example, with two sets of lock tabs  628 . In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge  604  is adapted to receive a retaining ring  608 . The retaining dial is configured to rotate about the location of the bolt  602  in  FIG. 19  (e.g., about a central axis of an opening in the body of the hinge  604 ). When the retaining ring  608  in installed into the hinge  604  as shown in  FIG. 19 , and the nut  606  is inserted into the slots in the sleeve, and advanced towards the hinge  604 , the teeth  620  will interface with the locking any lock tabs on the retaining ring. The retaining ring  608  can be rotated so as to align the lock tabs  628  with the slots in the sleeve. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the retaining ring may include a recessed cavity  626  along an upper surface of the retaining ring  608 ; a user may insert a screwdriver or fingernail into the recessed cavity  626  to rotate the ring. In  FIG. 17 , the recessed cavity is a generally rectangular void, and may be used to facilitate rotation of the retaining ring. In some embodiments, the retaining ring  608  may be sized for a “friction fit” with the hinge  604  (e.g., to interfere slightly with the hinge  604 ). In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17-18 , the slight interference will only be present when a locating member  640  (e.g., rib) is not aligned with a corresponding receptacle  642  in the hinge  604  (e.g., a receptacle, recessed portion, or slot disposed along a side wall portion of the recessed portion of the hinge  604 ). By aligning the holes of the locating members  640  and their corresponding receptacles  642  to prevent interference when the lock tabs  628  are aligned with the receiving area for the teeth  618  (as guided by slots), it is possible to abate unintended movement of the dial. Further, by use of asymmetric patters of locating members  640  and corresponding receptacles  642 , it is possible to “key” the interface to encourage proper installation. 
     While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the technology in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims. 
     The embodiments, illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etc. shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. Additionally, the phrase “consisting essentially of” will be understood to include those elements specifically recited and those additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase “consisting of” excludes any element not specified. 
     The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and compositions within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems, which can of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. 
     As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like, include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. 
     Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims.