Patent Publication Number: US-7712157-B2

Title: Releasable toilet seat assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   Not applicable. 
   STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to mounting toilet seats and/or covers to the top of toilet bowls. More particularly, it relates to assemblies that permit most of the assembly parts to be readily removed from the toilet to facilitate cleaning behind the bowl basin. 
   Typically, toilet seats and covers are sold pre-assembled with hinge posts. This subassembly is then affixed via hinge posts to a rearward extension of the toilet base behind the bowl. In such constructions the posts are typically bolted to the rearward extension using a bolt-like fastener that extends down through the extension. A nut threads onto the fastener from underneath the extension to clamp the assembly to the extension. These assemblies are intended to be essentially permanently affixed to the toilet base extension, particularly given that assembly and removal requires the application of tooling at the underside of the extension. 
   The area around such hinge posts (behind and under the cover and seat) can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Urine and other splashed contaminants can collect around the hinge posts, with the subsequent development of an undesirable appearance or smell, or unsanitary conditions. 
   There have been a number of attempts to develop toilet seat hinge assemblies where the seat and cover and associated pivot pins can be removed from the toilet relatively easily, and then (after cleaning) be relatively easily reconnected. See e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,159,548; 4,326,307; 4,939,796; 5,537,725; 5,933,875; 6,070,295; 6,381,762; 6,421,842, 6,807,686; and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 2005/0217008 and 2005/0217009. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,178,597 and 6,275,999 for other hinge structures for controlling cover movement. 
   At least some of these systems facilitate cleaning behind the bowl by leaving only small posts essentially permanently affixed to the toilet base, while providing readily releasable subassemblies that can removably link up with these posts. However, these prior art systems have a variety of deficiencies. 
   Some rely on a relatively weak connection between the subassembly and base posts such that the subassembly can accidentally be knocked off the posts. Others rely on relatively weak parts which may have a high incidence of breakage over prolonged use. Still others require relatively complex multi-part assemblies, which increase the cost of production and may require some consumer training. Still other assemblies require tools for the disassembly for cleaning purposes. Yet others require a consumer to touch portions of the assembly that may be contaminated. 
   A need still exists for further improved toilet seat mounting assemblies, particularly those which use fewer parts and which more stably retain the toilet seat in place. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one aspect the present invention provides a hinge assembly for connecting a covering member (e.g. a toilet seat and/or a toilet seat cover) to a toilet base. It has a mounting plate mountable on an upper rearward surface of the toilet base, and has two spaced apart through holes and two lateral wings. It also has fasteners extendible through the through holes and then through a portion of the toilet base to mount the mounting plate thereon, and a hinge base member adapted to support the covering member in a pivotal fashion, the hinge base member having a pair of essentially horizontally extending extension arms defining in part an opening for receiving the mounting plate therebetween. 
   There is a lid pivotably mounted on the hinge base to pivot between a first position where a rearward portion of the lid is positioned behind a portion of the mounting plate, and a second position where it is not. The arms of the hinge base member can be slid under the wings of the mounting plate so as to restrict upward movement of the hinge base member relative to the rearward extension of the toilet base. Also, when the lid is in the first position it can assist in restricting forward movement of the hinge base member relative to the mounting plate. 
   In a preferred form there is a recess on at least one of the hinge base member and lid and a projection on the other of the hinge base member and lid, such that as the lid pivots toward the first position the projection snaps into the recess to help inhibit movement of the lid from the first position. For example, the recess may be on the lid, and the projection may be at a rearward portion of a hinge base member arm. 
   In another form there is a recess on at least one of the hinge base member and mounting plate, and a projection on the other of the hinge base member and mounting plate, such that as the arms of the hinge base member slide under the wings of the mounting plate the projection snaps into the recess to help inhibit forward movement of the hinge base member relative to the mounting plate. For example, the recess may be on the mounting plate and the projection may be formed along a lateral surface of a hinge base arm. 
   A portion of the hinge base member may be formed of plastic, a metallic decorative shield can be positioned over that plastic portion, and the lid can be metallic. When installed on a toilet base, the assembly would then present an essentially decorative and wear resistant metallic appearance even though the internal connecting parts, can be made of a plastic. 
   A frontal portion of the lid may be formed with extensions that can hook between the metallic decorative shield and the plastic portion of the hinge base member. This creates a desirable assembling technique. 
   In other refinements the mounting plate has a narrowed central section and wide side lobes, and the lid is formed with a rearward end that has a forwardly dished recess for facilitating gripping the lid. 
   In a further alternative embodiment the arms of the hinge base member are capable of flexing away from each other, and rearward portions of the arms of the hinge base member are each formed as contoured catch finger portions. The mounting plate is then formed with a laterally directed bulge under each wing on which a catch finger can slide against and catch behind. 
   In another aspect the invention provides such a hinge assembly connecting such a covering member to such a toilet base. 
   Regardless of embodiment, the mounting plate can be essentially permanently mounted on an upper surface of a rearward extension of a toilet bowl. Then, a subassembly of the covering member(s) and hinge base member can be slid rearwardly such that rearwardly directed arms of the hinge base member catch under overhanging lateral wings of the mounting plate. This restricts upward movement of the hinge base member. 
   Then, one can pivot the lid down so that its rearward end drops behind the mounting plate. This restricts forward movement of the hinge base member. 
   When cleaning is desired one can pivot the lid up and then pull the covering member(s) and accompanying hinge base member forward. Re-assembly reverses these steps. 
   Thus, the present invention facilitates easy assembly as well as easy removal when cleaning is desired. Because the mounting plate is fastened at two points it resists any tendency of the cover to pull away from the mounting plate in an uncontrolled manner, or move out of alignment. Further, it simplifies installation compared to use of two separate mounting elements. 
   The assembly can either be an original equipment type product, or it can be used as a replacement toilet seat assembly as the hole positions on the mounting plate can be at standard distances apart previously used for multiple base member designs. Further, the present assembly is conceptually easy for a consumer to understand, and does not require advanced plumbing skills to install. 
   These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description below and the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments are described and depicted, it should be understood that these disclosures are not made by way of limitation. Rather, they merely show examples of broader principles. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a toilet of the present invention on which is mounted a hinge assembly according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of a hinge portion thereof; 
       FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIG. 2 , but with a lid of the hinge assembly in an open position; 
       FIG. 4  is a partially exploded perspective view of the  FIG. 3  hinge structure; 
       FIG. 5  is cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 7  is cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 8  is cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative hinge assembly, with its lid position similar to that of the  FIG. 3  embodiment; 
       FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of the mounting plate of the  FIG. 9  embodiment; 
       FIG. 11  is cross-sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment; 
       FIG. 13  is a view thereof similar to  FIG. 12 , but showing its mounting plate engaged by a lid; 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 13 ; and 
       FIG. 15  is a view similar to  FIG. 10 , but of a mounting plate for a further alternative embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a toilet base  12  linked to a cover  14  and a seat  16 . Hinge assembly  18  connects these covering members to the toilet base  12 . 
   Such toilets will likely include other elements such as the usual toilet bowl  20  defining the waste basin, a water storage tank  22 , a flush valve (not shown) and other elements (not shown) such as a trap for delivering waste from the bowl  20  to a sewer system. The assembly may also include suitable brackets  24 ,  26  which connect the cover and seat to associated hinge pins. 
   Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 2-10 , there is a bone-shaped mounting plate  28  or  28 A clamped down on the rearward extension of the toilet base  12 . As best shown in  FIG. 10 , the plate will have two through holes  25  and  27  and lateral wings  29  and  31 . The wings define an undercut region on each lateral side of the mounting plate. 
   In top view the mounting plate has a narrowed middle  33  and widened regions around holes  25  and  27 . Note also that in the  FIG. 10  embodiment, but not in the  FIG. 2  embodiment, the undercut is formed with laterally projecting bulges  35  and  37 . 
   The mounting plate  28 / 28 A is held onto the rearward extension of the toilet base with bolts  30 . These bolts have a widened head and a narrowed cylindrical lower portion which passes through the mounting plate and the rearward extension. The lowest end of the bolts will be conventionally threaded so that corresponding nuts (not shown) can be threaded thereto, optionally with a washer immediately above the nut, on the underside of the rearward extension  81 . 
   In the  FIG. 3  embodiment the narrowing along the front and rear of the mounting plate  28  is less smoothly contoured than in the  FIG. 10  embodiment&#39;s plate  28 A. However, there is still a narrowed middle  36  and widened lobes  32  and  34 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 4  there are wings  40  and  44  and undercuts  42  and  46 . However, as will be appreciated from  FIG. 5  (and also analogous portions of  FIG. 15 ) the undercuts are not interrupted by bulges. 
   A hinge base member  48  includes a first arm  50  and a second arm  52  defining an opening therebetween for receiving the mounting plate  28 . First arm  50  has an inwardly projecting ledge  54  following it on its inward side. Similarly, second arm  52  has a ledge  56  along its inward side. Wings  40  and  44  can rest on ledges  54  and  56 . 
   A pivotable lid  58  is connected to the hinge base member  48  to pivot on a horizontal axis from a first position as shown in  FIG. 6  to a second position as shown in  FIG. 7 . The lid has a rearward wall  61  with a forwardly dished region  63  to facilitate a finger being able to lift the lid. The lid also has a rearward projection  65  which hooks between a metallic shield  67  and the remaining plastic portion of the hinge base member. If desired, dished region  63  could be designed to dish in so far as to abut against a rearward portion of the mounting plate  28  (see  FIG. 6 ) to inhibit upward movement of the lid. 
   When the lid  58  is in an open position ( FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  7  and  8 ), cover  14 , seat  16 , their respective brackets  24 ,  26 , the hinge base member  48 , and the lid  58 , can easily be slid back as a unit from the  FIG. 4  position to the  FIG. 3  position. This restricts upward movement of this hinge base member  48 . 
   Then, the lid can be pivoted down to the  FIG. 2  position. This restricts forward movement of the hinge base member  48 . If the lid  58  is made of the same decorative material as the metallic shield  67  this will then create a highly decorative metallic outer appearance, and in any event present a hinge which appears to the consumer to be durable. 
   An alternative embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . Its structure is very similar to the  FIG. 1  embodiment except for the hinge arms now having a snap interlock with the lid, and the arms being laterally flexible and having catch fingers which interact with the  FIG. 10  bulges  35 ,  37 . 
   Assembly  60  includes a hinge base member  62  having an arm  66  formed with ledge  64 . There is also an arm  70  having a ledge  68 . which has a first arm  66  extending therefrom. Second ledge  68  has a second arm  70  extending therefrom. 
   There are now rearward bead-like projections  72  which can catch in a corresponding pocket  76  of the lid, in a snap fit manner, to further retard upward movement of the lid. 
   Also, the rearward ends of the arms  66  and  70  are now in the form of curled fingers which “caress” bulges  35  and  37  when the  FIG. 9  position is reached. As these fingers are pushed back along the bulges  35  and  37  they first flex outwardly and then snap back inwardly to help trap the hinge base member on the mounting plate. Lowering the lid to the closed position causes the sides  77  of the lid  74  to prevent outward flexing of the arms, thereby locking the assembly. 
   In another alternative embodiment of  FIGS. 12-14 , the lid  95  is integral with the shield  96 . Yet, it is still somewhat pivotable as will be described below. 
   There is an assembly  80  having a hinge base member  82 . A rearward portion of the lid  95  is in the form of a flexible tab  84  which in a rest position catches behind middle  33  of the mounting plate  28 . To disassemble the parts, one lifts up the tab  84  so that it is above the plate  28 . The base member  82  can then be slid forward. Reversing the motion causes the tab  84  to be driven up by contact with the mounting plate until it passes behind and snaps behind the middle  33 . 
   Hence, the invention achieves the desired advantages of facilitating cleaning and maintenance. A consumer can install and/or remove most of the seat assembly once the mounting plate has been permanently installed. 
   Because a single plate anchored at two ends facilitates connection for both hinge ends, the part is secure and durable. Further, the parts of the assembly are inexpensive to manufacture and intuitive to use. 
   While several embodiments have been described and disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other changes can be made as well. Another example is exemplified by  FIG. 15 . In this embodiment, a mounting plate having openings  101  and  103  for receiving fasteners and narrowed middle  105  is instead provided with at least two (one on each side), and preferably four pockets  99 . The inner arms  50  and  52  of the  FIG. 4  embodiment could be provided with inwardly projecting beads (similar to beads  72  of  FIG. 9 , but facing towards the other arm). As the arms slide along the mounting plate, these beads could snap into pockets  99 , providing further resistance to forward movement of the hinge base member  48 . 
   Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to just the described most preferred embodiments. Hence, to ascertain the full scope of the invention, the claims which follow should also be referenced. 
   INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
   The present invention provides a mounting assembly suitable to attach a toilet seat and/or cover to a toilet base, and/or toilets with such seat assemblies installed thereon.