Abstract:
A toilet fastening system includes a bolt, a nut, and a cap, the bolt and nut each configured with ratchet or ratchet-like portions that define a ratchet or ratchet-like constructs between the bolt and nut to provide controlled tightening (rotation) of the nut onto the bolt, audible confirmation of nut tightening, and tactile user feedback while aiding in preventing back off of the nut relative to the bolt, the cap joining with the nut such that the cap becomes the tightening and loosening tool for the nut as well as the finished beauty cap for the toilet fastening system. The bolt has an offset foot with curved inner and outer surfaces for positive orientation and seating of the bolt into the toilet flange.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This U.S. non-provisional patent application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/826,672 filed Aug. 14, 2015 titled “Toilet Fastening System,” which is a continuation of now abandoned U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/242,470 filed Apr. 1, 2014 titled “Toilet Fastening System,” the entire contents of each of which is specifically incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of hardware and, more particularly, to toilet fasteners used between a toilet base and a toilet flange. 
       Description of the Prior Art 
       [0003]    A toilet fastener is positioned between the base of a toilet and the upwardly facing toilet flange provided on the floor drain. A standard toilet fastening system consists of a metal bolt with rectangular base that slides into the bolt channel on the toilet flange and protrudes upward through the toilet base, a beauty cap plate, a metal washer, a metal nut, and finally a beauty cap. The object of the toilet fastener is to provide a means of holding the toilet to the flange. However, many of the prior art fasteners become loose or deteriorate, thereby developing leaks allowing fluid and/or gaseous waste to escape. 
         [0004]    The standard toilet bolt is produced from various metals. If the bolt comes into contact with moisture and it is made out of a steel it will rust and has to be removed for repair. The toilet bolt is difficult to observe as the toilet bolt is covered with a beauty cap hiding deterioration of the nut and bolt. 
         [0005]    The base of a standard toilet bolt has a rectangular shaped design for the purpose of keeping the toilet bolt in the flange. However, due to the varying widths and shapes of bolt channels on flanges, the standard toilet bolt can become dislodged due to the design of the base of the toilet bolt. Furthermore, the standard toilet bolt can spin in the bolt channel due to the varying widths and shapes of the bolt channels making it difficult to tighten and untighten the nut on the toilet bolt without the toilet bolt becoming dislodged from the flange. 
         [0006]    The standard toilet nut and bolt configuration allows the nut to loosen by backing up on the threads due to the angle of the thread pattern and the movement and rocking of the toilet base. The standard nut is also made of various metals. If the nut comes into contact with moisture and it is made out of a steel it will rust and has to be removed for repair. The standard nut has a hexagon shape about ⅜″ wide and 3/16″ tall requiring the use of tools for tightening and a metal washer to keep the nut from going through the toilet base. 
         [0007]    The standard beauty cap plate is installed before the metal washer and nut for the purpose of holding the cap over the washer, nut and cut bolt. Therefore if the metal washer and metal nut become rusted or loose, the cap has to be removed and tools must be used to re-tighten the nut, if the nut and bolt are not too deteriorated. If the nut and or bolt are heavily rusted the use of saws, grinders or other tools would need to be used for removal. Furthermore, the cap keeps the metal nut and metal washer hidden from view obstructing the ability to see if it has become loose or begun to deteriorate. 
         [0008]    Currently there are a number of toilet to flange fastening system options. Some of these options use a steel bolt, or other metals, a nut, a washer, a cap plate and a cap, however, these options fail to meet the need of the industry because the parts can deteriorate/rust, become loose, and remain hidden by the cap allowing the problem to get worse. Other options attempt to use nylon as a bolt and nut material. However, this is similarly unable to meet the industry needs as it only solves the deterioration/rust problem and are easily loosened by the angle of the threading and the movement of the toilet, and the foot can still become loose in the flange and require tools to tighten/repair. Still other options attempt to use a redesigned foot on the bolt, but due to the varying widths and shapes of the bolt channels on flanges they still become dislodged and spin while trying to tighten. 
         [0009]    These and other options are shown in, and a number of U.S. patents have been granted on toilet bolts. U.S. Pat. No. 7,954,179 issued to Johnson discloses a bolt with an oblong foot and male or female notches at the top of the bolts to visualize the direction of the foot and allow the use of tools to prevent spinning. U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,851 issued to Dickerson discloses a bolt with round foot and protrusion extending vertically from the top face of the foot for preventing spinning in the flange bolt channel. U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,629 issued to Sakow, discloses an oval foot for preventing spinning in the flange bolt channel. 
         [0010]    In view of the above, and without being exhaustive, what is clearly needed is a toilet to flange fastening system that does not rust or deteriorate, does not allow the nut to back off and become loose, does not allow the foot of the bolt to become dislodged and spin in the flange, does not require tools for tightening and repair, and installs with fewer pieces. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    A non-corrosive, re-tightenable, tool-less toilet fastening system, used for fastening the toilet to the flange and holding it securely in place. This toilet fastening system is primarily constructed of a non-corrosive material, having a threaded bolt with an off-set designed foot on one end and one or more grooves or channels (e.g. two channels 180 degrees apart) extending generally vertical through the threading of the bolt to receive pawls, tabs, flanges or the like of a cooperating nut. The pawls of the nut and the configuration of the grooves of the bolt define a ratchet assembly between the nut and the bolt to keep the nut from becoming loose from a tightened position. A tightening cap, which is received by the nut once received onto the bolt shaft, then becomes a combined tool (part of the tightening mechanism) and does not require removal for re-tightening of the nut to bolt configuration, nor does it require the use of extraneous tools. 
         [0012]    The non-corrosive material for one, all, or several of the bolt, nut, and cap would be preferably, but not limited to, a plastic, composite, ceramic, or non-metallic substance. 
         [0013]    The present invention is superior when compared to other known devices and solutions because the present invention provides superior fastening of the toilet to the toilet flange. Moreover, the present invention is reusable, non-corrosive, requires no tools to tighten or re-tighten, will not allow the foot to spin in the bolt channel of the toilet flange or become dislodged therefrom, the nut will not loosen with movement or rocking of the toilet, and is antimicrobial. In addition, the cap joins with the nut and is used for re-tightening without removing the cap and without a wrench or other tools. 
         [0014]    In one form, the present toilet fastening system comprises a bolt, a nut, and a cap. The bolt and nut have ratchet or similar portions that define ratchet or similar assemblies between the bolt and nut to provide controlled tightening of the nut onto the bolt with audible and tactile user feedback while providing anti back off of the nut relative to the bolt. The cap conjoins with the nut such that the cap becomes the tightening and loosening tool for the nut as well as the finished beauty cap for the toilet fastening system. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved toilet fastening system for securing a toilet base to a floor flange. 
         [0016]    A further object of the present invention is to provide an anti-back-off securement system for nut to bolt configuration. 
         [0017]    In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a superior foot for the base of the bolt for the purpose of preventing spinning of the bolt in the flange bolt channel and to prevent dislodging of the bolt from the flange while the user is tightening the nut onto the bolt via the cap. 
         [0018]    In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toilet fastening system wherein the cap and nut act as a single part during installation for the purpose of initial tightening of the nut onto the bolt, re-tightening of the nut onto the bolt, and loosening the nut from the bolt; the cap serving two purposes as a tool and as a clean-lined beautification covering (beauty cap) over the exposed nut and bolt. 
         [0019]    Without being exhaustive, further objects of the present invention are to provide a toilet to flange fastening system that provides tactile and/or audio feedback during installation, that can be easily tightened after installation such as while sitting on the toilet, that allows for selection of an angle of reception for the toilet bolt fastening system nut onto the toilet bolt fastening system bolt, and that keys the toilet bolt fastening system cap to the toilet bolt fastening system nut for installing/tightening the toilet bolt fastening system nut to the toilet bolt fastening system bolt. 
         [0020]    Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The above mentioned and other features, advantages and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of forms of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a toilet fastening system according to the principles of the present invention positioned between a toilet base attached to a floor flange and a toilet outlet base; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is an exploded upper view of the toilet fastening system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is an exploded bottom view of the toilet fastening system of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the toilet fastening system of  FIG. 1 , assembled; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of another toilet fastening system according to the principles of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a bolt for the toilet fastening system of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the bolt of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of another bolt that can be used with the present toilet fastening system; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the bolt of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a nut for the toilet fastening system of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the nut of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of another nut that can be used with the present toilet fastening system; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the nut of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of another nut that can be used with the present toilet fastening system; 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the nut of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a cap for the toilet fastening system of  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 17  is another isometric view of the cap. 
       
    
    
       [0039]    Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0040]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the forms illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is hereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a toilet fastening system  2  comprising a bolt  10  positioned in a bolt channel  45  of a toilet flange  41  protruding upward and through the bolt passage  42  in the toilet base  43 , in turn to be threaded through a nut  20  thereof, and thereafter a cap  30  thereof, fits onto and becomes a tool for manipulating the nut  20 . Herein, the use of non-corrosive substances will be deemed to encompass all suitable materials for the present toilet fastening systems. 
         [0042]    The bolt  10  includes an offset foot  18  with a shaft  19  extending vertically from an upper face of the foot. A threading is attached to or formed to and/or around the surface of the shaft  19  and having two channels  11   a ,  11   b  extending vertically through the threading 180 degrees (180°) apart from the other. The foot  18  has an inside curved planar surface  14  and an outside curved planar surface  15 , which follow the contour of a flange bolt channel (see e.g., flange channel  45  of  FIG. 1 ). The inside curved planar surface  14  begins near the front side of the threaded shaft extending horizontally toward the back to form a rear toe  17  and the outside curved planar surface  15  begins near the back side of the threaded shaft extending horizontally toward the front to form a front toe  16  making an offset planar foot while maintaining the ability to fit the foot into the flange bolt channel  45 . 
         [0043]    The foot  18  is positioned in the bolt channel  45  of the toilet flange  41  with the threaded shaft  19  extending vertically through the bolt passage  42  of the toilet base  43 . 
         [0044]    The nut  20  includes a shelled hexagonal body  23  that extends upwardly from the downwardly facing bottom surface with fins  22  extending inwardly from each corner of the hexagonal shape meeting at the wall of the partially shelled cylinder  25  that extends upwardly from the planar upper surface of the hexagonal body  23  and includes an internally threaded bore  26 . The cylinder  25  preferably, but not necessarily, has a height 100% greater than the height of the hexagonal body  23 . The fins  22  are filleted from where they meet the top plane of the hexagon body  23  to the middle of the top plane of the fins  22 . At the center of the cylinder  25  the threaded passage  26  is bored vertically through the nut  20  and has two locking tabs  21   a ,  21   b  extending vertically 180 degrees (180°) apart from the edge of the opening of the threaded passage  26  (although more or less locking tabs  21  may be used). A protrusion  27   a ,  27   b  runs vertically along the center of the interior face of each locking tab  21   a ,  21   b . At the base of the hexagonal body  23  is a thin cylinder  24  with a diameter greater than the width of the hexagonal body  23  and a filleted outer edge (i.e. rim, base, seat, etc.). At the undersurface of the base/cylinder  24  is a cylinder  28  with a diameter less than the width of the hexagonal body  23  and a height great enough to allow the cap  30  to join with the nut  20 , even as the nut  20  bottoms out on the toilet base  43  or other surface. 
         [0045]    The nut  20  is placed onto the top of the threaded shaft  19  and turned a clockwise direction for tightening. As the nut is turned down the shaft the tab protrusions  27  meet the threading and the locking tabs  21  are deformed outwardly. The tab protrusions  27  then turn over the channel shelf  12  and fall into the channels  11 , returning the locking tabs  21  to their original shape. The deformation process may create deformation sounds such as clicking. As the nut is turned further down the threaded shaft  19  the tab protrusions  27  rise over the channel exits  13   a ,  13   b  of the channels  11   a ,  11   b , deforming the locking tabs  21  outwardly in a continuous process until rotation is stopped. The deformation sounds are created during rotation of the nut  20  on the bolt  10 . 
         [0046]    The cap  30  extends upwardly from the planar downwardly facing bottom surface in four (4) melded conical shapes  32  to the upwardly facing planar surface  31 . The shape of the cap is not limited to a conical shape and can be a dome, cube, cylinder, pyramid or other. The downwardly facing flat or planar surface of the cap  30  is extruded upwardly with a cylindrical shape that is extruded outwardly to create the ledge  33  for accepting the thin cylinder  24  of the nut  20 . The downwardly facing surface thereof is further extruded upwardly with a hexagonal shape  34  a distance equaling the height of the hexagonal body  23  of the nut  20  then narrowing at an angle equal to the fillet of the fins  22  of nut  20  forming the hexagonal pyramid shaped cavity  35 . The cavity  35  thereof receives the hexagonal body  23  of the nut  20  and thereafter receives the thin cylinder (base, rim, etc.)  24  of the nut  20  into the circular ledge  33  of the cap  30 , joining them into one conjoined part. 
         [0047]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , a pair of bolts  10  have offset feet  18  positioned into bolt channels  45  provided 180 degrees (180°) apart on flange  41 . A pair of accurate shaped slots extend from each opening of the bolt channels  45  with each slot having a counter bore or enlarged lower opening enabling the foot  18  of each bolt  10  to be extended through the openings of the bolt channels  45  while the threaded shaft  19  of the bolt  10  is extended upwardly. The threaded shafts  19  may be moved along the lengths of the accurate slots to distance the foot  18  apart from openings of the bolt channels  45  preventing accidental disengagement of the bolt from the flange. 
         [0048]    Each offset foot has an inside curved planar surface  14  and outside curved planar surface  15  following the curvature of the accurate slots with the inside planar surface  14  being offset from the outside planar face  15 . Each threaded shaft  19  then extends through or by the toilet seal. Each threaded shaft  19  then extends through passages  42  located 180 degrees (180°) apart on the upper surface of the toilet base  43 . 
         [0049]    Once the bolts  10  pass through the toilet base  43  the nut  20  is screwed on in a clockwise direction for fastening the toilet base  43  to the toilet flange  41 . As the nut  20  is turned clockwise down the threaded shaft  19 , the locking tabs  21  grab at the locking channels  11  running vertically 180 degrees apart on the threaded shaft  19  preventing unintended counterclockwise turning of the nut  20  on the threaded shaft  19 . The nuts  20  are tightened by hand or tool to a snug position when the toilet base  43  is secured to the toilet flange  41  and then the excess threaded shafts  19  of the bolts  10  extending out of the top of the nuts  20  are removed. The present description is based on right handed threads/threading for the bolt and nut, however, left handed threads/threading may be used. 
         [0050]    The caps  30  are then joined onto the nuts  20  by aligning the hexagonal shaped structure  23  on the nuts  20  to the hexagonal cavity  34  of the caps  30 , to be as one. The caps  30  are then able to be turned in a clockwise direction tightening the nuts  20  down the threaded shafts  19  of the toilet base, without the use of additional tools and with audible confirmation (e.g. clicking) of tightening of the nut. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is depicted another toilet fastening system  50  fashioned in accordance with the present principles, the toilet fastening system  50  shown in an exploded view such that its three (3) components, namely, a bolt  52 , a nut  54 , and a multi-function cap  56  are easily seen. The toilet fastening system  50  is used for and/or in the same manner as the toilet fastening system  2  of  FIGS. 1-4 . As such, the description of the toilet fastening system  2  is applicable to and hereby incorporated into the toilet fastening system  50  unless indicated otherwise. 
         [0052]    Referring additionally to  FIGS. 6-7 , the bolt  52  has a body  53  with an offset foot  59 , and a shaft  58  extending vertically from an upper face of the foot  59 . A threading  60  is attached to or formed to, in, and/or around the surface of an upper portion of the shaft  58  and terminating in an end, nose or the like  61 . The shaft  58  preferably, but not necessarily, has two (2) channels, grooves, troughs or the like (collectively and hereinafter, grooves)  64 ,  66  extending generally vertically through the threading  60  from the nose  61  to proximate the foot  59 . While two (2) grooves are shown, the bolt  52  may have one (1) groove or more than two (2) grooves if desired. In the present embodiment, the two grooves are disposed 180 degrees (180°) apart from the other. However, spacing other than 180° may be used. 
         [0053]    As seen in  FIG. 7 , the axial or longitudinal groove  64  is formed into the shaft  58  so as to provide an axial or longitudinal side, surface, ledge, cutout, or the like  65 . It may be off-axis or skew if desired. The side  65  extends radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the shaft  58  and is generally perpendicular to the opposite side of the groove. The side  65  defines an angle of attack for the nut. The angle of attack can be changed by the angle of the side  65  relative to the opposite side. Clockwise threading or rotation of the nut  54  onto the bolt  52  reaches a drop off or ledge due to the side  65 . Counterclockwise nut rotation meets against the ledge, drop-off or the like  65 , resisting back off of the nut  54  from the bolt  52 . Likewise, the groove  66  is formed into the shaft  58  so as to provide an axial or longitudinal side, surface, ledge, cutout or the like  67 . It may be off-axis or skew if desired. The side  67  extends radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the shaft  58  and is generally perpendicular to the opposite side of the groove. The side  67  defines an angle of attack for the nut. The angle of attack can be changed by the angle of the side  65  relative to the opposite side. Clockwise threading or rotation of the nut  54  onto the bolt  52  reaches a drop off or ledge due to the side  67 . Counterclockwise nut rotation meets against the ledge, drop-off or the like  67 , resisting back off of the nut  54  from the bolt  52 . The grooves and their sides aid in preventing reverse rotation of the nut  54  and thus may be considered a part of a ratchet/ratchet assembly between the bolt  52  and the nut  54 . 
         [0054]    The foot  59  has an inside curved planar surface  214  and an outside curved planar surface  215 , which follow the contour of a flange bolt channel (see e.g., flange channel  45  of  FIG. 1 ). The inside curved planar surface  214  begins near the front side of the threaded shaft extending horizontally toward the back to form a rear toe  217  and the outside curved planar surface  215  begins near the back side of the threaded shaft extending horizontally toward the front to form a front toe  216  making an offset planar foot while maintaining the ability to fit the foot into the flange bolt channel  45 . The foot  59  is positioned in the bolt channel  45  of the toilet flange  41  with the threaded shaft  59  extending vertically through the bolt passage  42  of the toilet base  43  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , there is depicted another bolt  52   a  that may be used with the toilet fastening system  50 . The bolt  52   a  generally has the same features, components, functions, and the like as the bolt  52  and such features, components, functions, and the like of the bolt  52   a  are thus labeled the same as the bolt  52  but with a following “a.” Features, components, functions, and the like of the bolt  52   a  that are different from the bolt  52  are labeled differently. The groove or channel  64   a  is generally rectangular but with outwardly angled sides  65   aa ,  65   ab . The channel  66   a  likewise is generally rectangular but with outwardly angled sides  67   aa ,  67   ab . The outwardly angled sides  65   aa ,  65   ab  of the channel  64   a  provides an angled ledge, drop-off or the like  65   ab  during clockwise threading of the nut  54  onto the bolt  52   a , while counterclockwise nut rotation meets against the ledge, drop-off or the like  65   aa , resisting back off of the nut  54  from the bolt  52   a . The outwardly angled sides  67   aa ,  67   ab  of the channel  66   a  provides an angled ledge, drop-off or the like  67   ab  during clockwise threading of the nut  54  onto the bolt  52   a , while counterclockwise nut rotation meets against the ledge, drop-off or the like  67   aa , resisting back off of the nut  54  from the bolt  52   a . The channels and their sides aid in preventing reverse rotation of the nut  54  and thus may be considered a part of a ratchet/ratchet assembly between the bolt  52  and the nut  54 . The channels of the bolt may take other shapes as desired. 
         [0056]    The nut  54  has a body  53  having a generally hexagonal platform  55  that extends upwardly from a generally disk shaped base  70 , the hexagonal body having six (6) outwardly facing sides, surfaces, walls, or the like (“sides”)  72   a ,  72   b ,  72   c ,  72   d ,  72   e ,  72   f , each outwardly facing side  72   a - f  having a respective detent, dimple, hole or the like (“detent”)  73   a - f  for receipt of complementary protrusions on the inside of the cap  56  (or vice versa). The base  70  provides a seat for the cap  56 . A first ratchet portion  78  is situated about a side of the threaded center  74  defining an axial opening  76 , while a second ratchet portion  80  is situated about another side of the threaded center  74  (the nomenclature first and second being arbitrary), the number of ratchet portions corresponding in number to the number of channels in the bolt. The first ratchet portion  78  includes a cavity  79  in the platform  55  that is sized to allow pivoting movement of a resilient/spring arm  82  which extends from a pivot point/post  83 . The resilient arm  82  has a pawl  84  that extends radially into the threaded center  74 , the pawl  84  defining an angled side  85  and a planar side  86 , the angled side  85  being the leading side during clockwise rotation of the nut  54  (and thus the planar side  86  is the trailing side during clockwise rotation of the nut  54 ) and vice versa for counterclockwise rotation. The resilient arm  82  allows the pawl  84  to flex radially in and out relative to the center  76  in order to co-act with the bolt. The second ratchet portion  80  includes a cavity  81  in the platform  55  that is sized to allow pivoting movement of a resilient/spring arm  87  which extends from a pivot point/post  88 . The resilient arm  87  has a pawl  89  that extends radially into the threaded center  74 , the pawl  89  defining an angled side  90  and a planar side  91 , the angled side  90  being the leading side during clockwise rotation of the nut  54  (and thus the planar side  91  is the trailing side during clockwise rotation of the nut  54 ) and vice versa for counterclockwise rotation. The resilient arm  87  allows the pawl  89  to flex radially in and out relative to the center  76  in order to co-act with the bolt. The first and second pawls  84 ,  89  provides two locking tabs or pawls  84 ,  89  that are 180 degrees (180°) apart from each other, corresponding to the grooves in the bolt shaft. 
         [0057]    The pawls  84 ,  89  resiliently drop into a groove/channel  64 ,  66  of the bolt shaft  58  during tightening (rotation in one direction) of the nut  54  but resist counter rotation (loosening of the nut  54 ) due to the stop surface/sides  65 ,  67 . Moreover, the resilient pawls create an audible sound (e.g. clicking or snapping) as the pawls drop into and out of the bolt grooves as well as creating a tactile response or “feel” by the user through the cap  56  as the cap and nut combination advances the nut onto the bolt. 
         [0058]    The nut  54  is placed onto the top of the threaded shaft  58  and turned a clockwise direction for tightening (right-handed threading, but left-handed threading may be used). As the nut is turned down the shaft the tab protrusions/pawls  84 ,  89  meet the threading and are deformed radially outwardly. The pawls  84 ,  89  then turn over the groove/channel shelf and fall into the grooves/channels  64 ,  66 , returning the pawls  84 ,  89  and spring arms  82 ,  87  to their original shape/position. The deformation process preferably, but not necessarily create a deformation sound such as clicking or snapping, as well as provide tactile feedback to the user. As the nut  54  is turned further down the threaded shaft  58  the pawls  84 ,  89  rise over the groove exits, deforming the pawls outwardly in a continuous process until rotation is stopped. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , there is shown an alternate nut, generally designated  54   a , which may be used with the toilet fastening systems  2 ,  50 . The nut  54   a  generally has the same features, components, functions, and the like as the nut  54  and such features, components, functions, and the like of the nut  54  are thus labeled the same as the nut  54  but with a following “a.” Features, components, functions, and the like of the nut  54   a  that are different from the nut  54  are labeled differently. 
         [0060]    The nut  54   a  has a body  53   a  having a generally hexagonal wall  55   a  that extends upwardly from a generally disk shaped base  70   a , the hexagonal wall having six (6) outwardly facing sides, surfaces, walls, or the like (“walls”)  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c ,  104   d ,  104   e ,  104   f , (the alphabet nomenclature being arbitrary) each outwardly facing wall  104   a - f  having a respective detent, dimple, hole or the like (“detent”)  105   a ,  105   b ,  105   c ,  105   d ,  105   e ,  105   f  (the alphabet nomenclature being arbitrary) for receipt of complementary protrusions on the inside of the cap  56  (or vice versa). The base  70   a  also provides a seat for the cap  56 . 
         [0061]    A middle or center section or platform formed by two platform portions  111   a ,  111   b  is disposed interior to the walls  104   a - f  and defines a central threaded hole or bore  107  that is sized and configured for reception on the threaded bolt shaft  58 . Six ribs  106   a ,  106   b ,  106   c ,  106   d ,  106   e ,  106   f  (the alphabet nomenclature being arbitrary) project axially from the corners of the walls  104   a - f , however, other any number of ribs can be used. The rib  106   b  includes/defines a first ratchet portion  110   a  situated about a side of the threaded center  107 , while the rib  106   e  includes/defines a second ratchet portion  110   b  situated about another side of the threaded center  107  (the nomenclature first and second being arbitrary), the number of ratchet portions corresponding in number to the number of channels in the bolt. The first ratchet portion  110   a  includes a flange  108   a  that extends radially inwardly from the upper end of the rib  106   b  and axially over/into the longitudinal axis of the threaded center  107 . The flange  108   a  resiliently flexes side to side during rotation of the nut  54   a  in order to co-act with the bolt. The second ratchet portion  110   b  includes a flange  108   b  that extends radially inwardly from the upper end of the rib  106   e  and axially over/into the longitudinal axis of the threaded center  107 . The flange  108   b  resiliently flexes side to side during rotation of the nut  54   a  in order to co-act with the bolt. The first and second flanges, tabs or pawls  108   a ,  108   b  are 180 degrees (180°) apart from each other, corresponding to the grooves in the bolt shaft. 
         [0062]    The tabs  108   a ,  108   b  resiliently drop into a groove/channel  64 ,  66  of the bolt shaft  58  during tightening (rotation in one direction) of the nut  54   a  but resist counter rotation (loosening of the nut  54   a ). Moreover, the resilient tab create an audible sound (e.g. clicking or snapping) as the tabs drop into and out of the bolt grooves as well as creating a tactile response or “feel” by the user through the cap  56  as the cap and nut combination advances the nut onto the bolt. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 14-15 , there is shown an alternate nut, generally designated  54   b , which may be used with the toilet fastening systems  2 ,  50 . The nut  54   b  generally has the same features, components, functions, and the like as the nuts  54 ,  54   a  and such features, components, functions, and the like of the nuts  54 ,  54   a  are thus labeled the same as the nuts  54 ,  54   a  but with a following “b,” “c” or alphabet designation other than an “a.” Features, components, functions, and the like of the nut  54   b  that are different from the nut  54  have different numerical labels. 
         [0064]    The nut  54   b  has a body  53   b  having a generally hexagonal platform  55   b  that extends axially upwardly from a generally disk shaped base  112 , the hexagonal platform having six (6) outwardly facing sides, surfaces, walls, or the like (“walls”)  114   a ,  114   b ,  114   c ,  114   d ,  114   e ,  114   f , (the alphabet nomenclature being arbitrary) each outwardly facing wall  114   a - f  having a respective detent, dimple, hole or the like (“detent”)  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c ,  115   d ,  115   e ,  115   f  (the alphabet nomenclature being arbitrary) for receipt of complementary protrusions on the inside of the cap  56  (or vice versa). The base  112  also provides a seat for the cap  56 . The platform  55   b  has a central threaded hole or bore  117  that is sized and configured for reception on the threaded bolt shaft  58 . 
         [0065]    A first ratchet portion  116   a  is situated about a side of the threaded center  117 , while a second ratchet portion  116   b  is situated about another side of the threaded center  117  (the nomenclature first and second being arbitrary), the number of ratchet portions corresponding in number to the number of grooves/channels in the bolt. The first ratchet portion  116   a  includes a cavity  118  in the platform  55   b  that is sized to allow flexing movement of a curved resilient/spring arm  120  which extends between sides of the cavity  118 . The curved resilient arm  120  has a pawl  121  that extends radially into the threaded center  117 , the pawl  121  defining angled sides, one of the angled sides being the leading side during clockwise rotation of the nut  54   b  and vice versa for counterclockwise rotation. The resilient arm  120  allows the pawl  121  to flex radially in and out relative to the center  117  in order to co-act with the bolt. The second ratchet portion  116   b  includes a cavity  119  in the platform  55   b  that is sized to allow flexing movement of a curved resilient/spring arm  122  which extends between sides of the cavity  119 . The curved resilient arm  122  has a pawl  123  that extends radially into the threaded center  117 , the pawl  123  defining angled sides, one of the angled sides being the leading side during clockwise rotation of the nut  54   b  and vice versa for counterclockwise rotation. The resilient arm  122  allows the pawl  123  to flex radially in and out relative to the center  117  in order to co-act with the bolt. The first and second pawls  121 ,  123  provide two locking tabs or pawls  121 ,  123   89  that are 180 degrees (180°) apart from each other, corresponding to the grooves in the bolt shaft. 
         [0066]    The pawls  121 ,  123  resiliently drop into a groove/channel  64 ,  66  of the bolt shaft  58  during tightening (rotation in one direction) of the nut  54   b  but resist counter rotation (loosening of the nut  54   b ) due to the stop surface/sides  65 ,  67 . Moreover, the resilient pawls create an audible sound (e.g. clicking or snapping) as the pawls drop into and out of the bolt grooves as well as creating a tactile response or “feel” by the user through the cap  56  as the cap and nut combination advances the nut onto the bolt. 
         [0067]    The nut  54   b  is placed onto the top of the threaded shaft  58  and turned a clockwise direction for tightening (right-handed threading, but left-handed threading may be used). As the nut is turned down the shaft the tab protrusions/pawls  121 ,  123  meet the threading and are deformed radially outwardly. The pawls  121 ,  123  then turn over the groove/channel shelf and fall into the grooves/channels  64 ,  66 , returning the pawls  121 ,  123  and spring arms  120 ,  122  to their original shape/position. The deformation process preferably, but not necessarily create a deformation sound such as clicking or snapping, as well as provide tactile feedback to the user. As the nut  54   b  is turned further down the threaded shaft  58  the pawls  121 ,  123  rise over the groove exits, deforming the pawls outwardly in a continuous process until rotation is stopped. 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the cap  56  is particularly shown. The cap  56  has a body  57  with a generally frusto-conical shape, and which thus extends upwardly from a planar downwardly facing bottom or lower surface  130  in four (4) melded conical shapes  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c ,  100   d  (the alphabet nomenclature being arbitrary) to an upwardly facing planar top or upper surface  101 . The shape of the cap is not limited to a conical shape and can be a dome, cube, cylinder, pyramid or other. The cap  56  defines an interior  96  having a general frusto-conical hexagonal shape with an annular ledge  131  for accepting the base of the nut. The frusto-conical hexagonal interior  96   a  distance equals the height of the hexagonal portion of the nut then narrowing at an angle equal to the pawl assemblies/fins/etc. of the nut. The cavity  96  thus receives the nut and thereafter receives the base of the nut onto the annular ledge  131  of the cap  56 , joining the nut and cap into one conjoined part. 
         [0069]    It should be appreciated that the present bolt and nut, and/or variations thereof, may be used for applications other than toilet fastening systems. Other observations being that the grooves/channels of the bolt can be used to determine the direction or alignment of the foot in the toilet base flange, and the nut may use flaps, ball and spring assemblies, pins, or the like, the nut tabs, pawls, flanges or the like resiliently snap back for nut removal. 
         [0070]    The bolts, nuts, and caps of the present toilet fastening system are composed preferably, but not necessarily, throughout of a non-corrosive, non-metallic material, but multiple types of material may be used. For instance, the material used may be a steel, brass, aluminum, zinc, Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polystyrene (PS), Polyamide, Poly(vinyl chloride), or other metals or plastics. The bolt and nut may include glass or talc in the materials, which increase structural and impact strength and rigidity, or molybdenum sulfide-filled variants which increase lubricity. Examples of commercial polyamide products are Nylon from DuPont, Technyl from Rhodia, Rilsan and Rilsamid from Arkema. The non-metallic material may be polymer based having BHT (butylated hydroxyl-toluene) providing an anti-microbial construction for the bolt, nut and cap. Ceramics may also be used. 
         [0071]    The bolt, nut, and cap can be manufactured by the process of injection molding. The bolt can also be manufactured by the process of machining lengths of metal rods and threading by tap and die and then welding the machined foot to the base of the threaded shafts. Injection molding is a process for producing parts by injecting material into an injection mold. Injection molding can be performed with a host of materials, including metals, glasses, elastomers, confections, and most commonly thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Material for the part is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into a mold cavity where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the cavity. Injection molding utilizes a ram or screw-type plunger to force molten plastic material into a mold cavity; this solidifies into a shape that has conformed to the contour of the mold. 
         [0072]    Thermoplastics are prevalent due to characteristics which make them highly suitable for injection molding, their ability to soften and flow upon heating high pressure injection of the raw material into a mold which shapes the polymer into the desired shape. Molds can be of a single cavity or multiple cavities. 
         [0073]    When thermoplastics are molded, typically pelletized raw material is fed through a hopper into a heated barrel with a reciprocating screw. Upon entrance to the barrel the thermal energy increases and the Van der Waals forces that resist relative flow of individual chains are weakened as a result of increased space between molecules at higher thermal energy states. This reduces its viscosity, which enables the polymer to flow with the driving force of the injection unit. The screw delivers the raw material forward, mixes and homogenizes the thermal and viscous distributions of the polymer, and reduces the required heating time by mechanically shearing the material and adding a significant amount of frictional heating to the polymer. The material feeds forward through a check valve and collects at the front of the screw into a volume known as a shot. Shot is the volume of material which is used to fill the mold cavity, compensate for shrinkage, and provide a cushion the screw to transfer pressure from the screw to the mold cavity. When enough material has gathered, the material is forced at high pressure and velocity into the part forming cavity. 
         [0074]    Once the screw reaches the transfer position the packing pressure is applied, which completes mold filling and compensates for thermal shrinkage. The packing pressure is applied until the gate solidifies. Once the gate solidifies, no more material can enter the cavity; the screw reciprocates and acquires material for the next cycle while the material within the mold cools so that it can be ejected and be dimensionally stable. This cooling duration is dramatically reduced by the use of cooling lines circulating water or oil from a thermolator. Once the required temperature has been achieved, the mold opens and an array of pins, sleeves, strippers, etc. are driven forward to demold the article. Then, the mold closes and the process is repeated. 
         [0075]    For thermosets, typically two different chemical components are injected into the barrel. These components immediately begin irreversible chemical reactions which eventually crosslinks the material into a single connected network of molecules. As the chemical reaction occurs the two fluid components permanently transform into a viscoelastic solid. After the part has solidified valves close, isolating the injection system and chemical precursors, and the mold opens ejecting the molded parts. Then, the mold closes and the process repeats.