Patent Description:
Conventionally, a toilet seat and/or lid is attached to a toilet pan or bowl via bolts that are located through apertures in the toilet seat and through pre-defined apertures in the toilet pan. The bolts are inserted from an upper surface of the toilet pan and are secured in place using nuts connected from underneath the toilet pan; however, it is often difficult to gain access to the underside of the toilet pan because there is normally restricted access around and underneath the toilet pan. Additionally, the fitting process can require special tools to fit the nuts onto the bolts and so, once fitted, the toilet seat generally remains in place for the duration of use of the toilet pan or is at least seldom replaced. This creates a potential hygiene issue because the nut and bolt arrangement can be difficult to keep clean and disconnecting and refitting the seat can be a time-consuming process. Furthermore, it has been found that conventional fittings can become loose over time and have to be frequently tightened.

It should also be noted that the apertures in the toilet pan through which the bolts are placed to attach a toilet seat are often of different depths and/or diameters. This results in a situation where standard bolts are used that are not sized appropriately or forces between the two bolts cause an imbalance of forces acting on the toilets seat that can cause problems.

<CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> teach devices for fastening a seat and/or lid to a toilet bowl. <CIT> teaches anchor bolts comprising a rubber sleeve.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided retaining pin as set out in accompanying claim <NUM>. Preferred features are set out in the subclaims.

In one arrangement, the outer sleeve is arranged substantially coaxially with the pin and the body section. This allows the parts to be readily aligned and to operate along substantially the same axis. As the actuation mechanism is arranged at one end of the pin and the sleeve is connected to the same pin, operation of the actuation mechanism to adjust the axial position of the pin, relative to the body section, changes the axial position of at least part of the sleeve in the same direction. The axial movement of the pin adjusts compression forces on the expandable section of the sleeve, thereby allowing the expandable portion to move between the relatively expanded condition and the relatively retracted condition.

It is particularly advantageous that the second dimension of the outer sleeve is greater than the first. This locks the retaining pin in place relative to an aperture through which the pin passes. Advantageously, the body section comprises an external threaded section along at least part of its length and the first section comprises a corresponding thread to engage the threaded section on the body section. The body section can engage the item to which it is being connected and/or the sleeve, depending upon the arrangement and the parts to be connected. The threads allow the position of the body section within the item to be adjusted within an aperture and/or for the position of the sleeve to be adjusted, relative to the body section and actuation mechanism. Retaining the sleeve on the end of the pin allows the actuation mechanism to compress the expandable section of the sleeve, when operated.

The outer sleeve comprises a plurality of sections. The use of a plurality of sections allows for adjustment of parts of the device that can be undertaken independently of other parts of the sleeve, and preferably, the sleeve comprises:.

wherein actuation of the actuation mechanism moves the distal end of the pin and the third section axially towards the body section to compress the second section, thereby causing it to expand radially and, more preferably, the position of the first section on the body section is axially adjustable to vary the distance between the first section and the actuating mechanism.

IThe position of the third section of the sleeve is axially adjustable on the pin to vary the distance between the third section and the actuation mechanism.

The first section can be moved axially along the body section to adjust the distance between the actuation mechanism and the second section. This allows the pin to be used for fitting items to surfaces with different depths, for example, toilet pan biscuits with depths that might vary significantly. The third section can be moved axially along the pin to adjust the amount of compression applied to the expandable material, thereby adjusting the width of the compressed section, which allows the device to compensate for various diameters through which it may pass, again, for example, in toilet pans where the aperture diameter may vary from <NUM> to <NUM>. The first and third sections may be considered to be limiting mechanisms that are located on both sides of the expandable section. This limiting means then ensures correct expansion and retraction of the expandable section. Preferably, first and third sections of the sleeve may comprise one or more of: nuts; sleeve members; ferrules washer members; and inserts.

It may be that the expandable section comprises an elastomeric material or a rubber material that expands radially when compressed. Other materials may also be suitable for compression in such a manner that they materials provide a predictable radial expansion upon axial compression. For example, expandable, flexible and/or resiliently deformable material, such as rubber, neoprene, latex, silicone and/or plastics material.

It is preferred that the actuation mechanism comprises a cam to move the end of the pin distal from the actuation mechanism axially within the body section, thereby compressing the expandable material. The use of a cam provides a simple mechanism for actuating the device, whilst being easy for a user to operate.

In the present invention, the retaining pin may be biased into having the expandable section in an expanded or contracted position. Thus, in one arrangement, the user may operate the actuation mechanism to narrow the sleeve thereby allowing the pin to be inserted, before the biasing expands the sleeve. Alternatively, user actuation may expand the sleeve from the contracted position so that the pin is inserted in its rest state and then expands when in place. Where the pin is biased to the contracted state, the actuation mechanism may require a locking element to keep the actuation means activated and the sleeve in the expanded state, which may be in the form of a cam.

The present invention extends to a toilet seat arrangement comprising a toilet seat having a body portion and a retaining pin as set out herein, the retaining pin being connected to the toilet seat. Thus, the present invention may relate to a toilet seat that is provided with a retaining pin for attaching the toilet seat to a toilet pan.

Preferably, an aperture in the body portion of the toilet seat comprises a threaded inner surface and the body section of the retaining pin comprises corresponding threaded section and the respective threaded sections engage. This allows adjustment of the position of the retaining pin, relative to the body portion of the toilet seat.

The present invention further extends to a toilet seat arrangement and toilet pan fixing arrangement, wherein a toilet seat arrangement as set out herein is provided and a toilet pan is provided that has a biscuit with at least one aperture therein, wherein the retaining pin passes through the at least one aperture in the toilet pan biscuit and, when the actuation mechanism is operated, the expandable section expands to a size larger than the aperture in the toilet pan biscuit, thereby retaining the seat on the pan.

Thus, the retaining pin may be detachable engagement means arranged to move between an engaged position, wherein at least a part of the engagement means is in a relatively expanded or extended condition to allow engagement of the engagement means to an item, and a disengaged position, wherein the at least said part of the engagement means is in a relatively retracted or recessed condition to allow disengagement, insertion and/or removal of the engagement means with respect to the item.

Although the concept of expandable engagement apparatus is known, such as for example the use of expandable wall anchors or butterfly clips for plasterboard, these types of devices are designed to be one-way fixings that do not retract or disengage once they have been expanded. Where they can be retracted, they require special tools to move between the retracted position and the expanded position. Thus, the prior art apparatus is often difficult to remove once inserted and is often not reusable. Additionally, these types of prior art devices are not employed, nor are they suitable, for fixing toilet seats to toilet pans. The retaining pin, or engagement apparatus, of the present invention can be moved between the engaged position and the disengaged position as often as required, thereby allowing the connected items to be readily detached. Furthermore, the present invention provides a quick-release mechanism that can be operated quickly and easily and requires no special tools to move the same between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Since the apparatus of the present invention can be removed and/or reused, it allows removal of the retaining pin or disengagement of the parts for cleaning purposes and for readjustment purposes with relative ease. In particular, in some embodiments of the present invention, the entire engagement apparatus can be removed as a single unit. The retaining pin, or engagement apparatus, of the present invention can be fitted and/or removed from a single side of the items being connected, thereby removing the need to have access from both sides of the items or apparatus.

The actuation mechanism allows for actuation or movement of the retaining pin between the engaged position and the disengaged position in use, and the actuation mechanism may include one or more of a button, a lever, a switch, a handle, and a dial. Furthermore, a single actuation mechanism may control a single retaining pin or a plurality thereof. Where a plurality of pins is controlled by a single actuation mechanism the pins may be actuated simultaneously, separately of one another. The actuation mechanism may be slidably movable, rotatably movable and/or pivotably movable. The actuation mechanism may be resiliently biased to the locked position and the bias may comprise springs or resiliently yieldable material.

In one embodiment the at least part of the retaining pin, or engagement means, is movable between the relatively expanded or extended position and the relatively retracted or recessed position is as a result of movement of one or more mechanical parts, mechanical and/or physical movement of the at least part of the engagement means moving relative to another part and/or the like.

Preferably, the retaining pin further comprises a radially-extending flange. The body section may have a neck portion, at least part of which is inserted through an aperture with which the apparatus is to be engaged.

When inserted into an aperture in a receiving item, the expandable section is located on the side of the item distal from that of the actuation mechanism. Thus, the actuation mechanism is on one side of the item and the expandable section is on the opposite side thereof. Advantageously, the at least part of the sleeve movable between the expanded or extended position and the retracted or recessed position is resiliently biased to the retracted or recessed position. As such, once the apparatus is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the part of the engagement means automatically moves to the retracted or recessed position in use.

Preferably, the body section is provided with a screw thread on at least a part of an external surface thereof so that the sleeve, such as a nut, having an internal screw thread may be rotatably, or threadedly, mounted on the body section and movable relative thereto.

The third section a nut or threaded object is provided within the sleeve with which the pin engages. As such, subsequent movement of the pin, typically by linear axial movement relative to the body section, causes the nut or threaded object to also move, thereby causing the nut or threaded object to compress sleeve or bushing, which causes relative radial expansion of at least part of the sleeve to move the same to the engaged position.

In one embodiment, rotation of the support member and/or actuation means relative to the nut or threaded object causes the position of the nut or threaded object along the pin to change/move, which allows adjustment of the size or width of the expansion portion of the sleeve. As such, the engagement means of the present invention can be adjusted to fit different depth or diameter/width apertures.

Thus, the present invention provides engagement apparatus or a retaining pin that is arranged to allow adjustment of the same to fit different height/depth and/or different widths of apertures. Similarly, a method of using the engagement apparatus or retaining pin to allow adjustment of the same to fit different height/depth and/or different widths of apertures is discussed herein.

Embodiments not forming part of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following <FIG>, wherein:.

Referring firstly to <FIG>, there is illustrated a retaining pin, or engagement apparatus, <NUM> suitable for engaging a toilet seat/lid to a toilet pan. The engagement apparatus <NUM> can be moved between disengaged and engaged positions with respect to an aperture <NUM> defined in the toilet pan <NUM> through which at least part of the apparatus <NUM> in inserted.

The toilet pan <NUM> has an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> is defined between the upper surface <NUM> and lower surface <NUM>.

The engagement apparatus <NUM> includes a body section <NUM>, having an extension <NUM> extending from a first or lower side <NUM> of body section <NUM>, and a user actuation mechanism in the form of a button <NUM> provided on a second or upper surface <NUM> of body section <NUM>.

In use, the extension <NUM> is inserted through aperture <NUM> from an upper surface <NUM> of toilet pan <NUM> such that the lower side <NUM> of body section <NUM> rests on the upper surface <NUM> of toilet pan <NUM>. The body section <NUM> has a greater width than the width of aperture <NUM> such that the body section <NUM> is prevented from moving through aperture <NUM>, when in place.

The extension <NUM> has a central support <NUM> and a piston rod <NUM> mounted around said central support <NUM> and movable relative thereto at an upper part of the extension <NUM>. A sleeve in the form of two movable members <NUM>, <NUM> are pivotably mounted to an end <NUM> of central support <NUM> at a lower part of the extension <NUM>. The lower part of the extension portion <NUM> is the part furthest from the actuation mechanism <NUM>. The upper part of the extension <NUM> is the part nearest to the actuation mechanism <NUM>. The two movable members <NUM>, <NUM> are resiliently biased to a retracted position, as shown in <FIG>.

Movement of the button <NUM> between a non-actuated position, as shown in <FIG> and an actuated position, as shown in <FIG>, as a result of a user applying a force on button <NUM> towards the toilet pan <NUM>, slidably moves the piston rod <NUM> from a raised position as shown in <FIG> to a lowered position, as shown in <FIG>.

With the piston rod <NUM> in a relatively raised position, the end <NUM> of piston rod <NUM> is relatively close to body section <NUM> and aperture <NUM>. With the piston rod <NUM> in a relatively lowered position, the end <NUM> of piston rod <NUM> is relatively far away from body section <NUM> and aperture <NUM>.

Movement of the piston rod <NUM> from the raised position to the lowered position, moves end <NUM> of piston rod <NUM> against the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of movable members <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby causing pivotal movement of the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of movable members <NUM>, <NUM> from the retracted position in <FIG>, to an outwardly protruding or expanded position, as shown in <FIG>. With the movable members <NUM>, <NUM> in the retracted position, the width of the lower part of the extension <NUM> is less than the width of aperture <NUM>, thereby allowing the extension <NUM> to be inserted through and be removable from aperture <NUM>. With the movable members <NUM>, <NUM> of the sleeve in the outwardly protruding position, the width of the lower part of the extension <NUM>, the sleeve, is greater than the width of aperture <NUM>, thereby preventing the retaining pin <NUM> from being withdrawn/removed from aperture <NUM>.

The movable members <NUM>, <NUM> of the sleeve are resiliently biased to the retracted position such that once the piston rod <NUM> returns to the raised position, the movable members <NUM>, <NUM> automatically return to the retracted position. The piston rod <NUM> typically remains in the raised or lowered position until a user specifically moves the button <NUM> from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, or vice-versa.

The end <NUM> of piston rod <NUM> has a narrowing taper away from body portion <NUM>, and end <NUM> engages with inwardly sloped surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> at the ends of movable members <NUM>, <NUM> closest to piston rod <NUM>. This enables the piston rod <NUM> to pivot the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of movable members <NUM>, <NUM> in an outwardly direction as it moves towards the movable members <NUM>, <NUM>.

A further engagement apparatus <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. This arrangement is similar to the apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> with the actuation mechanism, button <NUM>, replaced with pivotable lever <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is movable from a non-actuated position, as shown in <FIG>, wherein the lever <NUM> is an upright position and is parallel or substantially parallel to neck portion <NUM>; to an actuated position, as shown in <FIG>, wherein the lever <NUM> is moved through <NUM> degrees and is transverse or perpendicular to neck portion <NUM>. Actuation of lever <NUM> between the non-actuated and actuated positions moves the piston rod <NUM> in a similar manner to that previously described.

An engagement apparatus <NUM> is provided whereby two engagement means are actuated by a single actuation member, is shown in <FIG>.

The engagement apparatus <NUM> includes two engagement means in the form of two clamping members <NUM>, <NUM>. Engagement means also includes a compressible member <NUM> joined to a surface of each clamping member <NUM>, <NUM> which is closest to the opposing clamping member. User actuation means in the form of a rotatable dial <NUM> is joined to the clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> via arm members <NUM>, <NUM> respectively. Dial <NUM> can be moved between a non-actuated position, as shown in <FIG>, wherein the arm members <NUM>, <NUM> are in a relatively extended position and clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> are a relatively large spaced distance apart from each other/extended position. In this position the compressible members <NUM> are in a relatively uncompressed or retracted position; and an actuated position, as shown in <FIG>, wherein the arm members <NUM>, <NUM> are in relatively retracted position and clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> are moved towards each other to a relatively smaller spaced distance apart or retracted position. In this position the compressible members <NUM> are clamped against a side of aperture <NUM>, thereby causing the free ends <NUM> of compressible members <NUM> to move from a retracted position to an expanded position. This expanded position prevents the compressible members <NUM> and clamping members <NUM>, <NUM> from being removed from aperture <NUM> in use.

A further non-claimed embodiment is described with respect to <FIG>. In this embodiment, engagement apparatus <NUM> is movable from an engaged position, as shown in <FIG>, to a disengaged position, as shown in <FIG>.

The retaining pin, or engagement apparatus, <NUM> includes a body section <NUM>, a pin, or pull member, <NUM>, a flexible sleeve member <NUM> and user actuation means in the form of a pivotably mounted lever <NUM>.

The body section <NUM> has a base part <NUM>, a lower surface <NUM> of which engages with a surface on which the retaining pin <NUM> is to be used, and an upper part <NUM>. A first upright slot <NUM> is defined in the upper part <NUM> for the location of pivot pin <NUM> therein and for allowing slidable movement of pivot pin <NUM> in slot <NUM>. A longitudinal axis of the upright slot <NUM> is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pin <NUM>. The slot <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. First end <NUM> is nearest to base part <NUM> and second end <NUM> is furthest from base part <NUM>.

A second curved slot <NUM> is provided above first upright slot <NUM> and has a concave curvature facing towards base part <NUM>. The slot <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end of slot <NUM> is further away from base part <NUM> than second end <NUM> of slot <NUM>. A track pin <NUM> is provided for slidable movement within slot <NUM>.

Lever <NUM> includes a body portion which is substantially U-shaped in form having two arm members <NUM> and <NUM> with a bridging member <NUM> therebetween. Two apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are located in arm members <NUM>, <NUM> for the location of pin member <NUM> and pin <NUM> therebetween. Pin <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. An aperture <NUM> is defined adjacent first end <NUM> for the location of pivot pin <NUM> therethrough. When assembled, first end <NUM> of pin <NUM> is located in a cavity defined in body section <NUM> such that aperture <NUM> of pin <NUM> is adjacent upright slot <NUM>. Thus, movement of pivot pin <NUM> in slot <NUM> causes movement of pin <NUM> relative to body portion <NUM>.

The part <NUM> of pin <NUM> immediately adjacent second end <NUM> has a greater width than a narrower part <NUM> set back from second end <NUM>.

The flexible sleeve member <NUM> is movable between an expanded and engaged position, as shown in <FIG>, to a retracted and disengaged position, as shown in <FIG>. A first end <NUM> of sleeve member <NUM> is typically engaged within base part <NUM> in use via a complementary threaded screw arrangement or via some other means.

The second end <NUM> of pin <NUM> is located through a channel through flexible sleeve member <NUM> when assembled, such that in the disengaged position, the wider part <NUM> protrudes outwardly of sleeve member <NUM> and the narrower part <NUM> is located in the channel of the sleeve member <NUM>.

With the retaining pin <NUM> in the disengaged position, track pin <NUM> is located in the second end <NUM> of slot <NUM>, the lever <NUM> is in an upright position where the longitudinal axis of members <NUM>, <NUM> is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pin <NUM>, pivot pin <NUM> is located at second end <NUM> of slot <NUM>, the wider part <NUM> of pin <NUM> protrudes outwardly from sleeve member <NUM> and sleeve member <NUM> is in a relatively retracted position, as shown in <FIG>.

With the engagement apparatus <NUM> is the engaged position, track pin <NUM> is moved to the first end <NUM> of slot <NUM>, the lever <NUM> is moved through <NUM> degrees to a transverse position where it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin <NUM>, pivot pin <NUM> is located at first end <NUM> of slot <NUM>, the wider part <NUM> of pin <NUM> is pulled into the channel of the sleeve member <NUM>, thereby causing sleeve member <NUM> to expand outwardly to a relatively expanded position, as shown in <FIG>. This expanded position allows the apparatus <NUM> to be retained in an aperture or through an aperture as the expanded sleeve member <NUM> is too wide to pass through the aperture.

The abovementioned mechanism could be employed in combination with a suction cup adjacent the body section to allow the device to be more securely fastened in place.

<FIG> show a non-claimed embodiment wherein retaining pin <NUM> is provided with user actuation means in the form of a lever <NUM> to actuate or allow movement of the engagement means between the relatively expanded or first engaged position and the relatively retracted or second engaged position.

The retaining pin, or engagement apparatus, <NUM> comprises a head or body section <NUM> in the form of a plate member, and a sleeve <NUM> protruding perpendicular to the body section <NUM> and extending outwardly therefrom. The sleeve <NUM> has an expandable portion <NUM> defined part way along its length that is capable of moving between the relatively expanded condition, forming an engaged position, and the relatively contracted condition forming a disengaged position.

An elongate cavity <NUM> is defined through sleeve <NUM> and body section <NUM> for the location of a pin <NUM> therethrough. The pin <NUM> is an elongate linear member. A first end <NUM> of cavity <NUM> is a closed end and is provided adjacent first end <NUM> of sleeve <NUM> furthest from the body section <NUM>. A second end <NUM> of cavity <NUM> has an opening on a top surface <NUM> of head section <NUM>.

A first end <NUM> of the pin <NUM> is located adjacent first end <NUM> of cavity <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the pin <NUM> protrudes outwardly of the second end <NUM> of cavity <NUM>. Lever <NUM> is pivotably mounted to second end <NUM> of the support member <NUM> via a pivot pin <NUM>. The pivot pin <NUM> is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve <NUM> and parallel to the top surface <NUM> of the body section <NUM>.

Lever <NUM> is pivotably movable by a user relative to the support member <NUM> from the first disengaged position, shown in <FIG>, wherein the lever <NUM> is in a relatively upright position and a longitudinal axis of the lever is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve <NUM>, to the second disengaged position, shown in <FIG>, wherein the lever <NUM> has been moved through approximately <NUM> degrees to a relatively lowered position and a longitudinal axis of the lever is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve <NUM>.

Movement of the lever <NUM> from the first disengaged position to the second engaged position slidably moves the pin <NUM> within the cavity <NUM> between a relatively lowered position, wherein first end <NUM> of pin <NUM> is relatively close to first end <NUM> of cavity <NUM>, to a relatively raised position, wherein first end <NUM> of pin <NUM> is moved away from first end <NUM> of cavity <NUM>.

At least a portion of the pin <NUM> adjacent first end <NUM> is provided with a screw thread <NUM> on an external surface thereof. This allows rotatable engagement with an object in the form of a nut <NUM> having a screw thread on an inner surface of the same, as will be described in more detail below.

As the lever <NUM> moves the pin <NUM> from the relatively lowered position to the relatively raised position within the sleeve <NUM>, this causes nut <NUM> to also move with the support member within the sleeve towards the body section <NUM>, thereby causing expansion of expandable portion <NUM> of the sleeve, as shown in <FIG>.

The material from which the sleeve <NUM> and the expandable portion therein is formed, typically allows a greater degree of expansion of the material in this expandable region on movement of the nut towards the same compared to movement of the nut towards the first end <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>.

In addition to the lever <NUM> being pivotably movable relative to head portion <NUM> and the pin <NUM> to allow movement of the pin <NUM> between the engaged and disengaged positions, lever <NUM> is rotatable relative to the body section <NUM> and nut <NUM> to allow movement of the nut <NUM> along the length of the pin <NUM>. This allows adjustment of the apparatus <NUM> so that the engagement means can engage with different sized apertures.

As nut <NUM> is moved towards the expandable portion <NUM> relative to the pin <NUM> during the rotation, this causes the expandable portion <NUM> to expand even when the lever <NUM> is in the disengaged position. When the lever <NUM> moves to the engaged position, this causes even greater expansion of the expandable portion <NUM>, thereby allowing the expandable portion <NUM> to engage with a larger diameter aperture than previously. The reverse process can happen to allow the apparatus to fit into a smaller diameter aperture.

Referring to <FIG>, there is illustrated an embodiment of the present invention in which the length of the sleeve of the retaining pin, or engagement apparatus, <NUM> can be adjusted, thereby allowing the apparatus to fit securely in different depths or heights of apertures, such as those defined in a toilet pan. The length of the sleeve <NUM> is adjusted in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve <NUM>. Similar features described in previous non-claimed embodiments will be referred to by the same reference numerals.

The retaining pin <NUM> comprises a toilet seat housing <NUM> and a user actuation mechanism in the form of a lever <NUM> is provided. The housing <NUM> has an aperture <NUM> defined therein and the internal walls of the housing <NUM> defining the aperture <NUM> have a screw thread <NUM> to allow height adjustment of the body section <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> comprises a first section <NUM> on a first side of an expandable section <NUM> and a second section <NUM> on a second side of the expandable section <NUM>. The sleeve is arranged coaxially about a pin <NUM> with internal threads of the second section <NUM> engaging with external threads of the pin <NUM>. The body section <NUM> has an aperture passing therethrough and the first section <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> engages external threads on the body section <NUM>. The pin <NUM> extends through the aperture of the body section <NUM>.

The pin <NUM> is pivotably mounted to lever <NUM> via a pivot pin <NUM> which passes through an aperture <NUM> at a first end <NUM> of pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is of such length to pass through the aperture <NUM> in the housing <NUM> and through the aperture in the body section <NUM>, such that a second end <NUM> of pin <NUM> protrudes below and outwardly of body section <NUM>. The expandable portion <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is positioned coaxially on pin <NUM> and is able to slide axially along the pin <NUM>. The first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> form two limiting means in the form of a nut <NUM> mountable to pin member <NUM> below the expandable portion <NUM>, and a fixed insert <NUM> mounted to body section <NUM>.

A screw thread <NUM> is provided on the external surface of pin <NUM>, at least adjacent second end <NUM> thereof.

A screw thread is provided on an external surface of body section <NUM> which is complementary to the screw thread <NUM> provided on the internal surface of housing <NUM> defining aperture <NUM>, thereby allowing threading engagement of the body section <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. Rotation of body section <NUM> relative to housing <NUM> allows adjustment of the axial position of the body section and sleeve <NUM> relative to housing <NUM>. Since expandable portion <NUM> is always provided in abutment with fixed insert <NUM>, this also allows adjustment of the height of the expandable portion <NUM> with respect to the housing <NUM>, thereby allowing the engagement apparatus <NUM> to fit toilet pan apertures of different height/depth.

Adjustable nut <NUM> engaged to the external screw thread <NUM> of the pin <NUM> is adjusted relative to expandable portion <NUM> to ensure that the expandable portion <NUM> is always sandwiched between insert <NUM> and nut <NUM>. Adjustment of adjustable nut <NUM> relative to the expandable portion <NUM> also changes the degree of expansion of the expandable portion <NUM> to allow the expandable portion to fit different widths of aperture as previously described.

<FIG> shows the position of the sleeve <NUM> adjusted to the maximum length, with sleeve body section <NUM> protruding from the lower surface of housing <NUM> by the longest length and placing insert <NUM> in a furthermost position with respect to housing <NUM>. In this position, the nut <NUM> and expandable portion <NUM> are moved towards the second end <NUM> of the pin <NUM> to sandwich the expandable portion <NUM> in between insert <NUM> and nut <NUM>. This allows the engagement apparatus to be used to engage to a toilet pan <NUM> having an aperture <NUM> with a relatively large depth 'd', as shown in <FIG> shows the engagement apparatus in a disengaged position with respect to the toilet pan <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the engagement apparatus in an engaged position on the toilet pan <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the position of the sleeve <NUM> adjusted to the minimum length, with the body section <NUM> protruding from the lower surface of housing <NUM> by the shortest length and placing insert <NUM> in a closest position with respect to housing <NUM>. In this position, the body section <NUM> has a greater number of screw threads <NUM> engaged with the housing screw threads <NUM> compared to the maximum length position described above. The nut <NUM> and expandable portion <NUM> are moved towards the first end <NUM> of the pin <NUM> to sandwich the expandable portion <NUM> between the insert <NUM> and nut <NUM>. This allows the retaining pin to be used to engage to a toilet pan <NUM> having an aperture <NUM> with a relatively small depth 'd', as shown in <FIG> shows the retaining pin in a disengaged position with respect to the toilet pan <NUM> and <FIG> shows the engagement apparatus in an engaged position on the toilet pan <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the position of the expandable portion can be adjusted to ensure it has a relatively large surface area in engaging contact with the surface to which the apparatus is to be attached to in use. For example, in some embodiments the expandable portion is at least partially or wholly located in the aperture defined in the toilet pan. In some embodiments, at least part of the expandable portion engages against a lower surface of the toilet pan. In some embodiments the expandable portion partially engages in the aperture and partially engages against a lower surface of the toilet pan.

Referring to <FIG>, there is illustrated an engagement apparatus used to fit a toilet seat <NUM> and lid <NUM> to attachment apertures defined in a toilet bowl <NUM>. In this embodiment the toilet seat <NUM> acts as the lever for actuating the engagement apparatus to move the same between the disengaged position and the engaged position.

The engagement apparatus is provided as a single unit, including the toilet seat and lid, with two spaced apart sleeves <NUM>.

In the start position, each sleeve <NUM> is inserted into the apertures defined towards the rear of the upper surface <NUM> of toilet bowl <NUM>. A lower surface of body portion <NUM> of the toilet seat sits on the upper surface <NUM> of the toilet bowl <NUM> and extends between the two apertures. The toilet seat and lid are hingedly mounted to the body portion <NUM> via hinges <NUM>.

Locking means are provided on the body portion <NUM> to lock the engagement apparatus in a locked position. The locking means includes a lock body <NUM> which is pivotably mounted on the body portion <NUM> via pivot pins <NUM>. Each pivot pin sits in elongate slots <NUM> provided on both sides of the pivot pins <NUM> to allow smooth pivoting movement of the lock body relative to the body portion <NUM>. The pairs of slots <NUM> are defined in two spaced apart opposing and upwardly protruding flanges <NUM> defined in body portion <NUM>.

Two lock buttons <NUM> are movably mounted in the lock body <NUM> for movement between a protruding lockable position, wherein the buttons <NUM> protrude outwardly of body <NUM> to allow engagement with a lock recess <NUM> defined in a lock housing <NUM> provided on the lower surface of toilet seat <NUM>, that is, the surface facing the toilet bowl upper surface when in a closed position, and a recessed unlocked position, wherein the buttons <NUM> are relatively recessed within body <NUM> and do not engage in lock recess <NUM> of lock housing <NUM>.

It is to be noted that the buttons <NUM> are resiliently biased to the locked position in use via resilient biasing means, such as for example via a spring.

In the start position, as shown in <FIG>, the lock body <NUM> is parallel to the toilet seat <NUM> and lid <NUM>. The buttons <NUM> are engaged in the lock recess <NUM> or lock housing <NUM>.

In order to move the sleeve from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the toilet seat <NUM> is lowered towards the upper surface <NUM> of toilet bowl <NUM> until it engages with the same. The toilet seat <NUM> acts as a lever to expand the expandable portion of the sleeve <NUM>, thereby engaging the same in the apertures in the toilet bowl. As the toilet seat <NUM> is lowered, this disengages the lock buttons <NUM> from the lock recess and moves the lock to an unlocked position, thereby moving the lock body <NUM> to a position where it is now parallel to the upper surface <NUM> of toilet bowl <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The toilet lid <NUM> is then lowered towards the upper surface <NUM> of the toilet bowl and the toilet seat <NUM>. As it does so, the toilet seat lid <NUM> engages with an actuating portion <NUM> at the rear of the lock body <NUM>, thereby moving the lock buttons <NUM> from the unlocked position to the locked position where they engage in lock recess <NUM> in housing <NUM>. With the lock buttons in the lock recess in a locked position, this maintains the sleeve <NUM> in the engaged position, such that further movement of the toilet seat and lid between raised and lowered positions has no effect on the engaged position of the sleeve <NUM>.

When a user wishes to remove the toilet seat and lid from the toilet bowl, a user manually presses on the actuating portion <NUM> of lock body <NUM>, to unlock the lock means and move buttons <NUM> out of engagement with lock recess <NUM> and lifts the whole apparatus as a single unit from the toilet bowl <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A retaining pin (<NUM>) comprising:
a body section (<NUM>) having an aperture therein;
an actuation mechanism (<NUM>) arranged at a first end of the body section (<NUM>);
a pin (<NUM>), connected at a first end to the actuation mechanism (<NUM>) and extending therefrom, through the aperture of the body section (<NUM>); and
an outer sleeve (<NUM>) arranged around the pin (<NUM>) in contact therewith;
wherein the outer sleeve (<NUM>) comprises:
a first section (<NUM>) that engages the body section (<NUM>);
a second section comprising an expandable material (<NUM>); and
a third section (<NUM>) that engages the pin (<NUM>); wherein actuation of the actuation mechanism (<NUM>) moves the distal end of the pin (<NUM>) and the third section (<NUM>) axially towards the body section (<NUM>) to compress the second section (<NUM>), thereby causing it to expand radially from a first dimension to a second dimension;
characterised in that the position of the first section (<NUM>) on the body section (<NUM>) is axially adjustable to vary the distance between the first section (<NUM>) and the actuating mechanism (<NUM>);
and in that the position of the third section (<NUM>) is axially adjustable on the pin (<NUM>) to vary the distance between the third section (<NUM>) and the actuating mechanism (<NUM>).