U.S. patent application number 09/781690 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-27 for seal for a toilet outlet.
Invention is credited to Atkins, Nicholas.
Application Number | 20010023505 09/781690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26314197 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010023505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Atkins, Nicholas |
September 27, 2001 |
Seal for a toilet outlet
Abstract
A seal for a toilet outlet is described, where the toilet outlet
comprises a waste outlet from a toilet bowl. A connection device,
such as a flange, for connecting the waste outlet to a waste
removal system, is also described. The seal is adapted to provide a
seal between the waste outlet and the connection device, where the
direction of travel of the waste from the waste outlet to the
connection device is substantially vertical. The seal is formed
from a resilient material.
Inventors: |
Atkins, Nicholas; (Banchory,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
J. Benjamin Bai , Ph.D.
Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C.
Ste. 1800
1100 Louisiana
Houston
TX
77002-5214
US
|
Family ID: |
26314197 |
Appl. No.: |
09/781690 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/252.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 11/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/252.6 |
International
Class: |
E03D 011/17 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 24, 2000 |
WO |
WO 00/09825 |
Aug 13, 1998 |
GB |
GB 9817520.1 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A seal for a toilet outlet, the toilet outlet comprising a waste
outlet from a toilet bowl for fluid connection with a waste removal
system, the seal being adapted to provide a seal between the waste
outlet and the waste removal system, wherein a direction of travel
of waste from the waste outlet to the waste removal system is
substantially vertical, and wherein the seal is formed from a
resilient material.
2. A seal according to claim 1, wherein the toilet outlet further
comprises a connection device for connecting the waste outlet to
the waste removal system.
3. A seal according to claim 1, wherein the seal is formed from a
material having one, some or all of the following characteristics:
elasticity, the ability to regain its original shape or position
after bending, stretching, compression or other deformation.
4. A seal according to claim 1, wherein the waste outlet is located
on a lowermost portion of the toilet bowl.
5. A seal according to claim 1, wherein the waste outlet protrudes
downwardly from the toilet bowl.
6. A seal according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
waste outlet is frusto-conically shaped, with a greatest
cross-sectional area of the waste outlet being vertically
uppermost.
7. A seal according to claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a bore
through which waste can travel.
8. A seal according to claim 7, wherein the seal is generally
symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the bore.
9. A seal according to claim 1, wherein the seal comprises, when in
use, an upper portion which comprises an upper surface against
which a portion of a bottom of the toilet bowl seats.
10. A seal according to claim 9, wherein the upper portion
comprises a recess formed therein, the recess providing for
displacement of the upper portion.
11. A seal according to claim 10, wherein the upper portion of the
seal further comprises at least two annular seals coupled to a
body.
12. A seal according to claim 11, wherein the recess in the upper
portion of the seal is provided in a region defined between the two
annular seals and the body.
13. A seal according to claim 12, wherein in use of the seal, the
annular seals of the upper portion of the seal are vertically
lowermost, and the body is vertically uppermost.
14. A seal according to claim 12, wherein respective ends of the
body are each coupled to one of the annular seals.
15. A seal according to claim 14, wherein a base of at least one of
the annular seals forms a seal surface for sealing against a seal
surface provided one the connection device.
16. A seal according to claim 1, wherein the connection device is a
flange.
17. A seal according to claim 11, wherein in use of the seal, the
two annular seals may be compressed toward one another by the
compressive force provided by the weight of the toilet bowl.
18. A seal according to claim 17, wherein the annular seals are
displaced towards one another to a substantial extent such that
they bear against one another.
19. A seal according to claim 18, wherein the recess is
substantially collapsed, and a base of the two respective annular
seals form respective seal surfaces for sealing engagement against
a seal surface provided on the connection device.
20. A seal according to claim 11, wherein the two annular seals may
be splayed apart from one another by the compressive force provided
by the weight of the toilet bow.
21. A seal according to claim 20, wherein faces of the annular
rings which are adjacent the recess provide respective seal
surfaces for sealing engagement against the sealing surface
provided on the connection device.
22. A seal according to claim 9, wherein the upper portion of the
seal comprises an inner annular seal and an outer annular seal, and
the inner annular seal is located radially inwardly of the outer
annular seal.
23. A seal according to claim 22, wherein the outer annular seal is
coaxial with respect to the inner annular seal.
24. A seal according to claim 9, wherein the seal further comprises
a lower portion which is coupled to the upper portion, and which is
provided with at least one sealing element for sealing engagement
against a lower portion of the connection device, or against a
portion of the waste removal system.
25. A seal according to claim 24, wherein the sealing element is a
seal ring which is preferably arranged on an outer circumference of
the lower portion.
26. A seal according to claim 25, wherein the seal ring protrudes
outwardly from the outer circumference of the lower portion to seal
against an inner circumference of the connection device or the
waste removal system.
27. A seal according to claim 25, wherein there are a plurality of
seal rings provided on the lower portion, the plurality of seal
rings being axially spaced with respect to the longitudinal axis of
the bore of the seal.
28. A seal according to claim 24, wherein the seal further
comprises a middle portion which couples the upper portion of the
seal to the lower portion.
29. A seal according to claim 24, wherein an inner diameter of the
upper portion of the seal is of a different diameter to an inner
diameter of the lower portion.
30. A seal according to claim 29, wherein the middle portion being
coupled to the upper portion, and the other end being coupled to
the lower portion.
31. A seal according to claim 30, wherein an outer diameter of the
upper portion of the seal is greater than an outer diameter of the
lower portion.
32. A seal according to claim 1, having taps with supporting a
apertures for fixings.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to a prior International
patent application, Ser. No. WO 00/09825, published on Feb. 24,
2000, entitled A Seal for a Toilet Outlet.
[0002] The present invention relates to a seal for a toilet outlet,
particularly but not exclusively, to a seal for a toilet outlet
where the outlet is arranged such that waste passes through the
outlet in a substantially vertical direction.
[0003] Conventionally, in some countries and particularly the
United States of America, the waste outlet of a toilet is formed in
the base of the porcelain toilet bowl. A flange is mounted in the
floor of the bathroom, where the flange is connected to the
municipal waste water system. It has been known for many years,
particularly in the United State of America, to use a seal formed
exclusively from beeswax to provide a seal between the waste outlet
of the porcelain toilet bowl and the flange. However, this beeswax
seal introduces problems during assembly of the porcelain toilet
bowl to the municipal waste water system, in that once the wax has
been distorted through installation or movement of the toilet bowl,
the was remains distorted. This distorting or "melting" of the was
degrades the seal between the porcelain toilet bowl and the flange
mounted in the floor, and thus in many instances a fluid tight seal
cannot be achieved. Also, the wax seal cannot be re-used.
[0004] According to the present invention, there is provided a seal
for a toilet outlet, the toilet outlet comprising a waste outlet
from a toilet bowl for fluid connection with a waste removal
system, the seal being adapted to provide a seal between the waste
outlet and the waste removal system, wherein the direction of
travel of the waste from the waste outlet to the waste removal
system is substantially vertical, and characterised in that the
seal is formed from a resilient material.
[0005] Typically, the toilet outlet further comprises a connection
device for connecting the waste outlet to the waste removal
system.
[0006] Preferably, the seal is formed from a material having one,
some or all of the following characteristics; elasticity, the
ability to regain its original shape or position after bending,
stretching, compression or other deformation. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention, the resilient material may be
rubber.
[0007] Typically, the waste outlet is located on the lowermost
portion of the toilet bowl, and typically, the waste outlet
protrudes downwardly from the toilet bowl. At least a portion of
the waste outlet may be frusto-conically shaped, with the greatest
cross-sectional area of the waste outlet vertically uppermost.
[0008] Typically, the seal comprises a bore through which waste can
travel, and typically, the seal is generally symmetrical about the
longitudinal axis of the bore.
[0009] The seal may comprise, when in use, an upper portion, and in
a preferred embodiment, the upper portion typically further has a
recess formed therein, the recess providing for displacement of the
upper portion. As an alternative to the recess the upper portion
may be solid but may simply be compressible, and may have a softer
core to assist and direct compression.
[0010] Typically, the upper portion comprises an upper surface
against which a portion of the bottom of the toilet bowl seats, in
use.
[0011] The recess in the upper portion may be a groove.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper
portion of the seal may comprise at least two annular seals, which
are preferably coupled to a body, and typically, when not in use of
the seal, the groove in the upper portion of the seal is provided
in the region defined between the two annular seals and the body.
Typically, in use of the seal, the annular seals of the upper
portion of the seal are vertically lowermost, and the body is
vertically uppermost, and typically respective ends of the body are
each coupled to one of the annular seals.
[0013] Preferably, the base of at least one of the annular seals
forms a seal surface, typically sealing against a seal surface
provided on the connection device, and the connection device may be
a flange, and may further be a floor-mounted flange.
[0014] In use of the seal, and in a preferred embodiment, the two
annular seals may be compressed toward one another by the
compressive force provided by the weight of the toilet bowl, and
preferably, the annular seals are displaced towards one another to
a substantial extent such that they bear against one another. In
this scenario, the groove is substantially collapsed, and
preferably, the base of the two respective annular seals form
respective seal surfaces for sealing engagement against a seal
surface provided on the floor mounted flange.
[0015] Alternatively, the two annular seals may be splayed apart
from one another by the compressive force provided by the weight of
the toilet bowl, and typically faces of the annular rings which are
adjacent the groove provide respective seal surfaces for sealing
engagement against the sealing surface provided on the floor
mounted flange.
[0016] Typically, the upper portion of the seal comprises an inner
annular seal and an outer annular seal, and preferably, the inner
annular seal is located radially inwardly of the outer annular
seal. Typically, the outer annular seal is coaxial with respect to
the inner annular seal.
[0017] Typically, the seal further comprises a lower portion which
is coupled to the upper portion, and which is provided with at
least one sealing element for sealing engagement against a lower
portion of the connection device, and preferably, against a lower
portion of the flange. Typically, the sealing element is a seal
ring which is preferably arranged on the outer circumference of the
lower portion, and more preferably, the seal ring protrudes
outwardly from an outer circumference of the lower portion to seal
against an inner circumference of the flange. Typically, there are
a plurality of seal rings provided on the lower portion, and
preferably, the plurality of seal rings are axially spaced with
respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the seal. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention, there may be two
axially-spaced seal rings. They can be of different diameter for
different sizes of pipe and flange.
[0018] Preferably, the seal further comprises a middle portion
which couples the upper portion of the seal to the lower portion,
and typically, the inner diameter of the upper portion of the seal
is of a different diameter to the inner diameter of the lower
portion, and typically, the middle portion is frusto-conically
shaped, with one end of the middle portion being coupled to the
upper portion, and the other end being coupled to the lower
portion.
[0019] Typically, the outer diameter of the upper portion of the
seal is greater than the outer diameter of the lower portion.
[0020] Typically, at least a portion of the outer and/or inner
annular seals may be folded eg in a form similar to a concertina.
This provides the advantage that the wall of the inner annular seal
will more readily collapse when weight is placed on the upper
portion such that an enhanced seal is achieved.
[0021] An embodiment of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only, and with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is an exploded assembly cross-sectional view of a
first example of a seal in accordance with the present invention
prior to installation between a toilet bowl and a flange;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the seal of FIG. 1 in
more detail;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the seal of FIG. 1 in a
first alternative configuration installation between a toilet bowl
and a flange;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the seal of FIG. 1 in a
second alternative configuration of installation between a toilet
bowl and a flange;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one half of a second
example of a seal in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one half of a first
alternative upper seal portion in the form of a `C`-shaped
section;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one half of a second
alternative upper seal portion in the form of an `O`-ring
section;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of one half of a third
alternative upper seal portion in the form of a `Y`-shaped
section;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of one half of a fourth
alternative upper seal portion in the form of a `Lip` section;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one half of a portion
of a first alternative lower seal portion;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of one half of a portion
of a second alternative lower seal portion;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of one half of a portion
of a third alternative lower seal portion;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of one half of a fifth
alternative upper seal portion in the form of a `U`-shaped
section;
[0035] FIG. 14 is an exploded assembly cross-sectional view of a
seventh example of a seal in accordance with the present invention
during installation between a toilet bowl and a flange;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an eighth example of a
seal in accordance with the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an ninth example of a
seal in accordance with the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an tenth example of a
seal in accordance with the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 18 is an exploded assembly cross-sectional view of an
eleventh example of a seal in accordance with the present invention
during installation between a toilet bowl and a flange, where the
flange is omitted from FIG. 18;
[0040] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a twelfth example of a
seal in accordance with the present invention; and
[0041] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the seal of FIG. 14 in
isolation form the toilet and flange.
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a first example of a seal 1 in accordance with
the present invention, where the seal is formed from a suitable
material such as rubber, thermoplastic rubber polyurethane or other
elastomeric materials, where the seal 1 is shown just prior to
installation of a toilet bowl 5 into a flange 10, where a portion
of the floor 15 is shown.
[0043] In order to install a toilet, a hole 20 is first prepared in
the floor 15, with appropriate pipework (not shown in FIG. 1 but
shown in FIG. 14), connecting the hole to the municipal waste water
system.
[0044] A flange 10 is then inserted into the hole 20 and fixed in
position (as will be described subsequently). The flange can be
installed before or after the pipework. The flange 10 comprises
three main portions, these being an upper flange portion 10A, a
middle flange portion 10B, and a lower flange portion 10C. The
lower flange portion 10C is either coupled directly to the
municipal pipework, by for instance being solvent welded by use of
adhesive therebetween, or has an appropriate O-ring seal acting
between the lower flange portion 10C and the pipework. The upper
end of the lower flange portion 10C is integrally formed with the
middle flange portion 10B, where the middle flange portion 10B is
preferably frusto-conical in shape (it can be straight), with the
smaller cross-sectional area being located at the junction with the
lower flange portion 10C. The upper end of the middle flange
portion 10B is coupled to the upper flange portion 10A, which is in
the form of a disc, with the disc projecting outwardly from the
junction with the middle flange portion 10B.
[0045] Flange 10 is arranged, in use, such that the lower surface
of the upper flange portion 10A is horizontal with respect to, and
seats against, the upper surface of the floor 15 surrounding the
hole 20. Screw or bolt holes are provided in the upper flange
portion 10A to permit the insertion of screws (not shown) or bolts
(not shown) to secure the flange 10 to the floor, such that the
flange 10 is in the configuration shown in FIG. 1. There are
typically a plurality of upwardly projections bolts (not shown)
coupled to the upper surface of the upper flange portion 10A, where
the bolts are arranged to locate in respective recesses, grooves or
holes formed on the lower surface of the toilet bowl 5 to aid
correct alignment of the toilet bowl 5 during its installation. The
bolts preferably are T-headed and locate in the holes 12 in the
flange. The bolts can be fitted to the holes 12 by inserting their
T-shaped heads into the narrower upper portions of the holes, and
rotating them through 90 degrees. These can then be held captive in
the holes 12 and project upwardly into cooperating holes in the
base of the toilet. Nuts can then be offered to the bolts and
tightened to compress the seal. There can be separate countersunk
holes (not shown) in the seal for screws or other fixings to attach
the seal to the floor. The seal can therefore be compressed by the
weight of the toilet, by compression of the T-headed bolts, or by
bolts which connect the toilet to the floor so that the seal is
compressed between the floor and the toilet by the action of the
bolts.
[0046] It should be noted that the flange is not essential, and it
would be possible to install a seal into an upwardly pointing end
of a pipe. The seal can simply be inserted into the pipe.
[0047] The seal 1 comprises three main portions, which are all
formed integrally, these being an upper seal portion 1A, and middle
seal portion 1B, and a lower seal portion 1C.
[0048] The upper seal portion comprises an outer ring 2 and an
inner annular seal ring 3 where the outer 2 and inner 3 rings are
conjoined by means of a body member 7. The outer 2 and inner 3
rings are radially spaced apart, such that a groove 4 is provided
therebetween. Therefore, the cross-section of the upper seal
portion 1A takes the shape of an inverted "U", with the lower
surfaces of the outer 2 and inner 3 rings providing a horizontal
sealing surface when the seal ring 1 is in the configuration shown
in FIG. 1. The innermost point of the inner ring 3 provides a
coupling point at which the middle seal portion 1B is coupled to
the upper seal portion 1A. The middle seal portion 1B is
frusto-conical in shape, with its greatest cross-sectional area
located at the junction to which the middle seal portion 1B is
coupled to the upper seal portion 1A. There are typically a
plurality of upwardly projecting T-headed bolts (not shown) coupled
to the upper surface of the upper flange portion 10A through holes
12, which are arranged to locate in respective recesses, grooves or
preferably holes formed on or through the lower surface of the
toilet bowl 5 to aid correct alignment of the toilet bowl 5 during
its installation, and to fix it to the flange. These can be holes
through the base of the toilet.
[0049] The lower seal portion IC is coupled to the lower end of the
middle seal portion 1B, and takes the form of a tubular ring.
Toward the lower end of the lower seal portion 1C are located two
vertically spaced seal rings 22A, 22B. It should be noted that in
actual use of the seal 1, the upper 22A and lower 22B seal rings
would provide an interference fit with the inner diameter of the
lower flange portion 10C, and would not be radially spaced
therefrom as is incorrectly shown in FIG. 1.
[0050] The lower end of the toilet bowl 5 is shown in FIG. 1, as
comprising a waste outlet 30. The waste outlet 30 is bounded by a
waste outlet pipe 25 which projects downwardly from the base of the
toilet bowl 5, and as shown in FIG. 1, the waste outlet pipe 25 is
preferably frusto-conical in shape, with its smallest
cross-sectional area located vertically lowermost.
[0051] The toilet bowl 5 is installed as follows:
[0052] The flange 10 is first inserted into the hole 20, and
preferably screws or bolts are inserted into the screw or bolt
holes (not shown) of the flange to secure the flange to the floor
15. The seal 1 is then placed into the open upper mouth of the
flange 10, such that the upper 22A and lower 22B seal rings are
sealed against the inner diameter of the lower flange portion 10C,
and at least the horizontal sealing surface of the outer ring 2
seats against the upper surface of the upper flange portion 10A. In
fact, it is preferred that the horizontal sealing surface of the
inner ring 3 also seats against the upper surface of the upper
flange portion 10A so that a double seal is obtained, and this is
specifically shown in FIG. 3, with the seal being marked with the
reference numeral 50, and in FIG. 4 with the seal being marked with
the reference numeral 100.
[0053] The toilet bowl 5 is then brought into close proximity
vertically above seal 1, 50 and is lowered such that the pins
projecting upwardly through the holes 12 are aligned with the
grooves, recesses or holes in the base of the toilet, and the outer
diameter of the waste outlet pipe 25 is brought to bear against the
inner diameter of the inner ring 3.
[0054] The upper seal portion 1A is dimensioned such that there is
an interference fit between the inner diameter of the upper seal
portion 1A and the outer diameter of the waste outlet pipe 25 with
approximately half the vertical distance of the waste outlet pipe
25 inserted into the cross-sectional area defined by the uppermost
portion of the inner ring 3. Therefore, continued downward movement
of the toilet bowl 5 (through weight or tightening of the fixings
etc) will expand the inner ring 3 as the frusto-conical shaped
waste outlet pipe 25 moves therethrough, until the groove 4 is
substantially collapsed, and the outer diameter of the inner ring
butts against the inner diameter of the outer ring. The upwardly
projecting pins and the respective grooves are dimensioned such
that the pins will normally bear none of the weight of the toilet
bowl 5 and the seal 1, 50 will normally bear a portion of the
weight of the toilet bowl 5, with rest of the weight of the toilet
bowl 5 being borne by the outer rim (not shown) of the base of the
toilet bowl 5. The seal can be compressed by the weight of the bowl
or by the fixings being tensioned between the bowl and the floor or
as previously described. This can cause the columns 2,3 to deform
to maintain compressive force on the flange, and in certain
circumstances the vacuum created in the groove between the columns
enhances the seal. In many cases, the weight of the toilet will not
be sufficient to deform the seal, and the fixings are tightened to
enhance the seal.
[0055] At this point, both of the lower horizontal sealing surfaces
of the inner 3 and outer 2 rings will be in contact with the upper
surface of the upper flange portion 10A, and the weight of the
toilet bowl 5 will also aid compression of the upper seal portion
1A against the upper sealing surface of the upper flange portion
10A.
[0056] Therefore, an increased and enhanced sealing function is
provided by the rubber seal 1, 50. Preferred dimensions of the
rubber seal are shown in FIG. 2, and it can also be seen that the
outer surface of the outer 2 and inner 3 rings, and the body member
7 may not be constant but may be ridged 35 or concertinaed 35, and
this can be seen in greater clarity in FIG. 5. This ridging 35
effect provides the advantage that the displacement of the inner 3
and outer 2 rings due to their expansion is increased, which may
increase the sealing effect of the substantially horizontal seal
surfaces located on the lowermost faces of the outer 2 and inner 3
rings.
[0057] Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 4, it should be noted
that the seal 1, 50 could be arranged such that when the toilet
bowl 5 is brought into close proximity vertically above the seal 1,
50 and is lowered, a lower most and substantially horizontal seal
surface 40 of the toilet bowl 5 is brought to bear against the
uppermost face of the body 7. In this scenario, continued downward
movement of the toilet bowl 5 will compress the body 7 downwards,
and will tend to splay the outer ring 2 radially outwardly, and the
inner ring 3 radially inwardly, such that the upper seal portion 1A
is spread out flat with its post-splayed lower most sealing face
being provided by the pre-splayed outer diameter of the inner ring
3, lower face of the body member 7 and the pre-splayed inner
diameter of the outer ring 2, where the post-splayed lower most
sealing face forms a seal against the upper surface of the upper
flange portion 10A.
[0058] It should also be noted that however the upper seal portion
1A is compressed, the vertically spaced seal rings 22A, 22B will
slide up and down with respect to the lower flange portion 10C, as
required, during the compression therebetween. A lubricating fluid,
such as silicon oil for example, could be applied to the seal rings
22A, 22B, to aid the sliding movement.
[0059] FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the upper seal
portion 1A as having a `C` shaped cross-section, with an upper
horizontal disc member 52, a vertical body member 53 and a lower
horizontal disc member 54 all being, preferably, integrally formed
together. When the substantially horizontal seal surface 40, or the
waste outlet pipe 25 as appropriate, bear against the upper seal
portion 1A, the vertical body member 53 will tend to collapse, by
either radially inward or outward compression, and thus allowing
the upper disc member 52 to move toward the lower disc member 54,
such that they are compressed together to form the seal between the
upper flange portion 10 and the toilet bowl 5.
[0060] FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment of the upper
seal portion 1A as being in the form of an `O`-ring section 62,
with the `O`-ring section 62 being integrally formed with the
middle seal portion 1B. The `O`-ring section 62 will expand and/or
compress during installation of the toilet bowl 5, although perhaps
not to the degree of the outer embodiments.
[0061] FIG. 8 shows another alternative embodiment of the upper
seal portion 1A as comprising a triangular body 64 and a flap
extension 66, where the flap extension 66 is, in essence, a
continuation of the middle seal portion 1B. The triangular body 64
and the flap extension 66 are formed integrally with the middle
seal portion 1B. In use of this alternative embodiment of the upper
seal portion 1A, the lowermost and horizontal face 65 of the
triangular body 64 is placed against the upper flange portion 10A.
When the substantially horizontal seal surface 40 or the waste
outlet pipe 25 as appropriate, bear against the inner diameter of
the flap extension 66, the flap extension 66 will pivot around its
junction with the triangular body 64, and will thus form a seal
between the toilet bowl 5 and the flange 10.
[0062] FIG. 9 shows yet another alternative embodiment of the upper
seal portion 1A, this time being shown as a right hand side view.
Upper seal portion 1A of this embodiment comprises an annular ring
70, which is substantially rectangular in cross-section, as being
coupled to the middle seal portion 1B, and where an inwardly facing
disc 72 is provided on the inner diameter face of the annular ring
70. Thus, when the outer diameter of the waste outlet pipe 25 is
inserted through the inwardly facing disc 72, the disc 72 seals
against the outer diameter of the toilet outlet pipe 25.
[0063] FIG. 13 shows another alternative embodiment of the upper
seal portion 1A as a right hand side view, as comprising an outer
annular seal ring 102 and an inner annular seal ring 103 conjoined
by a lower body member 107, where the inner 103 and outer 102
annular seal rings are radially spaced apart, such that there is a
groove 104 formed therebetween. The innermost portion of the inner
seal ring 103 provides a coupling point at which the middle seal
portion 1B is coupled to the upper seal portion 1A. The seal of
FIG. 13 is installed broadly in the same manner as the seal of FIG.
1, although the lowermost face of the lower body member 107 will
seal against the upper surface of the upper flange portion 10A.
[0064] FIG. 14 shows a further example of a seal 110 in accordance
with the present invention comprising an upper seal portion 1A
which has an outer ring 112 and an inner ring 113 where the outer
112 and inner 113 rings are conjoined by means of a body member
117. The outer 112 and inner 113 rings are radially spaced apart,
such that a groove 114 is provided therebetween. Furthermore, the
outer 112 and inner 113 rings are arranged such that they angle
outwardly from the body member 117, such that their respective
lower most in use ends are further apart than their respective
upper most ends. Therefore, the cross-section of the upper seal
portion 1A takes the shape of an inverted "V", with the lower
surfaces of the outer 112 and inner 113 rings providing a
horizontal sealing surface when the seal ring 110 is in the
configuration shown in FIG. 14. The innermost point of the inner
ring 113 again provides a coupling point at which the middle seal
portion 1B is coupled to the upper seal portion 1A.
[0065] FIG. 14 also shows the seal 110 as having a lower most `O`
ring seal 122 integral with the lower seal portion 1C instead of
the upper 22A and lower 22B seal rings of the seal 1 of FIG. 1,
where the `O` ring seal 122 seals against the inner diameter of the
lower flange portion 10C, or an inner diameter of an sewer pipe 130
as appropriate (and which will be detailed subsequently). The outer
diameter of the `O` ring seal 122 can be varied during the
manufacturing process to suit individual applications between the
relatively large outer diameter `O` ring seal 122 and the smaller
outer diameter `O` ring seal 123 shown in FIG. 14 in phantom.
[0066] The uppermost end of a sewer pipe 130 is shown in FIG. 14,
whereby the lower most end of the flange portion 10C is dimensioned
to fit within the inner diameter of the pipe 130. However, it
should be noted that the flange portion 10C may be dimensioned such
that it's inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the
pipe, so that the flange portion 10C fits over the pipe 130. In
this scenario, the `O` ring seal 122 or 123 seals against either of
the inner diameter of the flange portion 10C or sewer pipe 130,
depending on the axial extent of the seal 110. The circular
cross-section of the `O` ring seal 122 or 123 provides the further
advantage that snagging of the seal 110 whilst using a rod and
brush to clean the pipe is prevented.
[0067] The uppermost face of the body member 117 has a full radius
formed thereon, which provides the seal 110 with enhanced sealing
properties against the underside of the toilet bowl 5. In addition,
the seal 110 is optimally formed from a relatively soft elastic
material, such as rubber, thermoplastic rubber or polyurethane and
hence the material of the seal 110 and particularly of the upper
seal portion 1A deforms upon compression between the toilet bowl 5
and the flange 10 so as to compensate for imperfections in either
respective sealing surface.
[0068] The upper seal portion 1A is provided with one or more wings
or tabs 132 which project horizontally outwardly from the outer
ring 112 at the base thereof. The tab(s) 132 are provided with an
aperture 134 therein through which a screw or bolt can pass to
facilitate fixation of the seal 110 and the bowl to the flange 10.
Typically, the head of the bolt is located in additional screw
holes of the flange 10, such that the bolt projects upwardly
through the aperture 134. In a preferred embodiment the diameter of
the holes 134 in the tabs are slightly smaller than the bolts and
can be used for gripping and locating the bolts in position before
the toilet bowl is put in place. The tabs also serve to locate the
seal in the correct position.
[0069] Another example of a seal 140 in accordance with the
invention is shown in FIG. 15 and is similar to the seal 110 of
FIG. 14 in most respects. However, seal 140 has an additional
component in the form of a membrane 142 which is integral with the
seal 140, and which extends fully across the bore of the seal 140
at the junction between the lower seal portion 1C and middle seal
portion 1B. The membrane is preferably formed from the same
material as the rest of the seal 140 in order to ease manufacture,
and can be used to permit pressure testing of the sewer pipe 130
system. Once pressure testing has been concluded the membrane 142
can be removed from the seal 142 by any suitable means such as
piercing, cutting etc. The membrane 142 can alternatively be formed
at the junction between the upper portion 1A and the middle portion
1B.
[0070] FIG. 16 shows another example of a seal 150 in accordance
with the present invention and, with the exception of the upper
seal portion 1A, is similar to the seal 110 of FIG. 14. The upper
seal portion 1A of the seal 150 is provided with a solid, elastic,
circular cross-section upper seal 152 which can be thought of as a
vertically projecting semi-`O` ring seal 152 which seals against
the lower sealing face of the toilet bowl 5. This semi-`O` ring
seal 152 may be of a softer material such as rubber, thermoplastic
rubber or polyurethane with respect to the other seals described
herein, or with respect to the rest of the seal 150, such that it
will deform to a greater extent whilst providing an enhanced
sealing effect.
[0071] FIG. 17 shows yet another example of a seal 160 in
accordance with the present invention and is similar to the seal
110 of FIG. 14 in most respects. However, seal 160 has localised
radiused protrusions 165 mounted on, and preferably integral with,
the upper surface of the body member 167 of the upper seal portion
1A. These protrusions 165 are, in fact, a plurality of vertically
projecting `O` ring seals 165 which increase in diameter from the
innermost to the outermost protrusion, and which seal against the
lowermost sealing surface of the toilet bowl 5, thereby increasing
the sealing effect with the bowl 5, particularly for localised
porous toilet bowls 5.
[0072] FIG. 18 shows yet another example of a seal 170 in
accordance with the present invention and is similar to the seal
110 of FIG. 14 in most respects. However, seal 170 has inwardly
projecting annular discs or fins 176 mounted on, and preferably
integral with, the inner surface of the inner ring 173 of the upper
seal portion 1A. The fins 176 can be dimensioned to be an
interference fit with the outer diameter of the toilet outlet pipe
25, thereby increasing the sealing effect therewith.
[0073] FIG. 19 shows yet another example of a seal 180 in
accordance with the present invention and is similar to the seal
110 of FIG. 14 in most respects. However, the body member 187 of
the seal 180 has a an upper surface which is substantially flatter
than the full radius provided on the upper surface of the body
member 117 of the seal 110.
[0074] FIG. 20 shows the seal 110 of FIG. 14 in isolation from the
toilet bowl 5 and flange 10 for greater clarity.
[0075] The seal 1 therefore provides the advantage that it does not
melt if distorted but, in fact, is capable of recovering its
original shape. The seal 1 further provides a water- and air-tight
seal even if distortion or displacement of the seal 1 occurs. It
further accommodates expansion and contraction of the pipework
connected to the municipal system due to temperature fluctuations,
and is always in compression thus forming a positive seal between
the flange 10 and the waste outlet pipe 25. Further, the seal 1 can
be easily and readily installed into a new toilet installation, and
can further be retrofitted into an existing toilet assembly.
Further, the seal 1 compensates for differences in tolerances
between the inner diameter of the flange 10 and the outer diameter
of the waste outlet pipe 25.
[0076] Modifications and improvements may be made to the
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For
instance, the particular shape of the seal 1 may be varied in
individual cases to suit the particular shape of the toilet bowl 5
and the flange 10 in between which the seal 1 is to be placed. The
design of certain embodiments of the seal uses the
elastic/resilient properties of the elastomer to maintain a
constant sealing pressure on the underside of the toilet and the
top of the flange when placed in compression. A further advantage
of certain conically shaped embodiments of the invention is that
they can be compressed axially to a small size for transport.
* * * * *