U.S. patent application number 09/878590 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-21 for toilet sealing ring adapter assembly.
Invention is credited to Johnson, Michael W., Sesser, Gregory L..
Application Number | 20020020007 09/878590 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24059528 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020020007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson, Michael W. ; et
al. |
February 21, 2002 |
Toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
Abstract
A toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use in association
with a toilet and a sewer pipe, the toilet sealing ring adapter
assembly comprising: a flexible seal formed in a generally
cylindrical configuration with a central aperture including
coupling devices, the flexible seal adapted to be mounted within a
sewer pipe; and a toilet ring formed in a generally cylindrical
configuration with a central aperture, the ring including an upper
region and a lower region, the upper region including a planar
ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including a plurality of
apertures to permit coupling to a toilet and mounting surface with
bolts, the lower region including coupling devices to permit secure
coupling within the flexible seal.
Inventors: |
Johnson, Michael W.;
(Modesto, CA) ; Sesser, Gregory L.; (Modesto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RANDALL C BROWN
AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD
P O BOX 688
DALLAS
TX
75313
|
Family ID: |
24059528 |
Appl. No.: |
09/878590 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09878590 |
Jun 11, 2001 |
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09197947 |
Nov 23, 1998 |
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09197947 |
Nov 23, 1998 |
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08517368 |
Aug 21, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/252.5 ;
4/252.4; 4/252.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 11/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/252.5 ;
4/252.4; 4/252.6 |
International
Class: |
E03D 011/16 |
Claims
What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent of the United States is as follows:
1. A new and improved toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use
in association with a toilet, the toilet sealing ring adapter
assembly comprising, in combination: a four inch cast iron sewer
pipe, the sewer pipe having a horizontally oriented open mouth with
an upper periphery; a rubber seal formed in a generally cylindrical
configuration with a central aperture having a plurality of
internal screw threads, the rubber seal having a smooth outer
surface, an upper extent with a circumference and a lower extent,
the upper extent including a lip projecting outwardly from the
circumference, the seal adapted to be positioned within a four inch
cast iron sewer pipe with the lip positioned flush with the upper
periphery of the pipe; and a toilet ring fabricated of cast iron
and formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central
aperture, the ring including an upper region and a lower region,
the upper region having a larger inner diameter than the lower
region with a gradually decreasing diameter therebetween, the upper
region including a planar circular shaped ledge extending
therefrom, the ledge including an upper surface and a perimeter
with diametrically opposing elongated closet bolt recesses formed
contiguously with the perimeter, each recess including a closet
bolt extending therethrough and above the ledge, the ledge also
including diametrically opposing closet bolt apertures extending
therethrough, the ledge further including four equidistantly spaced
beveled holes extending therethrough, the lower region including a
plurality of external screw threads, the lower region adapted to be
threadedly coupled within the rubber seal, in an operative
orientation the upper surface of the ledge supporting a toilet bowl
with the closet bolts securing the toilet bowl in place.
2. A toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use in association
with a toilet and a sewer pipe, the toilet sealing ring adapter
assembly comprising: a flexible seal formed in a generally
cylindrical configuration with a central aperture including
coupling devices, the flexible seal adapted to be mounted within a
sewer pipe; and a toilet ring formed in a generally cylindrical
configuration with a central aperture, the ring including an upper
region and a lower region, the upper region including a planar
ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including a plurality of
apertures to permit coupling to a toilet and mounting surface with
bolts, the lower region including coupling devices to permit secure
coupling within the flexible seal.
3. The toilet sealing ring adapter assembly as set forth in claim 2
and further including: a four inch cast iron sewer pipe, the sewer
pipe having a horizontally oriented open mouth with an upper
periphery.
4. The toilet sealing ring adapter assembly as set forth in claim 2
wherein: the toilet ring is fabricated of cast iron.
5. The toilet sealing ring adapter assembly as set forth in claim 2
wherein: the toilet ring is fabricated of ABS plastic.
6. The toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use in coupling a
toilet and sewer pipe, the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
comprising: a flexible seal formed of a resilient material in a
generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture forming
an upper region and a lower region and also forming an internal
surface and an external surface, the external surface having a
common diameter along its axial length and adapted to be positioned
in contact with an interior surface of a sewer pipe, the interior
surface being cone shaped in configuration with screw threads
formed therein; and a toilet ring formed of an essentially rigid
material in a generally cylindrical configuration with a central
aperture forming an upper region and a lower region and also
forming an internal surface and external surface, the external
surface being cone shaped in configuration with external screw
threads formed thereon, the upper region including a planar ledge
extending therefrom the ledge including a plurality of apertures to
permit coupling to a toilet, the threads of the toilet ring being
positionable within the threads of the seal whereby upon rotation
of the ring with respect to the seal the toilet ring will be pulled
into the seal and the seal will be expanded radially for securing
the seal and toilet ring in a sewer pipe.
7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 and further including a
cylindrical extender formed in the toilet ring between the planar
ledge and the threads.
8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the axial length
of the extender is between about 1/4inch and 3/4 inch.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the axial length
of the extender is about 4 inches, plus or minus 10%.
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the axial length
of the extender is between about 0.25 inches and 4.4 inches.
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein the seal is
formed from an essentially resilient material selected from the
class of essentially resilient materials including an elastomeric
material, natural rubber or a synthetic, including blends
thereof.
12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein the seal is
formed of an essentially rigid material selected from the class of
essentially rigid materials including cast iron, ABS and PVC.
13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein the threads of
the seal and toilet ring are such that a complete coupling between
the threads is affected by between about 21/2 and 41/2 rotations of
the ring with respect to the seal.
14. A method of installing a toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
comprising the steps of: providing a four inch sewer pipe having a
horizontally oriented open mouth with an upper periphery; providing
a rubber seal formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with
a central aperture having a plurality of internal screw threads,
the rubber seal having a smooth outer surface, an upper extent with
a circumference and a lower extent, the seal adapted to be
positioned within a four inch sewer pipe; providing a toilet ring
fabricated of cast iron and formed in a generally cylindrical
configuration with a central aperture, the ring including an upper
region and a lower region, the upper region having a larger inner
diameter than the lower region with a gradually decreasing diameter
therebetween, the upper region including a planar circular shaped
ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including an upper surface and
a perimeter with diametrically opposing elongated closet bolt
recesses formed contiguously with the perimeter, the ledge also
including diametrically opposing closet bolt apertures extending
therethrough, the ledge further including four equidistantly spaced
beveled holes extending therethrough, the lower region including a
plurality of external screw threads, the lower region adapted to be
threadedly coupled within the rubber seal, in an operative
orientation the upper surface of the ledge supporting a toilet bowl
with the closet bolts securing the toilet bowl in place; separating
the seal and the ring by rotating the seal counterclockwise with
respect to the ring; inserting the seal concentrically into the
sewer pipe so that the upper extent is situated above the lower
extent and flush with the open mouth of the sewer pipe; installing
the closet bolts with the designated recesses; inserting the lower
region of the toilet ring into the seal until contact is made;
rotating the toilet ring in a clockwise direction with respect to
the seal until the toilet ring is secured within the seal; pressing
the toilet ring and seal combination downwardly until the toilet
ring is flush with the floor;
15. A method of installing a toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
as set forth in claim 14 and further comprising the steps of:
marking both the seal and a floor surrounding the sewer pipe and
the seal with a radial line thereby noting the position of the seal
with respect to the sewer pipe and the floor; determining an angle
that a line which the closet bolts define is offset from being
parallel with an adjacent wall; separating the toilet ring from the
seal by rotating the toilet ring counterclockwise with respect to
the seal; removing the seal from the sewer pipe; and inserting the
seal within the sewer pipe so that the marking on the floor and the
marking on the seal are offset by said angle.
16. A method of installing a toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
as set forth in claim 15 wherein after inserting the seal within
the sewer pipe so that the marking on the floor and the marking on
the seal are offset by said angle, the method further comprises the
steps of: marking both the seal and a floor surrounding the sewer
pipe and the seal with a radial line thereby noting the position of
the seal with respect to the sewer pipe and the floor; inserting
the lower region of the toilet ring into the seal until contact is
made; rotating the toilet ring in a clockwise direction with
respect to the seal until the toilet ring is secured within the
seal; and pressing the toilet ring and seal combination downwardly
until the toilet ring is flush with the floor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 08/517,368 filed Aug. 21, 1995.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a toilet sealing ring
adapter assembly and more particularly pertains to coupling toilets
within four inch sewer pipes.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] The use of toilet bowl mounting devices is known in the
prior art. More specifically, toilet bowl mounting devices
heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of mounting toilets
upon sewer pipes are known to consist basically of familiar,
expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding
the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which
has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and
requirements.
[0006] By way of example, the prior art discloses in U.S. Pat. No.
5,185,890 to Dismore a toilet bowl sealing assembly.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,308 to Handal discloses a toilet sealing
ring.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,590 to Papp discloses an adjustable
floor drain apparatus.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,139 to Stokes discloses a mounting ring
assembly for a toilet bowl.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,761 to Harbeke discloses a method of
using a toilet-flange cast-in mount.
[0011] Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,451 to Piskula discloses a floor
drain plate assembly.
[0012] In this respect, the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
according to the present invention substantially departs from the
conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so
provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of
coupling toilets within four inch sewer pipes.
[0013] Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a
continuing need for a new and improved toilet sealing ring adapter
assembly which can be used for coupling toilets within four inch
sewer pipes. In this regard, the present invention substantially
fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of toilet bowl mounting devices now present in the prior art,
the present invention provides an improved toilet sealing ring
adapter assembly. As such, the general purpose of the present
invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail,
is to provide a new and improved toilet sealing ring adapter
assembly and method which has all the advantages of the prior art
and none of the disadvantages.
[0015] To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises
a new and improved toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use in
association with a toilet, the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
comprising, in combination: a four inch sewer pipe, the sewer pipe
having a horizontally oriented open mouth with an upper periphery;
a rubber seal formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with
a central aperture having a plurality of internal screw threads,
the rubber seal having a smooth outer surface, an upper extent with
a circumference and a lower extent, the seal adapted to be
positioned within a four inch sewer pipe; and a toilet ring
fabricated of cast iron and formed in a generally cylindrical
configuration with a central aperture, the ring including an upper
region and a lower region, the upper region having a larger inner
diameter than the lower region with a gradually decreasing diameter
therebetween, the upper region including a planar circular shaped
ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including an upper surface and
a perimeter with diametrically opposing elongated closet bolt
recesses formed contiguously with the perimeter, each recess
including a closet bolt extending therethrough and above the ledge,
the ledge also including diametrically opposing closet bolt
apertures extending therethrough, the ledge further including four
equidistantly spaced beveled holes extending therethrough, the
lower region including a plurality of external screw threads, the
lower region adapted to be threadedly coupled within the rubber
seal, in an operative orientation the upper surface of the ledge
supporting a toilet bowl with the closet bolts securing the toilet
bowl in place.
[0016] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0017] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0018] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0019] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application, which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
[0020] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
which has all of the advantages of the prior art toilet bowl
mounting devices and none of the disadvantages.
[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved toilet sealing ring adapter assembly which may be
easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
[0022] It is further object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved toilet sealing ring adapter assembly which is of
durable and reliable constructions.
[0023] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to
both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible
of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such
toilet sealing ring adapter assembly economically available to the
buying public.
[0024] Still yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some
of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of
the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
[0025] Still another object of the present invention is to couple
toilets within four inch sewer pipes.
[0026] Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a new and improved a toilet sealing ring adapter assembly for use
in association with a toilet and a sewer pipe, the toilet sealing
ring adapter assembly comprising: a flexible seal formed in a
generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture
including coupling devices, the flexible seal adapted to be mounted
within a sewer pipe; and a toilet ring formed in a generally
cylindrical configuration with a central aperture, the ring
including an upper region and a lower region, the upper region
including a planar ledge extending therefrom, the ledge including a
plurality of apertures to permit coupling to a toilet and mounting
surface with bolts, the lower region including coupling devices to
permit secure coupling within the flexible seal.
[0027] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The invention will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the toilet ring of the
apparatus.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rubber seal of the
apparatus.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet ring taken
along section line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet ring taken
along section line 5-5 of FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5
but illustrating an alternate embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIGS. 7 and 8 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 6,
but illustrating two further alternate embodiment of the
invention.
[0036] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts through
the various Figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIG. 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved
toilet sealing ring adapter assembly embodying the principles and
concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the
reference numeral 10 will be described.
[0038] The present invention, the toilet sealing ring adapter
assembly 10 is comprised of a plurality of components. Such
components in their broadest context include a sewer pipe 12, a
rubber seal 14 and a toilet ring 16. Such components are
individually configured and correlated with respect to each other
so as to attain the desired objective.
[0039] More specifically, the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly
10 is adapted for use in association with a conventional toilet.
The apparatus includes a sewer pipe 12. The sewer pipe is
preferably of a four-inch diameter and is fabricated of any of the
conventional materials for sewer pipes such as cast iron ABC, PVC,
transit, lead, vitreous clay, etc. The pipe is fabricated in a
plurality of different lengths and configurations to accommodate
the requirements of different users. In the most instances, the
pipe will be positioned beneath the floor of a bathroom, with the
pipe extending upward from the floor. The sewer pipe has a
horizontally oriented open mouth with an upper periphery 20. In the
operative orientation, a toilet is coupled to the open mouth of the
pipe by use of the toilet sealing ring adapter assembly 10 and a
formable elastomeric ring 22. Note FIG. 1.
[0040] A rubber seal 14 is formed in a generally cylindrical
configuration with a central aperture 24. The outer diameter of the
seal is approximately four and one quarter inches. The diameter of
the aperture of the seal is approximately three inches. The height
of the rubber seal is approximately one and one eighth inches. The
rubber seal also has a plurality of internal female screw threads
26. The rubber seal has a smooth outer surface 28. This feature
allows the user to place the seal within a pipe even if the
internal screw threads of the pipe have been worn. The upper extent
of the seal has a circumference and, and the embodiment of FIGS.
15, includes a lip 30 projecting outwardly from it. The lip allows
the rubber seal to sit flush on top of the sewer pipe without
falling into the interior of the pipe. The lower extent of the seal
is adapted to be positioned within a four-inch cast iron sewer pipe
with the lip positioned flush with the upper periphery of the pipe.
Note FIGS. 1-3.
[0041] A toilet ring 16 is fabricated of cast iron or other
suitable material and formed in a generally cylindrical
configuration with a central aperture 32. The height of the toilet
ring is approximately one and one half inches. In alternative
embodiments of the apparatus, the toilet ring is fabricated of ABS
plastic or PVC materials. The ring includes an upper region 34 and
a lower region 36. The upper region has a larger inner diameter
than the lower region with a gradually decreasing diameter
therebetween. The diameter of the lower region of the central
aperture is approximately two and three quarters inches. In the
preferred embodiment, the toilet ring is fabricated of cast iron.
The preferred embodiment is utilized for industrial applications.
In an alternative embodiment, the toilet ring is fabricated of ABS
plastic. This embodiment is utilized for the retail and
do-it-yourself markets. Note FIGS. 1, 3 and 5.
[0042] The upper region includes a planar circular shaped ledge 38
extending from it. The ledge includes an upper surface 40 and a
perimeter 42. The diameter of the ledge is approximately six and
fifteen sixteenths inches. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the
ledge is fabricated of cast iron. In another embodiment of the
apparatus, the ledge is fabricated of an elastomeric substance,
such as plastic or rubber. The ring has diametrically opposing
closet bolt recesses 44 formed contiguously with the perimeter.
Each recess 44 includes a closet bolt 46 extending through it and
above the ledge. The closet bolts are adapted to be threadedly
coupled to a toilet. The ledge also includes diametrically opposing
elongated closet bolt apertures 48 extending therethrough. The
apertures 48 permit the positioning of additional closet bolts
therethrough. Note FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.
[0043] The ledge further includes four equidistantly spaced beveled
holes 50 extending therethrough. The bevel holes permit the secure
coupling of the ring to the floor of a bathroom or other mounting
surface. The present invention can reduce the installation time of
a toilet. This is due to the fact that mounting the toilet sealing
ring assembly 10 to the interior eliminates the need for time
consuming floor sawing around the pipe. Note FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.
[0044] The lower region includes a plurality of male external screw
threads 52. The lower region is adapted to be threadedly coupled
within the rubber seal. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the
male external screw threads are fabricated of cast iron. In another
embodiment, the male external screw threads are fabricated of an
elastomeric substance, such as plastic or rubber. In an operative
orientation, the upper surface of the ledge supports a toilet bowl,
and the closet bolts secure the toilet bowl in place. Note FIGS. 1
and 4.
[0045] Alternate embodiments of the inventions are shown in FIGS.
6, 7 and 8. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, the seal is shown as being
formed without the lip to maintain the seal at the upper edge of
the sewer pipe. In such alternate embodiment, the lip is removed
and the seal is located with its upper edge at the upper edge of
the sewer pipe. In such alternate embodiment, there is no extender
on the toilet ring as in the following embodiments of FIGS. 7 and
8. In the following embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, a cylindrical
extender or spacer is formed between the ledge of the toilet ring
and it threads. This allows for the coupling between the toilet
ring and the flexible seal to be fully effective in the event that
flooring or other material is on the floor surrounding and above
the sewer pipe. In such FIG. 7 embodiment, the toilet is located as
in the FIG. 6 embodiment but the ledge and toilet thereabove are at
a slightly elevated location. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, the spacer
or extender is of an extended length to allow for the positioning
of the seal to a lower position within the sewer pipe and the
toilet ring at a further elevated elevation.
[0046] More specifically, in light of the alternate embodiments,
the present invention may also be considered as including a toilet
sealing ring adapter assembly for use in association with a toilet
and a sewer pipe. The toilet sealing ring adapter assembly thus
comprises a flexible seal formed of a resilient material in a
generally cylindrical configuration with a central aperture forming
an upper region and a lower region and also forming an internal
surface and an external surface, the external surface having a
common diameter along its axial length and adapted to be positioned
in contact with an interior surface of a sewer pipe, the interior
surface being cone shaped in configuration with screw threads
formed therein.
[0047] Also included as part of the assembly is a toilet ring
formed of an essentially rigid material in a generally cylindrical
configuration with a central aperture forming an upper region and a
lower region and also forming an internal surface and external
surface, the external surface being cone shaped in configuration
with external screw threads formed thereon, the upper region
including a planar ledge extending therefrom the ledge including a
plurality of apertures to permit coupling to a toilet, the threads
of the toilet ring being positionable within the threads of the
seal whereby upon rotation of the ring with respect to the seal the
toilet ring will be pulled into the seal and the seal will be
expanded radially for securing the seal and toilet ring in a sewer
pipe.
[0048] In the FIG. 6 embodiment, the toilet ring 56 is formed as in
the primary embodiment. The seal 58 is formed in the primary
embodiment except that the lip is removed whereby the upper edge of
the seal is flush with the upper edge of the sewer pipe.
[0049] In the FIG. 7 embodiment, the toilet ring 62 further
includes a cylindrical extender or spacer 64 formed in the toilet
ring between the planar ledge and the threads. In such FIG. 7
embodiment, the axial length of the extender is between about 1/4
inch and 3/4 inch. The seal 58 is as in the prior embodiments. In
the FIG. 8 embodiment, the extender or spacer 68 has an axial
length of about 4 inches, plus or minus 10%. The ring is formed as
in the prior embodiments but is preferably located beneath the
upper edge of the sewer pipe. In both embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8,
there is thus provided, by the extender or spacer, a space above
the upper edge of the sewer pipe for additional flooring material.
The length of the extender may thus be between about 0.25 inches
and 4.4 inches as a function of the particular application.
[0050] The seal is preferably formed from an essentially resilient
material selected from the class of essentially resilient material
including an elastomeric material, natural rubber or synthetic,
including blends thereof.
[0051] The toiler ring is preferably formed of an essentially rigid
material selected from the class of essentially rigid materials
including cast iron, ABS and PVC.
[0052] The threads of the seal and toilet ring in all embodiments
are such that a complete coupling between the threads is affected
by between about 2.5 and 4.5 rotations of the ring with respect to
the seal.
[0053] The method of installing the toilet sealing ring adapter
assembly as set forth above is afforded, first, by providing the
abovementioned components. The user may start installation by
separating the seal and the ring by rotating the seal
counterclockwise with respect to the ring. This is necessary since
the present invention is delivered to a user in an engaged
orientation. The next step is to insert the seal concentrically
into the sewer pipe so that the upper extent is situated above the
lower extent. It is also important that the seal is flush with the
open mouth of the sewer pipe. The closet bolts are then installed
within the designated recesses. After such, the lower region of the
toilet ring is inserted into the seal until contact is made whereat
the toilet ring is rotated in a clockwise direction with respect to
the seal until the toilet ring is secured within the seal. The
following step consists of pressing the toilet ring and seal
combination downwardly until the toilet ring is flush with the
floor.
[0054] It should be noted that the closet bolts are, more than
likely, improperly located after tightening the toilet ring within
the seal. The closet bolts would inevitably effect skewed
installation of the toilet if utilized in such position. As such,
additional steps are required to ensure proper placement of the
toilet with respect to an adjacent wall. Firstly, the seal and a
floor surrounding the sewer pipe and the seal must be marked with a
radial line thereby noting the position of the seal with respect to
the sewer pipe and the floor. Next an angle must be determined that
a line which the closet bolts define is offset from being parallel
with the adjacent wall. Upon such determination, the toilet ring is
separated from the seal by rotating the toilet ring
counterclockwise with respect to the seal after which the seal is
removed from the sewer pipe. The seal is then ready to be inserted
within the sewer pipe again so that the marking on the floor and
the marking on the seal are offset by said angle. After this, steps
may be repeated to reinstall the toilet ring and subsequently
secure the toilet in a proper orientation.
[0055] As to the manner of usage and operation of the present
invention, the same should be apparent from the above description.
Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage
and operation will be provided.
[0056] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0057] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
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