GB2435268A

GB2435268A - Toilet fixture locating device

Info

Publication number: GB2435268A
Application number: GB0703164A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Edmund Robinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-02-17
Filing date: 2007-02-19
Publication date: 2007-08-22
Also published as: GB0703164D0; GB0603172D0

Abstract

A locating device 10 for securing a toilet fixture 1 to a floor 2 comprises a base 11 for attachment to the floor 2 via a fixing means and structure(s) 12, 18, 20 for attachment of the fixture 1 to the device 10. The device 10 has at least one upstanding structure 12, 18,20 which sit(s) in a cavity 5 of a pedestal support 3. The device 10 may be a single integral component or may be made up of parts. The device 10 may be universal for use with all types of fixtures 1 or may be adaptable on site.

Description

1 2435268 I'

LOCATING DEVICE FOR TOILET FIXTURE

This invention relates to a locating device, for use with a toilet fixture of the kind comprising a bowl on a hollow pedestal support, to assist in securing the fixture to a floor surface.

Toilet fixtures of the above mentioned kind are conventionally secured to a floor surface by means of screws passed through fixing holes at the lower end of the pedestal support.

Especially where the fixture is a heavy ceramic structure it can be difficult to ensure accurate location of the toilet fixture at a desired position and this may necessitate adjustments or re-fixing which can cause damage to the floor surface. This can be particularly problematical where the floor surface is covered with tiles or other expensive materials.

The consideration of underfloor heating can also become an issue when fixing the fixture to the surface.

1 5 An object of the present invention is to facilitate fixing of a toilet :. structure at a desired location. * ****

1***. According to one aspect of the invention therefore there is provided a method of securing a toilet fixture, of the kind having a bowl ** on a hollow pedestal support, onto a floor surface, wherein a locating ** ** device having an upstanding structure is fixed to the floor surface, the pedestal is located relative to the device by engagement of the said upstanding structure with an internal cavity of the pedestal, and the pedestal is fixed in position on the floor surface.

With this arrangement the locating device can facilitate accurate positioning of the toilet fixture.

The fixture may be secured to the floor surface around or through the locating device.

Alternatively or additionally the device may be secured to the locating device itself whereby the locating device acts as a securing intermediary between the toilet fixture and the floor surface.

Also, the locating device is preferably arranged either so that direct contact between the pedestal support and the floor surface is possible.

Alternatively the locating device is interposed between the pedestal support and the floor surface. In the latter case the locating device can act as a load bearing device to support the toilet fixture on the floor surface.

Thus, and in accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a locating device for securing a toilet fixture to a floor **S. *

surface, said toilet fixture being of the kind having a bowl on a hollow *. ** : .. pedestal support, said device having an upstanding structure, a first fixing *** means and a second fixing means, said toilet fixture being placeable on * said device with said upstanding structure disposed in an internal cavity of said hollow pedestal support wherein the first fixing means is operable to fix said pedestal support relative to said device and the second fixing means is operable to fix said device to the floor surface.

With this arrangement, the toilet fixture and locating device can be readily moved into a desired position and then secured to the floor surface whilst being maintained accurately in that position.

The device may further comprise a base on which the upstanding structure stands, wherein the toilet fixture is placeable on the base with the pedestal support resting on the base.

Thus, and in accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a locating device for securing a toilet fixture to a floor surface, said toilet fixture being of the kind having a bowl on a hollow pedestal support, said device having a base and at least one upstanding structure thereon, an attachment means and a first and second fixing means, the toilet being placeable on said device with said upstanding structure(s) disposed in an internal cavity of said pedestal, wherein the attachment 1 5 means is operable to fix said upstanding structure(s) to the base, the first fixing means is operable to fix said pedestal support to said upstanding *.S.

structure(s) and the second fixing means is operable to fix said device to S. : * * the surface.

S S..

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is *5 *5 20 provided a locating device for securing a toilet fixture to a floor surface, said toilet fixture being of the kind having a bowl on a hollow pedestal support, said device comprising a plurality of components, a plurality of first fixing means and a plurality of second fixing means, said toilet fixture being placeable on said device with said components disposed in an internal cavity of said hollow pedestal support wherein the first fixing means are operable to fix said pedestal support relative to said device and the second fixing means are operable to fix said device to the floor surface.

Preferably, said plurality of components comprise flat base components. The flat base components are preferably quadrants of a circle. Alternatively the base components may be any other suitable shape. Each of the base components may comprise at least one upstanding structure for attachment thereto.

Alternatively, the plurality of components may instead comprise individual upstanding structures for fixing directly to the floor surface.

These may be any suitable shape, for example a domed columnar, 1 5 pyramidal structures, or L-shaped structures.

The features described in relation to the first and second aspects of * *.. ****

the invention may also be applicable to the third and fourth aspects. I. **

: * *. Conveniently, in all aspects of the invention the second fixing * means may comprise an adhesive fixing means whereby attachment of * I. I. * the device to the floor surface can be achieved without having to drill or make holes in the flooring which can cause irreparable damage.

The adhesive fixing means preferably comprises a high grip adhesive. Most preferably, the adhesive does not bond immediately. The adhesive may also be slow bonding -i.e. it bonds with the floor surface after a time delay. The adhesive may be a two-part adhesive requiring mixing. In this case, the two-part adhesive may set after a short time delay. The adhesive preferably covers at least part of a flat bottom face of the device. Most preferably the adhesive is provided on a major proportion of said bottom face and it may cover all of the bottom face.

If desired, alternatively or additionally to the adhesive, the second fixing means may also comprise a mechanical fixing component which for example may comprise one or more screws for engagement, through holes in said base, with said floor surface.

In addition to facilitating positioning, the locating device can act, usefully, to spread the weight of the toilet fixture on the floor surface.

Preferably therefore the base has a substantially flat bottom 1 5 surface for resting on said floor surface.

The first fixing means may comprise screws for engagement * *.S ***.

through predefined holes in said pedestal support with said base. The ** ., : * holes in the base may be pre-defined or formed in situ. Pre-defined holes * I..

may be drilled or moulded holes. In this respect, the mechanical fixing I. ** component of the second fixing means may use the same fittings as the first fixing means.

In addition to spreading the weight, the flat bottom surface of the base can facilitate movement into a desired position.

The upstanding structure may have a domed or columnar or pyramidal or other regular or irregular cross-section. Alternatively the structure may be relatively flat. The external shape of the upstanding structure may closely correspond to at least a proportion of the internal cavity of the pedestal support so as to fit in snug surface to surface interengagement therewith thereby to reduce or eliminate transverse movement of the toilet fixture thereon.

The height of the upstanding structure is preferably such as to 1 0 occupy a major portion, and preferably substantially all of the height of the internal cavity of the pedestal support although other arrangements are also possible.

Where the internal cavity is occupied by a U-bend, the upstanding structure may comprise an accommodating depression or cavity.

:. 1 5 Additionally or alternatively the peripheral shape of the upstanding :..::: structure may differ from the shape of the internal cavity whereby there *I..

may be limited contact therebetween occurring only at selected positions although preferably with this arrangement also transverse movement of the toilet fixture on the upstanding structure is substantially prevented.

:* 20 The device may be of a standardised construction intended for use with differently shaped pedestal supports, or the construction may be adapted specifically for use with one pedestal support so that differently shaped devices are required for different toilet fixtures. The upstanding structure is preferably disposed centrally on the base.

In the first and second aspects of the invention, the upstanding structure is preferably formed as an integral part of the base. The device may be formed as a plastics moulding or a wooden fabrication or the like.

In the third embodiment of the invention, the upstanding structure may be as described above. Alternatively, multiple L-shaped upstanding structures may be attached to the base. With this arrangement, the upstanding structure(s) can be cut to size and attached to the base on site to accommodate the particulate toilet fixing. Any suitable means can be used to attach said upstanding structure(s) to the base including an adhesive component and/or screw fittings etc. The base may be sized so as to allow a peripheral region of the base to be exposed. This peripheral region may have a flat upper surface.

:. 15 Preferably however, the base is sized so that the base terminates flush with the pedestal support. The base may be cut to the appropriate size on site. * * * * S

* The base is preferably a thin component so as to be relatively hidden by the pedestal support.

*..: 20 The invention may be used with a toilet fixture which is of the flushing toilet kind, or a bidet or any other suitable fixture.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a toilet in combination with a locating and load-bearing device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a toilet in combination with a locating device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of a locating device according to Figure 2; 1 0 Figures 4a-4b are diagrammatic plan views of a toilet in combination with a locating and load-bearing device according to Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention; and :. 1 5 Figures 6a and 6b are diagrammatic plan views of a toilet fixture in :..::: combination with a locating device according to a ***.

fourth embodiment of the invention.

A conventional toilet 1 for location on a load-bearing floor surface 2 comprises a hollow pedestal 3 with a wall 4 bounding an internal cavity 5. The internal cavity 5 houses a downwardly projecting U-bend 5a. The pedestal wall 4 is outwardly turned at its bottom end to define a peripheral rim 6 with a coplanar bottom surface. The toilet 1 S 9 also comprises a bowl 7 having a hinged seat 8 and a cover 9.

A locating and load-bearing device 10 as shown in Figure 1 comprises a base 11 having a flat lower face 11 b. The base has an upper face 11 a with an integrally formed centrally located solid upstanding structure 1 2 and a planar peripheral region 1 3 parallel to the lower face 11 b. The upstanding supporting structure 1 2 has a generally conical external shape that corresponds generally with the internal shape of the internal cavity 5 of a particular conventional toilet with which the device is intended to be used, in a lower region, so as to provide a snug fit of the structure 12 in the cavity 5.

The device 10 can be formed of moulded plastics and can be manufactured in a range of colours and textures. The device 10 can also be manufactured in different varieties of wood with a range of finishes.

In this respect, the base can also be manufactured in a range of shapes, as can be seen in Figures 4a-4b. This enables the device 10 to be attractive, as well as a functional device. * **.

In one aspect of the invention, the device 10 may have pre-drilled * and tapped holes 14 at spaced intervals around the peripheral region 13 of the upper face 1 la of the base 11. The holes 14 are provided through . 20 the base 11. Alternatively, the holes 14 are provided through the upstanding structure 1 2. Screws or bolts 1 5 can be passed through the usual holes in the rim 6 of the pedestal for engagement with the holes 14.

In an alternative embodiment, the holes 1 4 may be drilled and tapped in situ.

If desired the arrangement may be such that the screws or bolts 1 5 can pass through the holes 14 into the floor surface 2.

The lower face 11 b of the base 11 has a layer 1 7 of high grip slow-bonding adhesive bonded thereto -e.g. such as the adhesive sold under the registered trade mark No More Nails. The adhesive layer 17, prior to location of the device 10 on the surface 2 for use, may have a cover or layer of plastics (not shown) or otherwise to which the adhesive will not permanently bond, and which prevents the adhesive from loosing its bonding capabilities.

Alternatively, the adhesive may be sold with the device 10 and applied to the face 11 b when the device 10 is to be used. The adhesive :. 15 in this case may be a two-part quick setting adhesive.

In use, the adhesive is applied to the surface 11 b of the base 11 to S...

form a layer 17. The device 10 is placed in position on the surface 2 and the toilet is lifted onto the device 10 such that the structure 12 sits within the hollow 5 of the pedestal 3 with the peripheral foot 6 of the pedestal resting on the peripheral region 1 3 of the upper face 11 a of the base 11. There is little room for lateral movement of the toilet pedestal 3 on the device 10.

The device 10 can still be moved across the surface 2 to a limited extent during a limited time period, after which the adhesive layer 1 7 sets or dries and bonds with the surface 2.

Holes in the pedestal foot 6 should be aligned with any predefined holes 1 4 in the base 11. If this is not the case the holes 1 4 can be drilled in situ using the holes in the rim 6 as a guide. Where the device is to be anchored to the surface 2 more permanently, the holes 14 can be used as a guide to create corresponding holes 16 in said surface 2. The holes 14, 16 can be tapped or a self-tapping screw 1 5 may be used in each hole 14, 16 to anchor the toilet 1 to the device 10 and the device 10 to the surface.

After all necessary fixing means have been applied, a fascia (not shown) may be applied to said device, for example to cover up any screws. This could be a snap fitting component which may be flexible or :. 1 5 in multiple parts to "blend" the device 10 in with the pedestal 3.

The arrangement therefore provides a locating and load-bearing * **.

device which can support the toilet fixture and spread the weight on the . floor surface and aid in locating the toilet fixture on the surface.

Accurate and secure location of the fixture can therefore be achieved 20 without necessarily requiring excessive skill and such as to avoid undue surface damage.

In an alternative embodiment as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the device 10 has no base, but comprises an upstanding structure 12 as before. Due to a rather low U-bend 5a, the structure 12 comprises a hollow 12a which accommodates the low U-bend. A flat top could also be used to accommodate a low U-bend.

The pedestal wall 4 can be attached to the device 10 as before by aligning holes in the wall with holes 14 in the device 10. These holes are, in the absence of a base, directed towards and in to the upstanding structure 12.

Again, the holes may be predefined or drilled and tapped in situ and further may extend towards the floor surface 2 for permanent fixing thereto.

The device 10 cannot be seen in this arrangement and behaves as a locating device. The device 1 0, still has the adhesive layer 1 7 as described in relation to the first embodiment.

:. 15 As shown in Figure 5, a further embodiment of the invention :..::: comprises a flat base 11 having a number of upstanding L-shaped * **S structures 18 attached thereto. The structures 1 2 are attached to the * * S * * ** upper face 1 la of the base 11 in suitable positions to accommodate a specific toilet, on site. The structures 18 are attached using any suitable *:*. 20 means, such as screws in feet 18a of the structures 18. The hollow pedestal of the toilet fixing can then be placed on the base 11 as before with the structure 1 8 disposed inside the hollow. The pedestal support can then be attached to the structures using fixing means as described in relation to Figure 2, using screws engaging with holes in the pedestal support through into legs 1 8b of the upstanding structures 1 8.

According to a fourth embodiment, a locating device for use with a toilet fixture 1 as shown in Figures 6a and 6b comprises a plurality of flat components 20. The components 20 have a flat lower face and may be a 900 quadrant in shape, although any suitable shape may be used.

Each component 20 may be fixed relative to the toilet fixture 1 and to a floor surface by any of the means described in relation to the previously described embodiments.

Any suitable shape of base component can be used. Furthermore, the base components may comprise integrally formed or detachable upstanding structures.

All features described in relation to the first two embodiments are :. 15 applicable to the third and fourth embodiments.

:..::: It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended *S*.

to be restricted to the details of the above embodiments, which are * * S * S . described by way of example only. Thus, for example, the device 10 of figures 1-3 may have a complete central part missing where the hollow : 20 12a is shown to accommodate a U-bend 5a which reaches the floor 2.

Further, the embodiments of Figures 1-3 may comprise an upstanding structure 1 2 which requires cutting and/or attaching to the base on site to accommodate the specific toilet.

As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the device 10 may comprise a base 11 having a peripheral region 1 3 that may extend beyond the rim 6 of the toilet 1, such that the outwardly region may be exploited for its optional decorative characteristics. S. * S * S.. *5** * . *... *S Se * S * * S * ***

S *. S. * . . * S S. S * *5 * **

Claims

I

CLAIMS

1. A method of securing a toilet fixture (1), of the kind having a bowl (7) on a hollow pedestal support 13), onto a floor surface 12), wherein a locating device (10) having an upstanding structure (12) is fixed to the floor surface (2), the pedestal (3) is located relative to the device (10) by engagement of the said upstanding structure (1 2) with an internal cavity (5) of the pedestal (3) and the pedestal (3) is fixed in position on the floor surface (2).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fixture (1) is secured to the floor surface (2) around or through the locating device (10).

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fixture (1) is secured to the locating device (10) itself whereby the locating device (10) acts as a securing intermediary between the toilet fixture (1) and the floor surface (2).

1 5 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 -3 wherein, the locating device (10) is arranged either so that direct contact between the pedestal support (3) and the floor surface (2) is possible.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the locating device (10) is interposed between the pedestal support 13) and the floor surface (2).

6. A locating device (10) for securing a toilet fixture (1) to a floor surface (2), said toilet fixture (1) being of the kind having a bowl (7) on a hollow pedestal support (3), said device (10) having an upstanding structure (12), a first fixing means and a second fixing means, said toilet fixture (1) being placeable on said device (10) with said upstanding structure (12) disposed in an internal cavity (5) of said hollow pedestal support (3) wherein the first fixing means is operable to fix said pedestal support (3) relative to said device (10) and the second fixing means is operable to fix said device (10) to the floor surface (2).

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the device (10) further comprises a base (11) on which the upstanding structure (12) stands, wherein the toilet fixture (1) is placeable on the base (11) with the pedestal support (3) resting on the base (1 1).

8. A locating device (10) for securing a toilet fixture (1) to a floor surface (2), said toilet fixture (1) being of the kind having a bowl (7) on a hollow pedestal support (3), said device (10) having a base (11) and at least one upstanding structure (1 2, 18, 20) thereon, an attachment means and a first and second fixing means, the toilet fixture (1) being placeable on said device (10) with said upstanding *:*. 20 structure(s) (12, 18, 20) disposed in an internal cavity (5) of said pedestal (3), wherein the attachment means is operable to fix said upstanding structure(s) (1 2, 1 8, 20) to the base (11), the first fixing means is operable to fix said pedestal support (3) to said upstanding structure(s) (12, 18, 20) and the second fixing means is operable to fix said device (10) to the surface (2).

9. A device according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the second fixing means comprises an adhesive fixing means whereby attachment of the device (10) to the floor surface (2) can be achieved without having to drill or make holes in the flooring which can cause irreparable damage.

10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the adhesive fixing means 1 0 comprises a high grip adhesive.

11. A device according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the adhesive covers at least part of a flat bottom face (1 ib) of the device (10).

12. A device according to any one of claims 6-11, wherein the second :. 15 fixing means comprises a mechanical fixing component which comprises one or more screws (1 5) for engagement, through holes in said base (11), with said floor surface (2). * * * * *

* 13. A device according to any one of claims 6-12, wherein the first fixing means comprises screws (15) for engagement through predefined holes (14) in said pedestal support (3) with said base (11).

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the holes (14) in the base

I

(11) are pre-defined or formed in situ.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the mechanical fixing component of the second fixing means uses the same fittings as the first fixing means.

16. A device according to any one of claims 6-15, wherein the upstanding structure (12, 18, 20) has a domed or columnar or pyramidal or other regular or irregular cross-section, or the external shape of the upstanding structure (12, 18, 20) closely corresponds to at least a proportion of the internal cavity (5) of the pedestal support (3) so as to fit in snug surface to surface interengagement therewith thereby to reduce or eliminate transverse movement of the toilet fixture (1) thereon.

1 7. A device according to any one of claims 6-1 6, wherein the height of the upstanding structure (12, 18, 20) is such as to occupy :. 15 substantially all of the height of the internal cavity (5) of the pedestal support (3). ***.

18. A device according to any one of claims 6-17, wherein the peripheral shape of the upstanding structure (12, 18, 20) differs from the shape of the internal cavity (5) whereby there is limited .: 20 contact therebetween occurring only at selected positions and transverse movement of the toilet fixture (1) on the upstanding structure (12, 18, 20) is substantially prevented.

19. A device according to any one of claims 6-18, wherein the upstanding structure(s) (1 2, 1 8, 20) is formed as an integral part of the base (12, 18, 20).

20. A device according to any one of claims 6-18, wherein multiple upstanding structures (18, 20) are attached to the base (11).

21. A device according to any one of claims 6-20, wherein the base (11) is sized so as to allow a peripheral region of the base (13) to be exposed.

22. A locating device (10) for securing a toilet fixture (1) to a floor surface (2), said toilet fixture (1) being of the kind having a bowl (7) on a hollow pedestal support (3), said device (10) comprising a plurality of components (20), a plurality of first fixing means and a plurality of second fixing means, said toilet fixture (1) being * placeable on said device (10) with said components (20) disposed 1 5 in an internal cavity (5) of said hollow pedestal support (3), wherein the first fixing means are operable to fix said pedestal S...

support (3) relative to said device (10) and the second fixing means are operable to fix said device (10) to the floor surface (2).

23. A device according to claim 22, wherein said components (20) : 20 comprise flat base components (20).

24. A device according to claim 23, wherein each of said components (20) comprises at least one upstanding structure for attachment thereto.

25. A device according to claim 23, wherein each of said components (20) comprises individual upstanding structures for fixing directly to the floor surface (2).

26. A method and device as substantially hereinbefore described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. I. * * * *.. S... *5S S. *S * * . * .

S S. S

I S. ** * * S * S I. 5 S. S.