GB2573540A

GB2573540A - Mounting method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2573540A
Application number: GB1807549.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Ritchie Semple Luke; Harry Tooley Jonathan; James Harold Pegden Peter
Original assignee: Norcros Group Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Norcros Group Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-09
Filing date: 2018-05-09
Publication date: 2019-11-13
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-09
Also published as: GB201807549D0; GB2573540B

Abstract

A method of mounting a toilet seat hinge on a toilet pan, the toilet seat hinge including a hinge base 10; and an adhesive 30 to adhere said hinge base to said pan; the method including placing a deformable seal 26 between the hinge base 10 and said pan, said deformable seal being configured in an un-deformed state to surround said adhesive and to maintain said adhesive from said pan; and deforming said seal to bring said adhesive into contact with said pan. Also included is a toilet seat hinge having a hinge base with deformable seal and characterised by adhesive on underside of hinge base. Further defined is a method of adapting a toilet seat hinge for mounting to a toilet pan, and an adaptor device comprising a grip gasket 14.

Description

MOUNTING METHOD AND APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

This invention provides a method of and/or apparatus for mounting a toilet seat on a toilet pan.

Background to the Invention

A toilet seat is typically fixed to a toilet pan by way of two spaced hinges fixed to spaced positions on or adjacent to the rear edge of the seat. One part of each hinge is secured to the seat and the other part of each hinge, namely a hinge base, is secured to the pan. That part of the hinge attached to the pan is typically fixed by passing a threaded fixing rod or shaft through a vertical hole extending downwards from the top face of the pan, and then applying a locking nut to that part of the rod or shaft that projects from the opposite end of the hole.

A problem that arises from this arrangement is that the holes in the pan are invariably larger in diameter than the diameters of the fixing rods or shafts and, over time and while being subjected to working loads, the rods displace relative to the axes of the holes in the pan, the locking nuts work loose and the toilet seat thus moves with respect to the pan.

Various methods have been adopted, in the past, to reduce the problem. One common method involves positioning rubber or plastics washers between the hinges and the pan but this solution has limited effectiveness for a number of reasons. Firstly the materials from which the washers are formed deteriorate with time. Further, they deteriorate with exposure to a number of toilet cleaning chemicals. Thirdly toilet pans are generally formed from vitreous enamel which has a very smooth, low friction surface. As a result, once tension on the fixing rods lessens, the washers can slide freely over the surface of the pan.

In our published pending UK Patent Application No. GB 2 546 799 we describe various arrangements whereby a hinge or hinge base is provided with an adhesive surface on that side thereof which faces and contacts the pan. This adhesive surface is held clear of the pan by displaceable or deformable elements included in the hinge. When being fitted, the hinge base is loosely assembled to the pan and, once the correct position has been established, the hinge base displaced downwards against the deformable elements to bring the adhesive surface into contact with the pan, thereby fixing the position of the hinge. Such arrangements are extremely effective but, without due care, the deformable elements can slip relative to the pan as the hinge is displaced downwards thus causing the hinge base to displace out of position. Further, the adhesive is exposed at the edges and can thus break down over time and/or after exposure to toilet cleaning chemicals, and loose effectiveness.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus which will go at least some way in addressing the drawbacks mentioned above; or which will at least provide a novel and useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides a method of mounting a toilet seat hinge on a toilet pan, said toilet seat hinge including a hinge base; and an adhesive to adhere said hinge base to said pan; said method including placing a deformable seal between said hinge base and said pan, said deformable seal being configured, in an un-deformed state to surround said adhesive and to maintain said adhesive spaced from said pan; and deforming said seal to bring said adhesive into contact with said pan.

Preferably said method is applied to a toilet seat hinge having a fixing rod locatable through a hole in said pan.

Preferably said method comprises applying said adhesive to a fixing component or grip gasket forming part of said hinge base.

Preferably said deformable seal is annular and of substantially round crosssection in an un-deformed state, said method comprising causing a radial dimension of said seal to increase upon application of a force to bring said adhesive into contact with said pan.

Preferably said hinge includes a downwardly extending fixing rod engageable, in use, through a substantially vertical mounting hole in said pan, said method comprising displacing said adhesive into contact with said pan by drawing said fixing rod down through said mounting hole.

In a second aspect the invention provides a hinge for mounting a toilet seat on a toilet pan, said hinge including a hinge base having a contact surface for adhesive engagement with said pan; a deformable seal locatable, in use, between said hinge base and said pan and configured to define an enclosed area on said contact surface, said deformable seal being configured to, in an un-deformed state, hold said contact surface spaced from said pan but, upon deformation, allow an adhesive on said contact surface to contact said pan.

Preferably said hinge further includes a fixing rod locatable through a mounting hole in said pan.

Preferably said hinge base includes a grip gasket, a hinge mount located over said grip gasket, and a locator plate operable to bias said hinge mount into contact with said grip gasket, wherein said contact surface is formed on said grip gasket.

Preferably said grip gasket further includes an aperture through which, in use, said fixing rod may pass.

Preferably said adhesive is provided as a bonding component having an adhesive on both sides thereof.

Preferably said bonding component is annular in plan.

Preferably said bonding component is formed from very high bond (VHB) tape.

Preferably said grip gasket has a cavity thereon to locate said deformable seal, an area within said cavity defining said enclosed area.

Preferably said deformable seal comprises a rubber or flexible plastics O-ring.

In a third aspect the invention provides a toilet seat and a pair of hinges as set forth above.

In a fourth aspect the invention provides a method of adapting a toilet seat hinge for mounting to a toilet pan, said hinge including a hinge mount and a fixing rod extending from said hinge mount for reception in a fixing hole passing through said pan, said method comprising disposing a grip gasket between said hinge mount and said pan, said grip gasket having an adhesive surface for contact with said pan, said adhesive surface being enclosed by a deformable seal which, in an un-deformed state, is configured to maintain said adhesive surface out of contact with said pan, said method further including applying a deforming force to said seal to draw said adhesive surface into contact with said pan.

Preferably said method further comprises clipping said grip gasket to said hinge base.

In a fifth aspect the invention provides an adaptor for enhancing the connection between a toilet seat hinge and a toilet pan, said toilet seat hinge having a hinge base, said adaptor comprising a grip gasket having a first surface configured to engage said hinge base, a second surface operable to engage said pan, a deformable seal configured to maintain said second surface out of contact with said pan when said seal is in an un-deformed state, said grip gasket further including an aperture through which a fixing rod attached to said hinge base may pass, the construction and arrangement being such that upon assembly of said hinge base and grip gasket to said pan, an application of force applied to said fixing rod operates to deform said seal and draw said second surface into contact with said pan.

Preferably said grip gasket includes an adhesive on said second surface.

Preferably said adaptor further includes a clipping facility configured and operable to clip said grip gasket to said hinge base.

Many variations in the way the invention may be performed will present themselves to those skilled in the art, upon reading the following description. The description should not be regarded as limiting but rather as an illustration, only, of one manner of performing the invention. Within the scope of the appended claims, where appropriate any element or component should be taken as including any or all equivalents thereof whether or not specifically mentioned.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One working embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1:	shows an isometric exploded view of a combination of components which, together, form a toilet seat hinge base according to the invention;
Figure 2:	shows an elevational view of the components of Figure 1 assembled together;
Figure 3:	shows a cross-section along the line A-A in Figure 2; and
Figure 4:	shows an isometric view, from below, of the assembly shown in Figures 2 and 3.

Detailed Description of Working Embodiment

In the example shown in the drawings, the invention provides a hinge comprised, in part by hinge base 10 which, in use, is fixed to a toilet pan (not shown). In the form shown the hinge base 10 comprises a hinge mount 11 on which is mounted connection 12 for engagement with that part of the hinge connected to the toilet seat (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that connection 12 may take a number of alternative forms according to the particular configuration of hinge to be provided, and the invention is not to be limited to any particular type of connection. The other principal components comprising this form of hinge base 10 are a locator plate 13 and a grip gasket 14. As can be seen in Figure 3, the hinge mount 11 has a downwardly directed circumferential skirt 15 which overlies the periphery 16 of the locator plate 13. The hinge base is preferably formed of a rigid material such as stainless steel and, upon assembly the lower edge of skirt 15 is folded or otherwise deformed inwardly about the periphery 16 to retain the locator plate whilst allowing the locator plate to ‘float’ vertically within the skirt 15 in the position shown in Figures 2 & 3. As can be seen in Figures 1 & 4, the locator plate includes a slot 17 extending along a diameter thereof through which a fixing rod 18 passes. The upper end of the fixing rod is provided with a cap 19 abutting a non-circular spigot 20, the spigot being sized and shaped to engage the longitudinal edges of slot 17. Upon assembly, the cap 19 anchors the fixing rod in the locator plate and transfers vertical loads applied to the fixing rod, to the locator plate. The spigot 20 allows the fixing rod to be positioned freely along the slot 17 but prevents rotation of the rod relative to the slot.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in use the fixing rod is passed down through central aperture 21 in the grip gasket 14, through a fixing hole (not shown) in the toilet pan and a nut or the like (not shown) applied to the distal end 22 of the rod to clamp the hinge base to the pan. As the nut is tightened, the cap 19 pulls on the locator plate which, in turn, pulls periphery 16 down the inwardly sloping interior wall of skirt 15 thus locking the locator plate 13 to the hinge mount 11. At the same time, the lower edge 23 of skirt 15 is drawn into groove 25 on the upper side 24 of the grip gasket 14 and a downward force applied to the grip gasket against the toilet pan.

An important feature of the invention is the provision of a deformable seal 26 located in groove 28 on the underside 27 of the grip gasket. Defined on the underside 27 between the groove 28 and the periphery of aperture 21 is a contact surface 29 to which an adhesive may be applied. Thus, as contact surface 29, which in this particular example is annular in plan, is drawn into contact with the toilet pan, the adhesive fixes the hinge base to the pan.

The adhesive is preferably provided in the form of an annular section 30 of double-sided tape and, more preferably, an annular section of very high bond (VHB) double-sided tape. As supplied, the adhesive is provided with a paper cover which is removed just before the hinge base is assembled to the toilet pan.

The seal, being deformable, has an un-deformed state and a deformed state, the un-deformed state applying before the hinge mount 10 is fixed to the pan. The seal is configured or selected so that, when un-deformed, it surrounds the contact surface 29 and the adhesive 30, while projecting proud of the contact surface 29 and, thereby, maintaining the adhesive out of contact with the mounting surface of the toilet pan. However, when the nut on fixing rod 18 is tightened, and the locator plate, hinge mount and grip gasket are biased downwardly, the seal 26 deforms allowing the adhesive 30 to contact the pan and bond the grip gasket 14 to the toilet pan.

It is particularly advantageous to provide a rubber or flexible plastics O-ring as the seal 26. Being of this nature the seal 26 provides a degree of friction between the grip gasket and the pan to keep the hinge base in position while the clamping force is applied through fixing rod 18. Further, as the clamping force increases, the contact area between the seal 26 and the pan increases in a radial direction which further increases the applied friction between the hinge base 10 and the pan.

In use, the assembly of hinge mount 11 and locator plate 13, along with retained fixing bolt 18 is loosely assembled to the pan by passing fixing bolt 18 through grip gasket 14 and through the fixing hole in the pan. With the assembly loosely in position the locator plate 13 can be rotated relative to the hinge mount 11 and grip gasket, and the fixing bolt 18 slid longitudinally of the slot 17 until the desired position of the hinge mount 11 relative to the pan is established. The seal 26 then provides sufficient friction to maintain this position while the fixing rod is tightened locking the locator plate 13 to the hinge mount 11 and drawing the adhesive 30 on contact surface 29 into engagement with the mounting surface of the pan.

It will be appreciated that while the above description covers the fixing of a single hinge base to a toilet pan, typically two hinge bases are fixed to the pan, both in the same manner as described.

With the hinge bases fixed in position, an annular trim ring 32 may be clipped into position over the assembly thus described, the ring 32 having the added function in that it clips the grip gasket to the remainder of the hinge base assembly thus retaining the components together during delivery and fitment.

Those skilled in the art will recognise that the mounting system above described can be used to adapt a variety of toilet seat hinge arrangements fixed by rods passing through mounting holes in the toilet pan. The provision of a grip gasket configured to engage the assembly of hinge mount and fixing rod retainer, and fixing on one surface, and the pan on the other surface has significant advantages, particularly given the provision of the deformable seal 26 which allows the grip gasket and hinge base to be correctly positioned prior to fixing, and held securely in that position after fixing, while protecting the adhesive fixing.

It will thus be appreciated that the invention, as least in the case of the various embodiments described, allows toilet seat hinge components to be positioned and fixed to a toilet pan effectively and without significant, or possibly any, trial assembly. Further, the use of deformable seals in the assembly allows the hinge components to be accurately positioned during assembly and the selected positions retained by friction while clamping forces are applied.

Once fully assembled, the seal then surrounds the adhesive, thus protecting the adhesive against attack from substances such as toilet cleaning chemicals.

Claims

1. A method of mounting a toilet seat hinge on a toilet pan, said toilet seat hinge including a hinge base; and an adhesive to adhere said hinge base to said pan; said method including placing a deformable seal between said hinge base and said pan, said deformable seal being configured, in an un-deformed state to surround said adhesive and to maintain said adhesive spaced from said pan; and deforming said seal to bring said adhesive into contact with said pan.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 when applied to a toilet seat hinge having a fixing rod locatable through a hole in said pan.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 comprising applying said adhesive to a fixing component or grip gasket forming part of said hinge base.

4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said deformable seal is annular and of substantially round cross- section in an un-deformed state, said method comprising causing a radial dimension of said seal to increase upon application of a force to bring said adhesive into contact with said pan.

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said hinge includes a downwardly extending fixing rod engageable, in use, through a substantially vertical mounting hole in said pan, said method comprising displacing said adhesive into contact with said pan by drawing said fixing rod down through said mounting hole.

6. A hinge for mounting a toilet seat on a toilet pan, said hinge including a hinge base having a contact surface for adhesive engagement with said pan; a deformable seal locatable, in use, between said hinge base and said pan and configured to define an enclosed area on said contact surface, said deformable seal being configured to, in an un-deformed state, hold said contact surface spaced from said pan but, upon deformation, allow an adhesive on said contact surface to contact said pan.

7. A hinge as claimed in claim 6 further including a fixing rod locatable through a mounting hole in said pan.

8. A hinge as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein said hinge base includes a grip gasket, a hinge mount located over said grip gasket, and a locator plate operable to bias said hinge mount into contact with said grip gasket, wherein said contact surface is formed on said grip gasket.

9. A hinge as claimed in claim 8 wherein said grip gasket further includes an aperture through which, in use, said fixing rod may pass.

10. A hinge as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein said adhesive is provided as a bonding component having an adhesive on both sides thereof.

11. A hinge as claimed in claim 10 wherein said bonding component is annular in plan.

12. A hinge as claimed in claim 11 wherein said bonding component is formed from very high bond (VHB) tape.

13. A hinge as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein said grip gasket has a cavity thereon to locate said deformable seal, an area within said cavity defining said enclosed area.

14. A hinge as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 13 wherein said deformable seal comprises a rubber or flexible plastics O-ring.

15. A toilet seat and a pair of hinges as claimed in any one of claims 6 to

14.

16. A method of adapting a toilet seat hinge for mounting to a toilet pan, said hinge including a hinge mount and a fixing rod extending from said hinge mount for reception in a fixing hole passing through said pan, said method comprising disposing a grip gasket between said hinge mount and said pan, said grip gasket having an adhesive surface for contact with said pan, said adhesive surface being enclosed by a deformable seal which, in an un-deformed state, is configured to maintain said adhesive surface out of contact with said pan, said method further including applying a deforming force to said seal to draw said adhesive surface into contact with said pan.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising clipping said grip gasket to said hinge base.

18. An adaptor for enhancing the connection between a toilet seat hinge and a toilet pan, said toilet seat hinge having a hinge base, said adaptor comprising a grip gasket having a first surface configured to engage said hinge base, a second surface operable to engage said pan, a deformable seal configured to maintain said second surface out of contact with said pan when said seal is in an un-deformed state, said grip gasket further including an aperture through which a fixing rod attached to said hinge base may pass, the construction and arrangement being such that upon assembly of said hinge base and grip gasket to said pan, an application of force applied to said fixing rod operates to deform said seal and draw said second surface into contact with said pan.

19. An adaptor as claimed in claim 18 wherein said grip gasket includes an adhesive on said second surface.

20. An adaptor as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 further including a clipping facility configured and operable to clip said grip gasket to said hinge base.

Intellectual