GB2599705A

GB2599705A - A lavatory seat fixing

Info

Publication number: GB2599705A
Application number: GB2016059.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Delaney Paul
Original assignee: Ellsi Ltd
Current assignee: Ellsi Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-09
Filing date: 2020-10-09
Publication date: 2022-04-13
Also published as: GB202016059D0

Abstract

The toilet seat arrangement comprises an attachment section 12 for attachment to a toilet seat 14, connected to a mounting bar 16 with fixings for joining to a toilet pan, the connection comprising a reversible ratcheting mechanism. The fixings may be connected to the mechanism such that movement of the attachment section has a mechanical effect on them (e.g. changes their spacing). The mechanism may have a neutral setting wherein it is locked or disengaged. The attachment section may move linearly or rotate about a horizontal or vertical axis. Also claimed is a toilet seat mounting bar comprising first and second pins each with an extension element 28, a lip 30 and an elastomeric material 32, the pin spacing being adjustable, e.g. by a ratchet mechanism, optionally with a lever latch clip received by hooks. Also claimed is a toilet seat retaining pin comprising one or more arms pivotally connected to a shaft arranged to slide in a channel within a casing.

Description

A Lavatory Seat Fixing

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a lavatory or toilet seat, an arrangement for attaching the seat to a toilet pan and fixing, or retaining, pins to connect a toilet seat to a toilet pan

Background to the Invention

Although various methods of fixing toilet seats onto toilet pans exist, the most common arrangement is one in which the toilet seat is mounted into two holes provided at the rear of the toilet pan.

Various fixings have been proposed for attaching toilet seats to the toilet pan via the two holes, for example, threaded bolts and nuts; however, a problem with such a mechanism is that the location, diameter and the depth of the holes can vary on pans, which can lead to the seat becoming loose. Solutions to this problem have been previously proposed, such as expanding fixing pins, for example those disclosed in EP2729046 (Indesas Sarl) that employ a lever and cam mechanism to lock a toilet seat to a toilet pan.

A further problem with employing threaded pins with nuts is that it can be difficult operate tools effectively in cramped spaces, thereby taking longer to install the seat.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a toilet seat arrangement comprising: an attachment section to which a toilet seat can be attached; and a mounting bar upon which fixings for joining the toilet seat to a toilet pan are mounted; wherein, the attachment section is connected to the mounting bar by a connection, and wherein the connection comprises a reversible ratcheting mechanism.

Thus, the present invention is able to provide a toilet seat that is connected to an attachment section, wherein movement of the attachment section operates a ratchet mechanism. Such a seat is able to convert movement of the seat into movement elsewhere, for example to operate another aspect of the toilet seat arrangement.

In one embodiment, the fixings of the mounting bar are mechanically connected to the reversible ratchet mechanism and movement of the attachment section relative to the mounting bar has a mechanical effect on the fixings. In this way, movement of the attachment section is able to move the fixings. Therefore, to fit the toilet seat to the toilet pan, the fixings can be placed within the holes of the toilet pan and then the seat section moved to operate the ratchet mechanism, which, in turn operates the fixings to connect the toilet seat to the toilet pan. This allows the seat itself to function as a tool to tighten, or loosen, the fixings.

Preferably, the reversible ratcheting mechanism is provided with a neutral setting, wherein rotation of the attachment section does not effect movement in the fixings and the ratchet mechanism is either locked or disengaged. A neutral, or locked, setting, by which movement of the seat does not engage the ratchet mechanism or does not cause the ratchet mechanism to operate, allows the seat to be fitted and then used without causing further tightening or causing loosening of the fixings. This allows the seat to be used to fit the seat by engaging the fixings and tightening the seat in place, and then for the seat to be set to the neutral setting to either fix the attachment section, and seat attached thereto, in place, or for the seat to be able to move, but not cause any movement or to affect the fixings.

In one construction, the connection is a linear ratcheting mechanism such that wherein the attachment section moves in a substantially planar direction, which includes linear or transverse movement of the attachment section, relative to the mounting bar or toilet pan, to operate the ratcheting mechanism. By using linear motion to operate the ratchet mechanism, sideways movement of the seat can be used to engage the fixings, thereby allowing the toilet seat to be fitted when there is limited space behind the toilet seat.

In an alternative arrangement, the connection is a rotational connection and the attachment section rotates upon the mounting bar. Thus, where there is space behind the toilet seat, rotational motion can be employed to operate the fixings and attach the toilet seat the toilet pan. In another orientation, the rotational motion required to operate the seat may come from opening and closing the seat/lid of the toilet seat arrangement.

Rotational motion may be easier to operate due to the torque available through rotation of the seat.

It may be that the axis of rotation of the rotational connection is substantially vertical, or it could be that the axis of rotation of the rotational connection is substantially horizontal.

The opening and closing of the toilet lid and/or seat may be used to operate the rotational connection, in which case it is preferable that the axis of rotation is substantially horizontal, when the seat is in place on the toilet pan, or substantially orthogonal to the plane of the seat, when in the 'down' position. Alternatively, it may be desirable to have rotation of the seat that is substantially planar, or parallel, with the seat in the 'down' position, so that It is particularly advantageous that the ratchet mechanism is provided with a release element to disengage the ratchet mechanism. Whilst a neutral or locked setting can allow the ratchet mechanism to be kept in place, a release mechanism can be provided to allow the ratchet mechanism to disengage thereby allowing the fixings to be released This allows the toilet seat to be removed from the toilet pan, which may be to allow the pan to be cleaned thoroughly or to replace the seat unit should it be damaged.

The present invention extends to a toilet seat mounting bar comprising a housing with a first pin and a second pin mounted therein, wherein the first pin and the second pin are spaced apart axially along the mounting bar and the axial distance between the two pins is adjustable; wherein the pins each comprise an extension element and a lip such that they are substantially L-shaped, and wherein the internal angle of the [-shape is provided with a yieldable material.

In this arrangement, the mounting bar is provided with two pins that are spaced apart and the distance therebetween is variable. The pins are both provided with extensions or lips that create a substantially L-shaped provide. The pins can be passed through the holes in the toilet pan and then the axial distance between them can be reduced, so that the lip or extension engages the underside of the toilet pan beyond the hole. Thus, the pins engage the toilet pan and prevent removal of the seat from the pan. The yieldable material, which may be resiliently yieldable and could be an elastomeric material accommodates for variations in the depth of the hole in the toilet pan by gripping the toilet pan at the required depth.

It is preferable that the distance between the first pin and the second pin is adjusted by way of a ratchet mechanism. Employing a ratchet mechanism, for example, one as set out herein, allows for movement of the pins towards one another in a convenient and predictable manner. Additionally, the use of such a mechanism makes installing a toilet seat quick and simple and reduces the effort required as the ratchet mechanism can be readily operated.

In one arrangement, it is envisaged that the distance between the first pin and the second pin is adjusted by way of a lever latch clip and a series of receiving hooks to receive the latch. Thus, a lever latch may be employed to quickly allow the pins to be brought together and then held in that position by engaging the lever latch clip, at the same time tightening the connection by using the lever.

Preferably, the lateral position of the first and second pins is adjustable. This allows for variations of the toilet pan holes in the lateral direction, in addition to the axial direction that the pins accommodate. A further advantage of this is that the seat can be adjusted to be 'square' on the toilet pan, thereby improving the aesthetic look of the seat on the pan.

The present invention further extends to a toilet seat retaining pin comprising: an elongate casing with a channel therein; a shaft arranged to slide within the channel of the casing, the shaft having a first end and a second end, the latter of which has at least one arm connected thereto, a first end of the, or each, arm being pivotally connected to the second end of shaft and a second end of each arm being biased away from the shaft and able to extend outside the channel.

Preferably, the retaining pin is provided with a plurality of arms arranged on the shaft. Having a plurality of arms on the retaining pin, particularly when evenly spaced around the pin, allows for an even and firm grip on the toilet pan.

In one arrangement, the channel has a first width and a second width, the second width being smaller than the first, wherein, when the shaft is moved axially in the elongate casing so that the first end of the, or each, arm is moved into the second width, the second end of the, or each, arm is brought closer to the shaft. In this arrangement, the pin have a first position wherein the arms are extended away from the shaft, and a second position wherein the arms are moved closer to the shaft, which is caused by the first end of the, or each, arm entering into the narrower part of the channel and the casing pushing the arm at a position between the two ends, thereby pivoting the arm inwardly, against the biasing force. Conversely, as the first end of the, or each, moves from the narrower part of the channel to the wider part of the channel, the arms are biased to move outwardly.

Advantageously, the first end of the shaft is provided with at least one of a group comprising: a groove; a notch; and a threaded section. The groove, notch or threaded section can be used to control the shaft and its relative position within the channel. It is particularly advantageous that the groove, notch or threated section is engaged by a pawl or by the teeth of a gear. Thus, by engagement between the teeth or pawl and the groove, notch or thread, the position of the shaft within the channel can be adjusted and held in place. For example, the groove, notch or thread may be engaged by one or more teeth or threads to allow positional adjustment of the shaft in the axial direction, and the teeth or threads can resist movement of the shaft back to the previous position.

In a preferred arrangement, the surface of the, or each, arm proximal the first end of the shaft is provided with a portion of elastomeric material The use of an elastomeric material provides grip between the arm and the toilet pan and reduces the risk of the pin slipping. Additionally, the elastomeric material reduces the risk of damage to the toilet pan should the pin be over-tightened.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the rear of a toilet seat in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a further view of the toilet seat of Figure 1 in a different position; Figure 3 shows a toilet seat and toilet pan arrangement in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention; Figures 4 to 6 show further views of part the arrangement of Figure 3; Figure 7 shows another arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a further toilet seat arrangement; Figure 9 shows a further arrangement in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention; Figure 10 shows a part of Figure 9 in various positions; and Figure 11 shows a further arrangement in accordance with the third aspect of the present.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Figures 1 to 2 show a toilet seat arrangement 10 having an attachment section 12 to which a toilet lid and toilet seat 14 are connected in a traditional, pivoting manner.

A mounting bar 16 is provided comprising elongate body section 18 having a central element 20 and two fixing pins 22 at respective ends of the elongate body section 18. The fixing pins 22 are arranged to be moveable such that the distance between the two fixing pins can be adjusted by bringing the pins 22 closer to one another or moving them further apart.

The attachment section 12 is connected to the central element 20 of mounting bar 16, by a rotational ratcheting mechanism 24 that rotates about a substantially vertical axis, which is to say that the axis of rotation is substantially orthogonal to the length of the elongate mounting bar 16.

Internal to the central element 20, the ratcheting mechanism comprises a circular gear with teeth thereupon and a pawl to engage the teeth and allow movement in one direction. The ratchet mechanism is provided with a control slide 26 that has three positions: tighten; loosen; and neutral.

The pins 22 may be connected to the rotational ratchet mechanism 24 by way of gears, such as worm gears, to adjust the position of the pins 22 relative to the body section 18 The pins 22 comprise a stem section 28 and an end section 30 in the form of a protrusion or lip that gives the pin a substantially L-shape internal profile, the internal surface of which may be coated in a yieldable material section 32 that can comprise rubber or elastomeric material, such as silicone, although it may also comprise a pocket containing a liquid or gel.

When the seat arrangement 10 is to be fitted onto a toilet pan, the pins 22 are located in the holes of a toilet pan and the ratchet control slide 26 is set to tighten. In this position, and with the seat and lid 14 in the closed position as shown in the figures, clockwise rotation of the seat and lid 14 rotates the rotational ratchet mechanism 24 within the central element 24 and the pins 22 are drawn towards one another. Due to the internal profile of the pins 22 having a protrusion 30, the pins engage with the toilet pan and grip thereon. Additionally, the yieldable material section 32 is forced against the solid toilet pan and bulges to accommodate variations in the depth of the holes in the toilet pan.

Thus, a tight grip is established between the pins 22 of the seat arrangement 10 and the toilet pan.

Once the pins 22 are positioned to tightly grip the toilet pan, the ratchet control slide 26 can be set to the neutral, or locked, position. This position of the control side 26 locks the rotational ratchet mechanism so that the seat and lid 14 can be returned back to the central position in which it can be used, whilst retaining the pins 22 in the engaged position. Thus, further rotational movement of the ratchet mechanism so that movement of the seat and lid 14 will not adjust the position of the pins 22.

To disengage the seat arrangement 10, the control slide 26 is set to loosen and anticlockwise rotation of the seat and lid 14 about the axis of rotation engages the ratchet mechanism to move the pins 22 apart, thereby moving the protrusions 30 to a position in which they can pass back through the holes of the toilet pan, thereby disengaging the toilet seat arrangement 10 from the toilet pan.

As described herein, the toilet seat arrangement 10 may be provided with the ratchet mechanism operating from opening and closing the seat and lid 14 and movement about a substantially horizontal axis, which would be substantially parallel with the axis of the elongate mounting bar 16.

Figures 3 to 6 show a toilet seat arrangement 40 having a mounting bar 42 with pins 22 that are broadly similar to those described in relation to figures 1 and 2. The pins 22 comprise a stem section 28 and an end section 30 in the form of a protrusion or lip that gives the pin a substantially L-shape internal profile, the internal surface of which may be coated in a yieldable material section 32.

The pins 22 are mounted upon two respective sliders 44 than can move relative to one another and relative to the body portion 46 of the mounting bar 42. The sliders 44 are positioned on top of the body portion 46 of the mounting bar 42 and the pins 22 extend from the sliders 44, through the body portion 46, extending from the bottom surface of the mounting bar 42. The two sliders 44 are provided with respective parts of a lever latch mechanism, with one of the sliders 44 having a lever latch clip 46 connected thereto, and the other of the sliders 44 having a series of spaced-apart hook elements 48 connected thereto. The lever latch clip 46 comprises a lever element 48 and a locking loop 50 pivotally connected thereto.

To fit the toilet seat arrangement 40, the pins 22 are placed into the holes 52 of the toilet pan 54. The lever latch clip 46 is lifted so that the locking loop 50 passes over some of the hook elements 48. The lever latch clip 46 is then lowered and the locking loop 50 engages with one of the hook elements 48 and draws the pins 22 towards each other. The pins 22 engage the toilet pan 54 with the protrusions 30 tucking underneath the toilet pan 54 and, with the latch clip in a locked position what engaging the hook elements 48, the pins 22 are held in the engaged position.

Preferably, when the lever that is employed to operate the lever latch clip 46 is in the 'closed' position, it sits in line with the top surface of the mounting bar 42 to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Alternatively, a top cover (not show) can be used to cover the level latch clip 46.

The lever latch clip 46 is releasable by reversing the steps and unhooking the locking loop 50 from the hook elements 48, thereby allowing the toilet seat to be removed from the toilet pan 54.

Figures 7 and 8 show a toilet seat arrangement 60 comprising a mounting bar 62 having pins 22 extending from the underside thereof, the pins having the same L-shaped profile as described in relation to the previous embodiments. The distance between the pins 22 is adjustable using a ratchet mechanism 64, wherein rotation of the ratchet mechanism 64 in one direction moves the pins 22 closer to one another and movement in the opposite direction allows the pins 22 to move apart. The movement of the pins 22 towards one another engages the pawl so as to prevent movement apart without actively disengaging the pawl.

The mounting bar 62 further comprises an outer housing 66 that is provided with front-back adjustable bars 68a and 68b that allow the position of the mounting bar 62, and the -10 -pins 22 mounted thereupon, to be adjusted relative to the housing 66. The first of the adjustable bars 68a is threaded along at least part of its length and it is provided with a worm gear 70 that engages with the threaded section of the adjustable bar 68a. Rotation of the worm gear 70 moves the housing 66 laterally with respect to the elongate axis of the mounting bar 62.

Figures 9 to 11 show a toilet seat retaining pin 80 comprising an elongate casing 82 that is provided with a channel therein that runs the length of the casing 82. The channel has openings on opposing sides that extend from a spacer element 81 to a base element 83.

Thus, the channel effectively has a first, infinite, width where the openings are located and a narrower, second, predetermined width at the base element 83. The top surface of the spacer element 81 is broader than the main body of the spacer element 81, so that the spacer element 81 can sit within a toilet pan hole with the top surface preventing the spacer element 81 passing wholly into the hole. It will be appreciated that the top surface of the spacer section could be a separate part from the body of the spacer section, although they may be connected to one another, rather than being integral with one another.

A shaft 84 is arranged to be partially received within the channel and to extend from the intended top end of the casing 82. The first, exposed end of the shaft 84 is provided with a thread 86 therearound that extends partly down the length of the shaft 84. The opposite, or second, end of the shaft 84 is provided with a pivot 88, upon which the respective first ends of two arms 90 are mounted.

In a first position, each of the arms 90 extends through one of the openings on the channel, so that the second ends of the two arms 90 are arranged outside the channel of the casing 82. The arms 90 are biased towards this extended position by way of a spring element (not show), which may be a compression, extension or torsion spring element. In this, extended position the pin has a first overall width below the spacer element 81. The arms 90 and provided with a substantially flat surface that faces in the direction of the first end of the shaft 84, which may be provided with a yieldable material 92, such as elastomeric material.

When the second end of the shaft 84 is located at a position between the base element 83 and the spacer element 81, the arms 90 are extended outwardly; however, where the second end of the shaft 84 is located in or beyond the base element 83, which is to say on the side of the base element distal from the spacer element 81, the arms 90 pivot upwards towards the spacer element 81, due to the reduced width of the channel, until the second ends of the arms 90 are located within the channel In this contracted position, the pin has an overall second width below the spacer element, which is less than the overall first width.

Figures 9 and 10 show a first shaft adjusting mechanism 94, wherein a gear wheel 96 is provided with a central aperture 98 that has an internal thread that engages with the thread 86 of shaft 84. The gear wheel is mounted upon the top surface of the spacer element 81. Due to the engaging threads of the gear wheel 96 and the shaft 84, rotation of the gear wheel 96, which may occur due to rotation of engaging gear element 100, result in axial movement of the shaft 84 within the channel of the elongate casing 82. In turn, the arms are moved along the channel 84 and can be moved towards the spacer element 81 or away therefrom, the latter ultimately resulting in the arms 90 pivoting the second position as they enter the reduced width of the channel at the base element 83 This arrangement may operate in combination with the ratchet seat shown in Figures 1 and 2, with rotation of the engaging gear element 100 being caused by movement of the seat and lid of the toilet seat arrangement.

Figure 11 shows an alternative arrangement in which the threads 86 of shaft 84 are directly engaged by the teeth of a gear wheel 102, which, in combination with a spring-biased pawl 104 forms a ratchet mechanism. Thus, the shaft 84 is permitted to be raised in the channel, but the pawl 104 prevents movement of the shaft 84 towards the base element 83, without disengagement of the pawl 104 To fit a seat with a toilet seat retaining pin as shown in figures 9 to 11, the shaft is positioned at or beyond the base element 83 so that the arms are in the second, narrower position This more compact width allows the arms to slide through a hole in the toilet pan and for the spacer element 81 to sit within the hole of the toilet pan. The spacer element 81 is not required to be sized to fit the depth of the hole, merely to sit within the -12 -hole so that the retaining pin is engaged therein. Once the pin 80 is in position on a toilet pan, the position of the shaft 84 within the channel is adjusted so that the second end of the shaft 84, and the first end of the arms 90 pivotally attached thereto, are brought closer towards the spacer element. The second ends of the arms 90 extend outwardly though the openings in the channel and extend to a width that is greater than the diameter of the hole in the toilet pan. Thus, the pin 80 cannot be removed from the pan when the arms 90 are in the extended position.

The shaft 84 is raised by the gear wheel 96 or 102 until the yieldable material 92 of the arms 90 contacts the underside of the toilet pan. In this position, a toilet seat can be firmly held on the toilet pan by clamping the toilet pan between the arms 90 and the top surface of the spacer element 81. Due to the yieldable material 92 on the arms 90, the retaining pin grips the underside of the toilet pan to reduce the risk of relative movement between the retaining pin 80 and the toilet pan. It will be appreciated that a different mechanism from the gear wheel 96 and the ratchet arrangement described in these figures may be employed.

The arrangement shown in figures 9 and 10 are connected to a ratcheting seat, as described herein and wherein movement of the seat adjusts the position of the pins to engage and disengage the toilet pan.

Figure 11 shows an arrangement in which a ratchet mechanism is arranged to reduce the risk of the pins moving out of position. Whilst the shaft is shown as having a thread therealong, it may be replaced with a series of grooves instead of a shaft.

It will be appreciated that the fixing pins may be provided with a motor, which can be either battery operated and/or a hand crank, which may make installation and removal of the toilet seat quicker and easier.

The ratchet mechanism may further be provided with a release button. Such a release button can be employed to disengage the pawl and allow the pins to be moved apart quickly and without engaging the ratchet mechanism -13 -It will be appreciated that to avoid backlash a toothless surface, that may, comprise a yieldable material, such as a nthber or plastics material, which may be a continuous or discreet section thereof, may be provided. The pawl will then slide along the material and engage the yieldable material to prevent backlash of the ratcheting mechanism.

Elements of one or more embodiment disclosed herein may be incorporated into a different embodiment, for example, the various pins disclosed herein may be operated by, or attached to, the ratchet mechanism herein described. A further example, is that the front-back adjustment bars described herein may be employed with a different embodiment to allow adjustment of the seat to sit flush on the toilet pan. Similarly, mechanical elements and materials described in one embodiment may be employed in a different embodiment.

Claims

-14 -Claims 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.A toilet seat arrangement comprising: an attachment section to which a toilet seat can be attached, and a mounting bar upon which fixings for joining the toilet seat to a toilet pan are mounted; wherein, the attachment section is connected to the mounting bar by a connection, wherein the connection comprises a reversible ratcheting mechanism.A toilet seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the fixings of the mounting bar are mechanically connected to the reversible ratchet mechanism and movement of the attachment section relative to the mounting bar has a mechanical effect on the fixings.A toilet seat arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the reversible ratcheting mechanism is provided with a neutral setting, wherein rotation of the attachment section does not effect movement in the fixings and the ratchet mechanism is either locked or disengaged A toilet seat arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection is a linear ratcheting mechanism such that wherein the attachment section moves in a substantially planar direction to operate the ratcheting mechanism.A toilet seat arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection is a rotational connection, and the attachment section rotates upon the mounting bar.A toilet seat arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the axis of rotation of the rotational connection is substantially vertical, A toilet seat arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the axis of rotation of the rotational connection is substantially horizontal.-15 -9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.A toilet seat arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratchet mechanism is provided with a release element to disengage the ratchet mechanism.A toilet seat mounting bar comprising a housing with a first pin and a second pin mounted therein, wherein the first pin and the second pin are spaced apart axially along the mounting bar and the axial distance between the two pins is adjustable; wherein the pins each comprise an extension element and a lip such that they are substantially L-shaped, and wherein the internal angle of the L-shape is provided with an elastomeric material A toilet seat mounting bar according to claim 9, wherein the distance between the first pin and the second pin is adjusted by way of a ratchet mechanism A toilet seat mounting bar according to claim 10, wherein the distance between the first pin and the second pin is adjusted by way of a lever latch clip and a series of receiving hooks to receive the latch A toilet seat mounting bar according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the lateral position of the first and second pins is adjustable.A toilet seat retaining pin comprising: an elongate casing with a channel therein; a shaft arranged to slide within the channel of the casing, the shaft having a first end and a second end, the latter of which has at least one arm connected thereto, a first end of the, or each, arm being pivotally connected to the second end of shaft and a second end of each arm being biased away from the shaft and able to extend outside the channel.A toilet seat retaining pin according to claim Y, wherein the retaining pin is provided with a plurality of arms arranged on the shaft -16 - 15. A toilet seat retaining pin according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the channel has a first width and a second width, the second width being smaller than the first, and wherein, when the shaft is moved axially in the elongate casing so that the first end of the, or each, arm is moved into the second width, the second end of the, or each, arm is brought closer to the shaft.16. A toilet seat retaining pin according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first end of the shaft is provided with at least one of a group comprising: a groove; a notch; and a threaded section.17. A toilet seat retaining pin according to claim 16, wherein the groove, notch or threated section is engaged by a pawl or by the teeth of a gear.18. A toilet seat retaining pin according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the surface of the, or each, arm proximal the first end of the shaft is provided with a portion of elastomeric material.