Toilet seat hinge assembly.

(54) Title: TOILET SEAT HINGE ASSEMBLY.

(54) Title: TOILET SEAT HINGE ASSEMBLY.

(57) Summary

A hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to an interior of the toilet includes a hinged post, a bolt with a head, and a threaded shaft configured to extend into a hole inside the toilet to fix the hinged post to the interior of the toilet. toilet bowl, and an adapter having a first segment coupled to the bolt head, a second segment, and a cutting segment connecting the first and second segments; the first and second segments are configured to engage by a tool to rotate the bolt; the cutting segment has a lower torque resistance than the first and second segments such that the cutting segment breaks when a torque applied to the second segment reaches a predetermined amount; the head of the bolt fits into the adapter such that the first segment of the adapter surrounds the head.

(57) Abstract

A hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to a toilet bowl ineludes a hinge post, a bolt having a head and a threaded shaft configured to extend into a bore in the toilet bowl for securing the hinge post to the toilet bowl, and an adapter having a first segment coupled to the head of the bolt, a second segment, and a shear segment connecting the first and second segment. The first and second segmente are both configured to be engaged by a tool to rotate the bolt. The shear segment has a lower torque resistance than the first and second segments such that the shear segment breaks when a torque applied to the second segment reaches a predetermined amount. The head of the bolt is fit into the adapter such that the first segment of the adapter surrounds

Institute

Mexican Property

Industrial

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«A s' -'IL ·

PATENT TITLE NO. 336773 _SE_

SECRETARY Dt ECONOMY i

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Owner (s): BEMIS MAN UFACTU RING COMPANY

Address: 300 Mili Street, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, 53085, USA

Denomination: TOILET SEAT HINGE ASSEMBLY

Classification: lntCI.8: A47K13 / 12

Inventor (s): JOSEPH HAND; BRIAN L. LE MAHIEU; BRIAN.A. HENNE; RANDALL GREBEL

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lustrial.

Imprt ogatable fetuses, keep the symptoms of the

10/1996, 26/12/1997, 1 )5/1999.

Organic action

It was not in conformity with the article from the date of the acts.

Who subscribes the present Industrial Property (Diado

26i 1/2004, 06/16/2005, 25 / Cl of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 13 / 09/2007); 1st. 3rd and 5th subsection a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Holders of Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

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Arenal No. 550, Floor 1,

Coi. Pueblo Sania María Tepepan Xochimílco Delegation,

CP 16020, Mexico City Tel. (55) 53 34 07 00 www.impi.qob.mx

Issue Date: January 28, 2016

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

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Ί

NAHANNY CANAL REYES

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ÍÍiLj

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MXZ2016710950 f tS ·.

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TOILET SEAT HINGE ASSEMBLY ^ Sg ^ g .MPI

INDUSTRIAL

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CROSS REFERENCE WITH RELATED REQUESTS

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This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No: 61 / 424,111, filed on December 17, 2010, to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 451,708, filed on March 11, 2011, and to US Provisional Patent No. 61 / 550,155, filed on October 21, 2011, all of which are incorporated herein by reference herein.

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hinge assemblies 15 for mounting toilet seats and / or covers to the interior of toilets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention provides a hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to the interior of the toilet. The hinge assembly includes a hinged post, a bolt with a head, and a threaded shaft configured to extend into a hole inside the toilet to fix the hinged post to the inside of the toilet, and an adapter that has

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IMPI

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

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a first segment coupled to the bolt head, a second stud, and a shear segment connecting the first and second segments. The first and second segments are configured to engage using a tool to rotate the bolt. The shear segment has a lower torque resistance to the first and second segments such that the shear segment breaks when a torque applied to the second segment reaches a predetermined amount. The hinge assembly also includes a nut threadedly attached to the threaded shaft of the bolt. The bolt head fits into the adapter such that the first segment of the adapter surrounds the head.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to the interior of the toilet. The hinge assembly includes a hinge post and a clip to secure the hinge post to the inside of the toilet. The fastener includes a threaded portion configured to extend into a hole within the toilet, a first segment coupled to an end portion of the threaded portion, a second segment configured to engage by a tool to rotate the fastener, and a shear segment that connects to the first and second segments. The shear segment has a lower torque resistance to the first and second segments such that the shear segment breaks when a torque applied to the second segment reaches a predetermined amount. The assembly of

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hinge also includes a nut threadedly attached to the threaded portion of the fastener.

The threaded portion, the first segment, the second segment, and the shear segment of the fastener are made of a plastic material and are unitary.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to the interior of the toilet. The hinge assembly includes a hinge post that defines an opening and includes a top surface surrounding the opening, a threaded fastener that extends through the hinge post opening and is configured to extend into a hole inside toilet seat and a bushing placed around a portion of the threaded fastener. The bushing includes a flange and an expandable bottom section configured to extend into the hole inside the toilet. The flange is supported by a top surface of the flanged post above the opening. The hinge assembly also includes a nut threadedly attached to the threaded fastener. The nut expands the expandable bottom section of the bushing as the threaded fastener rotates relative to the hinge post to secure the hinge post to the inside of the toilet.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to the interior of the toilet. The hinge assembly includes a hinge post that defines an opening and includes a top surface surrounding the opening, a threaded fastener that

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL extends through the opening in the hinge post which is configured to extend into a hole inside the toilet and a bushing placed around a portion of the threaded fastener. The bushing includes a flange and a bottom section configured to extend into the hole inside the toilet. The flange is supported by a top surface of the flanged post above the opening. The bottom section has an outside diameter that is less than the opening in the hinge post so that the hinge post is movable relative to the threaded fastener and bushing to adjust a position of the hinge post inside the toilet. The hinge assembly also includes a nut threadedly attached to the threaded fastener.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method of installing a hinged post inside the toilet. The hinged post defines an opening and includes a top surface surrounding the opening. The method includes assembling a bushing into a threaded fastener. The bushing includes a flange. The method also includes inserting the assembled threaded fastener and bushing through the opening of the hinge post and into a hole inside the toilet so that the bushing flange is supported by the top surface of the hinge post, adjusting a position of the hinge post inside the toilet and rotate the threaded fastener to secure the hinge post to the inside of the toilet.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to the interior of the toilet. The assembly

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL Hinge includes a hinged post that defines a opening and&gt; includes a top surface surrounding the opening, a threaded fastener that extends through the opening of the hinge post and is configured to extend into a hole inside from the toilet. The fastener has a first end portion and a second end portion. The hinge assembly also includes an adapter having a first segment coupled to the first end portion of the threaded fastener, a second segment, and a shear segment connecting the first and second segments. Both the first and second segments are configured to engage with a tool and rotate the fastener. The shear segment has a lower torque resistance to the first and second segments such that the shear segment breaks when a torque applied to the second segment reaches a predetermined amount. The hinge assembly also includes a nut threadedly coupled to the second end portion of the threaded fastener and a bushing positioned around a portion of the threaded fastener between the adapter and the nut. The bushing includes a flange and an expandable bottom section configured to extend into the hole inside the Toilet. The flange is supported by a top surface of the flanged post above the opening. The expandable bottom section has an outside diameter that is less than the opening in the hinge post so that the hinge post is movable relative to the threaded fastener and bushing to adjust a position of the hinge post in the inside

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of the toilet. The nut expands the bottom remaining section of the bushing as the threaded fastener rotates relative to the hinge post to secure the hinge post to the inside of the toilet.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a 5-hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to the Interior of the Toilet. Hinge Assembly Includes a first member configured to be supported on the Inside of the toilet to move with the Inside of the Toilet. The first member defines a first opening. The hinge assembly also includes a second member supported on the first member to move with the first member. The second member defines a second opening. The hinge assembly also includes a threaded fastener that extends through the first opening in the first member and the second opening in the second member. The threaded fastener is configured to extend into a hole inside the toilet to secure the first and second members to the inside of the toilet. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge post coupled to at least one of the first member and the second member. The dimensions of the first opening and the second opening are larger than a diameter of the threaded fastener, so that the first and second members are movable relative to the threaded fastener to adjust a position of the hinge post relative to the Interior from the toilet in both a front to back direction and a side to side direction.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a hinge assembly for mounting a toilet seat to the Interior of the Toilet. The assembly

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Hinge includes a member configured to be supported on the inside of the toilet, a threaded fastener that extends through the member and configured to extend into a hole inside the toilet to secure the member to the Inside of the Toilet, and a post with hinge that defines a cavity. The hinged post can slide along the inside of the toilet to the member, so that the cavity receives the member. The hinge assembly also includes a tab attached to one of the member and the hinge post to releasably secure the hinge post to the member. The tab can be manually operated to allow removal of the hinged post from the member.

Other aspects of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hinge assembly embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top view of an adapter for use with the hinge assembly shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along section line 4-4 of Figure 1.

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Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along section line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is another cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly illustrating a portion of an adapter that cuts a threaded fastener and illustrates a bushing that expands into a hole inside the toilet.

Figure 7 is another cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly illustrating a hinge post moved relative to the threaded fastener and hole inside the toilet.

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of the hinge assembly illustrating the hinge assembly mounted to another toilet interior.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of another hinge assembly embodying the invention.

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly shown in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along section line 11-11 of Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along section line 12-12 of Figure 9.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternate threaded fastener for use with the hinge assembly of Figure 9.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the threaded fastener taken along section line 14-14 of Figure 13.

Mexican INSTITUTE

OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

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FIG. 15 is a perspective view of yet another hinge assembly encompassing the invention.

Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly shown in Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly taken along section line 17-17 of Figure 15.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a mounting plate of the hinge assembly of Figure 15.

Figure 19 is a bottom perspective view of a hinge post of the hinge assembly of Figure 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining any embodiment of the invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention may have other embodiments and may be practiced or performed in various ways.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a toilet seat hinge assembly 20 for mounting a toilet seat, ring, or lid to the interior of toilet bowl 14 (Figures 4, 6, and 7). The hinge assembly 10 includes a hinge post 18 and a fastener assembly 22 to secure the hinge post 18 to the interior of the toilet 14. The fastener assembly 22 includes a fastener

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Threading 26, an adapter 30, an expandable bushing 34 and a nut 38. Although only one hinge assembly 10 is shown, it should be immediately apparent that a toilet normally includes two similar hinge assemblies 10 to mount the seat and / or cover of the toilet inside 14.

The hinge post 18 includes a base portion 42, a post portion 46, and a cover or lid 50. The base portion 42 is configured to rest inside toilet 14 and defines an area with voids 54. The area with recesses 54 is joined by an upwardly extending wall 58 of the base portion 42. Gap area 54 is shaped and sized to receive portions of threaded fastener 26 and bushing 34 when hinge post 18 is placed inside toilet 14. An opening 62 is formed through base portion 42 in communication with the gap area 54. The illustrated opening 62 is an elongated opening that receives the threaded fastener 26 to align the fastener

26 with a hole 66 (Figures 4, 6 and 7) inside 14. The elongated opening 62 allows adjusting the position of the hinge post 18 relative to a fastener 26 and the hole 66. That is, the opening 62 allows the Hinged post 18 laterally inside 14 to accommodate and offset different sizes of interiors and toilet seats. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the hinge post 18 is slid so that the fastener assembly 22 is at the right end of opening 62 (i.e., the end adjacent to post portion 46) to move the toilet seat and / or lid back inside the toilet 14. Similarly

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Shape, as shown in Figure 7, the hinge post 1B to be slipped so that the fastener assembly 22 is at the left end of opening 62 (i.e., the end adjacent to cover 50) to move the seat and / or toilet lid back inside toilet bowl 14.

Referring to Figure 2, a series of wedges or dentures 70 is formed on an upper surface of base portion 42 surrounding elongated opening 62.

Base portion 46 includes two legs 74 that extend perpendicularly from base portion 42. Each leg 74 defines a hole 78 for receiving a temple. The pin pivotally mounts one or more hinge leaves to the hinged post 18 to articulately couple the toilet seat and / or lid to the hinge assembly 10.

Cover 50 is coupled to base portion 42 by an elastic hinge 82. Cover 50 can be moved between an open position (Figure 1) and a closed position. When in the open position, the cover 50 allows access to the void area 54 of the base portion 42. When in the closed position, the cover 50 substantially covers the void area 54 to provide a clean appearance for the assembly of hinge 10. Cover 50 Includes two screws 86 configured to be received at corresponding openings 90 in base portion 42 when the cover is closed. Screws 86 and openings 90 create interference adjustments to securely secure cover 50 in the closed position.

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Threaded fastener 26 extends to tram ^ Aa-ia ahArfiira 6? on hinge post 18 and hole 66 inside toilet 14 to secure hinge post 18 to interior 14. As shown in Figure 4, fastener 26 defines a longitudinal axis 94 extending through a first or upper end portion 98 and a second or lower end portion 102 of fastener 26. The illustrated threaded fastener 26 is a steel or stainless steel bolt having a head 106 and a shaft 110. The illustrated head 106 is, for example, a conventional hex-shaped head formed in the first end portion 98 of the fastener 26 and is received in adapter 30. Shaft 110 extends from head 106 through hole 66 inside toilet 14. In some embodiments, shaft 110 has a diameter of between about 0.474 cm. (3/16 of an inch) and approximately between 0.952 cm. (3/8 inch). In the illustrated embodiment, shaft 110 has a diameter of approximately 0.635 cm. (1/4 inch).

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the adapter 30 is coupled to the upper end portion 98 of the fastener 26. The adapter 30 may be composed of a plastic material such as for example 30% nylon with fiberglass. As shown in Figure 3, adapter 30 includes a hexagonal inner surface 114 that is configured to receive hexagonal head 106 of fastener 26. Referring again to Figures 2 and 4, head 106 is pressed to adapter 30 to inhibit rotation of adapter 30 relative to fastener 26. In some embodiments, adapter 30 may be molded

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directly to threaded fastener 26. In such embodiments, fastener 26 can include any convenient projections or projections in which adapter 30 can be molded to inhibit relative rotation between adapter 30 and fastener 26.

The illustrated adapter 30 includes a first or lower segment

118 coupled to the upper end portion 98 of the threaded fastener 26, a second or higher segment 122 and a middle shear segment 126 connecting to the first and second segments 118, 122. The segments 118, 122, 126 are coaxially aligned to along longitudinal axis 94. The first and second segments 118, 122, both include hexagonally shaped outer surfaces 130, 134 configured to be engaged by a tool (eg, wrench, pliers, etc.) to rotate adapter 30 and fastener 26 about the axis. longitudinal 94. Shear segment 126 is relatively thinner than first and second segments 118, 122, so shear segment 126 has lower torsional strength than first and second segments 118, 122. Referring to Fig. 6, when the predetermined torque T is applied to the second segment 122, the shear segment 126 breaks, which separates the second segment 122 from the first segment 118 and leaves the first segment 118 in the fastener 26 Said arrangement avoids over-tightening the fastener 26 and removes excess material from the adapter 30, so that the cover 50 of the hinge post 18 can be closed.

IMPI

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As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the hiijp 34 rp pytipnH ^ ρπ the hole 66 inside the toilet 14, and the fastener 26 is inserted into the bushing 34 so that the bushing 34 is placed around a portion of the brassiere

26. Bushing 34 may be composed of a plastic material such as, for example, 20% glass fiber polypropylene homopolymer (HOPP). Bushing 34 includes a flange 138 formed at the upper end of bushing 34, an upper section 139 below flange 138, and an expandable lower section 140. Bottom section 140 includes four axially extending segments 141 separated by grooves 170 and has an outside diameter that is smaller than opening 62 in hinge post 18 and hole 66 inside toilet bowl 14. Grooves 170 are approximately 90 degrees apart from bushing 34. Flange 138 is captured between adapter 30 and base portion 42 of hinge post 18. As shown in FIG. 5, a series of wedges or dentures 142 are formed on a bottom side or bottom surface of flange 138. Wedges 142 in flange 138 engage corresponding wedges 70 in base portion 42 to inhibit Lateral movement of bushing 34 relative to hinge post 18 when clamp 26 is tightened.

As shown in Figure 4, the bushing 34 is capable of shaping the various dimensions and shapes of mounting holes inside the toilet. For this purpose, bushing 34 includes projections 146 extending radially outward from top section 139. In the illustrated mode, bushing 34 includes four sets of two projections

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146. In other embodiments, bushing 34 can accommodate a number of projections 146. Projections 146 engage an Inner surface 150 of mounting hole or hole 66. Projections 146 deform and shape the shape of hole 66 and align bushing 34 within hole 66 .

The illustrated projections 146 extend radially outward a distance greater than the diameter of the hole 66 so that the projections 146 are deflected upward when the bushing 34 is inserted into the hole 66. Cutouts 154 are formed (Figure 2) in base portion 42 adjacent to elongated opening 62 to provide space for projections 146 when bushing 34 is inserted through opening 62.

Nut 38 is threadedly coupled to the lower end portion 102 of threaded fastener 26. Nut 38 is configured to expand expandable bushing 34 as fastener 26 is rotated about axis 94 to secure hinge post 18 to the Inner Toilet 14. Generally, illustrated nut 38 is cylindrical and includes a tapered or frusto-conical top surface 158 that mates with an Inner surface 166 in bushing segments 141 34. Nut 38 has an outside diameter that is smaller than opening 62 in hinge post 18 and hole 66 inside Toilet 14 so that nut 38 can be dropped through opening 62 and hole 66 with fastener 26 and bushing 34. Nut 38 also has four ribs 162 (Figure 2) that extend from surface 158. Ribs 162 are spaced apart

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL approximately 90 degrees around the nut, and flanges 162 fit within grooves 170 in bushing 34.

As fastener 26 is rotated relative to hinge post 18, ribs 162 inhibit rotation of nut 38 relative to hub 34 with fastener 26. Preferably, as shown in Figure 6, nut 38 moves axially with shaft 110 toward hinge post 18. Nut 38 has an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of bushing 34 so that tapered surface 158 pushes bushing segments 141 radially outward to expand bushing 34.

As bushing 34 expands, segments 141 couple to inside surface 150 of hole 66 to secure bushing 34 and threaded fastener 26 inside hole 66, thereby securing hinged post 18 to inside of toilet 14 . As bushing 34 engages inner surface 150 of hole 66, bushing 34 also increases the torque required to rotate fastener 26 to the predetermined torque T necessary to break shear segment 126 of adapter 30 and separate the second segment 122 of first segment 118.

The illustrated fastener assembly 22 facilitates the quick installation of the toilet seat hinge assembly 10 inside the interior of the toilet. Threaded fastener 26, adapter 30, bushing 34, and nut 38 may be preassembled as a single unit and then inserted through an elongated opening 62 of the hinge post 18 and into a hole inside the toilet to secure the hinge post

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inside. Furthermore, nut 38 is fixed to bushing 34 such that a user does not need to hold and hold nut 38 by rotating adapter 30 and fastener 26. Rather, the user only needs to rotate adapter 30 until the shear segment 126 breaks to secure hinge assembly 10 in place. This arrangement allows the fastener assembly 22 to be Installed from above and tightened from above in restricted areas, such as toilet interiors with blind holes. In addition, fastener 26 is sized (eg, between about 3/16 inch (0.474 cm) and 3/8 inch (0.952 cm) in diameter) to operate with the normal variation of hole sizes inside of toilet.

Figure 8 illustrates the toilet seat hinge assembly mounted to another toilet interior 174. The illustrated toilet interior 174 has a flange 176 which is generally thinner than the toilet interior flange 14 shown in Figures 4 , 6 and 7. For example, flange 176 may have a thickness, generally measured parallel to longitudinal axis 94, of approximately 1.27 cm. (0.5 inch). In addition, flange 176 has a larger radius that transitions from an upper surface 178 and a lower surface 182 of interior 174 to a hole 186 through interior 174. In some embodiments, the radius may be between approximately 0.3048 cm. (0.12 inch) and approximately 0.635 cm. (0.25 inch).

In the illustrated embodiment, a substantial portion of the expanded bottom section 140 of bushing 34 extends out of hole 186 beyond

Mexican Institute;

OE THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL XSrTWr * »» · of the bottom surface 182 of the flange inside the Toilet 176. While the fastener 26 is rotated to tighten the nut 38, the bottom section 140 not only holds an Inner surface 190 of the hole 186, but also it expands to the radius below hole 186 to provide some degree of axial clamping.

This axial clamping increases the security of the hinge assembly 10 in Interior 174. The nut 38 also moves more axially toward the hinge post 18 so that the second end portion 102 of the clamp 26 extends out and beyond. of nut 38.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of the toilet seat hinge assembly 200. Fastener assembly 200 includes a hinge fastener 204, a bushing 208, a threaded fastener 212, and a nut 216. Hinge post 204 includes a base portion 220 and a post portion 224. Two hinge sheets 228, 232 are hingedly coupled to the post portion 224 by a pin 236. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, base portion 220 defines an elongated opening 240 or slot and includes a top surface 244 surrounding opening 240. Opening 240 allows for lateral adjustment of a toilet seat within the toilet 248 (Figure 11), as will be described later.

The illustrated bushing 208 includes a rectangular flange 252 and a lower section 256. The lower section 256 extends through the opening 240 of the flange post 204 and into the hole 260 (Figure 11) inside the toilet 248. The bushing 208 also includes four sets of two

L · MEXICAN INSTITUTE £ DB THE PROPERTY. INDUSTRIAL VCWXS projections 264 that extend radially outward from the Lower section 256. The sets of projections 264 are approximately 90 degrees apart from each other. As shown in FIG. 11, projections 264 engage an interior surface 268 of the interior of the

Toilet 248 defining hole 260. Projections 264 deflect as bushing 208 is inserted into hole 260 to help position and secure bushing 208 in hole 260.

Flange 252 is supported on top surface 244 of hinge post 204 over opening 240. As shown in Figure 12, flange 252 includes a bottom surface 272 and a series of dentures 276 formed on the bottom surface 272. Dentures 276 engage a similar series of dentures 280 formed on the top surface 244 of hinge post 204. Dentures 276, 280 mesh with each other when flange 252 is attached to hinge post 204 by threaded fastener 212 and nut 216, inhibiting movement of hinge post 204 relative to bushing 208 and fastener 212. When the threaded fastener 212 is loosened, the dentures 276, 280 disengage, allowing movement of the hinge post 204. In particular, the elongated opening 240 allows the hinge post 204 to slide horizontally along the

Interior of toilet 248 (FIG. 11) to adjust a position of hinge post 204, and therefore, the lid and / or toilet seat, in a front to back direction.

Mexican INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

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As shown in Figures 10 and 11, illustrated threaded oi-cnjofarinr 212 is a shear bolt that operates in the same manner as threaded fastener 26 and adapter 30 of Figures 1-8. Fastener 212 includes a threaded portion 284 or shaft, and a head portion 288 having a first segment 292, a second segment 296, and a shear segment 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire fastener 212, including the threaded shaft 284, the first segment 292, the second segment 296, and the shear segment 300; It is made of a plastic material (for example, by injection molding) and is unitary. The first and second segments 292, 296 both have hexagonal outer surfaces 304, 308 such that a wrench can be used to engage and rotate fastener 212. Shear segment 300 connects to first and second segments 292, 296 and is designed to cut when a desired torque is applied to second segment 296. Nut 216 can be held by hand or with a tool by tightening fastener 212. The first segment 292 has the same geometry as the second segment 296 to facilitate rotation and removal of the fastener 212 after the second segment 296 breaks.

In other embodiments, flange 252 of bushing 208 may be integrally formed (eg, by injection molding) with fastener 212 such that flange 252 is essentially also part of head portion 288 of fastener 212. In such embodiments , you can use an ordinary nut or a shear nut (similar to nuts'^nst'™ take_X,_AC^ ^{e Ι}Λ £? Θ^ι&gt;'^ΕθΑο

INDUSTRIAL

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shear described in the Ρ ° ϊ Publication^ΟΓΙ^ηο iin | iiij. | j_p2009/0276944 (Publication '944), full content of which is incorporated herein by reference) to secure fastener 212 to the interior of toilet 248. Dentures 276 on flange 252 and dentures 280 on hinge post 204 may still assist in fixing the hinge post 204 relative to the inside of the toilet 248 when the fastener 212 is tightened and allows the hinge post 204 to be adjusted inside the toilet 248 when the fastener 212 is loosened.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate another threaded fastener 312 for use with hinge assembly 200. Similar to threaded fastener 212 described above, illustrated fastener 312 includes a threaded portion 316 or a shaft, and a head portion 320 having a first segment 324, a second segment 328 and a shear segment 332. Shaft 316, first segment 324, second segment 328, and shear segment 332 are made of a plastic material and are unitary. In the illustrated mode, an annular gap 336 is formed in an outer surface 340 of the first segment 324. The annular gap 336 is configured to be coupled by a quick release hinge post, similar to the illustrated gap 855 and described in the Figures 24 and 25 of Publication '944.

A similar gap can also be formed in the first section 118 of the adapter 30 shown in Figures 1-8.

The illustrated threaded fastener 312 also includes two grooves 344, 348 formed in an upward surface 352 of the first segment

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₂₂ IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

324. The grooves 344, 348 are formed on a periphery defined by the outer surface 340 of the first segment 324. The illustrated grooves 344, 348 are arranged perpendicularly for engagement by a Phillips head screwdriver to rotate the fastener 312. In other embodiments, Fastener 312 may include a single slot for attachment using a flathead screwdriver.

Figures 15-17 illustrate another embodiment of a toilet seat hinge assembly 400 for attaching a lid and / or toilet seat to the interior of toilet 404. The illustrated hinge assembly 400 includes a mounting plate 408, a snap 412. , a 416 threaded fastener, a 420 hinge post, and two hinge leaves 424, 428.

As shown in Figures 16 and 18, mounting plate 408, or the first member, includes a bottom wall 432, a front wall 436, a back wall 440, and two side walls 444, 448. Front wall 436, the wall The rear 440 and the side walls 444, 448 all extend upward from the bottom wall 432 to define a plate cavity 452. A plate opening 456 is formed through a bottom wall 432 in communication with the plate cavity 452. . Bottom wall 432 includes a front edge 460 between plate opening 456 and front wall 436 and a rear edge 464 between plate opening 456 and rear wall 440. First wall 444 is positioned outside of plate opening 456. and includes a first outwardly extending flange or flange 468 extending the length of the side wall 444. The first flange 468 includes a cutout 472.

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

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at the first side wall 444. The second wall 448 is positioned outside the plate opening 456 opposite the first side wall 444 which includes a second outwardly extending flange or flange 476 extending the length of the side wall 448. The second flange 476 defines a cutout 480 in the second side wall 448.

Mounting plate 408 also includes a tab 484 that extends from front wall 436 away from plate cavity 452. Tab 484 can deviate between a locked position and an unlocked position and is diverted to the locked position. As shown in Figure 17, when in the locked position, tab 484 extends substantially parallel to bottom wall 432 and substantially perpendicular to front wall 436. When in the unlocked position, tab 484 is angled obliquely relative to bottom wall 432 and front wall 436. Tab 484 includes an upwardly extending projection 488. Projection 488 includes an angled surface 492 in the side of projection 488 closest to front wall 436.

As shown in Figures 16 and 18, mounting plate 408 also includes a front wall 496. Front wall 496 is positioned in front of front wall 436 and is connected to front wall 436 by extensions 500, 504 of the walls. sides 444, 448. A gap 508 is formed in the upper surface of the front wall 496. The gap 508 provides space for the tongue 484 so that the tongue 484

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<img file="MX336773B_D0039.tif" />

can be extended through front wall 496 and sepOCOTl aionui foot. to the unlocked position. In other embodiments, front wall 496 and front wall 436 may be a single continuous wall defining gap 508. In even other embodiments, front wall 496 and side wall extensions 500, 504 may be omitted.

As shown in Figure 16, snap 412, or the second member, includes a horizontal plate 512 and two snap side walls 516, 520. Side walls 516, 520 extend from a front end 524 to the rear end 528 of the plate 512 on opposite sides of plate 512. An elongated snap opening 532 is defined on plate 512 between front and rear ends 524, 528. As shown in Figure 17, snap 412 is positioned in plate cavity 452 of mounting plate 408 such that snap 412 engages and is supported by front edge 460 and trailing edge 464. In addition, the front end 524 of clasp 412 adjoins front wall 436 of plate 408, trailing end 528 of clip 412 adjoins rear wall 440 of plate 408, and opening of clasp 532 splices plate opening 456. Thus, clip 412 can be moved relative to plate 408 in a horizontal side-to-side direction X within plate cavity 452.

In the illustrated embodiment, fastener 416 is a conventional bolt that includes a head 536 and a threaded shaft 540. Head 536 engages and is supported by a top surface of the horizontal plate

512 of snap 412. Illustrated head 536 is a Phillips head, but

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<img file="MX336773B_D0041.tif" />

alternatively it can be a flat head, a cabrrnl · hmmgnnnl to any other type of head suitable for coupling and rotation using a tool. Shaft 540 extends through snap opening 532 and plate opening 456 to hole 544 (FIG. 17) inside toilet 404. Shaft 540 can be moved within snap opening 532 in a horizontal direction from front to back AND from a first end 548 of opening 532 to a second end 552 of opening 532. Fastener 416 can be tightened inside the toilet 404 with a nut to fix the location of the shaft 540 inside the snap opening 532. Tightening clip 416 also clips clip 412 and mounting plate 408 between head 536 and the inside of Toilet 404, preventing front-to-back and side-to-side movement of mounting plate 408 inside the toilet 404. In some embodiments, fastener 416 may include a shear head (similar to the threaded fasteners of Figures 115 14) or the nut may be a shear nut (similar to the nuts described in '944 Publication).

As shown in Figure 19, hinge post 420 includes a base portion 556 and a post portion 560. Post portion 560 extends upward from base portion 556 and defines an opening.

564 for articulatingly coupling hinge leaves 424, 428 to hinge post 420. Base portion 556 defines a base cavity 568 having a front opening 572 and a bottom opening 576. Base portion 556 also includes two side edges extending inward 580, 584

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<img file="MX336773B_D0043.tif" />

extending along each side of the mnPRtra cavity in FIG. 17, a rim 588 is generally formed on cavity 568 and is configured to engage projection 488 on tab 484 of mounting plate 408. In other modalities, tab 484 can be extended from hinge post 420 and edge 588 can be formed on mounting plate

408.

Referring again to Figures 15 and 16, hinge leaves 424, 428 are hingedly coupled to hinge post 420 by a pin (not shown). First sheet 424 is configured to engage a toilet seat or rim. Second sheet 428 is configured to engage a toilet seat or cover. In other embodiments, the seat and cover may be hingedly connected to hinge post 420 in any way, including without hinge leaves. In some embodiments, the 400 toilet seat hinge assembly may be a slow closing hinge.

As shown in Figure 16, plate opening 456 and snap opening 532 have dimensions larger than an outside diameter of fastener 416 so that mounting plate 408 and snap 412 can be moved relative to the fastener 416. In particular, the plate opening 456 has a length L_P and a width W_P (Figure 18) that are larger than the outside diameter of fastener 416 so that clip 412 can be moved side to side in a horizontal direction X within plate cavity 452. Clip 412 contacts the first wall

<img file="MX336773B_D0044.tif" />

side 444 of plate 408 at one end and contacts second side wall 448 of plate 408 at the other end. Furthermore, snap opening 532 has a length Le that is larger than the outside diameter of fastener 416 so that fastener 416 can be moved front to back in the horizontal direction Y within snap opening 532. Fastener 416 contacts first end 548 of opening 532 at one end and contacts second end 552 of opening

532 at the other end. Movement in these two horizontal directions

X, Y allows mounting plate 408 to be adjusted relative to hole 544 inside toilet 404. This position adjusting capability allows hinge assembly 400 to compensate for hole spacing differences in different toilet interiors compared to separating the hinge joint points on the toilet seat and cover, and adjusting the location of the seat and cover on different toilet interiors.

After placing mounting plate 408 as desired inside toilet 404, fastener 416 is tightened to secure mounting plate 408 and snap 412 to inside toilet 404.

The hinge post 420 is then secured to the mounting plate 408 by sliding the post 420 along the inside of the toilet 404 and onto the plate 408 in a forward horizontal direction F (Figure 17). Back wall 440 of mounting plate 408 enters hinge post 420 through front opening 572 such that base cavity 568 receives mounting plate 408 and clip 412. As the post&gt; MEXICAN INSTITUTE &lt;OF PROPERTY &lt;INDUSTRIAL '' Hinge 420 slides onto mounting plate 408, the first edge 580 of hinge post 420 slides into first spring 472 of plate 408, capturing edge 580 between first flange 468 and inside toilet 404. Furthermore, the second edge 584 of the hinge post 420 slides into the second cutout 480 of the plate 408, capturing the edge 584 between the second flange 476 and the interior of the toilet 404. The flanges 468, 476 and the flanges 580, 584 they prevent hinge post 420 from rising off the inside of toilet 404 after hinge post 420 is installed.

As the hinge post 420 slides into the mounting plate 408, the hinge post 420 automatically presses the tab 484 to the unlocked position. In particular, the angled surface 492 of the projection 488 engages and supports under one edge of the hinge post 420 to deflect the tongue 484 into the toilet 404. This allows the projection 488 to pass through the front opening 572 from hinge post 420 and into base cavity 568. Once mounting plate 408 is sufficiently within cavity 568, tab 484 automatically triggers into the locked position (Figure 17) such that projection 488 engages edge 588 to prevent movement of the mounting post. hinge 420 in a backward horizontal direction R off mounting plate 408. As shown in Figure 17, when mounting plate 408 is fully inserted into base cavity 568, projection 488 engages edge 588, rear wall 440 of plate 408 adjoins an inner wall 592 of post hinge 420, and the wall

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OF THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL front 496 of plate 408 aligns with an outer surface of hinge post 420. In this position, tab 484 extends outward from hinge post 420 in the forward horizontal direction F.

To remove hinge post 420 from mounting plate 5 408, the user manually presses tab 484 into the Interior of the

Toilet 404 to the unlocked position. In this position, the projection 488 on the tongue 484 disengages from the edge 588 so that the hinge post 420 can slide off the mounting plate 408 in the horizontal rearward position R.

The directions used to describe the hinge assemblies (for example, front, back, side, front, back, top, bottom, etc.) correspond to the directions of a hinge assembly when they are secured inside the toilet in one orientation . Directional language should not be considered limiting since hinge assemblies can be oriented in other directions and paths inside the toilet and can still function as described above. For example, the term front as used above may refer to a position to the left, right, or rear of the Interior of the toilet.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set out in the following claims.

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