Self-locking commode apparatus

Abstract

A self-locking commode incorporating a base mounting plate being affixed to the flooring surface and having at least one interlocking mechanism attached thereon and a commode being received by the interlocking mechanism of the base mounting plate. Preferably, a base of the commode includes a foot recess and a lug recess capable of respectively accepting a foot and a locking lug attached to the base mounting plate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a supporting structure for a toilet bowl. More particularly, it relates to a base mounting plate incorporating at least one locking mechanism being engaged to a base of the toilet bowl thereon.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Commodes have been known in the prior art for hundreds of years. Specifically, a standard base of a toilet has been rigidly anchored to the floor through the use of bolts, screws and the like. As the toilet evolved, it began to include the conventional practice of employing a floor flange being adapted to be secured in relation with a drainage pipe. Originally, the flange was anchored to the floor and a lead pipe was inserted and hammered out to conform to a bevel on a flange, typically a brass flange. Additional adaptations of the flange included a stamped steel flange with PVC center insert and a one-piece PVC flange with a center pipe section incorporated. All of the aforementioned flanges adapt to a standard circular design of the flange having slots for “T” bolts to anchor the toilet and screw holes to anchor the flange to the floor. Typical screw holes in the flange are positioned within one-half inch from the opening which allows the down pipe to project into the floor. Here, the flange typically had an inner sleeve-like member being connected to the upper end of the drainage pipe and bonded to the pipe with a solvent or solder. Further, movement of the flange or the toilet make the wax seal susceptible to leakage caused by settling of the floors, faulty installations or the gradual hardening of the wax through use thereby resulting in damage. Traditionally, the result was wet, odorous, rotted floors, not to mention water damage to ceilings where second floor installations were present.

[0003] In order to eliminate these damaging results to both the residential and commercial sectors, the toilet underwent numerous structural redesigns. Here, a floor plate was introduced into a flooring structure, namely by pouring flooring concrete around the plate, in order to provide further stability for the toilet and eliminate any rocking movements that may occur due to an uneven flooring surface. Some examples of various floor plate usage are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 712,022; 1,061,632; and 2,488,816.

[0004] More particularly, U.S. Pat. No. 1,060,570 issued to Moore in 1913 described a floor plate being secured to a drainage pipe and being provided with a flange extending upwardly within the flange of the toilet bowl. The floor plate included outwardly extending portions projecting over inwardly extending portions of the flange of the bowl. However, the '570 patent does not include interlocking mechanisms on the floor plate that can be disconnected from the base of the pedestal in the event the commode needed to be replaced. Here, the '570 patent only provides for inwardly extending portions which fail to disconnect from the base of the commode without causing damage to the plate itself. Moreover, the '570 patent failed to provide for a recess where at least one gasket is positioned therein. Further, a seal is not positioned between a base mounting plate and the base of the toilet.

[0005] In view of the above described deficiencies associated with the use of conventional commodes, the present invention has been developed to alleviate these drawbacks and provide further benefits to the user. These enhancements and benefits are described in greater detail herein below with respect to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Disclosed herein is a self-locking commode apparatus including a base mounting plate and a commode. The base mounting plate is mounted to a flooring surface by fasteners and collectively includes a recess and interlocking mechanisms thereon. The purpose of the base mounting plate is to provide constant levelling for the commode apparatus thereby preventing any rocking or twisting movements. The recess is coupled to a flanged head pipe by a seal. The interlocking mechanisms are preferably positioned on opposing ends of the base mounting plate. In a preferred embodiment, the base mounting plate has a locking lug fastened on a forward end of the plate and a foot attached to a rear end.

[0007] The commode includes a bowl connected to a base pedestal having recesses respectively formed within a rear end and a forward end of the base pedestal. In a preferred embodiment, a first recess may be adapted to engage the foot of the base mounting plate thereto and a second recess is designed to accept the locking lug. The base pedestal incorporates a gasket connected thereto and adapted to be accepted by the recess of the base mounting plate.

[0008] An alternative embodiment of the self-locking commode apparatus incorporates a secondary mounting plate positioned between the base mounting plate and the base pedestal. The base mounting plate incorporates interlocking mechanisms perpendicularly attached thereon. The secondary mounting plate is positioned upon the base mounting plate and locked between each interlocking mechanism. Here, the advantage of this embodiment is to provide the secondary mounting plate allowing stability and render the present invention even more capable of being retrofitted to any existing commode.

[0009] Further, lips, curvilinearly extending from the base pedestal of the commode, surround an outer portion of each interlocking mechanism and rest upon projected recesses of the base mounting plate. The base pedestal has at least one elongate aperture adapted to receive a fastener capable of being inserted therein. A cap may be utilized to cover each elongate aperture bored within the base pedestal.

[0010] An advantage of the present invention is to provide a self-locking toilet apparatus that neither requires bolting down the base pedestal of the toilet directly to the floor nor does it require placing a mounting plate into a flooring structure before the actual concrete to the floor is poured. Instead, the present invention allows for the base pedestal to be mounted onto and securingly locked to an independent base mounting plate by utilizing interlocking mechanisms. These interlocking mechanisms not only fasten the base pedestal to the base mounting plate, but also help prevent any type of rocking motion a user may experience or rotation of the commode both of which can cause failure of the wax seal. As a result, the present invention is capable of being quickly and easily installed in position.

[0011] Another benefit of the present invention is to provide a seal between the base pedestal and the base mounting plate. This seal helps prevent any leakage stemming from within the commode apparatus. However, if a leak does occur, the seal will not hide the water from within the apparatus; instead, the water will be directed into the clearance area notifying a user of a plumbing problem. In this situation, the leak will primarily sit on top of the base mounting plate, thus preventing a rotting effect to the floor's surface.

[0012] In the event a leak within the commode occurs, the base pedestal can easily be disconnected from the base mounting plate by removing the base pedestal away from the interlocking mechanisms. Moreover, if the seal of the base mounting plate is structurally compromised, the commode may simply be disconnected from the base mounting plate by raising the front of the bowl to release the locking lug from the recess in the base of the toilet bowl. As a result, the commode, as well as the base mounting plate, are easily replaceable while either minimizing or actually foregoing damage caused to the integrity of the floor structure due to seal failure of the present technology. Moreover, when the existing floor is damaged by rot, the base mounting plate can be placed over the damage.

[0013] Further, the present invention can substantially eliminate renovation costs since the present invention is capable of being retrofitted and/or mounted onto existing floors in order to accommodate existing commercial or residential plumbing situations. Another advantage is to provide an invention that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0014] Numerous objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments are read in conjunction with the drawings which illustrate the same. The specific structures through which these benefits are delivered will be described in detail herein below. In view of the above described deficiencies associated with the use of conventional commodes, the present invention has been developed to alleviate these drawbacks and provide further benefits to the user. These enhancements and benefits are described in greater detail herein below with respect to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention will now be described in greater detail in the following way of example only and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of a self-locking commode apparatus and its corresponding base mounting plate.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the base of the commode being engaged to the base mounting plate.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of an alternative embodiment incorporating a secondary mounting plate.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view of the alternative embodiment where the secondary mounting plate is assembled between the base mounting plate and the commode apparatus.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0021] Furthermore, elements may be recited as being “coupled”; this terminology's use contemplates elements being connected together in such a way that there may be other components interstitially located between the specified elements, and that the elements so specified may be connected in fixed or movable relation one to the other. The term “coupled” should be contrasted with the use of the terminology “direct” connection which designates a relationship or joinder that does not have other components interstitially located there between, but the components may be fixed or movable with respect to one another. Certain components may be described as being “adjacent” to one another. In these instances, it is expected that a relationship so characterized shall be interpreted to mean that the components are located proximate to one another, but not necessarily in contact with each other. Normally, however, there will be an absence of other components positioned therebetween, but this is not a requirement. Still further, some structural relationships or orientations may be designated with the word “substantially”. In those cases, it is meant that the relationship or orientation is as described, with allowances for variations that do not effect the cooperation of the described component or components.

[0022] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a self-locking commode apparatus 50 incorporating a commode 30 being mounted onto a base mounting plate 2. The base mounting plate 2 is operatively engaged in a stationary position to a flooring surface (not shown) by fasteners (not shown). The fasteners (not shown) may include screws, bolts or pins which are inserted into and through a plurality of apertures 5 bored within the base mounting plate 2 and terminating within the flooring surface (not shown). Operatively speaking, nylon bolts are the preferred fasteners in order to prevent rusting and pivoting of the base mounting plate 2 when coupled to the commode apparatus 50.

[0023] Specifically, the base mounting plate 2 collectively includes a recess 7 positioned therein and interlocking mechanisms 18, 20 being orthogonally attached thereon. Preferably, the recess 7 is centrally located within the base mounting plate 2. The recess 7 is fittingly coupled to a flanged head pipe 16 by a seal 23 and downwardly leads to a drain pipe 28 being connected thereto. Gaskets 10, preferably made of rubber, PVC, or any other inexpensive and durable material, create a clearance area 59 between the base mounting plate 2 and a base pedestal 39 of the commode 30. In the event that the seal 23 breaks away from the flanged head pipe 16, water stored within the commode 30 will be directed to and stored within the clearance area 59 alerting a user of a leak within the apparatus 50.

[0024] The interlocking mechanisms 18, 20 may be in the form of locking lugs, feet or any other device designed to attach an apparatus thereto. Specifically, FIG. 2 depicts these mechanisms 18,20 being preferably positioned on opposing ends of the base mounting plate 2. In a preferred embodiment, one of the mechanisms 20 is a locking lug 20 rigidly fastened on a forward end of the plate 2 and the remaining mechanism 18 is a foot 18 operatively attached to a rear end of the plate 2. An alternative embodiment is to position the locking lug 20 on a first side of the base mounting plate 2 and attach the foot 18 on a second side of the base mounting plate 2.

[0025] The commode 50 includes the base pedestal 39 attached underneath a bowl 30 having recesses 14, 15 respectively formed within a rear end and a forward end of the base pedestal 39. In particular, recess 14 is adapted to engage the foot 18 of the base mounting plate 2 thereto and recess 15 is designed to securingly accept the lug 20 in a fixed position in order to prevent an unnecessary rocking motion of the commode 30. Preferably, the locking lug 20 and the foot 18 are four (4) inches in width in order to provide stability to the commode 50 once the base pedestal 39 is locked in place. The base pedestal 39, incorporating the gaskets 10 connected thereto, is adapted to be accepted by the recess 7 of the base mounting plate 2. A passageway 55, leading from the bowl 31 to the base pedestal 39, terminates in the recess 7 of the base mounting plate 2.

[0026] FIGS. 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment of the base pedestal 39 incorporating a secondary mounting plate 52 being positioned between the base mounting plate 2 and the base pedestal 39. Similar to the abovementioned embodiment, the recess 7 of the base mounting plate 2, preferably positioned in a central manner, is fittingly coupled to the flanged head pipe 16 preferably by a seal 23 and downwardly leading to the drain pipe 28 being connected thereto. The base mounting plate 2 incorporates interlocking mechanisms 19 perpendicularly attached thereon and positioned on opposing ends of the base mounting plate 2. Further, recesses 60, 61 outwardly extend from each opposing end of the base mounting plate 2.

[0027] The secondary mounting plate 52 is operatively positioned upon the base mounting plate 2 and securingly locked between each interlocking mechanism 19. In operation, a screwdriver or other tool is used to push the secondary mounting plate 52 to be adjacently connected to the base mounting plate 2. An aperture is centrally located through the secondary mounting plate 52 to correspond to the recess 7 of the base mounting plate 2. Gaskets 10 are positioned between the secondary mounting plate 52 downwardly terminating within the drain pipe 28 being connected thereto. The secondary mounting plate 52 has at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastener 49, preferably a nylon pin, therein. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary mounting plate 52 has two fasteners, each fastener 49 located at an opposing end of the secondary mounting plate 52.

[0028] The base pedestal 39 of the commode 30 has two ends, each forming a lip 33 having a curvilinear configuration. Each lip 33 surrounds an outer portion of each interlocking mechanism 19 and rests upon the projected recesses 60, 61 of the base mounting plate 2. The base pedestal 39 has at least one elongate aperture adapted to receive each fastener 49 capable of being inserted therein. In a preferred embodiment, the base pedestal 39 includes two elongate apertures located at opposing ends of the pedestal 39. A cap 44 may be utilized to cover the heads of each fastener 49. Each cap 44 may be made of rubber, plastic or other materials that are lightweight and inexpensive. Alternatively, each cap 44 may be made of porcelain or other materials that add an aesthetic appeal to the base pedestal 39 of the commode 30.

[0029] In the event a leak occurs where removal of the commode apparatus 50 is required, a user or other repair person is capable of inserting a bar between the projected recess 60 or 61 and the lip 33 portion. The bar will allow the commode apparatus 50 to be safely separated from the base mounting plate 2.

[0030] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken as a limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the terms of the claims below.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0031] The present invention finds specific applicability in the plumbing fixture industries; particularly, with respect to toilet bowls and pedestal lavatories.

Claims

1. A self-locking commode apparatus comprising:

a base mounting plate affixed to a flooring surface, said base mounting plate comprising at least one interlocking mechanism attached thereon and a recess positioned therein and downwardly leading to a drain pipe; and

a commode having a bowl and a base pedestal, said base pedestal being attached underneath said bowl and being interlockingly received by said at least one interlocking mechanism of said base mounting plate.

2. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said base mounting plate has a plurality of apertures located therein.

3. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said interlocking mechanism is a foot rearwardly positioned on said base mounting plate.

4. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said interlocking mechanism is a lug forwardly located on said base mounting plate.

5. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said base pedestal has a recess adapted to accept said lug.

6. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said base pedestal has a recess adapted to accept said foot.

7. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said base pedestal has a gasket being received by said recess of said base mounting plate.

8. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said recess of said base mounting plate is sealingly engaged to a head pipe.

9. A self-locking commode apparatus comprising:

a base mounting plate affixed to a flooring surface, said base mounting plate comprising at least one interlocking mechanism attached thereon and a recess positioned therein and downwardly leading to a drain pipe;

a secondary mounting plate positioned upon and attached to said base mounting plate; and

a commode having a bowl and a base pedestal, said base being attached underneath said bowl and being affixed to said secondary mounting plate.

10. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said secondary mounting plate has at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastener therein.

11. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said base pedestal has at least one elongate aperture capable of receiving a fastener therein.

12. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said interlocking mechanism has a hook telescopically inserted therein.

13. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, further comprising a seal positioned between said base and said secondary mounting plate.

14. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said seal terminates within said drain pipe.

15. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said base pedestal forms a lip at each end of said base.

16. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 11, further comprising a cap positioned on said base covering said elongate aperture.

17. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said base mounting plate has a plurality of apertures located therein.

18. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said base pedestal has a gasket being received by said recess of said base mounting plate.

19. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said recess of said base mounting plate is sealingly engaged to a head pipe.

20. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said interlocking mechanisms are positioned on opposing sides of said base mounting plate.

21. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said interlocking mechanisms are positioned on opposing sides of said base mounting plate.