Abstract: A locking nut includes a nut top, a nut middle, and a slip section. The nut top includes an integrally-formed bushing. The nut middle includes a threaded central bore suitable for threaded engagement on a threaded installation bolt, as well as a plurality of ratchet gears on an outer surface where each gear has a respective first slip surface and a first drive surface. The slip section includes a plurality of cantilevered posts having a respective free end, wherein on each post are formed a respective second slip surface and a second drive surface. When the slip section is rotated in a tightening direction, the slip section and the nut middle rotate together until a torque threshold is reached, where the second slip surfaces override the first slip surfaces to limit the applied torque. The locking nut includes structure to produce sound when the torque threshold has been reached.

Abstract: A locking nut includes a nut cap, a nut middle, and a slip section. The nut cap includes a series of projections suitable for user engagement for turning and/or holding the locking nut. The nut middle includes a threaded central bore suitable for threaded engagement on a threaded installation bolt, as well as a plurality of ratchet gears on an outer surface where each gear has a respective first slip surface and a first drive surface. The slip section includes a plurality of cantilevered posts having a respective free end, wherein on each post are formed a respective second slip surface and a second drive surface. When the slip section is rotated in a tightening direction, the slip section and the nut middle rotate together until a torque threshold is reached, where the second slip surfaces override the first slip surfaces to limit the applied torque.

Abstract: A toilet seat hinge includes a lock feature to releasably attach the hinge to a bolt head fastened to a toilet bowl. The hinge includes a hinge base, a key plate, and a grip. The hinge base includes a mounting structure to which a toilet seat can be pivotally mounted, as well as an aperture in a bottom surface thereof through which the bolt head can pass. The key plate includes a keyway having a large end that can be aligned with the aperture for insertion of the bolt head and can be slid into a locking position where the small end is aligned with the aperture to retain the bolt head within the hinge base. The user-movable grip includes a guide which travels in an L-shaped slot to restrain movement of the grip to an L-shape (two-movement) for moving the keyway into and out of locking position.

Abstract: A locking nut includes a nut top, a nut middle, and a slip section. The nut top includes an integrally-formed bushing. The nut middle includes a threaded central bore suitable for threaded engagement on a threaded installation bolt, as well as a plurality of ratchet gears on an outer surface where each gear has a respective first slip surface and a first drive surface. The slip section includes a plurality of cantilevered posts having a respective free end, wherein on each post are formed a respective second slip surface and a second drive surface. When the slip section is rotated in a tightening direction, the slip section and the nut middle rotate together until a torque threshold is reached, where the second slip surfaces override the first slip surfaces to limit the applied torque. The locking nut includes structure to produce sound when the torque threshold has been reached.

Abstract: A toilet seat hinge assembly that includes: a hinge configured for attachment to a toilet seat, a fastener including an expandable head; and a cap formed integrally with the hinge. The cap includes an engaging element extending from the first surface of the cap. The engaging element is configured to engage and expand the head of the fastener in order to releasably connect the toilet seat hinge assembly to a toilet bowl when the cap is in a first position relative to the base portion. A toilet seat assembly including the toilet seat hinge assembly.

Abstract: A toilet seat hinge includes a lock feature to releasably attach the hinge to a bolt head fastened to a toilet bowl. The hinge includes a hinge base, a key plate, and a grip. The hinge base includes a mounting structure to which a toilet seat can be pivotally mounted, as well as an aperture in a bottom surface thereof through which the bolt head can pass. The key plate includes a keyway having a large end that can be aligned with the aperture for insertion of the bolt head and can be slid into a locking position where the small end is aligned with the aperture to retain the bolt head within the hinge base. The user-movable grip includes a guide which travels in an L-shaped slot to restrain movement of the grip to an L-shape (two-movement) for moving the keyway into and out of locking position.

Abstract: A toilet seat hinge assembly is provided that includes: a hinge configured for attachment to a toilet seat, a fastener including an expandable head; and a cap formed integrally with the hinge. The cap includes an engaging element extending from the first surface of the cap. The engaging element is configured to engage and expand the head of the fastener in order to releasably connect the toilet seat hinge assembly to a toilet bowl when the cap is in a first position relative to the base portion. A toilet seat assembly including the toilet seat hinge assembly is also provided.