INTEGRAL TOILET SEALING MEMBER AND LEAK DETECTION DEVICE

Abstract

A toilet sealing device includes a substrate, a sealing member and a molding member. The sealing member is coupled to the substrate about an opening defined by the substrate. The sealing member is configured to form a fluid-tight seal between a discharge outlet portion of a toilet and a flange associated with a waste pipe when the toilet is coupled to the flange. The molding member is coupled to an outer edge of the substrate, and is configured to engage a base of the toilet when the toilet is coupled to the flange.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/309,222, filed Mar. 1, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments described herein relate to a sealing device and more particularly to a toilet sealing device configured to produce a fluid-tight seal between a toilet and a waste pipe and/or that provides an indication when the seal is broken.

Known household toilets convey waste from the toilet via a waste pipe disposed beneath a bathroom floor. Known toilets are typically coupled to the waste pipe of a bathroom by a flange mounted to the floor and coupled to the waste pipe. The toilet is coupled to the flange via bolts or other coupling means. Some known toilet installations include a wax ring disposed between the waste pipe and the toilet to produce a fluid-tight and/or hermetic seal between the waste pipe and the toilet. Some known wax rings include a funnel within an opening defined by the wax ring to direct the flow of waste from the discharge outlet portion of the toilet into the waste pipe. The wax ring can be coupled to the discharge outlet portion of the toilet by pressing the wax ring onto the discharge outlet portion, thereby deforming the wax ring to the contour of the discharge outlet portion. The toilet is then set on the flange such that the wax ring contacts the flange with a portion of the funnel being disposed within the waste pipe. Applying downward pressure on the toilet causes the wax ring to press onto the flange, thereby deforming the wax ring to the contour of the flange to produce the seal between the waste pipe and the discharge outlet portion of the toilet. After the toilet is coupled to the waste pipe, the toilet base is coupled and/or sealed to the floor via caulk, plumber's putty, etc. Typically, a rear portion of the toilet base is left unsealed with respect to the floor (i.e., un-caulked) to provide a leak path for any fluid that may leak from the toilet in the event of a failure of the seal between the waste pipe and the discharge outlet portion of the toilet.

Such known methods of installing a toilet to a waste pipe are complicated and cumbersome. For example, in certain instances, the wax ring can fall off of the discharge outlet portion of the toilet when placing the toilet on the flange. Moreover, applying caulk around the toilet base can be difficult when the toilet is installed in a tight space. In certain instances, the installed toilet is not aesthetically pleasing (e.g., the caulk and/or plumber's putty disposed around the base of the toilet may be rough, uneven and/or excessive). Moreover, such known systems for producing a seal between the waste pipe and the discharge outlet portion of the toilet often do not have an effective water drainage means for fluid leaked from the toilet, or a cost-effective leak indicator.

Thus, a need exists for a toilet sealing device that is easy to install, produces an aesthetically pleasing result, includes a means for draining fluid leaked from the toilet and/or includes a leak indicator.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a toilet sealing device includes a substrate, a sealing member and a molding member. The sealing member is coupled to the substrate about an opening defined by the substrate. The sealing member is configured to form a fluid-tight seal between a discharge outlet portion of a toilet and a flange associated with a waste pipe when the toilet is coupled to the flange. The sealing member can be, for example, a wax ring. The molding member is coupled to an outer edge of the substrate, and is configured to engage a base of the toilet when the toilet is coupled to the flange.

In some embodiments, a toilet sealing device includes a substrate, a sealing member, a molding member and a moisture sensor. The sealing member is coupled to the substrate about an opening defined by the substrate. The sealing member is configured to form a fluid-tight seal between a discharge outlet portion of a toilet and a flange associated with a waste pipe when the toilet is coupled to the flange. The molding member is coupled to an outer edge of the substrate and is configured to engage a base of the toilet when the toilet is coupled to the flange. The moisture sensor is coupled to the substrate and is configured to produce an indication when moisture is present on the substrate and/or adjacent the sealing member.

In some embodiments, a toilet sealing device includes a substrate, a sealing member and a molding member. The substrate defines an opening and includes a tapered portion such that the thickness of the substrate decreases in a direction from an outer edge of the substrate to the opening. The sealing member is coupled to the substrate about the opening defined by the substrate. The sealing member is configured to form a fluid-tight seal between a discharge outlet portion of a toilet and a flange associated with a waste pipe when the toilet is coupled to the flange. The molding member is coupled to the outer edge of the substrate, and is configured to engage a base of the toilet when the toilet is coupled to the flange.

In some embodiments, a toilet sealing device includes a substrate, a sealing member and a sensor. The sealing member is coupled to the substrate about an opening defined by the substrate. The sealing member is configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between an outlet portion of a toilet and a sewage flange within a floor when the toilet is installed to the floor. The sensor coupled to the substrate, and is configured to produce an indication when a liquid contacts the sensor.

In some embodiments, a leak sensing device includes a substrate and a sensor. The substrate is configured to be disposed between a sealing member a sewage flange when a toilet is coupled to the sewage flange such that the sealing member and the substrate collectively form a substantially fluid-tight seal between an outlet portion of the toilet and the sewage flange when the toilet is coupled to the sewage flange. The sensor is coupled to the substrate, and is configured to produce an indication when a liquid contacts the sensor.

In some embodiments, a method of installing a toilet using a toilet sealing device includes coupling the toilet sealing device to a toilet such that a sealing member of the sealing device is disposed about a discharge outlet portion of the toilet. The toilet sealing device includes a substrate coupled to the sealing member such that the substrate is disposed adjacent a bottom edge of the toilet. A molding member, which is coupled to the substrate, is coupled to and/or engages an outer surface of the toilet. The toilet is coupled to a floor such that the sealing member forms a fluid-tight seal between the discharge outlet portion and a sewage flange within the floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a toilet sealing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toilet sealing device coupled to an installed toilet according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the toilet sealing device, the toilet and the flange of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the toilet shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the toilet sealing device of FIG. 2 disposed on the flange disposed within the floor.

FIG. 5. is a cross-sectional view of the toilet sealing device of FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a toilet sealing device including a moisture sensor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a toilet sealing device including a tapered substrate according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of a toilet sealing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of a toilet sealing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a toilet sealing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a toilet sealing device to install a toilet to a flange coupled to a waste pipe disposed within a floor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a toilet sealing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet sealing device of FIG. 12 taken along line X-X.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a toilet sealing device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet sealing device of FIG. 14 taken along line X-X.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional exploded view of a toilet sealing device according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The toilet sealing devices described herein produce a substantially fluid-tight or hermetic seal between the toilet and the waste pipe when a toilet is installed, for example, in a bathroom. As shown herein, the toilet includes a discharge outlet portion that discharges sewage from the toilet. A waste pipe that receives sewage from the toilet and transports the sewage to a sewage disposal system is coupled to the floor of the bathroom. Such waste pipes are often coupled to a flange configured to be coupled to the toilet. The flange is coupled to the toilet via bolts or any other coupling means.

Toilet sealing devices can include a substrate, a sealing member, a funnel, a molding member and optionally a moisture sensor. The sealing member is coupled to the substrate. The flange and/or the waste pipe is coupled to the discharge outlet portion of the toilet via the sealing member. As a result, the sealing member forms a fluid-tight seal between the waste pipe and the discharge outlet portion of the toilet. The funnel is coupled to the substrate and/or sealing member. The funnel facilitates transport of sewage from the discharge outlet portion of the toilet to the waste pipe. Thus the sealing device, which includes the sealing member and the funnel, defines a passageway through which waste is conveyed from the toilet to the waste pipe in a manner that eliminates and/or reduces fluid leakage. The molding member is coupled along a substantial portion of an outer edge of the substrate. In some embodiments, the molding member can be coupled to a toilet base of the toilet to form a fluid-tight seal between the toilet base and the molding member.

In some embodiments, a moisture sensor is coupled to the sealing member and/or the substrate. The moisture sensor alerts a user of the toilet when a fluid leak has occurred. Optionally, the substrate can be tapered to transport fluids leaked from the toilet to the waste pipe.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a toilet sealing device 100 according to an embodiment. The toilet sealing device 100 can form a fluid-tight seal between a toilet (not shown) and a waste pipe (not shown) when the toilet is installed. The toilet sealing device 100 includes a substrate 110, a sealing member 120, a funnel 130 and a molding member 140. The substrate 110 is a thin membrane-like sheet that is substantially pliant and/or flexible. The substrate 110 has a shape substantially similar to a shape of a base of the toilet. The substrate 110 defines at least one aperture 112. The aperture 112 defined by the substrate 110 is positioned such that the aperture 112 is above an aperture (not shown) defined by a flange (not shown) and/or a waste pipe when the toilet is installed. Said differently, the aperture 112 defined by the substrate 110 has a location with respect to an outer edge 116 of the substrate 110 that is substantially similar to a location of a discharge outlet portion (not shown) of the toilet with respect to an outer edge (not shown) of a toilet base (not shown) of the toilet. In this manner, the aperture 112 is the opening through which waste is conveyed from the toilet into waste pipe.

The sealing member 120 is coupled to the substrate 110 about the aperture 112 defined by the substrate 110. When the toilet is installed, the sealing member 120 is coupled to and/or in contact with the discharge outlet portion of the toilet. The sealing member 120 and/or the substrate 110 is also coupled to and/or in contact with the flange. As a result, a fluid-tight and/or hermetic seal is formed between a discharge outlet portion of the toilet and the flange of the waste pipe. Specifically, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the sealing member 120 and the substrate 110, between the sealing member 120 and the discharge outlet portion of the toilet and/or between the substrate 110 and the flange. Each of the seals can be formed via any known sealing mechanisms including, for example, an adhesive, deformable component (e.g., a gasket, o-ring, or the like). In some embodiments, the sealing member 120 can be a wax ring or the like.

The funnel 130 is coupled to the substrate 110 and the sealing member 120. The funnel 130 has a tapered surface (not shown). Similarly stated, the funnel 130 has a first end portion and a second end portion (not shown) opposite the first end portion. The first end portion of the funnel 130 defines an aperture (not shown) having a circumference. The second end portion of the funnel 130 defines an aperture (not shown) having a circumference smaller than the circumference of the aperture defined by the first end portion. The funnel 130 defines an interior region (not shown) extending between the aperture of the first end portion and the aperture of the second end portion. In use, first end portion of the funnel is aligned with the aperture 112 and the second end portion of the funnel is disposed within the aperture defined by a flange. In this manner, the funnel 130 facilitates the transfer of waste from the discharge outlet portion of the toilet to the waste pipe. Although the toilet sealing device 100 is shown and described as including a funnel 130, in other embodiments, the toilet sealing device does not include a funnel.

The molding member 140 is coupled to the outer edge 116 (i.e., an outer perimeter) of the substrate 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the molding member 140 substantially surrounds, but does not fully circumscribe the entire outer edge 116 of the substrate 110. In this manner, the portion of the outer edge 116 that is devoid of the molding member 140 can define a leak path for waste fluid in the event of a leak in the seal between the discharge outlet portion of the toilet and the flange of the waste pipe.

The molding member 140 has a height (not shown) greater than a height (not shown) of the substrate 110 enabling the molding member 140 to act as a rim of the substrate 110. In use, the molding member 140 engages an edge (not shown) of the toilet base. In this manner, the molding member 140 can provide an aesthetically pleasing interface between the toilet base and the floor. The molding member 140 can be coupled to the toilet base via any suitable mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the molding member 140 can be coupled to the toilet base by contact between an interior surface (not shown) of the molding member 140 and a portion of the toilet base (i.e., an interference fit between the molding member 140 and the toilet base). In other embodiments, the molding member can include an adhesive to couple the molding member 140 to the toilet base. In yet other embodiments, the substrate 110 and/or the molding member 140 can be constructed from an elastic and/or deformable material such that the molding member 140 is held taut about the toilet base by the elastic substrate 110 and/or the elastic molding member 140. Similarly stated, the molding member 140 can be formed from a substantially elastic material and can stretch and/or contract to a shape and/or a size that substantially surrounds and abuts the toilet base. In some embodiments, when the molding member 140 is coupled to the toilet base, the molding member 140 forms a fluid-tight seal with the toilet base.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toilet sealing device 200 according to an embodiment coupled to a toilet 260 installed on a floor 262. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the toilet sealing device 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the toilet 260 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a top view of the toilet sealing device 200 of FIG. 2 disposed on the flange 264 within the floor 262 without the toilet 260 in place. FIG. 5. is a cross-sectional view of the toilet sealing device 200 of FIG. 4 along line 5-5. The toilet 260 is coupled to a waste pipe 261 (shown in FIG. 5). The toilet sealing device 200 forms a fluid-tight seal between the toilet 260 and the waste pipe 261. As a result, sewage discharged from the toilet 260 is transported to the waste pipe 261 via the toilet sealing device 200 without leakage.

The toilet sealing device 200 includes a substrate 210, a sealing member 220, a funnel 230 and a molding member 240. The substrate 210 defines a first aperture 212, a second aperture 214 and a third aperture 218. The first aperture 212 is separate from the second aperture 214 and the third aperture 218, and the second aperture 214 is separate from the third aperture 218 and the first aperture 212. The first aperture 212 defined by the substrate 210 is positioned such that the first aperture 212 is above a first aperture 272 defined by a flange 264, which is in fluid communication with the waste pipe 261, when the toilet sealing device 200 is coupled to the toilet 260 and the toilet 260 is installed on the floor 262. Said another way, the first aperture 212 defined by the substrate 210 has a location with respect to the outer edge 216 of the substrate 210 that is substantially similar to a location of a discharge outlet portion 266 of the toilet 260 with respect to an outer edge 268 of a toilet base 270 of the toilet 260. As shown in FIG. 5, the first aperture 212 can receive at least a portion of the funnel 230, which will be described in detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second aperture 214 defined by the substrate 210 is positioned such that the second aperture 214 is between a second aperture 274 defined by the flange 264 and a first aperture 282 defined by the toilet base 270. Said another way, the second aperture 214 defined by the substrate 210 has a location with respect to the outer edge 216 of the substrate 210 that is substantially similar to a location of the first aperture 282 defined by the toilet base 270 with respect to the outer edge 268 of the toilet base 270 as shown in FIG. 3. In use, a first bolt 278 is disposed through the second aperture 274 defined by the flange 264, the second aperture 214 defined by the substrate 210 and the first aperture 282 defined by the toilet base 270. This arrangement allows the first bolt 278 to couple the toilet 260 to the flange 264 when the substrate 210 is between the toilet 260 and the flange 264.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the third aperture 218 of the substrate 210 is positioned such that the third aperture 218 is between a third aperture 276 defined by the flange 264 and a second aperture 284 defined by the toilet base 270. Said another way, the third aperture 218 defined by the substrate 210 has a location with respect to the outer edge 216 of the substrate 210 that is substantially similar to a location of a second aperture 284 defined by the toilet base 270 with respect to the outer edge 268 of the toilet base 270 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3B. In use, a second bolt 280 is disposed through the third aperture 276 defined by the flange 264, the third aperture 218 defined by the substrate 210 and the second aperture 284 defined by the toilet base 270. This arrangement allows the second bolt 280 to couple the toilet 260 to the flange 264 when the substrate 210 is between the toilet 260 and the flange 264. In some embodiments, the toilet 260, the substrate 210 and the flange 264 can each define any number of apertures and/or coupling mechanisms (e.g., bolts 278, 280). For example, the substrate can define three or more apertures such that more than two bolts can be used to couple the toilet 260 to the substrate 210 and/or to the flange 264.

The substrate 210 is constructed of a thin membrane-like sheet that is substantially pliant and/or flexible. The substrate 210 can be, for example, plastic, rubber, and the like. The substrate 210 has a shape substantially similar to a shape of the toilet base 270 of the toilet 260. Although, in this embodiment, the substrate 210 is substantially rectangular in shape with curved corners, in other embodiments, the substrate can be any suitable shape, such as, for example, rectangular with pointed corners, square, oval, triangular, circular, etc.

The sealing member 220 is coupled to the substrate 210 about the first aperture 212 (e.g., opening) defined by the substrate 210. More particularly, the sealing member 220 is coupled to a top surface 211 of the substrate 210 such that an interior region 222 defined by the sealing member 220 is substantially aligned with (i.e., concentric with) the first aperture 212. The sealing member 220 can be coupled to the substrate 210 by any suitable mechanism, such as for example, an adhesive bond, a weld joint, a thermal bond or the like. In some embodiments, the sealing member 220 is constructed from a deformable (i.e., malleable) material, such as for example, wax, plastic or the like. This construction allows a portion of the sealing member 220 to be deformed about and/or onto the top surface 211 of the substrate 210 to couple the sealing member 220 to the substrate 210. In some embodiments, the top surface 211 of the substrate 210 can include a rough, jagged or protruding portion to facilitate deformation of the sealing member 220 about the substrate 210 to enhance the coupling between the sealing member 220 and the substrate 210.

Although FIG. 5 shows the sealing member 220, the substrate 210 and the flange 264 as being spaced apart from each other for purposes of clarity, in use, the substrate 210 is disposed between and in contact with the sealing member 220 and the flange 264. Accordingly, when the sealing member 220 is disposed between the flange 264 and the discharge outlet portion 266 of the toilet 260, a fluid-tight and/or hermetic seal is formed between the sealing member 220 and the substrate 210. Because the substrate 210 is also flexible, the substrate 210 and the sealing member 220 can deform together. In use, the substrate 210 and the sealing member 220 collectively deform to substantially conform to the contour of the flange 264 and the waste pipe 261. The sealing member 220 also deforms to substantially conform to the contour of the discharge outlet portion 266 of the toilet 260. In this manner, the sealing member 220 and the substrate 210 collectively form a fluid-tight or hermetic seal between the substrate 210, the flange 264 and the discharge outlet portion 266 of the toilet 260. More particularly, a fluid-tight or hermetic seal is formed between the sealing member 220 and the discharge outlet portion 266, between the sealing member 220 and the substrate 210 and between the substrate 210 and the flange 264. In some embodiments, an adhesive, bolts and/or any other coupling means can be used at each of the fluid-tight couplings described above in addition to or instead of the coupling created via a deformation of the sealing member and/or the substrate.

The funnel 230 is coupled to the substrate 210 and the sealing member 220. Specifically, the substrate 210 and the sealing member 220 deform to the contour of the funnel 230 thereby coupling and/or contacting the substrate 210 and the sealing member 220 to the funnel 230. As a result, a fluid-tight or hermetic seal is formed between the substrate 210 and the funnel 230, as well as between the sealing member 220 and the funnel 230. The funnel 230 has a first end portion 234 and a second end portion 236 opposite the first end portion 234. The first end portion 234 of the funnel 230 defines an aperture 235 having a circumference. The second end portion 236 of the funnel 230 defines an aperture 237 having a circumference smaller than the circumference of the aperture 235 defined by the first end portion 234. The funnel 230 defines an interior region 238 extending between the aperture 235 defined by the first end portion 234 and the aperture 237 defined by the second end portion 236. In other words, the funnel 230 has a tapered surface 232. A lateral cross-section of the funnel 230 is circular in shape. As a result, the funnel 230 is frusto-conical in shape (i.e., a cone shape where the tip or second end portion 236 has been truncated by a plane parallel to the plane of its base or first end portion 234).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the funnel 230 is disposed within the first aperture 212 defined by the substrate 210. Said differently, the first end portion 234 of the funnel 230 is aligned with the first aperture 212 defined by the substrate 210. Similarly, the funnel 230 is disposed within an interior region 222 defined by the sealing member 220. In use, the second end portion 236 of the funnel 230 is disposed within the first aperture 272 defined by the flange 264 in fluid communication with waste pipe 261. In some embodiments, a portion of the funnel 230 is disposed within the waste pipe 261. As a result, in use, the funnel 230 facilitates the transfer of waste from the discharge outlet portion 266 of the toilet 260 to the waste pipe 261.

The molding member 240 is coupled to the substrate 210 along a substantial portion of an outer edge 216 of the substrate 210. Said differently, the molding member 240 is coupled along a portion of an outer perimeter of the substrate 210. The molding member 240 has a height 242 (e.g., a thickness) greater than a height 213 of the substrate 210 adjacent the outer edge 216 of the substrate 210. As a result, the molding member 240 acts as a rim of the substrate 210. Specifically, in use, the molding member 240 engages the edge 268 of the toilet base 270. More specifically, an interior surface 244 of the molding member 240 can be coupled to the toilet base 270 by contacting the interior surface 244 with the edge 268 of toilet base along a substantial portion of the edge 268. Said another way, the interior surface 244 of the molding member 240 is coupled along most of the edge 268 of the toilet base 270. The interior surface 244 maintains contact with (i.e., stays coupled to) the edge 268 based on friction produced from a force acting radially inward (i.e., towards the center of the substrate 210) on the molding member 240. The force is produced by the substrate 210 and/or the molding member 240, which are substantially elastic and is biased to a contracted state. Said differently, when the substrate 210 and/or the molding member 240 are stretched, the force is produced. Similarly stated, the substrate 210 is formed from a substantially elastic material and can contract such that the molding member 240 substantially surrounds and abuts a toilet base 270. As a result, in some embodiments, a fluid-tight or hermetic seal can be formed between the molding member 240 and the toilet base 270. Accordingly, the molding member 240 eliminates the need to caulk around the toilet base 270 producing a more aesthetically pleasing result. In some embodiments, the molding member 240 is formed from a substantially elastic material and can contract to a shape that substantially surrounds and abuts the toilet base. In some embodiments, when the molding member substantially surrounds and abuts the toilet base, a non-fluid-tight or non-hermetic seal is formed between the molding member and the toilet base.

In some embodiments, because the molding member 240 need not be coupled to the entire outer edge 216 (i.e., total outer perimeter) of the substrate 210, the molding member 240 does not surround the entire toilet base 270. As a result, a portion of the outer edge 216 of the substrate 210 not coupled to the molding member 240 and a portion of the toilet base 270 not coupled to the molding member 240 collectively define an aperture that permits any fluid leaked to drain out of the toilet base 270. In some embodiments, the substrate defines a recess to permit fluids leaked to drain from the toilet base.

In some embodiments, the molding member is coupled around the entire outer edge of the substrate. In such embodiments, the molding member has a first portion with a height and a second portion with a height less than the height of the first portion. The second portion and the edge of the toilet base collectively define an aperture so as to permit fluid leaked to drain out of the toilet base.

In some embodiments, a toilet sealing device can include a moisture sensor coupled to a substrate. The moisture sensor can produce an indication to a user when a fluid leak has occurred within the toilet base. For example, FIG. 6 is a top view of a toilet sealing device 300 including a moisture sensor 350 according to an embodiment. The toilet sealing device 300 includes a substrate 310, a sealing member 320, a molding member 340 and the moisture sensor 350.

The moisture sensor 350 has a first end portion 352 and a second end portion 354 opposite the first end portion 352. The first end portion 352 of the moisture sensor 350 is coupled to and/or adjacent the sealing member 320. In alternative embodiments, the first end portion 352 of the moisture sensor 350 is coupled to the substrate 310. In use, the second end portion 354 of the moisture sensor 350 extends from a toilet base (not shown) via an aperture (not shown) collectively defined by the substrate 310 and a portion of an outer edge (not shown) of the toilet base not coupled to the molding member 340. The second end portion 354 of the moisture sensor 350 can be bent upwards and coupled to the side of the toilet to avoid incidental contact with liquid disposed outside the toilet base. Said differently, the second end portion 354 of the moisture sensor 350 is disposed outside of the molding member 340 and against the side of the toilet when the toilet is installed on the floor. In this manner, the second end portion 354 of the moisture sensor is not on the floor (i.e., in a position to be susceptible to being exposed to external sources of moisture). This arrangement also allows the second end portion 354 of the moisture sensor 350 to be visible to a user.

The moisture sensor 350 alerts the user when a fluid leak has occurred adjacent the sealing member 320 and/or within the toilet base. Specifically, the moisture sensor 350 changes from a first color to a second color (e.g., from blue to green) when a portion of the moisture sensor 350 contacts a liquid thereby alerting the user of the leak between the toilet and the flange (e.g., when the sealing member leaks). In some embodiments, the moisture sensor 350 wicks at least some of the fluid to provide an indication even when the amount of fluid leakage is minimal. Said differently, at least some of the fluid leaked within the toilet base is absorbed by the moisture sensor 350. In some embodiments, the moisture sensor 350 indicates the moisture and/or fluid level within the toilet base.

Although, in this embodiment the moisture sensor 350 can be, for example, a color-changing paper similar to litmus paper, in other embodiments, the moisture sensor 350 can be an electronic sensor configured to emit a visible and/or audible signal when the electronic sensor detects a liquid within the toilet base.

In some embodiments, a toilet sealing device can include a tapered substrate. In such embodiments, liquid leaked from the discharge outlet portion of the toilet can flow towards and into the waste pipe. For example, FIG. 7 is a side view of a toilet sealing device 400 including a tapered substrate 410 according to an embodiment. The toilet sealing device 400 includes the substrate 410, a sealing member 420, a funnel 430 and a molding member 440. The substrate 410 is tapered such that the height or thickness of the substrate 410 decreases in a direction from an outer edge 416 of the substrate 410 to the first aperture 412 as shown in FIG. 7. Said another way, the substrate 410 has a height 413 at a location adjacent an outer edge 416 of the substrate 410. The substrate 410 has a height 415 at a location adjacent an aperture 412 defined by the substrate 410. The height 413 at the location adjacent the outer edge 416 is greater than the height 415 at the location adjacent the aperture 412. As a result, any liquid leaked onto the substrate 410 flows towards first aperture 412 and into a waste pipe (not shown).

Although the sealing member 220 is shown and described as being coupled to the top surface 211 of the substrate 210, in other embodiments, a sealing member can be coupled to any portion of a substrate. For example, FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of a toilet sealing device 500 according to an embodiment. The toilet sealing device 500 includes a substrate 510, a sealing member 520, a funnel 530 and a molding member (not shown). The substrate 510 has a top surface 511 and a bottom surface 517 opposite the top surface 511. The sealing member 520 is coupled to the top surface 511 and the bottom surface 517. Said another way, the sealing member 520 defines a recess 528 within which a portion of the substrate 510 is disposed and/or coupled. As a result, in use, the sealing member 520 can directly contact an outlet portion of a toilet and a flange (not shown) coupled to a waste pipe (not shown).

Although the toilet sealing devices are shown and described above as including one sealing member (e.g., sealing member 220), in other embodiments, a toilet sealing device can include any number of sealing members. For example, FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of a toilet sealing device 600 according to an embodiment. The toilet sealing device 600 includes a substrate 610, a first sealing member 620 a second sealing member 624, a funnel 630 and a molding member (not shown). The first sealing member 620 is coupled to a top portion 611 of the substrate 610 and about an aperture 612 defined by the substrate 610. The second sealing member 624 is coupled to a bottom portion 617 of the substrate 610 and about the aperture 612 defined by the substrate 610. In this manner, the first sealing member 620 can directly contact an outlet portion of a toilet, and the second sealing member can directly contact a flange (not shown) coupled to a waste pipe (not shown).

Although the sealing member 220 is shown and described above as being coupled to the top surface 211 of the substrate 210, in some embodiments, a sealing member can be coupled to a top portion of the substrate, a bottom portion of the substrate, and disposed through one or more apertures defined by the substrate. For example, FIG. 10 is a top view of a toilet sealing device 700 according to an embodiment. The toilet sealing device 700 includes a substrate 710, a sealing member 720, a funnel 730 and a molding member 740. The substrate 710 has a top portion 711 and a bottom portion (not shown) opposite the top portion 711. The substrate 710 defines a first aperture 712 and multiple other apertures 726. The sealing member 720 is coupled to the substrate 710 such that a portion of the sealing member 720 extends from the top portion 711 of the substrate 710 to the bottom portion of the substrate 710 via the multiple apertures 726. As a result, at least a portion of the sealing member 720 can directly contact an outlet portion of a toilet and a flange (not shown) coupled to a waste pipe (not shown). In some embodiments, the multiple apertures 726 defined by the substrate 710 collectively form a mesh or a braid.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a toilet sealing device to install a toilet to a flange coupled to a waste pipe disposed within a floor according to an embodiment. At 890, the toilet sealing device is coupled to the toilet such that a sealing member of the toilet sealing device is coupled and/or contacts a discharge outlet portion of the toilet. A substrate of the toilet sealing device is disposed adjacent a bottom edge of the toilet, and a molding member coupled to the substrate is coupled about an outer surface of the toilet. At 892, the toilet is coupled to the floor such that the sealing member forms a fluid-tight seal between the discharge outlet portion of the toilet and the flange disposed within the floor. The toilet sealing device can be any of the toilet sealing devices shown and described herein.

Although the sealing devices described herein, such as, for example, the toilet sealing device 200, are shown and described as including a substrate (e.g., the substrate 210) and a molding member (e.g., the molding member 240) that extends around an exterior portion of the toilet (e.g., the toilet base 270), in other embodiments, a sealing device can be devoid of a molding strip. For example, in some embodiments, a sealing device can include a substrate to which a moisture sensor is coupled. For example, FIGS. 12 and 13 show a top view and a cross-sectional view of a toilet sealing device 800 according to an embodiment. The toilet sealing device 800 includes a sealing member 820, a substrate 810 and a leak sensor 850. The toilet sealing device 800 can be disposed between an outlet portion 866 of a toilet 860 and a flange 864 of a waste pipe 861 in a manner similar to that described above. In this manner the toilet sealing device 800 can define a fluid-tight flow pathway through which waste can be conveyed from the toilet 860 to the waste pipe 861. Similarly stated, the toilet sealing device 800 can form a fluid-tight seal between the outlet portion 866 of the toilet 860 and the flange 864 when the toilet 860 is coupled to the flange 864 and/or the floor.

The sealing member 820 includes a sealing portion 823 and a funnel portion 830. The sealing portion 823 is configured to form a fluid-tight seal between the between the outlet portion 866 of the toilet 860 and the flange 864 when the toilet 860 is coupled to the flange 864 and/or the floor. The sealing portion 823 can be any suitable portion and/or member for forming such a fluid-tight seal. For example, in some embodiments, the sealing portion 823 can be a deformable component, such as a gasket, an o-ring, or the like. In some embodiments, the sealing portion 823 can be constructed from wax.

The funnel portion 830 of the sealing member 820 is tapered portion that is coupled to the substrate 810. The funnel portion 830 defines, at least in part, a flow pathway through which waste can be conveyed from the toilet 860 to the waste pipe 861. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 13, the funnel portion 830 is a tapered portion having an end that is at least partially disposed within the flange 864 and/or the waste pipe 861. Although the sealing member 820 is shown and described as including a tapered funnel portion 830, in other embodiments, the sealing member 820 does not include a funnel and/or tapered portion.

The substrate 810 is coupled to the sealing member 820 such that the substrate 810 is disposed between the flange 864 (and/or the floor) and the sealing portion 823 of the sealing member 820 when the toilet 860 is coupled to the flange 864. Although FIG. 13 shows the sealing member 820, the substrate 810 and the flange 864 as being spaced apart from each other for purposes of clarity, in use, the substrate 810 is disposed between and in contact with the sealing member 820 and the flange 864. Accordingly, when the sealing member 820 is disposed between the flange 864 and the discharge outlet portion 866 of the toilet 860, a fluid-tight and/or hermetic seal is formed between the sealing portion 823 and the substrate 810. Because the substrate 810 is also flexible, the substrate 810 and the sealing portion 823 can deform together. In use, the substrate 810 and the sealing portion 823 collectively deform to substantially conform to the contour of the flange 864 and/or the waste pipe 861. The sealing portion 823 also deforms to substantially conform to the contour of the discharge outlet portion 866 of the toilet 860. In this manner, the sealing portion 823 and the substrate 810 collectively form a fluid-tight or hermetic seal between the substrate 810, the flange 864 and the discharge outlet portion 866 of the toilet 860.

The substrate 810 includes an outer edge 816 that is disposed apart from the sealing portion 823, but that is also within the outer edge of the toilet base (not shown). The outer edge 816 includes a lip and/or protrusion such that the outer edge 816, the substrate 810 and a portion of the sealing portion 823 define a collection volume 817. In use, any leakage of sewage that occurs during a breach of the sealing portion 823 will be collected within the collection volume 817. For example, one possible leak path LP is shown in FIG. 13.

A leak sensor 850 is disposed around the outer edge 816 of the substrate 810 such that any volume of waste contained with the collection volume 817 will be detected by the leak sensor 850. The leak sensor 850 can be any suitable device for detecting moisture and/or leakage that is collected within the collection volume 817. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the leak sensor 850 is an electronic sensor that includes a connection wire 855 that extends outside of the toilet base to a power supply, an electronic interface or the like. In such embodiments, the electronic sensor 850 can include a flexible sensor portion (not shown) that includes two wires spaced apart from each other that circumscribe the outer edge 816 of the substrate 810. Thus, when liquid is contained within the collection volume 817, the circuit between the two wires is connected, thereby allowing the sensor to transmit a signal associated with the presence of the sewage and/or moisture.

The leak sensor 850 can produce and/or transmitting any suitable signal (either wirelessly or via the connection wire 855) in response to the detection of a leak. For example, in some embodiments, the leak sensor 850 (and/or a receiving circuit disposed outside of the toilet base) can produce a signal associate with an audible alarm. In other embodiments, the leak sensor 850 (and/or a receiving circuit disposed outside of the toilet base) can produce a signal that is received by a wireless device (e.g., a text message, an electronic page, an e-mail or the like). In some embodiments, the leak sensor 850 (and/or a receiving circuit disposed outside of the toilet base) can produce a signal that is received by a monitoring service (e.g., a home alarm monitoring service).

In some embodiments, the leak sensor 850 can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor coupled to the outer edge 816 of the substrate 810 such that when liquid is contained within the collection volume 817, the RFID sensor can be a passive RFID circuit that is powered remotely by a parent RFID circuit (or receiving circuit, not shown). The parent RFID circuit or receiving circuit can be disposed in a region outside of the interior of the toilet base, thereby being accessible for battery replacement reset or the like. Thus, this arrangement allows the portion of the sensor disposed within the toilet base to be devoid of a power supply. In some embodiments, for example, the RFID sensor can be configured such that when liquid is contained within the collection volume, a portion of the RFID circuit is deformed, severed, shielded or the like. In this manner, the signal that is sent by the RFID sensor in the absence of a leak is blocked. Thus, when the “normal” signal is blocked, an audible alarm can be produced to indicate the presence of a leak.

Although the toilet sealing device 800 includes a substrate 810 that defines, at least in part, a collection volume 817, in other embodiments, the substrate need not define a collection volume. For example, FIGS. 14 and 15 show a portion of a toilet sealing device 900 that includes a substrate 910 and a sensor 950.

The substrate 910, which is substantially flat, is coupled to the sealing member 920 such that the substrate 910 is disposed between the flange 964 (and/or the floor) and the sealing member 920 when the toilet 960 is coupled to the flange 964. Although FIG. 15 shows the sealing member 920, the substrate 910 and the flange 964 as being spaced apart from each other for purposes of clarity, in use, the substrate 910 is disposed between and in contact with the sealing member 920 and the flange 964, as described above. The substrate 910 includes an outer edge 916 that is disposed apart from the sealing member 920.

The sensor 950 is coupled to the substrate 910 and substantially circumscribes a sealing member 920 of the toilet sealing device 900. In this manner, leakage of sewage past the sealing member 920 in any circumferential position or direction can be detected by the sensor 950. The sensor 950 can be any of the sensors described herein. As described above, the sensor 950 can be coupled to an external circuit and/or power source via the electrical connection 955.

Although the toilet sealing device 800 is shown as including a sealing member 820 that is integral with a substrate 810 to which a sensor 850 is coupled, in other embodiments, a toilet sealing device can include a sealing member and a sensor that are separately constructed and/or separately installed. In this manner, the sensor can be an optional item that need not be included with all toilet installations. This modular arrangement can maintain the low cost of manufacturing the sealing member while allowing for higher-cost items (such as the leak sensor) to be installed where desired. For example, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional exploded view of a toilet sealing assembly 1000 that includes a sensor unit 1050 and a sealing member 1020. The sealing member 1020 can be any suitable sealing member of the types shown and described herein. In some embodiments, the sealing member 1020 can be a commercially-available wax ring assembly.

The sensor unit 1050 is configured to be disposed between a flange 1064 and the sealing member 1020 during installation of a toilet 1060. The sensor unit 1050 includes a substrate 1010 and a leak sensor 1058. The substrate includes an outer edge 1016. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, the outer edge 1016, the substrate 1010 and a portion of the sealing member 1020 can collectively define a collection volume (similar to the collection volume 817 shown and described above) when the toilet 1060 is coupled to the flange 1064. The sensor 1058 can be any of the sensors described herein that is configured to produce an output and/or an indication when in contact with a liquid. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor 1058 can be an electronic sensor that substantially circumscribes the sealing member 1020 and produces an electronic output when liquid is contained with in the collection volume.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in certain orientations and/or positions, the arrangement of components may be modified. Similarly, where methods and/or events described above indicate certain events and/or procedures occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events and/or procedures may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.

For example, although the various components of the toilet sealing devices described herein have been shown and described as separate components coupled together. In some embodiments, two or more of the components can be unitarily formed. For example, in some embodiments, a funnel and a substrate can be unitarily formed. For example, a molding member and a substrate can be unitarily formed.

Although the toilets are shown and described as being coupled to the flange and/or floor via one or more bolts, in other embodiments, any suitable fastening device and/or mechanism can be used to couple a toilet to the flange, floor and/or sealing devices. For example, in some embodiments, the toilet can be coupled to the flange and/or floor via an adhesive, a clamp or the like.

Although the sealing members shown and described above include a funnel having a frusto-conical shape, in other embodiments, the funnel can have any suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments, the funnel can have a square lateral cross-section. In such embodiments, the funnel is frusto-pyramidal in shape. In other embodiments, the funnel can have a triangular lateral cross-sectional shape. While the funnel in some embodiments is illustrated as having a narrow opening, it should be understood that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and the opening defined by the funnel is sufficiently dimensioned to ensure passage of waste material into the waste pipe.

Although the toilet sealing devices (e.g., toilet sealing device 100) are shown and described herein as including a sealing member, such as a wax ring, in other embodiments, a toilet sealing device can be devoid of a wax ring. In such embodiments, for example, the toilet sealing device can include a substrate and a molding member.

Although the molding member 140 of the toilet sealing device 100 is shown as not fully circumscribing the substrate 110, in other embodiments, the molding member can circumscribe the substrate.

Although the substrate 210 is shown and described above as defining a first (or waste) aperture 212 having a circumference greater than a circumference of the second aperture 214 and the third aperture 218 (i.e., the bolt openings), in other embodiments, a substrate can define apertures having any sizes and shapes. For example, in some embodiments, a substrate can define a waste opening having a size substantially the same as a size of a mounting opening. Similarly, in some embodiments, a substrate can define elongated openings (e.g., slots) to receive the mounting bolts.

Each of the components described herein can be constructed from one or more materials. For example, the substrate, the sealing member, the funnel and the molding member can be constructed of plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or the like. For example, the sealing member can be constructed of a wax or wax-like material.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Various changes in form and details of the embodiments can be made. For example, the toilet sealing devices described herein can include various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the components and/or features of the different embodiments described.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a substrate defining an opening;

a sealing member coupled to the substrate about the opening, the sealing member configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between an outlet portion of a toilet and a sewage flange within a floor when the toilet is installed to the floor; and

a molding member coupled to an outer edge of the substrate, the molding member configured to engage a base of the toilet when the toilet is installed to the floor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing member includes a wax portion and a funnel portion, the wax portion configured to be disposed between the outlet portion of the toilet and the flange such that the funnel portion is disposed within the sewage flange when the toilet is installed to the floor.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the molding member is constructed from a substantially elastic material.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate and the molding member are each constructed from a substantially elastic material.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a sensor coupled to the substrate, the sensor configured to produce an indication when a liquid contacts the sensor.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a sensor having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion coupled to the substrate, the second end portion configured to extend beyond the toilet, the second end portion configured to produce an indication when a liquid contacts the first end portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a sensor coupled to the substrate, the sensor configured to produce an electronic output when a liquid contacts the sensor.

8. An apparatus, comprising:

a substrate defining an opening;

a sealing member coupled to the substrate about the opening, the sealing member configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between an outlet portion of a toilet and a sewage flange within a floor when the toilet is installed to the floor;

a sensor coupled to the substrate, the sensor configured to produce an indication when a liquid contacts the sensor.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sensor has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion coupled to the substrate, the second end portion configured to extend beyond the toilet, the second end portion configured to produce an indication when the liquid contacts the first end portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sensor is configured to produce an electronic output when the liquid contacts the sensor.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sensor includes an radio frequency identification circuit.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sensor substantially circumscribes the sealing member.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a molding member coupled to an outer edge of the substrate, the molding member configured to engage a base of the toilet when the toilet is installed to the floor.

14. An apparatus, comprising:

a substrate defining an opening, the substrate configured to be disposed between a sealing member a sewage flange when a toilet is coupled to the sewage flange such that the sealing member and the substrate collectively form a substantially fluid-tight seal between an outlet portion of the toilet and the sewage flange when the toilet is coupled to the sewage flange;

a sensor coupled to the substrate, the sensor configured to produce an indication when a liquid contacts the sensor.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein an outer edge of the substrate and a portion of the sealing member collectively define a collection volume, the sensor configured to produce the indication when the liquid is contained within the collection volume.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the sensor substantially circumscribes the sealing member when the toilet is coupled to the sewage flange.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the sensor includes an radio frequency identification circuit.