Water Closet Type, Floor-supported Patents (Class 285/56)
  • Patent number: 11827510
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical transport system and associated piping and utility panel are presented. The utility panel is received within an opening within a ceiling of a clean room and supported by the ceiling about a perimeter thereof by means of an attached angle member or an integral flange. The use of the angle member or flange accommodates ease of installation. Included as part of the system of the invention are hubs having a bore therethrough that is offset from the axis of the hub itself by an amount ensuring desired angling of the associated transport pipes to accommodate drainage or plumb risers. Also included are bends providing transitions between vertical and sloped horizontal pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: David S. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11242930
    Abstract: A seal structure includes an elastic body and a cap which are located in a boundary between a first component and a second component that seal and define a gas flow path. The flow path is defined by a first through hole in the first component and a second through hole in the second component, the elastic body has a loop-shaped second opening which overlaps with a first opening of the first through hole, and the cap covers the elastic body such that the first opening, the second opening, and a third opening of the cap overlap with each other. The cap is fitted into a groove in the first surface and is in close contact with the second surface. The cap and second component are in close contact with each other to have slidability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Ryota Sakane
  • Patent number: 10465370
    Abstract: A pipe connector connects first and second pipes slidably engageable with each other, the pipe connector including: a side wall extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis and defining an interior space, the side wall being adapted to be inserted into a floor hole made in a floor; a floor flange extending laterally and outwardly from the first end of the side wall, the floor flange being adapted to rest on a floor surface when the side wall is inserted into the floor hole; and a guiding assembly secured to the side wall and including at least one resilient retaining finger for receiving the first pipe therebetween, the at least one resilient retaining finger being securable to the first pipe when the second pipe is engaged into the first pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Maax Bath Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Donnelly
  • Patent number: 9513011
    Abstract: Combustor top hat covers are attached to midframe combustor portals with a lugged backing plate that interlocks with mating recesses formed in the corresponding midframe combustor portal. Exemplary embodiments utilize twist lock engagement of backing plate ring lugs under projecting tabs formed over a lug raceway recess in the combustor portal mating surface. The top hat cover is in turn fastened to the combustor portal by fasteners that engage corresponding threaded apertures formed in the backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Carlson
  • Patent number: 9169629
    Abstract: Kits and methods for installing a toilet bowl or assembly without tools are described. The methods and assembly work with an existing flange or can include a standard closet flange configured to receive a flange bolt. The kits and assemblies include a flange bolt wherein the bolt head is configured so as to fit through an opening in a flange so that the bolt head contacts the lower surface of the flange and the end portion of the bolt stem extends upwardly; and a bolt locking knob, wherein the interior surface of the knob is configured so that when the end of the bolt stem is placed within the knob, it contacts the bolt stem in locking engagement and the knob can be hand tightened. The bolts size is coordinated with the size of the locking knobs to eliminate the use of tools on installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Jensen, David Grover, James P. Walsh
  • Patent number: 8658033
    Abstract: A flush plug and a collar are used in installing a drain or cleanout. A flush plug is temporarily attached to the nipple of a cleanout or to a drain base and leveled. Concrete is then poured flush with the top of the flush plug. After the flush plug is removed from the cured concrete, a collar is installed in the hole in the concrete left by the flush plug. The outside of the lower portion of the collar is beveled like the flush plug. The upper portion of the collar includes a sleeve rising above the top surface of the surrounding concrete by an amount equal to the thickness of the specific floor finish. Tile or other finish may then be laid to around the collar. The installed drain will be flush and level with the flooring around it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis Farkas
  • Patent number: 8607368
    Abstract: This is a type of connection device between a toilet and a drainpipe, including a trap with an inlet connected to a toilet flush port and an outlet connected to the drainpipe. The trap has a bend part and a horizontal lower pipe connected to it. Upper and lower inner pipe walls of the horizontal lower pipe have different declination angles. There is a containing part in the inlet; and in the containing part there is a sealing part forming a sealing structure between the flush port and the inlet. This simplifies the complex structure of existing toilet drainage parts for on-site installation and for reliable use. The separated trap design includes structure that can generate a siphon phenomenon. At the time of sale, wash-down drainage can be easily transformed to siphon wash-down drainage just by changing parts, such as the trap of the toilet, thus improving the drainage effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Huang, Jarl Jiang, Daniel Xia, Daniel Owen Karraker
  • Patent number: 8556301
    Abstract: A telescoping containment cleanout device for attachment to a cleanout pipe comprising: an inner riser portion and an outer housing, where the inner riser portion and outer housing create a channel; a telescoping portion, where the telescoping portion extends vertically through the channel; a cap at the top of the device, where the cap includes a removable sealing portion for access and cleaning of the sewer line; and stops within the channel and along the telescoping portion, where the stops provide a means to lock the telescoping portion in a vertically elevated position. The telescoping containment cleanout device may further include a plurality of o-rings within the channel, where the o-rings assist in guiding the telescoping portion through the channel. The telescoping containment cleanout device may further include a twisting sealing portion that seals the telescoping portion in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Wade Alan Thomas
  • Patent number: 8281421
    Abstract: A system is provided herein which includes a closet flange insert and at least one spacer to be positioned between the closet flange insert and an installed closet flange. The closet flange insert includes a toilet connecting flange which extends radially outwardly from a through pipe. The through pipe is sized to be inserted into a pipe section of a closet flange. Each spacer includes spaced apart first and second faces, and spaced apart inner and outer edges extending between the first and second faces. The inner edge defines an opening extending through the body, the opening sized to permit passage therethrough of the through pipe of the closet flange insert but not the toilet connecting flange of the closet flange insert. With the subject invention, a system is provided which allows the closet flange insert to be mounted atop an installed closet flange flush with surrounding finished flooring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Set-Rite Products, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Hughes
  • Patent number: 8099801
    Abstract: A system is provided herein which includes a closet flange insert and at least one spacer to be positioned between the closet flange insert and an installed closet flange. The closet flange insert includes a toilet connecting flange which extends radially outwardly from a through pipe. The through pipe is sized to be inserted into a pipe section of a closet flange. Each spacer includes spaced apart first and second faces, and spaced apart inner and outer edges extending between the first and second faces. The inner edge defines an opening extending through the body, the opening sized to permit passage therethrough of the through pipe of the closet flange insert but not the toilet connecting flange of the closet flange insert. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a system is provided which allows the closet flange insert to be mounted atop an installed closet flange, with one or more spacers therebetween, and with the closet flange insert being flush with surrounding finished flooring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Set-Rite Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Hughes
  • Patent number: 8091156
    Abstract: The universal wall mount toilet gasket has a planar configuration and has at least one opening therein for engagement about a drain, the gasket being maintained in position by a base of the toilet engaged thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Var E. Lordahl
  • Publication number: 20100123307
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an extendable flange apparatus having an inner member slidably coupled to an outer member. The outer member includes a first flange portion and an outer tubular body with a central opening defined therethrough. The inner member includes a second flange portion and an inner tubular body operable to be at least partially disposed within the central opening of the outer tubular body of the outer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: COFLEX S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Eduardo Coronado
  • Patent number: 7677604
    Abstract: A nested bushing coupling for attaching a plumbing component to a conduit. The assembly includes at least one or more nested bushings having off-centered openings which may be situated at various orientations within a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Charles E. Daffin
  • Patent number: 7658043
    Abstract: A floor drain having a drain body that receives a rotatable frame with a grate. The orientation of the grate and frame about an axis of the drain body may be adjusted by rotating the frame relative to the drain body and clamping the frame in the desired orientation. Adjustments to the orientation of the grate and frame can be made to align the grate and frame with floor tiles or other flooring materials and with walls surrounding the floor drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Doug Wroblewski
  • Publication number: 20090119826
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to improved water closet flanges and methods for installing such water closet flanges. In one exemplary embodiment, an improved water closet flange apparatus includes a flexible conduit portion (i.e. sleeve) and an integral membrane element sealing the top opening of the flexible sleeve. The membrane element is made of flexible materials such that the membrane element may be removed without breaking into pieces. In one embodiment, the integral membrane element includes indented portions to facilitate its removal. In another embodiment, the flange apparatus includes an outer flange connected to the flexible sleeve. Related methods for installing the disclosed flange apparatus between plumbing fixture discharges and waste drainpipes are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: COFLEX S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Eduardo Coronado
  • Patent number: 7481462
    Abstract: A flange connection for pipes, especially for sanitary installations. The flange connection comprises a connecting piece which can be joined at each end to a pipe to produce a sealed connection. The flange connection further comprises a flange which is arranged radially outside on the connecting piece and which is fixable to a further component to make an indirect connection between the connecting piece and the further component. The flange has an opening through which the connecting piece is guided and the flange is fixed on the connecting piece by a retaining element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Viega GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Arning, Mario Eckel, Manfred König
  • Patent number: 7350822
    Abstract: A lip coupling for connecting together two pieces of pipe above a hole in the floor, the coupling having a semi-spherical upper portion connecting with a lower cylindrical portion, the semi-spherical upper portion having an outer diameter exceeding the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion, the lower portion of the semi-spherical portion being provided with a generally transverse lip which is adapted to rest against the floor surrounding the hole, the lip having an underside which is provided with a curved and upwardly directed recess to prevent any unnecessary contact between the lip and any irregularity on the surface surrounding the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: James M. Truitt
  • Publication number: 20080067806
    Abstract: A lip coupling for connecting together two pieces of pipe above a hole in the floor, the coupling having a semi-spherical upper portion connecting with a lower cylindrical portion, the semi-spherical upper portion having an outer diameter exceeding the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion, the lower portion of the semi-spherical portion being provided with a generally transverse lip which is adapted to rest against the floor surrounding the hole, the lip having an underside which is provided with a curved and upwardly directed recess to prevent any unnecessary contact between the lip and any irregularity on the surface surrounding the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: James M. Truitt
  • Patent number: 6883187
    Abstract: A flange assembly (10) for connecting a plumbing fixture to a drain pipe (106) in a fluid sealing relationship. The flange assembly includes a ring (12), an extension (20), a gasket (24) and a connector pipe (30). The extension extends outward from the top surface (12A) of the ring and the connector pipe extends outward from the bottom surface (12B) of the ring. The gasket is mounted over the end of the extension opposite the ring. The top wall (24A) of the gasket has an opening (26) which allows access to the center bore (22) of the extension. The waste outlet (104) of the plumbing fixture is inserted through the opening (26) in the top wall of the gasket into the center bore of the extension. When the waste outlet is inserted into the opening in the gasket, the gasket forms a seal between the waste outlet and the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Cornwall
  • Publication number: 20040222628
    Abstract: A toilet carrier for supporting a wall-hung toilet can include a smooth pipe nipple that attaches a toilet to a waste pipe. A seal can be formed with the pipe nipple at the waste pipe end using a gasket compression seal, where a gasket is compressed between two opposing flanges encircling the pipe nipple, forcing a seal to be formed with the pipe nipple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Roy Hetzler, Bushra Awad Ghaly
  • Patent number: 6789275
    Abstract: A non-leaking flush toilet system that eliminates the need for using wax gaskets or rings on a toilet system. Such system having a substantially flat surface that is affixed to the base outlet opening of a flush toilet. The toilet system further includes an upper portion having inner and outer clearance surfaces, and an extension member that projects downwardly from the upper portion. Attached to the exterior surface of the extension member is a sealing boot. The sealing boot having a plurality of sealing lips that outwardly extend from the sealing boot's outer surface. In use, the outer clearance surface is received inside the floor flange, and the outer surface of the extension member having the sealing boot disposed thereon is sealingly received inside the soil pipe, thereby forming a seal between the base of the toilet and the floor flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Michael W. Spells, Sr., Al Brandt, Jesse M. Spells, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6719294
    Abstract: A gasket assembly includes an upper housing forming a seal with the outlet of a bathroom fixture, and a lower housing forming a seal with a sewer pipe. The lower housing has an outer surface extending along an axis and a toroidal gasket disposed in sealing relationship with the outer surface and the sewer pipe. To accommodate larger sewer pipes, the outer surface can be formed on an adapter and a second gasket provided to form a seal with the adapter. In an associated method for mounting the gasket assembly, the gasket is rolled axially in a continuous sealing relationship with the lower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack T. Nguyen, Christopher A. Coppock, Steven E. Maple, Troy A. Bell, Kevin J. Doverspike
  • Patent number: 6644670
    Abstract: A gasket for sealing between a water closet and the floor or other supporting structure. In cross section it includes a flat seat for the base of the closet, an outer flange for sealing against the outer edge of the base and an inner sealing rib formed for hinge-like deflection by and toward the base as the latter is seated. The gasket is adapted to conform to various perimetrical shapes of bases, and may include an integral gasket and sealing section for annularly and sealingly engaging the drain joint of the water closet and the surface of the floor or other supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Peb S.A.
    Inventor: Miguel Esteban Etcheverry
  • Patent number: 6634034
    Abstract: An adjustable toilet flange assembly is disclosed for connecting a toilet with a waste pipe and to facilitate location of the flange on the upper surface of the floor even though the height of the floor surface above the waste pipe varies with different installations. The toilet flange assembly has an adapter pipe which is connected by a cemented joint with the waste pipe and has a hub with a female thread at its upper end. A flange member has a straight pipe section with an O-ring seal for making a telescopic connection inside the adapter member and having an annular flange on its upper end. A male thread on the pipe section adjacent the flange mates with the female thread of the adapter member and provides both height and angular adjustment of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Rendell
  • Patent number: 6615413
    Abstract: A toilet mounting assembly for securely and easily mounting a toilet to a structure includes a sealing ring securable to a structure and having either integral threaded rods extending from a main body portion of the sealing ring or threaded rods easily and securely attached to the sealing ring using a tongue and groove. Alternately, the sealing ring may include threaded apertures for receiving specially structured bolts to secure the toilet to the sealing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Rodney C. Grant, Robbie Grant
  • Patent number: 6581214
    Abstract: A system utilizing multiple spacer and shim elements that nest together to raise a closet ring to the height required for the particular floor being used in a given application for a toilet bowl installation. The nested spacer and shim elements are placed on the rough floor and receive the closet ring mounting flange. Bosses on an upper side of a lower spacer and shim element are received in detents in a lower side of a corresponding upper spacer and shim element so that the spacer and shim elements are held securely in their nested position so as to form a registered spacer/shim stack. The spacer and shim elements will typically be ¼″ thick. The spacer and shim elements further include breakaway mounting tabs positioned about an outer circumference of the main body of the spacer and shim elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Joe A. Love, Herman T. Charity, III, Lincoln J. Alvord
  • Patent number: 6464259
    Abstract: A device for installing a toilet, having a rearwardly extending discharge pipe, on a floor opening, surrounded by a floor ring anchored in the floor and having upright threaded bolts configured to fasten a toilet having a downwardly extending discharge pipe, has a base having an underside configured to be placed onto the floor ring. A U-shaped pipe section having a first end and a second end is provided wherein the first end has a 90° bend section connected to the base. The second end has a diameter matched to a diameter of a rearwardly extending discharge pipe of a toilet to be installed. The 90° bend section has an end portion facing the floor ring, wherein the end portion has a diameter matched to a diameter of the floor ring. The base has securing elements secured to the floor indirectly by the floor ring, the threaded bolts, and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Villeroy & Boch AG
    Inventor: Jörg Krämer
  • Patent number: 6443495
    Abstract: A floor flange apparatus for use with a plumbing fixture positioned on a floor surface includes a conduit section having a fixture end and a drain end and defining a bore therethrough. The conduit section is adapted to be coupled to a drain pipe proximate the drain end and to be coupled to a plumbing fixture proximate the fixture end for draining water from the plumbing fixture. A flange is positioned proximate the fixture end of the conduit, and the flange is configured to engage a plumbing fixture and couple the fixture to the conduit section. Elevation structures extend from the flange and are configured for interfacing with a floor surface to elevate the flange above the floor surface. At least a portion of the elevation structures are removably coupled with the flange for being selectively removed to allow the elevation of the flange to be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Jet Plumbing Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Harmeling
  • Patent number: 6435563
    Abstract: A plastic mounting ring comprises two plastic arcuate members each having a flat upper profile, a flat lower profile and a predetermined thickness. Each plastic arcuate member has a lip extending radially inwardly with an inside diameter that allows it to engage the sides of the channel formed by the flange on the water closet coupling on which it is to be mounted. A corresponding first end of each arcuate member has a notch out of the lower level of its thickness. A second corresponding end of each arcuate member has an extension, coplanar with its flat lower profile, which engages the lower surface of the base of the opposite end of the other arcuate member. The members are fitted together to form a mounting ring having a flat upper profile and a flat lower profile. The mounting ring can be used to replace a flange formation of an installed water closet coupling without removing the total water closet coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: GPJ Limited
    Inventor: Paul E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6416084
    Abstract: There is provided replacement flange for attachment to a plumbing fitting having an inlet end, an outlet end attachable to a pipe and a pre-existing attachment groove. The replacement flange comprises a rim having a central opening. The central opening is sized and shaped to allow attachment of the rim to the inlet end while the outlet end is attached to the pipe. The flange also includes a lip projecting inwardly from the rim along a portion of a perimeter of the central opening. The lip is sized and shaped to engage a portion of the groove. The flange also includes at least one locking tab mounted to the rim and being movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the tab being sized, shaped and positioned such that the rim is detachable from the plumbing fitting when the locking tab is in the unlocked position, but not when the tab is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Canplas Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: James Mantyla
  • Patent number: 6332632
    Abstract: A closet flange having a shoulder and a body portion extending therefrom, the body portion having a substantially cylindrical upstream portion and a smooth tapered downstream portion, the downstream portion configured to receive an elastic o-ring. The o-ring travels up the tapered portion as the closet flange is inserted into a drain pipe, providing an increasingly tighter seal between the closet flange and the pipe. O-rings of various outer diameters may be provided to accommodate pipes having different internal diameters. The flange is installed without tools by pushing the flange into the end of the pipe until the desired tightness is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: B. Eugene Hodges
  • Patent number: 6254141
    Abstract: An adjustable-length closet fastener (1) has a fastener shank (2, 32) with an anchor-ridge head (3, 33) which is sized and shaped for positioning side walls of the anchor-ridge head against walls (5) of a predetermined retainer cavity (6) to arrest rotation of the fastener shank and which is sized and shaped for positioning a fastener shank-side surface (9) of the anchor-ridge head against a ceiling (10) of the predetermined retainer cavity at opposite sides of a shaft orifice in the predetermined retainer cavity to prevent exit of the adjustable-length closet fastener from the predetermined retainer cavity. A length-adjustment sleeve (11) with internal machine threads (12) is attached to the fastener shank for extension a predetermined distance towards a predetermined fastening position (13). A length-adjustment bolt (16) with external machine threads (17) that match the internal machine threads of the length-adjustment sleeve is screwed a desired length-adjustment distance into the length-adjustment sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Leroy C. Piper
  • Patent number: 6155606
    Abstract: A replaceable mounting ring is disclosed for use with a water closet coupling which is interposed between a water closet drain and a sewer pipe. The mounting ring fits on a channel in a flange near the inlet end of the water closet coupling. The mounting ring comprises two arcuate members, each having a U-shaped cross section formed by a base and a leg on each side of the base, with the base having a lower surface between the two legs. A corresponding end of each arcuate member has an extension from the lower surface of its base of a size which allows the extension to engage the lower surface of the base of the opposite end of the other arcuate member. These extensions enable the ends of the arcuate members to form a mounting ring having a U-shaped cross section. At least one of these extensions can be fastened to the other arcuate member by a pivot joint which allows that arcuate member to be rotated through an opening in the leg on the outside of the other arcuate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: GPJ Limited
    Inventor: Paul E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6115852
    Abstract: An adjustable replacement toilet ring for securing a toilet in fluid communication with the flange of a sewer pipe is disclosed. The ring includes at least two ring segments which may be adjustably assembled around a sewer pipe and may be secured to a toilet. The ring segments have a flat collar portion and an end portion perpendicular to the flat collar portion. The ring segments are preferably adjustably assembled through holes in the end portions through which a bolt may be disposed. The bolt both holds the segments together but also allows the diameter of the ring to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Dora To
    Inventor: Abran Olivas
  • Patent number: 6101774
    Abstract: A plumbing system, a slab therewith and a bowl for a plumbing system have been invented, the bowl, in one aspect having an outer side wall, the outer side wall being generally cylindrical in shape with a hollow interior and having a height and a top opening, an inner wall, the inner wall being generally cylindrical and having a hollow interior, the inner wall having a top opening and a bottom opening and a height equal to or less than the height of the outer side wall, a bottom wall comprising a generally circular ring, the bottom wall having an outer edge contacting a lower edge of the outer side wall and an inner edge contacting a lower edge of the inner wall, the bottom wall spacing apart the outer side wall from the inner wall around a circumference of the bowl, wherein the bottom opening of the inner wall is sized for receiving a pipe member, a coupling member positioned with a portion thereof within the bottom opening of the inner wall of the bowl, and a cap over the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Deryl Heil
  • Patent number: 6088972
    Abstract: A concrete floor insert includes a peripheral side wall and a breakaway mount. The peripheral side wall has an inner surface which is disposed between a top end and a bottom end. The breakaway mount is adapted to fasten to a floor form and coupled to the inner surface of the peripheral side wall through a weakened portion such that when the floor form is removed from the hardened floor, the breakaway mount separates from the inner surface at the weakened portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Richard G. Johanneck
  • Patent number: 6070910
    Abstract: A closet flange with a body portion having a tapered end and a plurality of grooves circumferentially disposed about the tapered end. The grooves increase in diameter in the upstream direction and are configured to receive an elastic O-ring. As the closet flange is inserted into a drain pipe the O-ring travels from groove to groove providing an increasingly tighter fit. The flange is installed without tools by pushing the flange into the end of the pipe until the desired tightness is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: James Bruno
    Inventor: B. Eugene Hodges
  • Patent number: 6065160
    Abstract: A adjustable closet flange for permitting adjustment of the depth of a closet flange connecting a toilet to a drain conduit. The adjustable closet flange includes a tubular lower conduit with open top and bottom ends, and exterior and interior surfaces. The interior surface of the lower conduit has a threaded region located adjacent the top end of the lower conduit. The lower conduit also has an outwardly radiating annular mounting flange adjacent the top end of the lower conduit. A tubular upper conduit is proved having open upper and lower ends, and inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface of the upper conduit has a threaded region adjacent the lower end of the upper conduit. The lower end of the upper conduit is inserted into the top end of the lower conduit with the threaded region of the upper conduit threadedly engaging the threaded region of the lower conduit. The outer surface of the upper conduit has an annular outer groove therearound adjacent the upper end of the upper conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Michael R. Winn
  • Patent number: 6026521
    Abstract: A two-piece water closet ring for receiving a water closet drain fitting extending upwardly through a floor and anchoring a water closet to the floor in fluid communication with the drain fitting. In a preferred embodiment the two-piece water closet ring has substantially coplanar bottom flange surfaces when assembled and is characterized by substantially semicircular first and second bottom flanged ring segments, each end of each ring segment terminating in a slotted flange. The channel-shaped ring segments are fitted around the extending end of the drain fitting to form a circular water closet ring, with the raised slotted flange on one end of each ring segment overlying the straight slotted flange on the corresponding end of the other ring segment. Ring mount screws secure the ring segments to the floor and against the water closet drain fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Gary B. Atkins
  • Patent number: 5937450
    Abstract: An improved device and method for attachment of a plumbing fitting to a pipe or other drain receptacle is described in which the device has at least one elastomeric rib disposed about the outer circumference of the body of the device for forming a watertight seal against the interior wall of the drain receptacle. The ribs are angled in an axial direction opposite to the direction of insertion, allowing easy insertion into a drain receptacle, while causing a radial self-tightening force resisting movement in the direction of removal, and enhancing the seal. The device also allows lateral movement of the receptacle relative to the device, as well as expansion and contraction, without impairing the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Jones-Stephens Corporation
    Inventor: Butch Jones
  • Patent number: 5930845
    Abstract: A two flush modality toilet composed of a bowl, a tank connected with the bowl wherein the tank is connected to a water supply, a conventional flush modality for flushing solid waste from the bowl, and a urinal flush modality for flushing liquid only waste from the bowl, wherein the urinal flush modality includes: a bowl valve in the form of a pop-up stopper, pop-up seat and pivot ball assembly at the low point of the bowl; a bowl valve control for selecting between open and closed states of the bowl valve, a passageway for directing liquid waste from the bowl into the sanitary drain; and an auxiliary flush control for supplying a limited quantity of flush water from the tank into the bowl to provide restoration of the trap water in the bowl after a urinal flush modality liquid drainage of the bowl has occurred. A foot pedal selectively operates the bowl valve, wherein when in an open state all the liquid in the bowl is drained. Upon release of the foot pedal, the bowl valve is returned to the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Calvin T. Geeham
  • Patent number: 5890741
    Abstract: The invention provides an elongate folded card, for example of the same size as a mailable postcard when fully folded, which bears on one of its faces when fully folded a display of an entertainment nature such as a representation of playing pieces of a game, or one of a series of collectable items such as famous footballers, or a panel of a cartoon strip, whereas on its other face or faces there is provided a display of material having an educational aspect, for example commercial subject matter. In a first preferred form, the card, when fully folded, has the dimensions of a playing card so as to permit formation of a `pack` of playing cards. In another preferred form, the card when fully folded has the shape and dimensions of a mailable postcard, so as to permit formation of a mailable pack of cards of postcard size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Milton Bernard Hollander
  • Patent number: 5890239
    Abstract: A method of reseating a toilet seat employs a flat, rigid member arcuately curved to conform to the outer circumference of a toilet sewage drain. The flat member has a plurality of anchor fastening openings therethrough as well as at least one elongated closet bolt slot. The member is utilized to reseat a toilet atop the upper extremity of a toilet drain when the closet flange originally utilized in seating the toilet has broken, deteriorated, or corroded. According to the method a closet bolt is inserted into the closet bolt slot in the flat member such that the closet bolt head bears against the structure of the flat member and the closet bolt shank projects upwardly therefrom. With the toilet removed from atop the drain, the flat member is placed on the floor adjacent the upper extremity of the drain and secured to the floor by means of a plurality of anchor fasteners. The anchor fasteners extend into the floor through at least some of the anchor fastener openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Pasco Specialty & Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Mike Hite
  • Patent number: 5735549
    Abstract: A tuck label construction which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, is capable of being printed by a wide variety of conventional automated printing devices, and which can be printed with automated control systems such as bar codes is provided. In one form, the label includes a face ply having first and second major surfaces and a liner ply having first and second major surfaces. The first surface of the face ply includes an adhesive thereon which is adhered to the first surface of the liner ply, and the first surface of the liner ply contains a release agent thereon. Each of the face and liner plies includes a pair of end panels having center panels therebetween, with the end panels on the face ply being defined by lines of weakness between the end panels and the center panel on the face ply, and the end panels on the liner ply being Separated from the center panel on the liner ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Standard Register Company
    Inventors: Patrick A. Konkol, Hugh B. Skees
  • Patent number: 5695222
    Abstract: A ratchet type closet flange for replacing broken cast iron closet flanges in old buildings or in new construction in place of conventional cast iron closet flanges. The patented invention comprising a flange body, a cup, a rubber seal, and a means for applying pressure. After removing the broken closet flange, the ratchet type closet flange is inserted into the existing pipe. A compression seal is formed between the flange body and the inside of the pipe by applying pressure to the flange body and the cup, forcing a compression seal between the rubber seal and the pipe. The ratchet type closet flange may slide up and down inside the pipe to achieve the desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: James Bruno
    Inventor: B. Eugene Hodges
  • Patent number: 5492372
    Abstract: A replacement ring and method therefor is disclosed for use in connection with a water closet coupling having flange portion, a connection section and a mounting ring interposed between a toilet drain and a sewer pipe. The mounting ring mounts the coupling to the toilet and to a floor proximate to the sewer pipe. The inner diameter of the mounting ring engages a channel on the coupling for mounting thereto. The replacement ring comprises two joined, overlapping arcuate pieces positioned on opposing sides of the coupling. The inner diameter of the joined arcuate pieces engages the channel on the coupling for mounting thereto. The replacement ring is mounted to both the toilet and to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Gary Dranberg
  • Patent number: 5451081
    Abstract: A freeze proof device for pipe is disclosed adapted to be permanently embedded in concrete or other material. The device has structure for automatically adjusting to the raising or lowering of the concrete caused by freezing and thawing of moist soil on which the concrete rests. The device is particularly useful for sewer tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph J. Kaucnik
  • Patent number: 5335849
    Abstract: A repair flange comprising members of flat, thin, preferably non-corrosive sheet material dimensioned so as to be flush mounted over finished floor surface. The repair flange is designed to fit around the necks under the attachment rim of various size closet flanges and has an opening offset from the usual circular opening wherein the inner edges of two flange members can be proximate one another, spaced a distance apart or staggered. The flange members wherever their location, fit closely around the neck of the closet flange and the flange body extends over the floor surface beyond the area encompased by the rim of the closet fiancee so that attachment to the floor material can be made beyond the base cf the closet flange. The repair flange primarly adapted to repair floor material directly under the base of toilet bowls which contributes to a snug and tight connection of the toilet bowl to the floor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Christopher B. Forbes
  • Patent number: 5309579
    Abstract: An adjustable decorative base trim plate serves as a replacement foot pad for a toilet. The trim plate is positioned between the toilet and floor to provide an attractive, level cover over discrepancies in the flooring surface that can result from toilet replacement. The trim plate is in two pieces that have overlapping flange members and slide to expand and cover a variety of sizes of footprint. Optional cutouts in each piece permit the toilet flange to protrude through. Arcuate lines can be provided to suggest trim lines that can be cut to reposition the flange openings The trim plate is formed of a tough, durable sheet material stiff enough to press against the floor and any caulking material and to stay flat and thick enough to support the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Matthew M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5297817
    Abstract: A street compression closet flange for replacing broken cast iron closet flanges in old buildings comprises an upper cylindrical section, a lower cylindrical section, a rubber seal, and three sets of nuts and bolts. After the broken closet flange has been removed, the street flange is inserted inside the existing pipe. A compression seal if formed between the street flange and the inside of the pipe by tightening the nuts and bolts. The street flange may be slid up or down to achieve the desired height. The street flange may also be used in new building construction instead of conventional closet flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: James Bruno
    Inventor: B. Eugene Hodges