System and method for toilet unit installation and removal

Abstract

An installation and removal system for a toilet unit is provided. The system includes a base having floor engaging wheels coupled thereto. At least one of the floor engaging wheels is adjustable to maintain the base substantially level relative to the floor. An actuator is disposed on the base. A pair of spaced apart support elements are coupled to the actuator and adapted to engage an underside of the toilet unit. An angle of the support elements relative the base is adjustable. The system includes a retaining system coupled to the spaced apart support elements and adapted to couple with the toilet unit. The retaining system militate against an undesired movement of the toilet unit relative the support elements. A kit and method for using the system are also provided.

1 . An installation and removal system for a toilet unit, comprising:
 a base having floor engaging wheels coupled thereto, wherein at least one of the floor engaging wheels is adjustable in height to maintain the base substantially level relative to the floor;   a pair of spaced apart support elements engageable with the toilet unit, wherein an angle of each of the support elements relative the base is adjustable; and   an actuator disposed on the base and coupled to the support elements, the actuator configured to selectively vertically position the support elements.   
     
     
         2 . The installation and removal system of  claim 1 , wherein the base is substantially U-shaped, and wherein the system may be employed with both wall mounted and floor mounted toilet units. 
     
     
         3 . The installation and removal system of  claim 1 , further including at least one tool tray coupled to the base. 
     
     
         4 . The installation and removal system of  claim 1 , further including a handle pivotally coupled to the base, the handle enabling an operator to maneuver the system. 
     
     
         5 . The installation and removal system of  claim 4 , further including a dolly wheel insert selectively coupled to an end of the base opposite the handle. 
     
     
         6 . The installation and removal system of  claim 1 , further including a retaining system configured to couple with the toilet unit and militate against an undesired movement of the toilet unit relative the support elements. 
     
     
         7 . The installation and removal system of  claim 6 , wherein the retaining system includes a plurality of cables configured to be attached to at least one of the support elements and the base. 
     
     
         8 . The installation and removal system of  claim 1 , wherein the spaced apart support elements have elastomeric engaging surfaces. 
     
     
         9 . A toilet installation and removal kit, comprising:
 an installation and removal system including, a base having ground engaging wheels coupled thereto, wherein the floor engaging wheels are adjustable to maintain the base substantially level relative to the floor, a handle pivotally coupled to the base, an actuator disposed on the base, a pair of support elements coupled to the actuator and configured to engage an underside of the toilet unit, wherein an angle of each of the support elements relative the base is adjustable, and at least one tool tray coupled to the base; and   a retaining system configured to couple with the toilet unit and militate against an undesired movement of the toilet unit relative the support elements.   
     
     
         10 . A method for moving a toilet unit, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing an installation and removal system for the toilet unit, including a base having a plurality of floor engaging wheels coupled thereto, wherein at least one of the floor engaging wheels is adjustable in height to maintain the base substantially level relative to the floor, a handle pivotally coupled to the base, an actuator disposed on the base, a pair of spaced apart support elements coupled to the actuator and configured to engage an underside of the toilet unit, wherein an angle of each of the support elements relative the base is adjustable, and a retaining system coupled to the spaced apart support elements, the retaining system configured to couple with the toilet unit and militate against an undesired movement of the toilet unit relative the support elements;   engaging an underside of the toilet unit with the pair of spaced apart support elements;   securing the toilet unit to the system with the retaining system; and   one of installing and removing the toilet unit with the installation and removal system.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of installing the toilet unit includes the steps of:
 rolling the toilet unit to a desired location;   fastening the toilet unit to at least one of a wall and a floor by attaching mounting fasteners;   connecting a flushometer on the toilet unit to a spud on the toilet unit;   loosening the retaining system to remove the toilet unit from the system;   removing the system from under the toilet unit; and   turning a water supply to the toilet unit on, thereby installing the toilet unit.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of removing the toilet unit includes the steps of:
 turning a water supply to the toilet unit off;   disconnecting a flushometer on the toilet unit from a spud on the toilet unit;   screwing a safety cap having a bleeder valve onto the flushometer,
 wherein a leakage of water from the flushometer is militated against if the flushometer is inadvertently activated; 
   positioning the system under the toilet unit;   causing the support elements to engage the underside of the toilet unit;   connecting the retaining system of the system to the inlet spud and to a front lip of the toilet unit;   tightening the retaining system to secure the toilet unit to the system;   unfastening the toilet unit from at least one of a wall and a floor by removing mounting fasteners; and   rolling the toilet unit to a desired location, thereby removing the toilet unit.