Toilet flange assembly and method for installing a toilet

Abstract

A toilet flange and method for installing a toilet is disclosed. The toilet flange assembly comprises a toilet flange portion and a support portion. The toilet flange and support are adapted to be permanently connected to each other using a self-locking mechanism. The support comprises a rectangular or square support base and an inner cavity with two studs or bolts to attach the support to the toilet. The toilet flange may further comprise a cylindrical section, an upper rim section and a cap to prevent the falling of debris into the waste water pipe. The cap can be easily broken up and removed before installing the toilet. The toilet flange may be used in either new or existing toilet installations to allow better toilet stabilization and easy installation of floor tiles.

1 ) A toilet flange configured for a wastewater drain, the toilet flange comprising:
 a drain portion configured to be attached to the wastewater drain and comprising:
 a first connecting member; and 
 an aperture adapted to allow the flow of wastewater; 
   a supporting portion comprising:
 a second connecting member; and 
 an aperture adapted to receive the periphery of the drain portion; 
   wherein the drain portion and the supporting portion are adapted to be attached to one another by means of the first and second connecting members.   
     
     
         2 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the drain portion and the supporting portion are adapted to be removably attached to one another. 
     
     
         3 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second connecting member is adapted to become rigidly fixed to the first connecting member in the vertical direction. 
     
     
         4 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the second connecting member remains rotatably movable with respect to the first connecting member when rigidly fixed to the first connecting member. 
     
     
         5 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 3 , the second connecting member being able to self-lock to the first connecting member. 
     
     
         6 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first connecting member comprises a groove and the second connecting member comprises a protruding edge, the groove and protruding edge being configured to be mated to one another. 
     
     
         7 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first connecting member comprises a protruding edge and the second connecting member comprises a groove, the groove and protruding edge being configured to be mated to one another. 
     
     
         8 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the supporting portion comprises a fastener configured to anchor a toilet bowl. 
     
     
         9 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the fastener comprises a bolt. 
     
     
         10 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the fastener is integral with the supporting portion. 
     
     
         11 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the drain portion comprises a removable cover configured to limit access through the aperture. 
     
     
         12 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the drain portion comprises a breakable cover configured to limit access through the aperture. 
     
     
         13 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the supporting portion comprises a cavity adapted to receive a fastener. 
     
     
         14 ) The toilet flange as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the supporting member is rectangular or square shaped. 
     
     
         15 ) A method for installing a toilet comprising:
 inserting and connecting a drain portion of a toilet flange to a drain pipe;   adjusting a supporting portion of the toilet flange to obtain a desired orientation of the toilet;   connecting the supporting portion to the drain portion; and   mounting the toilet to the toilet flange.   
     
     
         16 ) The method as claimed in  claim 15 , the method further comprising affixing the supporting portion to a surface around the drain pipe. 
     
     
         17 ) The method as claimed in  claim 15 , the method further comprising affixing the toilet to fasteners of the toilet flange. 
     
     
         18 ) The method as claimed in  claim 15 , the method further comprising removing a cap covering an aperture of the drain portion. 
     
     
         19 ) The method as claimed in  claim 15 , the method further comprising breaking a cap covering an aperture of the drain portion. 
     
     
         20 ) The method as claimed in  claim 15 , the method further comprising installing flooring having a geometrical shape compatible with the support portion.