Expandable anchor bolt system and toilet installation method

Abstract

The present invention provides an expandable anchor bolt system for securing a toilet to a closet flange. The system includes an anchor bolt with an expandable lower end designed to securely engage with a groove of the closet flange, and an upper end configured to accommodate fastening means. The expansion mechanism is activated by inserting an expansion pin that does not require tools and can lock to maintain the expanded state of the anchor bolt. The system further comprises a bolt cap for covering the upper end of the assembled components, offering an aesthetically pleasing finish and protection. The system is adaptable to various flange conditions, particularly suitable for installations involving damaged or compromised closet flanges. This invention simplifies the installation process while ensuring the stability and safety of the toilet installation, providing an improved method for toilet installation in both new construction and repair scenarios.

1 . An expandable anchor bolt system for securing a toilet to a closet flange, the expandable anchor bolt system comprising:
 an anchor bolt comprising an upper end, a lower end, and a channel, the lower end configured to partially reside within a groove of the closet flange during installation; and   an expansion pin adapted to be inserted into the channel of the anchor bolt;   wherein insertion of the expansion pin into the channel causes the lower end of the anchor bolt to expand, thereby securing the anchor bolt within the groove of the closet flange.   
     
     
         2 . The expandable anchor bolt system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a threaded portion disposed at the upper end for receiving a fastening means; and   an expansion portion disposed at the lower end, the expansion portion comprising split segments configured to expand outward upon insertion of the expansion pin.   
     
     
         3 . The expandable anchor bolt system of  claim 2 , wherein the fastening means is a nut configured to engage with the threaded portion of the anchor bolt. 
     
     
         4 . The expandable anchor bolt system of any one of  claim 1 , further comprising a bolt cap configured to cover the upper end of the anchor bolt after securing the toilet. 
     
     
         5 . The expandable anchor bolt system of any one of  claim 1 , wherein the expansion pin is configured to be inserted and locked without the need for tools, thereby preventing retraction of the expanded lower end. 
     
     
         6 . The expandable anchor bolt system of any one of  claim 1 , adapted to be compatible with a repair flange disposed on a damaged closet flange. 
     
     
         7 . The expandable anchor bolt system of any one of  claim 1 , wherein the expansion pin includes a locking mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . The expandable anchor bolt system of  claim 7 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking head, the locking head having a radial width greater than a radial width of the channel of the anchor bolt. 
     
     
         9 . The expandable anchor bolt system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a threaded portion disposed at the upper end for receiving a nut; and   an expansion portion disposed at the lower end, the expansion portion comprising split segments configured to expand outward upon insertion of the expansion pin.   
     
     
         10 . A method of securing a toilet to a closet flange using an expandable anchor bolt system, the method comprising:
 providing an expandable anchor bolt system as in  claim 1 ;   inserting the anchor bolt into a groove of the closet flange;   inserting the expansion pin into the anchor bolt to cause the lower end of the anchor bolt to expand within the groove;   locking the fastening means to the upper end of the anchor bolt to secure the anchor bolt to the closet flange;   aligning a mounting hole of the toilet with the upper end of the anchor bolt;   placing the toilet onto the anchor bolt; and   securing the toilet to the anchor bolt using the fastening means.   
     
     
         11 . A method of securing a toilet to a closet flange using an expandable anchor bolt system, the method comprising:
 providing an expandable anchor bolt system as in claim  9 ;   inserting the anchor bolt into a groove of the closet flange;   inserting the expansion pin into the anchor bolt to cause the lower end of the anchor bolt to expand within the groove;   locking the nut to the upper end of the anchor bolt to secure the anchor bolt to the closet flange;   aligning a mounting hole of the toilet with the upper end of the anchor bolt;   placing the toilet onto the anchor bolt; and   securing the toilet to the anchor bolt using the nut.