Closet flange system for existing installation

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of providing a flange for connecting to a toilet above an installed closet flange, the installed closet flange having a pipe section and an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the pipe section, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a closet flange insert having a body having a through pipe and an annular toilet connecting flange extending radially outwardly from said through pipe, said through pipe being sized to be inserted into the pipe section of the installed closet flange, said toilet connecting flange being sized to at least partially overlie the annular flange of the installed closet flange; 
 disposing at least one spacer atop the installed closet flange, each said spacer having a body defining an opening which permits passage therethrough of said through pipe of said closet flange insert but not said toilet connecting flange of said closet flange insert; 
 inserting said through pipe of said closet flange insert through said opening of each said spacer and into the pipe section of the installed closet flange; and, 
 fastening said closet flange insert to a surface in proximity to the installed closet flange, 
 wherein a lower face of said toilet connecting flange is generally flush with the top of finished flooring located about, and protruding above, the installed closet flange. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as in  claim 1 , further comprising the step of disposing at least one seal between said closet flange insert and the installed closet flange. 
     
     
       3. A method as in  claim 1 , wherein said toilet connecting flange is generally sized and shaped same as the annular flange of the installed closet flange. 
     
     
       4. A combination comprising:
 a closet flange insert for defining a flange for connecting to a toilet located above an installed closet flange, the installed closet flange having a pipe section and an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the pipe section, said closet flange insert comprising:
 a body having a through pipe and an annular toilet connecting flange extending radially outwardly from said through pipe, said through pipe being sized to be inserted into the pipe section of the installed closet flange, said toilet connecting flange being sized to at least partially overlie the annular flange of the installed closet flange, at least one fastener hole being formed to extend through said toilet connecting flange, 
 wherein an arcuate wall depends from said toilet connecting flange to at least partially circumscribe said through pipe, said arcuate wall being spaced radially inwardly of an outer edge of said toilet connecting flange, and 
 wherein, when said through pipe is inserted into the pipe section of the installed closet flange, a lower face of said toilet connecting flange is configured to be generally flush with a top of finished flooring located about, and protruding above, the installed closet flange; and 
   at least one wax ring seated at least partially between said arcuate wall and said through pipe.   
     
     
       5. A combination as in claim 4, wherein said arcuate wall fully circumscribes said through pipe. 
     
     
       6. A method of providing a flange for connecting to a toilet above an installed closet flange, the installed closet flange having a pipe section and an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the pipe section, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a closet flange insert having a body having a through pipe and an annular toilet connecting flange extending radially outwardly from said through pipe, said through pipe being sized to be inserted into the pipe section of the installed closet flange, said toilet connecting flange being sized to at least partially overlie the annular flange of the installed closet flange;   inserting said through pipe of said closet flange insert through at least one wax ring;   inserting said through pipe of said closet flange insert into the pipe section of the installed closet flange; and,   fastening said closet flange insert to flooring with fasteners passing through said closet flange insert and into the flooring,   wherein, with said closet flange insert fastened to the flooring, a lower face of said toilet connecting flange is generally flush with the top of finished flooring located about, and protruding above, the installed closet flange.   
     
     
       7. A method as in claim 6, wherein said fasteners are screws.