CLOSET CARRIER ASSEMBLIES HAVING MULTIPLE ORIENTATIONS AND A CROSS BRACE HANDLE

Abstract

A closet carrier assembly for a wall-mounted toilet includes a frame assembly having a pair of spaced apart opposing frames. Each frame includes a front leg, a rear leg, and an arm connecting the front and rear legs. A cross brace extends between the frames for providing structural support. A nipple connector forms an outlet and an inlet for coupling to a waste pipe of the wall mounted toilet. The nipple connector is secured to the front legs of the frames. A waste pipe chase conduit couples to the outlet of the nipple connector. The waste pipe chase includes a conduit outlet portion extending between the legs of one of the opposing frames, and a threaded stub on the waste pipe chase conduit. A hanger bracket extends between one of the frames and the threaded stub for supporting the waste pipe chase conduit.

Claims

1. A closet carrier assembly for a wall-mounted toilet comprising: a frame assembly including: a pair of spaced apart opposing frames, each frame comprising a front leg, a rear leg, and an arm connecting the front and rear legs; and a cross brace extending between the frames for providing structural support; a nipple connector forming an outlet and an inlet for coupling to a waste pipe of the wall mounted toilet, the nipple connector secured to the front legs of the frames; a waste pipe chase conduit coupled to the outlet of the nipple connector, the waste pipe chase including: a conduit outlet portion extending between the legs of one of the opposing frames; and a threaded stub on the waste pipe chase conduit; and a hanger bracket extending between one of the frames and the threaded stub for supporting the waste pipe chase conduit.

2. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein: the frames are identical: each frame includes at least two threaded bracket mounting bosses; and the hanger bracket forms a plurality of frame mounting holes.

3. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second threaded stub on the waste pipe chase conduit that opposes the threaded stub so that the conduit outlet portion can be oriented and still supported by the hanger bracket mounted to the second threaded stub and an other of the opposing frames.

4. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the cross brace is shaped to match a profile of the frames and forms a pathway for passage of a vertical vent pipe connected to the waste pipe chase conduit.

5. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein a shape of the pathway is semi-circular, sized to match the vertical vent pipe, and forms slots, and further comprising a flexible plastic cable tie in the slots for securing the vertical vent pipe to the cross brace.

6. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the cross brace includes a top handle portion forming a hand passage so that the top handle portion serves as a handle for carrying the closet carrier assembly.

7. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the nipple connector includes an outer flange with two throughbores for mounting to the frame assembly.

8. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein the outer flange defines a central inlet opening surrounded by a forward ridge and a neck extends backward from the central inlet opening, the neck having a first threaded portion for threading to the waste pipe.

9. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the waste pipe includes an enlarged end forming a hollow around outer threads that couple to the first threaded portion so that the forward ridge is within the hollow.

10. A closet carrier assembly for a wall-mounted toilet assembly, the closet carrier assembly comprising: a nipple connector defining: an inlet configured to couple to a waste pipe of the wall-mounted toilet; and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; a waste pipe chase conduit having: a first portion configured to couple to the outlet of the nipple connector; and a second portion in fluid with the first portion and extending at an angle from the first portion; and a frame assembly including: a first frame; a second frame spaced apart from the first frame, wherein each frame comprises: a proximal post configured to couple to the nipple connector and terminating in a proximal foot configured stand on floor on a proximal side of the second portion of the waste pipe chase conduit; a distal post terminating in a distal foot configured to stand on floor on a distal side of the second portion of the waste pipe chase conduit; and a top portion connecting the proximal and distal posts.

11. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 10, further comprising a cross brace extending between the top portions for providing structural support, wherein the cross brace forms a pathway for passage of a vertical vent pipe connected to the waste pipe chase conduit.

12. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein: a shape of the pathway is semi-circular, sized to match the vertical vent pipe; the cross brace includes a top handle portion forming a hand passage so that the top handle portion serves as a handle for carrying the closet carrier assembly; and the nipple connector includes an outer flange with two throughbores for mounting to the proximal posts.

13. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 10, wherein the waste pipe chase conduit includes: a right-orientation threaded stub; a right-hand orientation coupling and a left-orientation threaded stub opposing the right-orientation threaded stub, and further comprising a hanger bracket extending between one of the frames and one of the threaded stubs for supporting the waste pipe chase conduit depending upon an orientation of the waste pipe chase conduit.

14. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the waste pipe chase conduit includes: a right-hand orientation coupling for connecting to a vertical vent pipe; a left-hand orientation coupling for connecting to the vertical vent pipe; and a cap for closing either of the right-hand and left-hand orientation couplings.

15. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein: the frames are identical: each frame includes at least two threaded bracket mounting bosses; and the hanger bracket forms a plurality of frame mounting holes.

16. A closet carrier assembly for a wall-mounted toilet assembly, the closet carrier assembly comprising: a waste pipe chase conduit having: a first portion forming an inlet; a second portion forming an outlet in fluid with the first portion and extending at an angle from the first portion; a first-orientation threaded stub on the second portion; and a second-orientation threaded stub opposing the first-orientation threaded stub on the second portion; a first frame including: a first proximal post; a first distal post; and a first top portion connecting the first proximal and distal posts, wherein the first proximal and distal posts and the first top portion form a first opening for the second portion of the waste pipe chase conduit; a second frame including: a second proximal post; a second distal post; and a second top portion connecting the second proximal and distal posts, wherein the second proximal and distal posts and the second top portion form a second opening for the second portion of the waste pipe chase conduit; and a hanger bracket selectively extending between: the first frame and the first-orientation threaded stub for supporting the waste pipe chase conduit in a first-orientation wherein the second portion of the waste pipe chase conduit extends through the first opening; or the second frame and the second-orientation threaded stub for supporting the waste pipe chase conduit in a second-orientation wherein the second portion of the waste pipe chase conduit extends through the second opening.

17. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein: the frames are identical: each frame includes at least two threaded bracket mounting bosses; and the hanger bracket forms a plurality of frame mounting holes.

18. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 16, further comprising a nipple connector defining: a nipple inlet configured to couple to a waste pipe of the wall-mounted toilet; and a nipple outlet in fluid communication with the nipple inlet and configured to couple to the inlet of the first portion of the waste pipe chase conduit.

19. A closet carrier assembly as recited in claim 16, further comprising a cross brace extending between the first and second top portions for providing structural support, wherein the cross brace is forms a pathway for passage of a vertical vent pipe connected to the waste pipe chase conduit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed technology appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the following drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a closet carrier assembly in accordance with the subject technology.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the area encircled in FIG. 3.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a faceplate for the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 7 is front plan view of the faceplate of FIG. 6.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the faceplate of FIG. 6.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of the faceplate of FIG. 6.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an isolated frame for the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the frame of FIG. 10.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the frame of FIG. 10.

[0030] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of another closet carrier assembly in accordance with the subject technology.

[0031] FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 13.

[0032] FIG. 15 is a side plan view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 13.

[0033] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 13.

[0034] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another closet carrier assembly in accordance with the subject technology.

[0035] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 17.

[0036] FIG. 19 is a front plan view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 17.

[0037] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 17.

[0038] FIG. 21 is a side plan view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 17.

[0039] FIGS. 22A and 22 B are front perspective views of another closet carrier assembly in accordance with the subject technology.

[0040] FIG. 23 is a top view of the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B as arranged in FIG. 22A.

[0041] FIG. 24 is a front view of the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B as arranged in FIG. 22A.

[0042] FIG. 25 is a right side view of the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B as arranged in FIG. 22A.

[0043] FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0044] FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view of the closet carrier assembly of FIG. 22A taken along cut line 27-27 in FIG. 24.

[0045] FIG. 28 a detailed view of the area in circle 28 in FIG. 27.

[0046] FIG. 29 a perspective front view of an isolated nipple for the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0047] FIG. 30 a perspective back view of an isolated nipple for the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0048] FIG. 31 is a perspective front view of an isolated waste pipe conduit for the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0049] FIG. 32 is a perspective back view of an isolated waste pipe conduit for the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0050] FIG. 33 a perspective front view of a fitting hanger bracket for the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0051] FIG. 34 is a perspective top view of an isolated cross brace for the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0052] FIG. 35 a perspective bottom view of a cross brace for the closet carrier assembly of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] The subject technology overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with closet carriers for wall-mounted toilets. The advantages, and other features of the technology disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present technology and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements. Directional indications such as front, back, upward, downward, right, left and the like are used with respect to the figures and not meant in a limiting manner.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, there are shown various views of a closet carrier assembly 100 for a wall-mounted toilet (not shown). In brief overview, the subject technology includes lightweight, easy to carry and install frames that are suitably strong to meet the support requirements of a wall-mounted toilet. The closet carrier assembly 100 includes a face plate 110 supported by four threaded rods 120. The threaded rods 120 are supported by and extend from a frame assembly 140. Proximal ends 122 of the threaded rods 120 have nuts 124 and nut assemblies 126 for securing the toilet thereto. The face plate 110 also couples to a waste pipe chase conduit 130 that extends through the frame assembly 140.

[0055] Now referring additionally to FIGS. 6-9 that show the face plate 110 in isolation, the face plate defines an inlet 112. The inlet 112 is configured to couple to a waste pipe of the wall-mounted toilet and a nipple or other intermediate connection may be utilized as needed. The face plate 110 also includes an outlet pipe 113 forming an outlet 114 in fluid communication with the inlet 112 and the waste pipe chase conduit 130. The inlet 112 and the outlet 114 may be of any configuration, such as threaded, as long as a secure, fluid-tight connection is created. The face plate 110 forms four throughholes 116 for receiving the rods 120. The face plate 110 may be metal or plastic as well as solid. As shown in FIG. 9, the face plate 110 includes support strengthening ribs 117. As a result, the face plate 110 may be made of plastic and include corner recesses 119 molded to house the nuts 126.

[0056] Still referring to FIGS. 1-5, the waste pipe chase conduit 130 has a first elbow portion 132 configured to couple to the outlet 114 of the face plate 110. A second straight portion 134 of the waste pipe chase conduit 130 is in fluid with the first portion 132. The second straight portion 134 extends substantially parallel to the face plate 110 (i.e., at an angle with respect to the first elbow portion 132). As shown, the second straight portion 134 is configured with openings 138 to connect to adjacent wall-mounted toilets that can have a similar closet carrier assembly. In another embodiment, the second straight portion 134 only includes a single opening 138 to connect to an adjacent toilet or even none at all. The second straight portion 134 also includes a vertical vent coupling 136. The frame assembly 140 includes first and second spaced apart frames 142 that are preferably identical. Referring additionally to FIGS. 9-11, a frame 142 is shown in isolation. Each frame 142 is formed by flange portions 144 interconnected by webs 146. The flange portions 144 and the webs 146 may include ribs 148 for strengthening. The ribs 148 may be on an edge as shown and/or centrally located on the flange portions 144 and webs 146. The frames 142 include a proximal leg or post 150 and a distal leg or post 152 connected by top, intermediate and bottom chords 154, 156, 158.

[0057] The bottom and intermediate chords 156, 158 and the posts 150, 152 form an oval 160 that encircles the second portion 134 of the waste pipe chase conduit 130. As shown, the oval 160 also encircles a portion of the first elbow portion 132. The top and intermediate chords 154, 156 form another opening 162 that serves as a convenient lift point or handle to facilitate carrying and installation. Each proximal leg 150 is configured to couple to a distal end 128 of the respective rods 120.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 9-11, each proximal post 150 includes four thread location bores 164 that structurally serve the same strengthening function as webs 146. However, the thread location bores 164 also receive the distal ends 128 of the threaded rods 120, which are set in place by a nut assembly 126. There may be any number of thread location bores. By having pairs of thread location bores 164 on the proximal posts 150, the installer may select various heights for placement of the wall-mounted toilet.

[0059] Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 9, each post 150, 152 terminates in a foot 170. As the posts 150, 152 support the toilet, it is preferable to have good contact with the floor to distribute the load. To accommodate for floor variation, one or more stackable shims 172 can be coupled under each foot 170. The feet 170, and shims 172 if desirable, form a mounting hole 174 (best seen in FIGS. 1 and 9) so that the frames 142 may be screwed down to the floor on each side of the waste pipe chase conduit 130. Preferably, the webs 146 adjacent the feet 170 form a tool clearance arc 176 (best seen in FIGS. 1 and 9) so that the installer may easily bolt down the frames 142 with a standard tool.

[0060] Preferably, the frames are fabricated from plastic but may also be metal or other materials. Plastic fabrication allows for over-molding metal inserts 168, for example, in the threaded location bores 164. By utilizing plastic in the solid design with the flange and web construction, the frames are much lighter in weight than traditional metal legs but just as strong, durable and reliable. Each frame has two anchor points on the floor to provide stability. As a result, the closet carrier assembly is much lighter, easier to carry, as well as faster to position and install. In one embodiment, the closet carrier assembly can be carried by a single person, support 500 pounds, and be much more material and cost efficient to manufacture. It is envisioned that all or any combination of the components may be plastic and the like non-metal materials. Typically, the hardware such as rods, nuts and bolts might be metal.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 13-16, a further embodiment of a closet carrier assembly 200 in accordance with the subject technology is shown. Some elements are similar to those of the foregoing embodiments and, thus, are not further described in great detail. The following description is directed mainly to the differences.

[0062] Some similar elements to those described in connection with above-described embodiments are indicated with the like reference numbers. For example, the closet carrier assembly 200 includes a face plate 210 coupled to a frame assembly 240. Four threaded rods 220 are supported by and extend from the frame assembly 240. The face plate 210 also couples to a waste pipe chase conduit 230 that extends through the frame assembly 240.

[0063] The face plate 210 includes a nipple 211 extending forward from the inlet 212. The nipple 211 is configured to couple to a waste pipe of the wall-mounted toilet. The face plate 210 couples directly to the frame assembly 240 via holes 213. The face plate 210 forms four holes 216 for receiving the rods 220 as well as four slots 215 to adjust the height of the waste pipe chase conduit 230 as best seen in FIG. 16. Fins 217 on the face plate increase the structural strength and allow making the face plate 210 from plastic.

[0064] Still referring to FIGS. 13-16, the waste pipe chase conduit 230 has a differently positioned vertical vent coupling 236. To accommodate the vent coupling 236, the respective frame 242 of the frame assembly 240 forms a vent passage 243. The opening 262 may be used to strap the vertical vent (not shown) into the vent passage 243 of the frame 242. The waste pipe chase conduit 230 also includes a flange 233 with four mounting holes 235 for coupling directly to the face plate 210.

[0065] To help stabilize the frames 242, the frame assembly 240 includes two optional braces 270 extending between the top chords 254 of the frames 242. Preferably, the braces 270 are securely attached to the frames 242 with fasteners (not shown). The braces 270 may also be plastic or steel and fix into slots formed in the frames 242.

[0066] The first and second frames 242 are again interchangeable with the proximal and distal posts 250, 252 being identically shaped. Each post 250, 252 forms two inner slots 282 for allowing adjustment to a height of the waste pipe chase conduit 230. Each post also forms two outer slots 284 for receiving the rods 220 for allowing adjustment to a height of the wall-mounted toilet. Markings 276 on the posts 250, 252 provide a visual indication of the toilet height. As can be seen by having symmetry of the frame assembly 240, a wall-mounted toilet may be hung on the front and back side of the frame assembly 240 by utilizing a second face plate and a waste pipe chase conduit so configured.

[0067] To adjust the waste line height, the closet carrier assembly 200 is largely assembled with fixing screws 278 (only one shown in FIG. 14 for simplicity) passing through the post inner slots 282 into the conduit mounting holes 235. As long as the fixing screws 278 are loose, the faceplate 210 can slide vertically to accommodate fluid connection to the waste pipe chase conduit 230. Once the face plate 210 is at the proper height, the fixing screws 278 are tightened against the frames 242 to hold the face plate 210 in place.

[0068] Similarly to adjust the toilet height, the closet carrier assembly 200 is largely assembled with the rods 220 passing through the post outer slots 284 and face plate holes 216 but without fixing the rods 220 in place until the rods 220 are at the proper height as indicated by the markings 276 or other measurement. The slots 284 allow ample vertical movement. Once the rods 220 for the toilet are at the proper height, the nuts 227 are tightened against the frames 242 to hold the rods 220 in place. The distal ends 228 may thread into the holes 216 or be secured thereto with another nut (not shown).

[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 17-21, a further embodiment of a closet carrier assembly 300 in accordance with the subject technology is shown. Some elements are similar to those of the foregoing embodiments and, thus, are not further described in great detail. The following description is directed mainly to the differences.

[0070] Some similar elements to those described in connection with above-described embodiments are indicated with the like reference numbers. For example, the closet carrier assembly 300 includes a face plate 310 coupled to a frame assembly 340. Four threaded rods 320 are supported by and extend from the frame assembly 340. The face plate 310 also couples to a waste pipe chase conduit 330 that extends through the frame assembly 340. As can be seen the closet carrier assembly 300 is configured to hold two opposing wall-mounted toilets (not shown). The following description is directed to a single side of the closet carrier assembly 300 for brevity.

[0071] The face plate 310 includes a nipple 317 forming the inlet 312. The face plate 310 and nipple 317 are plastic molded together as a single component. The nipple 317 is configured to couple to a collar 319 that connects to a waste pipe of the wall-mounted toilet. The face plate 310 includes an outer frame 318 to increase the structural strength.

[0072] To help stabilize the frames 342, the frame assembly 340 includes two optional plates 390 extending parallel to and behind the face plate 310. Each plate 390 mounts between the posts 350 of the frames 342. Preferably, the plates 390 are securely attached to the frames 342 with fasteners 351 and made of plastic or steel. One or no plates 290 may be used.

[0073] The two frames 342 are again interchangeable with all four posts 350 being identically shaped. Each post 350 also forms rod slots 384 for receiving the rods 320 for allowing adjustment to a height of the wall-mounted toilet. Each post 350 also forms slots 392 for allowing adjustment to a height of the waste pipe chase conduit 330 by variably mounting the plates 390. The slots 392 are not adjacent the face plate 310 but rather on a side 394. The markings 376 are also on the side 394 to provide a visual indication of the position. As illustrated by the second faceplate 310 and additional rods 320, a second wall-mounted toilet may be hung on the back side of the frame assembly 340. To adjust the waste line height and the toilet height, the slots 384, 392 of the closet carrier assembly 300 are similarly utilized as noted above.

[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 22A-35, a further embodiment of a closet carrier assembly 400 in accordance with the subject technology is shown. Some elements are similar to those of the foregoing embodiments and, thus, are not further described in great detail. The following description is directed mainly to the differences.

[0075] Some similar elements to those described in connection with above-described embodiments are indicated with the like reference numbers. For example, the closet carrier assembly 400 includes a frame assembly 440 having two opposing frames 442. As is illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the closet carrier assembly 400 may reverse the orientation of the waste pipe chase conduit 430. Further, a secondary pipe 431 may connect to a top coupling 436a or a bottom coupling 436b of the waste pipe chase conduit 430 (see FIGS. 26, 31 and 32). Unused openings can be capped.

[0076] As best seen in FIGS. 22A, 22B and 26, the waste pipe chase conduit 430 couples with a nipple connector 417 for direct connection to a waste pipe 402. The waste pipe 402 has an enlarged end 404 that forms a hollow 406 as shown in FIG. 28. Inside the hollow 406, the enlarged end 404 has outer threads 408. An o-ring 409 helps to create a fluid-tight seal between the waste pipe 402 and nipple connector 417.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the waste pipe chase conduit 430 has a first elbow portion 432 extending from a collar 439 that defines an inlet 412. The collar 439 is configured to couple to the nipple connector 417. A second straight portion 434 extends at an angle (e.g., about 90 degrees) with respect to the first elbow portion 432. The second straight portion 434 is configured with openings 438 to connect to adjacent wall-mounted toilets that can have similar or different closet carrier assemblies.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, the nipple connector 417 has an outer flange 419 with two throughbores 421 for receiving the threaded rods 420. The outer flange 419 defines a central inlet opening 423 surrounded by a forward ridge 425. A neck 427 extends backward from the central inlet opening 423. The neck 427 has a first threaded portion 429 forming the central inlet opening 423, then a transition portion 431 that narrows to a rear portion 433, which forms a relatively narrower central outlet opening 435.

[0079] As best seen in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 27 and 28, the collar 439 of the waste pipe chase conduit 430 couples tightly with the neck 427 of the nipple connector 417. A sealant, adhesive or the like may be used at some or all of the component interfaces to further guarantee fluid-tightness. The threaded portion 429 of the nipple connector 417 is sized and configured to threadably engage the outer threads 408 of the waste pipe 402 so that the ridge 425 goes into the hollow 406. As such, the nipple connector 417 is secured to the frame assembly 440 on the rods 420 and forms a direct connection of the waste pipe conduit 430 to the waste pipe 402.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 22B, a cross brace 480 extends between the two opposing frames 442 of the frame assembly 440 to provide more structural support and act as a handle for easy lifting, positioning and carrying of the frame assembly 440. The cross brace 480 also accommodates and can support the vertical vent pipe 431.

[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35, the cross brace 480 is arc-shaped to match the profile of the frames 442. Three pairs of threaded mounting holes 482 allow selectively fastening the cross brace 480 between frames 442 so that during installation, the cross-brace 480 can be temporarily removed if desired. However, the cross brace 480 forms a pathway 484 for passage of the vertical vent pipe 431 so that once installed, the cross brace 482 need not be removed. When in place, the vertical vent pipe 431 can be secured. For example, flexible plastic cable ties may be used. In another embodiment, the shape of the pathway is not only mostly circular but sized to match the vent pipe. Additionally, the cross brace may form slots for receiving cable ties so that the vent pipe can be retained in the pathway. The cross brace 480 also includes a top handle portion 488 that forms a hand passage 486 so that the top handle portion 488 serves as a handle for carrying the assembly 400. Preferably, the cross brace is manufacture from plastic and utilizes strategic holes and a semi-hollow structure with ridges to reduce weight while maintaining ample structural rigidity and strength.

[0082] Referring again to FIGS. 22A, 22B, 26 and 31-33, a fitting hanger bracket 490 facilitates reversible mounting of the waste pipe conduit 430. The hanger bracket 490 has a L-shaped body 492 defining a plurality of frame mounting holes 494 and a conduit mounting hole 496. One of the plurality of frame mounting holes 494 is utilized to fasten the hanger bracket 490 to an internally threaded bracket mounting boss 449 on each frame 442, depending upon the diameter and orientation of the waste pipe conduit 430. The hanger bracket 490 that is shown includes a fourth frame mounting hole 494 not seen in the views. Preferably, each frame 442 includes opposing mounting bosses 449 so that the frames 442 are identical and interchangeable. Further, the additional mounting bosses 449 allow mounting the hanger bracket 490 inside the frame assembly 440 provide the waste pipe conduit 430 has a properly placed threaded stub 435.

[0083] The waste pipe conduit 430 also includes stubs 435a, 435b with internal threads so that the hanger bracket 490 can be coupled thereto using the conduit mounting hold 496 of the hanger bracket 490. Preferably, the bracket mounting boss 449 includes multiple mounting points so that as the diameter and position of the waste pipe conduit changes, one of the mounting points will align with one of the frame mounting holes for easy alignment and fastening.

[0084] As best seen in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the hanger bracket 490 can be mounted to support the waste pipe conduit 430 in either orientation. Further, as the mounting height and/or diameter of the waste pipe conduit 430 changes, the plurality of mounting holes 494 of the hanger bracket 449 and/or the various threaded mounting holes in the bracket mounting boss 449 of the frames 442 allow adjustment for secure connection in several configurations. As can be seen, not only is the closet carrier 400 very robust but a variety of sizes and orientations may be accommodated.

[0085] As would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art based upon review of the subject disclosure, the waste pipe chase conduit may vary to allow connecting a very long line of wall-mounted toilets. Thus, it may be necessary to adjust various heights to create proper flow as well as toilet heights for not just typical users but the very young and very old. Further, by creating structurally strong features, the components can be manufactured from plastic as opposed to metal to beneficially reduce the weight for easier carrying and installation by a single person. Additionally, the various slots and passages can be utilized to provide ample easy adjustments.

[0086] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art that the functions of several elements may, in alternative embodiments, be carried out by fewer elements, or a single element. Similarly, in some embodiments, any functional element may perform fewer, or different, operations than those described with respect to the illustrated embodiment. Also, functional elements (e.g., connections, plates, conduits, flanges, ribs, webs, bolts, threads, rods and the like) shown as distinct for purposes of illustration may be incorporated within other functional elements in a particular implementation. Still further, various aspects of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched to other embodiments. Further, although the subject technology has been described with respect to the field of closet carriers for toilets, it is envisioned that the subject technology would be equally applicable to other fields and applications such as on urinals and other plumbing applications.

[0087] All patents, patent applications and other references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated in their entireties by reference. While the subject technology has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the subject technology without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, each claim may depend from any or all claims in a multiple dependent manner even though such has not been originally claimed.