FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of hardenable material molds, and in particular to a hardenable material securing apparatus and method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As opposed to standing toilets, which are supported by the floor, hanging toilets are supported only by their attachment to the wall. Due to the weight of people that is applied regularly to the toilet, it is preferred to secure the toilet with concrete. Additionally, concrete can be used to secure the toilet for aesthetic reasons and/or practical uses. Prior art methods of securing toilets, or any other objects, to a wall with concrete entail constructing a wooden structure on site where the concrete is poured into. Such methods are time consuming and expensive.

[0003] What is desired and not provided by the prior art is an apparatus and method for securing objects with hardenable material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome disadvantages of prior art hardenable material securing apparatuses and methods. This is accomplished in one embodiment by a hardenable material securing apparatus comprising: a front panel exhibiting a first side wall and a second side wall opposing said first side wall; wherein said front panel consists essentially of lightweight material. [0005] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined above, wherein said apparatus further comprises: a single side panel, said side panel extends from said first side wall of said front panel or from said second side wall of said front panel; wherein each of said front panel and said side panel consists essentially of lightweight material.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said apparatus further comprises: a pair of side panels, said first side panel extends from said first side wall of said front panel and said second of said pair of side panels extends from said second side wall of said front panel; further wherein each of said front panel and said pair of side panels consists essentially of lightweight material. [0007] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said lightweight material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: polystyrene (PS), graphene, carbon, plastics and any mixture or combination thereof. [0008] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said polystyrene is selected from the group consisting of: polystyrene foam, polystyrene plastic, polystyrene film, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), Styrofoam, polystyrene plastic copolymers, homopolymer polystyrene, High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), oriented polystyrene (OPS) polystyrene foam, polystyrene plastic, polystyrene film, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), Styrofoam, polystyrene plastic copolymers, homopolymer polystyrene, High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), oriented polystyrene (OPS), polystyrene copolymerized, or blended with other polymers, and any mixture thereof.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein each of said front panel and said single or pair of side panels consists essentially of polystyrene.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein each of said front panel and said single or pair of side panels consists essentially of polystyrene foam. [0011] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said first side of the front panel extends towards a first wall portion; a second side of the front panel extends towards a second wall portion; the first wall portion and the second wall portion separated by a third wall portion; and the front panel and the first, second and third wall portions define an enclosure.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said single side panel extends towards a first wall portion; said side of the front panel extends towards a second wall portion; said front panel, said single side panel and said first and second wall potions define an enclosure.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said pair of side panels extend towards a wall, said front panel and said pair of side panels defining an enclosure together with the wall.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, further comprising an adhesive, wherein said front panel and/or said single or pair of side panels secured to a wall with said adhesive, said front panel and said single or pair of side panels defining an enclosure together with the wall.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said front panel and said single or pair of side panels are positioned on a floor, said enclosure further defined by the floor.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, further comprising hardenable material positioned within said enclosure.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said hardenable material is concrete.

[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said front panel further exhibits at least one hole, particularly 2-6 holes, extending from a first face of said front panel to a second face of said front panel opposing said first face of said front panel, said first face of said front panel facing said enclosure and said second face of said front panel facing away from said enclosure.

[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, further comprising a fiberglass mesh, said fiberglass mesh secured to said front panel.

[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said fiberglass mesh comprises interglass.

[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, further comprising a cement based adhesive, said fiberglass mesh is secured to said front panel with said cement based adhesive. [0022] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, further comprising an adhesive, said single or pair of side panels attached to said front panel with said adhesive.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said front panel and said single or pair of side panels are lightweight and field cuttable to a desired shape. [0024] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said front panel length from said first side wall to said second side wall is in the range of about 40 cm to about 1000 cm.

[0025] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein the thickness or depth of said front panel and each of said side panels from a first face of said front panel or of said side panels, to a second face of said front panel or of said side panels, said second face opposing said first face of said front panel or of said side panels, respectively, is in the range of about 0.5 cm to about 10 cm.

[0026] In one independent embodiment, a hardenable material securing apparatus is provided. The hardenable material securing apparatus comprising: a front panel exhibiting a first side wall and a second side wall opposing said first side wall; and a pair of side panels, a first of the pair of side panels extending from said first side wall of said front panel and a second of said pair of side panels extending from said second side wall of said front panel, wherein each of said front panel and said pair of side panel consists essentially of polystyrene.

[0027] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the hardenable material securing apparatus as defined in any of the above, wherein said apparatus is formed as one unit by casting said lightweight material, as one unit, into a mold with predefined size and shape.

[0028] In a further independent embodiment, a hardenable material securing method is provided, the method comprises attaching to a wall: a front panel exhibiting a first side wall and a second side wall opposing the first side wall; and a pair of side panels, a first of the pair of side panels extending from the first side wall of said front panel and a second of the pair of side panels extending from the second side wall of the front panel, the front panel attached to the wall via the pair of side panels, wherein each of the front panel and the pair of side panel consists essentially of lightweight material, further wherein the front panel and the pair of side panels define an enclosure together with the wall, and wherein the method further comprises inserting hardenable material into the enclosure.

[0029] It is one object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined above, wherein said inserted hardenable material is concrete.

[0030] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said lightweight material comprises at least one material selected from: polystyrene, graphene, carbon, plastics and any mixture or combination thereof.

[0031] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said polystyrene is selected from the group consisting of: polystyrene foam, polystyrene plastic, polystyrene film, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), Styrofoam, polystyrene plastic copolymers, homopolymer polystyrene, High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), oriented polystyrene (OPS) polystyrene foam, polystyrene plastic, polystyrene film, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), Styrofoam, polystyrene plastic copolymers, homopolymer polystyrene, High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), oriented polystyrene (OPS), polystyrene copolymerized, or blended with other polymers, and any mixture thereof.

[0032] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein each of said front panel and said pair of side panels consists essentially of polystyrene.

[0033] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein each of the front panel and the pair of side panels consists essentially of polystyrene foam.

[0034] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said apparatus further comprises an adhesive. [0035] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising positioning the front panel and the pair of side panels on a floor, the enclosure further defined by the floor.

[0036] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising, prior to said attaching: applying an adhesive to said side panels; and attaching the side panels to the front panel with said applied adhesive.

[0037] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising creating at least one hole, particularly creating 2-6 holes, within the front panel, the at least one hole extending from a first face of the front panel to a second face of the front panel opposing the first face of said front panel, the first face of the front panel facing the enclosure and the second face of the front panel facing away from the enclosure.

[0038] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising securing a fiberglass mesh to the front panel.

[0039] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said secured fiberglass mesh comprises interglass. [0040] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising applying a cement based adhesive to the front panel, said securing the fiberglass mesh performed with said applied cement based adhesive.

[0041] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising field cutting the front panel and pair of side panels to a desired shape.

[0042] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said front panel length from said first side wall to said second side wall is in the range of about 40 cm to about 1000 cm.

[0043] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein the thickness or depth of said front panel or of each of said side panels from a first face of said front panel or of each of said side panels to a second face of said front panel or each of said side panels opposing said first face of said front panel or of each of said side panels, respectively is in the range of about 0.5 cm to about 10 cm.

[0044] In a further independent embodiment, a hardenable material securing method is provided, the method comprising: attaching a first side of a front panel to a first wall portion; attaching a second side of the front panel to a second wall portion, the first wall portion and the second wall portion separated by a third wall portion; and inserting hardenable material into an enclosure defined by the front panel and the first, second and third wall portions, wherein the front panel consists essentially of lightweight material.

[0045] It is one object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined above, wherein said inserted hardenable material is concrete.

[0046] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said lightweight material comprises at least one material selected from: polystyrene, graphene, carbon, plastics and any mixture or combination thereof.

[0047] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said polystyrene is selected from the group consisting of: polystyrene foam, polystyrene plastic, polystyrene film, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), Styrofoam, polystyrene plastic copolymers, homopolymer polystyrene, High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), oriented polystyrene (OPS) polystyrene foam, polystyrene plastic, polystyrene film, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), Styrofoam, polystyrene plastic copolymers, homopolymer polystyrene, High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), oriented polystyrene (OPS), polystyrene copolymerized, or blended with other polymers, and any mixture thereof.

[0048] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said front panel consists essentially of polystyrene. [0049] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein the front panel consists essentially of polystyrene foam.

[0050] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said apparatus further comprises an adhesive. [0051] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising positioning the front panel on a floor, the enclosure further defined by the floor.

[0052] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising creating at least one hole, particularly creating 2-6 holes, within the front panel, the at least one hole extending from a first face of the front panel to a second face of the front panel opposing the first face of said front panel, the first face of the front panel facing the enclosure and the second face of the front panel facing away from the enclosure. [0053] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising securing a fiberglass mesh to the front panel.

[0054] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said secured fiberglass mesh comprises interglass. [0055] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising applying a cement based adhesive to the front panel, said securing the fiberglass mesh performed with said applied cement based adhesive.

[0056] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising field cutting the front panel to a desired shape.

[0057] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said front panel length from said first side wall to said second side wall is in the range of about 40 cm to about 1000 cm.

[0058] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein the thickness or depth of said front panel and each of said side panels from a first face of said front panel or of each of said side panels, to a second face of said front panel or of each of said side panels opposing said first face of said front panel or of each of said side panels, respectively, is in the range of about 0.5 cm to about 10 cm.

[0059] In a further independent embodiment a hardenable material securing method is provided, the method comprising: attaching a first side wall of a front panel to a first wall potion; attaching a second side wall of the front panel, said second side wall opposing said first side wall of the front panel, to a second wall portion via a side panel extending from the second side wall of said front panel; wherein each of the front panel and the side panel consists essentially of lightweight material, further wherein the front panel and the side panel define an enclosure together with the first and second wall portions, and wherein the method further comprises inserting hardenable material into the enclosure.

[0060] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said inserted hardenable material is concrete. [0061] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said lightweight material comprises at least one material selected from: polystyrene, graphene, carbon, plastics and any mixture or combination thereof.

[0062] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said polystyrene is selected from the group consisting of: polystyrene foam, polystyrene plastic, polystyrene film, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), Styrofoam, polystyrene plastic copolymers, homopolymer polystyrene, High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), oriented polystyrene (OPS) polystyrene foam, polystyrene plastic, polystyrene film, expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), Styrofoam, polystyrene plastic copolymers, homopolymer polystyrene, High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), oriented polystyrene (OPS), polystyrene copolymerized, or blended with other polymers, and any mixture thereof.

[0063] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein each of said front panel and said side panel consists essentially of polystyrene.

[0064] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein each of the front panel and the side panel consists essentially of polystyrene foam.

[0065] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said apparatus further comprises an adhesive. [0066] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising positioning the front panel and the side panel on a floor, the enclosure further defined by the floor.

[0067] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising, prior to said attaching: applying an adhesive to said side panel; and attaching the side panel to the front panel with said applied adhesive.

[0068] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising creating at least one hole, particularly creating 2-6 holes, within the front panel, the at least one hole extending from a first face of the front panel to a second face of the front panel opposing the first face of said front panel, the first face of the front panel facing the enclosure and the second face of the front panel facing away from the enclosure. [0069] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising securing a fiberglass mesh to the front panel.

[0070] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said secured fiberglass mesh comprises interglass. [0071] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising applying a cement based adhesive to the front panel, said securing the fiberglass mesh performed with said applied cement based adhesive.

[0072] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, further comprising field cutting the front panel and the side panel to a desired shape.

[0073] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said front panel length from said first side wall to said second side wall is in the range of about 40 cm to about 1000 cm.

[0074] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein the thickness or depth of said front panel and the side panel from a first face of said front panel or the side panel, to a second face of said front panel or the side panel opposing said first face of said front panel or the side panel, respectively, is in the range of about 0.5 cm to about 10 cm.

[0075] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the method as defined in any of the above, wherein said method comprises steps of forming said apparatus as one unit by casting said lightweight material, as one unit, into a mold with predefined size and shape.

[0076] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose a use of the hardenable material securing apparatus or method as defined in any of the above for securing a sanitary ware system, preferably a toilet system, with hardenable material. [0077] It is a further object of the present invention to disclose the use as defined above, wherein said use comprises securing a sanitary ware system, preferably a toilet system, with hardenable material to a wall.

[0078] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0079] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

[0080] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

[0081] FIGs. 1A - IF illustrate various high level views of a first embodiment of a hardenable material securing apparatus;

[0082] FIGs. 2A - 2D illustrate various steps for securing a toilet system with hardenable material, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0083] FIG. 3 illustrates a high level top view of a second embodiment of a hardenable material securing apparatus;

[0084] FIG. 4 illustrates a high level flow chart of a first hardenable material securing method, in accordance with certain embodiments; and [0085] FIG. 5 illustrates a high level flow chart of a second hardenable material securing method, in accordance with certain embodiments.

DETAIFED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0086] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. [0087] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a hardenable material securing apparatus comprising a front panel exhibiting a first side wall and a second side wall opposing said first side wall; wherein the front panel consists essentially of lightweight material.

[0088] According to a further embodiment, the aforementioned hardenable material securing apparatus may be referred to as a Concrete Molding Mold (CMM). [0089] It is further within the scope of the present invention to provide, a hardenable material securing apparatus is provided. The hardenable material securing apparatus comprising: a front panel exhibiting a first side wall and a second side wall opposing said first side wall; and a pair of side panels, a first of the pair of side panels extending from said first side wall of said front panel and a second of said pair of side panels extending from said second side wall of said front panel, wherein each of said front panel and said pair of side panel consists essentially of polystyrene.

[0090] It is within the scope of the present invention that the hardenable material securing apparatus of the present invention is formed as one unit, by casting the lightweight material (e.g. by extrusion, injection), as one unit, into a mold with predefined size and shape. In this manufacturing process casting of the lightweight material (e.g. polystyrene) in liquid form is performed (e.g. injected or poured) into a mold which contains a hollow cavity of the desired shape and size, and then allowed to solidify. It is emphasized that the hardenable material securing apparatus is formed as one unit, including all elements of the final apparatus such as the front panel, size panels and holes. According to further aspects, the apparatus is formed as a ready-to-use unit, which can be, at a later stage, upon need, further easily adjusted in size and shape. [0091] According to a further embodiment, a hardenable material securing method is provided, the method comprises attaching to a wall: a front panel exhibiting a first side wall and a second side wall opposing the first side wall; and a pair of side panels, a first of the pair of side panels extending from the first side wall of said front panel and a second of the pair of side panels extending from the second side wall of the front panel, the front panel attached to the wall via the pair of side panels, wherein each of the front panel and the pair of side panel consists essentially of lightweight material, further wherein the front panel and the pair of side panels define an enclosure together with the wall, and wherein the method further comprises inserting hardenable material into the enclosure. [0092] According to a further embodiment, a hardenable material securing method is provided, the method comprising: attaching a first side of a front panel to a first wall portion; attaching a second side of the front panel to a second wall portion, the first wall portion and the second wall portion separated by a third wall portion; and inserting hardenable material into an enclosure defined by the front panel and the first, second and third wall portions, wherein the front panel consists essentially of lightweight material.

[0093] According to a further embodiment, a hardenable material securing method is provided, the method comprises attaching to a wall: a front panel exhibiting a first side wall and a second side wall opposing the first side wall; and a pair of side panels, a first of the pair of side panels extending from the first side wall of said front panel and a second of the pair of side panels extending from the second side wall of the front panel, the front panel attached to the wall via the pair of side panels, wherein each of the front panel and the pair of side panel consists essentially of lightweight material, further wherein the front panel and the pair of side panels define an enclosure together with the wall, and wherein the method further comprises inserting hardenable material into the enclosure.

[0094] It is further within the scope of the present invention to disclose the use of the hardenable material securing apparatus or method as defined in any of the above for securing a sanitary ware system, preferably a toilet system, with hardenable material.

[0095] The terms “include”, “comprise” and “have” and their conjugates as used herein mean “including but not necessarily limited to”.

[0096] The term "about" as used herein denotes ± 25% of the defined amount or measure or value.

[0097] The term "essentially" as used herein is meant to be understood as at least partially comprising an indicated substance, namely an apparatus or mold or panel according to embodiments of the present invention comprising at least 50% or more of a lightweight material, preferably polystyrene material. In one embodiment, the apparatus having at least 60% or more of the lightweight material, preferably polystyrene material.

[0098] The term ‘hardenable material’, as used herein, includes any material which hardens into a solid state, for example concrete. [0099] As used herein, the term "lightweight" refers herein after to a material or composite or matrix which is of low weight and/or low density yet rigid and high strength material. In other words it refers to a material that weighs relatively little or less than average. Advantages of the lightweight materials within the scope of the present invention include being cuttable, shaped on site as necessary and generally easy to use, adjust and carry from one site to another. The lightweight material herein disclosed can be reusable.

[00100] Non limiting examples of lightweight materials within the scope of the present invention are polystyrene (PS), graphene, carbon, plastics, fiber cement, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, ceramic materials and any mixture or combination thereof.

[00101] The term "polystyrene" or "PS", as used herein, refers to a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer of styrene. In further aspects, polystyrene, is a synthetic resin produced by the polymerization of styrene. Polystyrene is also copolymerized, or blended with other polymers, lending hardness and rigidity to a number of important plastic and rubber products. Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. As a thermoplastic polymer, polystyrene is in a solid (glassy) state at room temperature but if heated above about 100 °C, appears in its glass transition temperature. It becomes rigid again when cooled. This temperature behaviour is used for extrusion (as in Styrofoam) and also for molding and vacuum forming, since it can be cast into molds with predefined detail.

[00102] It is herein acknowledged that three major types of polystyrene include polystyrene foam, regular polystyrene plastic, and polystyrene film. Amongst the different types of foam are expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS). EPS includes for example Styrofoam. XPS is a higher density foam typically used in applications such as models. Types of polystyrene plastic are copolymers. Homopolymer PS is relatively brittle and can be made more impact resistant if combined with other materials, known as the copolymer High Impact Polystyrene, or HIPS. Polystyrene film can also be vacuum formed and used in packaging applications. Films can be stretched into oriented polystyrene (OPS).

[00103] Non limiting examples of polystyrene materials within the scope of the present invention include: Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Extinguishing Extruded Type Board, Thermal insulation Board Type Polystyrene material, B1 B2 Fire Resistant XPS Styrofoam Board Building Construction Material, Fire-proof Polystyrene Wall Sandwich Panel XPS/EPS Insulation, High Density Construction XPS Foam Board with High quality, EPS/XPS MGO Sandwich Panels Structural Insulated Panel, Plastispan - Expanded Polystyrene, Reflective Expanded Polystyrene, Extruded polystyrene rigid insulation, Wedi board and materials, Polyisocyanurate, Polystyrene Nucleus Super (Type 1), Polystyrene Nucleus Super (Type 2), National Polystyrene Super Type 3, Expanded Polystyrene Light Weight Concrete, THERMAL INSULATION, Webertherm EPS, Webertherm PHS, Webertherm MFD, Webertherm XM, Polystyrene Ps Material Plastic Decorative, Extruded Polystyrene Foam Type 3 and 4, Thermal insulation by polystyrene, EPS GRAPHITE THERMAL INSULATION, Polyurethane Foam Polymer Building insulation, Wood-derived foam materials, Plywood Panel, Aromatic polyester polyols based on PET or PA, PVC Foam Board, CFC-free extruded polystyrene rigid foam, Polyester Fibre Board, Styrofoam Board materials, Cork boards and materials and any bled or mixture of polystyrene with other materials or mixture or combination of the aforementioned materials.

[00104] FIGs. 1A - IF illustrate various high level views of a hardenable material securing apparatus 10, FIGs. 1A - IF being described together. Hardenable material securing apparatus 10 comprises: a front panel 20; a pair of side panels 30A and 30B, further illustrated separately in FIGs. 1C - ID; an optional plurality of sections of mesh 40; and an optional pair of support members 50. Front panel 20 exhibits a first face 21 and a second face 22, second face 22 opposing first face 21. Front panel 20 further exhibits: a first side wall 23; a second side wall 24 opposing first side wall 23; a top wall 25 extending between first side wall 23 and second side wall 24; and a bottom wall 26 extending between first side wall 23 and second side wall 24, and opposing top wall 25. Thus, front panel 20 extends between first side wall 23, second side wall 24, top wall 25 and bottom wall 26. Front panel 20 further exhibits at least one hole 27, preferably 2 to 6 holes, each hole 27 extending through front panel 20 from first face 21 to second face 22. Hardenable material securing apparatus 10 is illustrated as comprising a front panel 20 exhibiting four holes 27, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way, and any number of holes 27 can be provided without exceeding the scope. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, front panel 20 may not comprise at least one hole, namely, may be absent of holes.

[00105] It is within the scope of the present invention that front panel 20 and the pair of side panels 30A and 30B may have various and predesigned dimensions. For example, in one embodiment, front panel 20 may have a length of about 40 cm to about 1000 cm from first side wall 23 to the second side wall 24. In another embodiment, the width or depth or thickness of front panel 20 from first face 21 to the second face 22 may be, in a non- limiting manner in the range of 0.5 cm to 10 cm. In yet a further embodiment, the width or depth or thickness of side panels 30A and 30B, from first face 31 to second face 32 of side panel 30A; and from first face 31 to second face 32 of side panel 30B may be, in a non- limiting manner in the range of 0.5 cm to 10 cm. [00106] It is noted that a hardenable material securing apparatus as described in Figs 1A and IB may comprise a front panel 20 without having the side panels 30A and 30B, In such a case, front panel 20 exhibits a first face 21 and a second face 22, second face 22 opposing first face 21. Front panel 20 further exhibits: a first side wall 23; a second side wall 24 opposing first side wall 23; a top wall 25 extending between first side wall 23 and second side wall 24; and a bottom wall 26 extending between first side wall 23 and second side wall 24, and opposing top wall 25.

[00107] According to other optional embodiments of the present invention, a hardenable material securing apparatus as described in Figs 1A and IB may comprise a front panel 20 and a single side panel 30A or 30B. The side panel may be positioned or attached to the first side wall 23 of the front panel 20 or to the second side wall 24 of the front panel 20, opposing first side wall 23.

[00108] In one embodiment, each of front panel 20, side panel 30A and side panel 30B comprises lightweight material. Non limiting examples of such lightweight material include polystyrene (PS), graphene, carbon, plastics, fiber cement, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, ceramic materials and any mixture or combination thereof. [00109] In a further embodiment, each of front panel 20, side panel 30A and side panel 30B consists essentially of lightweight. According to yet another embodiment, front panel 20, side panel 30A and side panel 30B comprises polystyrene. Optionally, each of front panel 20, side panel 30A and side panel 30B consists essentially of polystyrene. In one further embodiment, each of front panel 20, side panel 30A and side panel 30B comprises polystyrene foam. Optionally, each of front panel 20, side panel 30A and side panel 30B consists essentially of polystyrene foam. In one yet further embodiment, each of front panel 20, side panel 30A and side panel 30B comprises Styrofoam®, commercially available from the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Michigan. Optionally, each of front panel 20, side panel 30A and side panel 30B consists essentially of Styrofoam®. [00110] In one embodiment, each optional section of mesh 40 comprises a fiberglass mesh. In one further embodiment, each optional section of mesh 40 comprises an interglass mesh. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGs. 1C - IF, each optional section of mesh 40 is attached to a respective one of: first face 21 of front panel 20; second face 22 of front panel 20; first face 31 and second face 32 of side panel 30A; and first face 31 and second face 32 of side panel 30B. In one embodiment, the attachment of each optional section of mesh 40 is performed with a cement based adhesive.

[00111] Each of pair of side panels 30A and 30B exhibits: a first face 31; and a second face 32 opposing the respective first face 31. Each of pair of side panels 30A and 30B further exhibits: a first side wall 33; a second side wall 34 opposing first side wall 33; a top wall 35 extending between first side wall 33 and second side wall 34; and a bottom wall 36 extending between first side wall 33 and second side wall 34, and opposing top wall 35. Thus, each of pair of side panels 30A and 30B extends between the respective first side wall 33, second side wall 34, top wall 35 and bottom wall 36. [00112] Side panel 30A extends from front panel 20 at first side wall 23 and side panel 30B extends from front panel 20 at second side wall 24. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGs. 1A - IB and IE - IF, first side wall 33 of side panel 30A is attached to first face 21 of front panel 20 and second face 32 of side panel 30A is juxtaposed with first side wall 23. Optionally, the juxtaposition of second face 32 of side panel 30A with first side wall 23 is such that second face 32 of side panel 30A forms a flush continuation of first side wall 23. Similarly, in one embodiment, first side wall 33 of side panel 30B is attached to first face 21 of front panel 20 and second face 32 of side panel 30B is juxtaposed with second side wall 24. Optionally, the juxtaposition of second face 32 of side panel 30B with second side wall 24 is such that second face 32 of side panel 30B forms a flush continuation of second side wall 24.

[00113] In another embodiment (not shown), first side wall 23 is attached to first face 31 of side panel 30A and first side wall 33 of side panel 30A is juxtaposed with second face 22 of front panel 20. Optionally, the juxtaposition of first side wall 33 of side panel 30A with second face 22 is such that first side wall 33 of side panel 30A forms a flush continuation of second face 22. Similarly, in one embodiment, second side wall 24 is attached to first face 31 of side panel 30B and first side wall 33 of side panel 30B is juxtaposed with second face 22 of front panel 20. Optionally, the juxtaposition of first side wall 33 of side panel 30B with second face 22 is such that first side wall 33 of side panel 30B forms a flush continuation of second face 22. [00114] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. IB, a first of the pair of support members 50 is attached in a corner formed by first face 21 of front panel 20 and first face 31 of side wall 30A and a second of the pair of support members 50 is attached in a comer formed by first face 21 of front panel 20 and first face 31 of side wall 30B. In one further embodiment, each of the pair of support members 50 is elongated and extends from top wall 25 to bottom wall 26 of front panel 20. In another further embodiment, each of the pair of support members 50 is generally triangle shaped and sits flush between front panel 20 and the respective one of side walls 30A and 30B. [00115] In one embodiment, side panels 30A and 30B are each attached to front panel 20 using an adhesive. In another embodiment, front panel 20 and side panels 30A and 30B are formed of a single piece of material.

[00116] Each of second side walls 34 of side panels 30A and 30B is attached to a wall 60. In one embodiment, side panels 30A and 30B are attached to wall 60 with an adhesive. Additionally, or alternatively, an additional support structure (not shown) applies pressure to front panel 20 to aid in securing hardenable material securing apparatus 10 to wall 60. Additionally, each of bottom wall 26 of front panel 20, bottom wall 36 of side panel 30A and bottom wall 36 of side panel 30A is attached to a floor 70. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. IE, an enclosure 80 is formed between: first face 21 of front panel 20; first face 31 of side panel 30A; first face 31 of side panel 30B; wall 60 and floor 70. Enclosure 80 is open between: top wall 25 of front panel 20; top wall 35 of side panel 30A; and top wall 35 of side panel 30B.

[00117] Pipes are inserted through respective holes 27 of front panel 20 into enclosure 80, such as a pipe to a toilet cistern and a sewage pipe. In one embodiment, a portion of the toilet cistern (not shown) is further inserted into enclosure 80 and optionally secured to wall 60. In another embodiment, a toilet cistern support (not shown) is inserted into enclosure 80, optionally before the insertion of the respective pipes. In one embodiment, front panel 20 is further secured to the toilet cistern support with a plurality of screws, each extending through a respective hole 27. A hardenable material 90, such as concrete, is poured into enclosure 80. Holes 27 are filled with respective pipes, therefore no hardenable material leaks out through holes 27.

[00118] Advantageously, utilizing polystyrene allows panels 20, 30A and 30B to be field cuttable. Specifically panels 20, 30A and 30B can be cut and shaped on site as necessary, including quickly creating holes 27 (in a predetermined number, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more holes) with the necessary shape, size and position. Additionally, hardenable material securing apparatus is light weight and easy to use.

[00119] FIGs. 2A - 2D illustrate various steps for securing a toilet system 92 with hardenable material 90, in accordance with certain embodiments, FIGs. 2A - 2D being described together. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a toilet system 92, comprising pipes 94, are secured to a wall 60 and a floor 70. As illustrated in FIGs. 2B - 2C, hardenable material securing apparatus 10 is positioned such that a portion of toilet system 92 is situated within enclosure 80 and pipes 94 are positioned within respective holes 27. Additionally, fasteners 96 are inserted through respective holes 27 and fastened to toilet system 92. In one embodiment, fasteners 96 each comprise a screw. FIG. 2C is in all respects similar to FIG. 2D, with the exception that hardenable material securing apparatus 10 is partially transparent.

[00120] As illustrated in FIG. 2D, hardenable material 90, such as concrete, is poured into enclosure 80. Thus, toilet system 92, pipes 94 and fasteners 96 are situated within hardenable material 90. As further illustrated in FIG. 2D, hardenable material securing apparatus 10 can then be removed. Furthermore, a toilet seat (not shown) can then be attacked to pipes 94 and fasteners 96.

[00121] FIG. 3 illustrates a high level top view of a hardenable material securing apparatus 100. Hardenable material securing apparatus 100 is in all respects similar to hardenable material securing apparatus 10, with the exception that side panels 30A and 30B are not provided. First side 23 of front panel 20 is attached to a wall portion 110 and second side 24 of front panel 20 is attached to a wall portion 120. Wall portion 120 faces wall portion 110 and is separated therefrom by wall portion 130. First face 21 of front panel 20 faces wall portion 130. Thus, enclosure 80 is defined between: front panel 20; wall portion 110; wall portion 120; and wall portion 130. Optionally, front panel 20 is further positioned on a floor 70 such that enclosure 80 is defined between: front panel 20; wall portion 110; wall portion 120; wall portion 130; and floor 70. [00122] FIG. 4 illustrates a high level flow chart of a first hardenable material securing method, in accordance with certain embodiments. In optional stage 1000, a pair of side panels and a front panel are field cut to desired shapes. In optional stage 1010, the pair of side panels are attached to the front panel of optional stage 1000. Optionally, the pair of side panels are attached to the front panel with an adhesive. In optional stage 1020, at least one hole is created within the front panel of optional stage 1000, the at least one extending from a first face of the front panel to a second face of the front panel opposing the first face of said front panel. In optional 1030, a fiberglass mesh is secured to the front panel and optionally the pair of side panels. In one embodiment, the fiberglass mesh comprises interglass. Optionally, the fiberglass mesh is secured to the front panel, and optionally the side panels, by applying a cement based adhesive.

[00123] In stage 1040, the front panel and pair of side panels of optional stage 1000 are attached to a wall. Particularly, the front panel exhibits a first side wall and a second side wall opposing the first side wall. A first of the pair of side panels extend from the first side wall of the front panel. Similarly, a second of the pair of side panels extend from the second side wall of the front panel. The front panel is attached to the wall via the pair of side panels, i.e. the side panels are attached to the wall and the front panel is attached to the pair of side panels. Thus, the front panel and the pair of side panels define, together with the wall, and enclosure. Specifically, the first face of the front panel of optional stage 1020 faces the enclosure and the second face of the front panel faces away from the enclosure. Optionally, the front panel and the pair of side panels are positioned on a floor, the enclosure being further defined by the floor. Each of the front panel and the pair of side panel consists essentially of polystyrene, optionally polystyrene foam.

[00124] In stage 1050, hardenable material is inserted into the enclosure of stage 1040. Optionally, the hardenable material is concrete.

[00125] FIG. 5 illustrates a high level flow chart of a second hardenable material securing method, in accordance with certain embodiments. In optional stage 2000, a front panel is field cut to desired shapes. In optional stage 2010, at least one hole is created within the front panel of optional stage 2000, the at least one extending from a first face of the front panel to a second face of the front panel opposing the first face of said front panel. In optional 2020, a fiberglass mesh is secured to the front panel of optional stage 2000. In one embodiment, the fiberglass mesh comprises interglass. Optionally, the fiberglass mesh is secured to the front panel by applying a cement based adhesive.

[00126] In stage 2030, a first side of the front panel of optional stage 1000 is attached to a first wall portion. In stage 2040, a second side of the front panel of optional stage 1000 is attached to a second wall portion. The second wall portion generally faces the first wall portion and a third wall portion separates the first and second wall portions. The first face of the front panel of stage 2010 faces the third wall portion. Thus, an enclosure is defined between: the front panel; the first wall portion; the second wall portion; and the third wall portion. Optionally, the front panel is positioned on a floor, the enclosure being further defined by the floor. The front panel consists essentially of polystyrene, optionally polystyrene foam.

[00127] In stage 2040, hardenable material is inserted into the enclosure of stage 2030. Optionally, the hardenable material is concrete.

[00128] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[00129] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein.

[00130] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[00131] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.