Supports – Stand – Understructure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-14
2001-02-13
Ramirez, Ramon O. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Stand
Understructure
C248S188900, C016S04200T
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186453
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to levelers for tables and the like and, more particularly, to an improved table leveler which, when installed on the legs of a table, allows convenient foot-actuated adjustment to compensate for uneven floors.
2. Description of the Background
Many tables have a seemingly ever-present wobble that causes constant irritation. Such wobbling generally results from equal table legs on an uneven floor. Although the problem may be fixed by inserting skids beneath the short leg(s), this is only a temporary solution and usually requires a prolonged search for a makeshift skid of the proper size. There are prior art levelers for tables and the like. These typically include a simple metal foot with extending bolts that can be inserted into the bottom of each leg to an adjustable depth. These are common items and are readily available. However, in all known variations the metal feet have a fairly small diameter and cannot easily be rotated by hand (especially if bearing the weight of the table). Some do come equipped with a hex collar to allow rotation by a hex wrench. Unfortunately, use of a hex wrench is not always convenient, especially in a setting such as a restaurant. In this context, there are a multitude of tables which regularly need adjustment. Neither restauranteurs or their customers want to be seen on their hands and knees.
Accordingly, it would be a great advantage to provide a leveler for allowing quick and easy adjustment of table legs and the like by manipulation with the feet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a leveler for allowing quick and easy adjustment of table legs and the like by manipulation with the feet.
It is a further object to allow adjustment of an uneven table without risk of upsetting any items on the table.
It is still another object to provide a means for adjustment of table height by slight and simple rotation of the leveler with the sole edge of one's shoe.
It is another object to provide a leveler as described above which is simple yet innovative in design and which lends itself to economical manufacture and assembly.
According to the present invention, the above-described and other objects are accomplished by providing various embodiments of a foot-adjustable leveler comprising a threaded bolt for upward insertion into a table leg, and a foot anchored to the bolt. In accordance with the invention, the foot comprises a hard rubber disc which is enveloped by a thin metal jacket. The metal jacket is stamped or pressed onto the rubber disc. The bolt is equipped with a flange at one end and is suspended thereby centrally within the hard rubber disc. This serves to reduce vibration and noise transfer. The internal rubber disc is optional, and the bolt can be anchored directly to the metal exterior of the foot jacket. In either case, a rubber foot-adjustment disk is centered on the bolt and is seated on the upper surface of the stamped metal foot. A user simply turns the foot-adjustment disk counterclockwise with the side of their shoe sole in order to unscrew the bolt and raise the table leg. Conversely, the foot-adjustment disk is turned clockwise to screw the bolt and lower the leg. Other embodiments are presented, including one in which the rubber insert and foot-adjustment disk are combined into one integral foot-adjustment member. Alternatively, a rubber collar may be provided around the bottom of the bolt and is seated atop the stamped metal foot jacket. A foot-adjustment ring encircles the rubber collar and is anchored thereto. Again, a user simply turns the foot-adjustment disk counterclockwise with the side of their shoe sole in order to unscrew the bolt and raise the table leg. Conversely, the foot-adjustment disk is turned clockwise to screw the bolt and lower the leg. Alternatively, a concave disk overlay may be seated atop the collar and slid down over, and the foot-adjustment ring may be inset into the disk overlay.
In addition, a safety accessory is provided for use in preventing over-extension of the leveler. The safety accessory includes a spiral notch cut along a length of the bolt threads, and a safety disk with spring-detent that engages the notch to stop further unscrewing.
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Law offices of Royal W. Craig
Ramirez Ramon O.
Szumny Jon
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