Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force – Single throw lever – Lazy tongs
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-14
2001-05-22
Watson, Robert C. (Department: 3723)
Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force
Single throw lever
Lazy tongs
C254S126000, C254SDIG001, C254SDIG004
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234451
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to the leveling of devices, and more particularly, to the leveling of leg supported devices, such as pool and billiard tables.
For many devices it is desirable to have a level upper surface. In the case of tables for the playing of billiards and pool, it is necessary to have a playing surface that is as level as possible.
For stability, pool table are relatively massive and contain a suitable stabilizing material, such as slate. Because of the weight of the slate in pool tables, it is difficult to move the tables when there is a need to produce a level playing surface.
It has been standard practice to use hydraulic jacks when attempting to provide a level surface for pool tables and similar devices. These jacks have not operated satisfactorily. When it becomes necessary to level a pool table, there has to be some way of lifting it in order to add or remove shims, which are thin pieces of wood, typically measuring 4 inches by 4 inches by {fraction (1/16)} inch, or other material used for filling space during a leveling operation.
Preliminary leveling takes place before installing slate on the table. After the slate is installed, it is necessary to do a further leveling, which is a fine-tuning operation. Commonly, the fine-tuning is done by using knees, the back or a hydraulic jack in connection with a long wooden lever and a fulcrum. This is very awkward procedure because the operator tries to hold the lever down while placing or removing a shim the other hand. Although hydraulic jacks have been used for many years, they present a number of problems. In the first such jacks are very heavy and difficult to maneuver properly. Another problem is that hydraulic jacks leak. If a table to be leveled is in finished premises, hydraulic leakage needs to be avoided. Otherwise, fluid leaks around the edges of the jack at its seals and has a way of getting into new carpeting.
Moreover, the leaking oil gets on the fingers of the operator, and on the table itself, creating a mess. There is still another problem with hydraulic jacks, particularly in cold regions, such as New England. If the jack is in a truck when the temperature falls, the jack will not operate properly. The jack could be removed from the truck, and brought inside for warm-up, but that represents a lot of extra effort, particularly for very heavy devices. In fact, once the jack has been exposed to low temperatures. it is virtually useless until it defrosts, which can take up to several hours.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to facilitate the leveling of devices, and more particularly, to the leveling of leg supported devices, such as pool table.
Another object of the invention is to achieve level upper surface. A related object is to provide playing surfaces that are as level as possible, particularly in the case of tables for the playing of billiards and pool.
A further object of the invention is to achieve leveling where, for stability, tables are relatively massive. A related object is to achieve leveling for tables that contain a suitable stabilizing material, such as slate.
Yet another object of the invention, because of the weight of the slate in pool tables, is simplify the movement of tables when there is a need to produce a level playing surface.
Still another object is to avoid the need for hydraulic jacks when attempting to provide a level surface for pool tables and similar devices. A related object is to provide a simplified way of lifting in order to add or remove shims, during a leveling operation.
An additional object of the invention is to simplify leveling after installing slate on the table. A related object is to achieve expedited fine-tuning. Another related object is to avoid the use of knees, the back or a hydraulic jack.
A further object is to avoid the need for heavy jacks which are difficult to maneuver properly, and to avoid the leakage commonly associated with hydraulic jacks, particularly where a table is to be leveled in finished premises.
Hydraulic leakage needs to be avoided because the fluid that leaks around the edges of the jack at the seals has a way of getting into new carpeting, on the fingers of the operator, and on the table itself, creating a mess.
A yet further object is to avoid the problems that occur with hydraulic jacks, particularly in cold regions, such as New England. A related object is to avoid the need for inside warm-up and the extra effort that requires, particularly for very heavy devices. Another related object is to avoid the need for defrosting once the jack has been exposed to low temperatures, and the time required, up to several hours.
SUMMARY OF THE INEVNTION
In accomplishing the foregoing and related objects, the invention provides a scissors mechanism overlying a special base and underlying a special rubber-padded saddle.
The mechanism can be used with blocks that are properly located to avoid kick out. The scissors mechanism can be permanently or removably secured to the base, with welding being one form of permanent attachment. A saddle or plate at the top of the mechanism is positioned beneath the device to leveled, such as at the edge of a pool table.
The invention works well, saves a lot of work, and illustratively have a lift range of from about 11 to about 21 inches. The entire mechanism can weigh slightly less than 10 lbs so that it is very maneuverable and easy to carry and yet be rugged enough to do repeated lifting of 5 to 700 pounds on a daily basis.
The mechanism also is very clean, requiring only a minute amount of lubricant for appropriate scissors operation.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention the minute lubricant can take the form of petroleum jelly, such as that sold and marketed under the trade name “Vaseline” with a minute addition of graphite, for the scissor pins.
A unique pin can be added to the handle to make it easier to use.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention a handle for operating the scissors mechanism can be adapted to provide ease of rotation and ease of handling in operation.
Apparatus of the invention for the elevation of objects comprises a base; a scissors mechanism; means for mounting the scissors mechanism on the base; an engagement member; and means for mounting the engagement member on the mechanism.
The scissors mechanism can be fixedly or removably mounted on the base, which can include a handle, and the engagement member, which can be a flat plate, can be fixedly or movably mounted on the mechanism.
In a method of the invention for leveling a surface above a support,the steps include placing a scissors mechanism below the surface; the scissors mechanism is elevated until it engages the support for the surface; the scissors mechanism is incrementally elevated after engagement with said support until a degree of leveling is achieved for said surface.
Where the surface is leg supported, a further step is to insert a shim under one support leg after desired leveling has been obtained, with the leg elevated above its original contact.
The method further includes the step of mounting an engagement member at the top of said mechanism for edge positioning engagement of a device to be leveled, and a support stand is positioned beneath the scissors mechanism to allow leveling of surfaces having a displacement in excess of the maximum elevation of the scissors mechanism without the support stand.
In the method the surface is leg-supported and a further step is to place the scissors mechanism between a first set of adjoining legs, and/or between a second set of adjoining legs.
A lubricant in the form of petroleum jelly, with the addition of graphite, can be applied to pivot pins of the scissors mechanism.
Apparatus of the invention for the leveling of surfaces includes a pyramidal base having a apex; a scissors mechanism mounted on the apex; and an engagement member mounted on the scissors mechanism. The pyramidal base has legs that converge to a neck of said scissors mechanism, with the legs base-connected by rods.
The scissors mechanism has lower arms pivotally join
Kersey, Esq. George E.
Watson Robert C.
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