U.S. patent application number 12/751336 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-30 for adjustable floor channel assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to TRANSWALL. Invention is credited to Michael Francis Cifelli.
Application Number | 20100242378 12/751336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42782409 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100242378 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cifelli; Michael Francis |
September 30, 2010 |
ADJUSTABLE FLOOR CHANNEL ASSEMBLY
Abstract
Disclosed is a floor channel assembly including a floor channel,
at least one leveling assembly, and a support member which work in
conjunction to hold a wall panel in a level, square, and plumb
arrangement. Each leveling assembly allows for gross and fine
height adjustment, by selectively placing the leveling assembly on
one of several sides which correspond to a desired gross height
adjustment. Fine adjustment is accomplished by including an
adjustable member, such as a threaded member, on the leveling
guide.
Inventors: |
Cifelli; Michael Francis;
(Thorndale, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pepper Hamilton LLP
400 Berwyn Park, 899 Cassatt Road
Berwyn
PA
19312-1183
US
|
Assignee: |
TRANSWALL
West Chester
PA
|
Family ID: |
42782409 |
Appl. No.: |
12/751336 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61165215 |
Mar 31, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/126.1 ;
52/126.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/821 20130101;
E04B 2002/7492 20130101; E04B 2/7401 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/126.1 ;
52/126.6 |
International
Class: |
E04F 15/00 20060101
E04F015/00; E04B 5/00 20060101 E04B005/00 |
Claims
1. A leveling guide assembly comprising: two mated generally
rectangular leg portions, each defining a first longitudinal side
and a second longitudinal side, and 2 short sides; a base member
between and interconnecting said leg portions wherein said base
member extends along the length of said leg members, generally
parallel to each of said first and second longitudinal sides, and
is offset from the midline between said first and second sides such
that said base member is closer to said first side; wherein said
leveling guide is moveable between at least: a high position
achieved by placing said guide on one of its short sides; a low
position achieved by placing said guide on its first longitudinal
side; and an intermediate position achieved by placing said guide
on its second longitudinal side.
2. The leveling guide of claim 1, wherein said base member defines
a surface at at least one of said short ends, and defines a first
surface corresponding to said first side and a second surface
corresponding to said second side, wherein at least one of said
surfaces is adapted for receiving a height adjustable track support
member.
3. The leveling guide of claim 2, wherein said base member is
adapted at each said surface for receiving a height adjustable
track support member.
4. The leveling guide of claim 2, wherein said height adjustable
track support member comprises a threaded post.
5. The leveling guide of claim 1, wherein said base member is
offset from the midline between said two short ends, such the base
defines opposed short end surfaces of differing height when said
leveling guide is placed on each end, thereby defining a third side
corresponding to a an intermediate/high position and a fourth side
corresponding to a highest position.
6. The leveling guide of claim 5, wherein each of said third and
fourth sides are adapted for receiving a height adjustable track
support member.
7. An adjustable floor channel assembly comprising: a. a
longitudinal floor track; b. at least one leveling guide assembly
for selectively moveable placement on and along the longitudinal
floor track, each said leveling guide assembly further comprising:
two mated generally rectangular leg portions, each defining a first
longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side, and two short
sides; a longitudinal base member between and interconnecting said
leg portions extending along the length of said leg members,
generally parallel to each of said first and second longitudinal
sides, and offset from the midline between said first and second
sides such that said base member is closer to said first side;
wherein said leveling guide is moveable between: a high position
achieved by engaging said guide on one of its short sides to said
floor track; a low position achieved by engaging said guide on its
first longitudinal side to said floor track; and an intermediate
position achieved by engaging said guide on its second longitudinal
side to said floor track;
8. The adjustable floor channel assembly of claim 7 wherein said at
least one leveling guide further comprises a height adjustable
support member operatively coupled to said base member on the side
opposite that engaged to said floor track.
9. The adjustable floor channel assembly of claim 7, wherein said
at least one leveling guide further comprises a wall support track
in operational engagement with said at least one leveling guide
assembly at said height adjustable support member.
10. The adjustable floor channel assembly of claim 7, wherein said
assembly comprises at least two independently adjustable leveling
guides.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/165,215 filed on Mar. 31,
2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference, in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an adjustable
floor channel assembly for wall systems, and more particularly, to
a low-profile, adjustable floor channel assembly for adjusting the
height of a wall panel in a wall system so that the wall panel is
substantially level, plumb, and square.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Existing wall systems often include floor channels that are
imbedded in the walls and that sit on a floor track. The floor
channels allow wall panels of such wall systems to be adjusted to
accommodate uneven floors. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a prior art
wall system 10 having a floor track 12, which may be mounted to a
floor 14, and a lower track trim 16 disposed over the floor track
12. The lower track trim 16 may house a threaded glide 18, which
may extend generally perpendicular to the floor 14. The system 10
may also include a glide support assembly 20 connected to the
threaded glide 18 and a structural bottom rail 22 for holding the
glide support assembly 20. The structural bottom rail 22 may define
a channel 24 for supporting a wall panel (not shown).
[0004] The height of the wall panel may be adjusted up and down by
moving the glide support assembly 20 along the threaded glide 18.
As the height of the wall panel is increased, the lower track trim
16 is raised above the floor track 12. Conversely, as the height of
the wall panel is lowered, the lower track trim 16 is lowered over
the floor track 12.
[0005] As shown in FIG. 1, the lower track trim 16 has a
high-profile to accommodate the size of the threaded glide 18 and
the range of height adjustments needed to ensure that the wall
panel is level, plumb, and in square. The high-profile of the lower
track trim 16 often detracts from the overall aesthetic appearance
of the wall system 10.
[0006] Another common method for leveling demountable and movable
wall systems includes the use of shims, which are typically pieces
of wood, plastic or metal that increase in thickness from one end
to the other. The shims may be placed along specific points of the
wall system to level the lower base channel. This method of
adjustment, however, is inefficient, generally time consuming and,
like the wall system 10 described above, may detract from the
overall aesthetic appearance of the wall system.
SUMMARY
[0007] The invention is directed generally to an adjustable floor
channel assembly that may be used to easily adjust the height of a
wall panel in a wall system so that the wall is substantially
level, plumb, and square. The floor channel assembly may include a
floor track that defines a channel. The floor channel assembly may
also include a leveling guide assembly that can be oriented within
the floor channel assembly to have any one of multiple
configurations. Each configuration of the leveling guide assembly
provides a different height adjustment range. The floor channel
assembly may further include a support track that is supported by
the leveling guide assembly. The support track may be configured to
receive at least a portion of the wall panel.
[0008] In one embodiment, the leveling guide assembly may include
at least two supports, which may define first, second, and third
sides of the leveling guide assembly. The leveling guide assembly
may also include a base portion that is connected to the first and
second supports. The base portion may be offset along a length of
at least one of the first, second, or third sides of the leveling
guide assembly. The leveling guide assembly may be configured to
provide different height adjustment ranges. For example, the
leveling guide assembly may provide a first height adjustment range
when the assembly is positioned with the first side on the floor
channel assembly and the base portion is in a first offset
position, a second height adjustment range when the assembly is
positioned with the second side on the floor channel assembly and
the base portion is in a second offset position, and a third height
adjustment range when the assembly is positioned with the third
side on the floor channel assembly, and the base portion is in a
third offset position. The leveling guide assembly may also include
an adjustable glide that is configured to further adjust the height
of the wall within each of the different height adjustment
ranges.
[0009] In this manner, a gross height adjustment is achieved by
placing the leveling guide assembly on one of its first, second or
third sides. Fine height adjustment is achieved through use of an
adjustable glide, such as a threaded glide which may be selectively
advanced from and/or into one of these sides.
[0010] The features and advantages of the present invention
described above, as well as additional features and advantages,
will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference
to the following detailed description and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of a prior art demountable and
movable wall system.
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective and front views,
respectively, of an exemplary demountable and movable wall system
according to an embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an exemplary floor channel
assembly of the demountable and movable wall system shown in FIGS.
2A and 2B.
[0014] FIG. 2D is an exploded view of the exemplary floor channel
assembly shown in FIG. 2C.
[0015] FIGS. 3A-3C are front, side, and top views, respectively, of
an exemplary floor track of the floor channel assembly shown in
FIG. 2C.
[0016] FIGS. 4A-4C are front, side, and top views, respectively, of
an exemplary support track of the floor channel assembly shown in
FIG. 2C.
[0017] FIGS. 5A-5E are front, side, top, bottom, and rear views,
respectively, of an exemplary leveling guide assembly of the floor
track assembly shown in FIG. 2C.
[0018] FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of the floor channel
assembly shown in FIG. 2C oriented in three different
configurations.
[0019] FIGS. 7A and 7C are front and perspective views,
respectively, of the floor channel assembly shown in FIG. 2C with
the leveling guide assembly oriented in a first configuration, at
its minimum height.
[0020] FIGS. 7B and 7D are front and perspective views,
respectively, of the floor channel assembly shown in FIG. 2C with
the leveling guide assembly oriented in the first configuration, at
its maximum height.
[0021] FIGS. 8A and 8C are front and perspective views,
respectively, of the floor channel assembly shown in FIG. 2C with
the leveling guide assembly oriented in a second configuration, at
its minimum height.
[0022] FIGS. 8B and 8D are front and perspective views,
respectively, of the floor channel assembly shown in FIG. 2C with
the leveling guide assembly oriented in the second configuration,
at its maximum height.
[0023] FIGS. 9A and 9C are front and perspective views,
respectively, of the floor channel assembly shown in FIG. 2C with
the leveling guide assembly oriented in a third configuration, at
its minimum height.
[0024] FIGS. 9B and 9D are front and perspective views,
respectively, of the floor channel assembly shown in FIG. 2C with
the leveling guide assembly oriented in the third configuration, at
its maximum height.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The disclosed embodiments are directed to a demountable and
movable wall system having walls or wall panels for dividing or
partitioning areas within a building into individual rooms. The
walls or wall panels may extend substantially from floor to ceiling
or only partially from floor to ceiling. The wall system includes a
floor channel assembly that facilitates controlled height
adjustments to the walls or panels to ensure that they are
substantially level, plumb, and square. As used herein, the terms
"walls" and "wall panels" include any type of unitary and composite
structure, either framed or unframed, made from any suitable
material, such as glass, metal, gypsum board, plastic, composites,
and the like, painted or unpainted, or covered in natural or
synthetic materials, such as paper, fabric, vinyl, wood veneer, and
the like. In one embodiment, the wall system comprises a plurality
of demountable and movable wall panels.
[0026] In one embodiment, the walls may be installed in the system
by inserting them into a U-shaped ceiling channel assembly that is
attached to a ceiling grid via one or more caddy clips, which may
be removably attached to the ceiling grid. For example, the caddy
clips may be attached to the ceiling grid by turning them
clockwise, and may be disengaged from the ceiling grid by turning
them counter-clockwise. The walls may be lifted into the ceiling
channel assembly and then lowered into a U-shaped floor channel
assembly. The floor channel assembly may encapsulate the lower
portions of the walls on each lateral side and absorb their weight.
To accommodate uneven floor surfaces, the disclosed floor channel
assembly may be used to easily adjust the height of the walls so
that the walls are level, plumb, and square. In one embodiment, the
disclosed floor channel assembly includes a leveling guide assembly
that can be oriented within the floor channel assembly to have any
one of multiple configurations, each configuration providing a
different range of height adjustments to the walls.
[0027] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective and front views,
respectively, of an exemplary demountable and movable wall system
50 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the wall system 50 includes a wall panel 100
mounted to a ceiling channel assembly 150 and a floor channel
assembly 200. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the
floor channel assembly 200 has a lower profile than the prior art
assembly depicted in FIG. 1. (It should be noted that FIGS. 2A and
2B are not shown to scale. For example, in typical arrangements,
the overall height is at least 8 feet, where the majority of the
height is occupied by the all panel leg. The upper track 150, when
present, and the lower track assembly 200, in most embodiments,
occupies a selectively small portion of the overall height).
[0028] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the floor channel assembly
200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B. As shown in FIG. 2C, floor channel assembly
200 includes a floor track 300, a leveling guide assembly 400, a
support track 500, and a low-profile trim 600. The floor track 300,
the leveling guide assembly 400, and the support track 500 may be
made from any suitable material that is able to support the load of
the wall panel 100. In one embodiment, the floor track 300, the
leveling guide assembly 400, and the support track 500 may be
shaped and/or molded from a metal such as aluminum. The low-profile
trim 600 generally may be used for aesthetic purposes and,
therefore, may not be a load bearing component. As such, the
low-profile trim 600 may be made from any suitable material that
provides a desired physical appearance and/or finish. In one
embodiment, the low-profile trim 600 may also be shaped and/or
molded from a metal such as aluminum to match the other components
of the floor channel assembly 200. In some embodiments, the
low-profile trim 600 may be integrally formed with the support
track 500.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the floor track 300 is
generally U-shaped, and may be placed and/or secured to a surface
105, such as a floor, though it will be appreciated that the floor
channel assembly 200 may also be used as the ceiling channel
assembly 150. In one embodiment, the leveling guide assembly 400
may be slidably disposed within the U-shaped floor track 300. To
adjust the height of the wall panel 100, the leveling guide
assembly 400 may be oriented in the floor track 300 in multiple
configurations, each configuration providing a different range of
height adjustments. The support track 500 may be disposed over, and
a portion of the support track 500 may be disposed within, the
floor track 300. Thus, the support track 500 may cover the leveling
guide assembly 400 in the floor track 300. The support track 500
may include a channel for receiving and supporting the wall panel
100. The low-profile trim 600 may be connected to or formed on each
side of the support track 500 to conceal at least a portion of the
support track 500 and the floor track 300, thereby improving the
aesthetic appearance of the floor channel assembly 200.
[0030] FIGS. 3A-3C are front, side, and top views, respectively, of
the floor track 300. The floor track 300 includes sidewalls 305 and
310 and a bottom portion 315 that connects the lower portions of
the sidewalls 305 and 310 to one another. Thus, the sidewalls 305
and 310 and the bottom portion 315 define a channel 320, which
extends along a length of the floor track 300. The bottom portion
315 may include T-shaped molds 325 and 330 that extend along the
length of the floor track 300. The T-shaped mold 325 and the
adjacent sidewall 305 define a track 335, and the T-shaped mold 330
and the adjacent sidewall 310 define a track 340. The T-shaped
molds 325 and 330 define a track 345. The tracks 335, 340 and 345
extend along the length of the floor track 300, within the channel
320.
[0031] The floor track 300 may be secured to the surface 105 via
any suitable means. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the bottom
portion 315 includes carpet grippers 350, which extend generally
perpendicular to a planar surface of the bottom portion 315, to
help secure the floor channel assembly 200 to a carpeted surface.
In another embodiment, the floor track 300 may be taped (e.g.,
using double-sided tape) and/or glued to the surface 105. In yet
another embodiment, cement screws may be inserted through
pre-drilled holes in the bottom portion 315 and into a cement
surface. The floor track 300 may then be bolted to the cement
surface via the cement screws. Any suitable fastener may be used,
depending upon the particular application, including nails or
screws.
[0032] FIGS. 4A-4C are front, side, and top views, respectively, of
the support track 500. The support track 500 has sidewalls 505 and
510 and a top portion 515, which connects the upper portions of the
sidewalls 505 and 510 to one another. Thus, the sidewalls 505 and
510 and the top portion 515 define a channel 516, which extends
along a length of the support track 500. The top portion 515 has
upper sidewalls 520 and 525, which define a channel 530. The top
portion 515 also has lower sidewalls 535 and 540, which define a
track 545. The lower sidewall 535 and the adjacent sidewall 505
define a track 550, and the lower sidewall 540 and the adjacent
sidewall 510 define a track 555. One purpose of side walls 505 and
510 is to hide the leveling guide when taken in a raised position.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the support track 500 may not
include the sidewalls. The main purpose of support track 500 is to
support the wall panel on the leveling guide(s).
[0033] FIGS. 5A-5E are front, side, top, bottom, and rear views,
respectively, of the leveling guide assembly 400. As shown in FIG.
5A, the leveling guide assembly 400 includes a base portion 405 and
legs 410 and 415, each connected to the base portion 405 via
respective beams 420 and 425. In some embodiments, the base portion
405 maybe connected directly to the legs. The base portion 405
defines a threaded hole 430, which extends through at least a
portion of the base portion 405, generally parallel to its
longitudinal axis. As shown in FIGS. 5B-5D, the base portion 405
also defines a threaded hole 435, which extends through at least a
portion of the base portion 405, generally perpendicular to its
longitudinal axis. The glide assembly 400 includes an adjustable
glide 440 having a threaded shaft 445 and a support member 450 at
an end thereof. Each of the threaded holes 430 and 435 are sized to
receive the threaded shaft 445 of the adjustable glide 440. As
shown in FIG. 5B, the legs 410 and 415 have a height H and a length
L which is greater then the height H. Thus, the legs 410 and 415
define short sides 460 and 462 and long sides 464 and 466 of the
leveling guide assembly 400.
[0034] FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of the leveling guide
assembly 400 oriented in three different configurations. The
leveling guide assembly 400 may be inserted into the channel 320 of
the floor track 300 in any one of the three depicted
configurations. Thus, each configuration the leveling guide
assembly 400 provides a different height adjustment range for the
wall panel 100 within which the adjustable glide 440 may be raised
or lowered in order to make further adjustments to the height of
the wall panel 100.
[0035] A fourth configuration, providing even greater height
adjustment is also possible. Although not shown in the figures,
base portion 405 could be provided with an additional threaded hole
(which may be an extension of treated hole 430) on the remaining
short end. Where, as seen in FIGS. 5B, 5D, and 6A-6C, the base is
offset from the midpoint between short ends 460, 462, placing the
leveling guide the short end 464 provides a fourth height
adjustment.
[0036] Thus, gross height adjustment is achieved by placing the
leveling guide on one of its four sides. Fine height adjustment is
then achieved by the adjustable glide 450.
[0037] For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the leveling guide
assembly 400 is oriented in a first configuration in which the
assembly 400 rests on its long side 466. In the first
configuration, the base portion 405 of the leveling guide assembly
400 is in a low offset position, i.e., the base portion 405 is
offset towards the surface on which the assembly 400 is resting. In
addition, the threaded shaft 445 of the adjustable glide 440 is
inserted into the threaded hole 435 so that the support member 450
is positioned at a desired height. In one embodiment, the first
configuration may provide a height adjustment range of
approximately 2 inches (i.e., with the adjustable glide 440 fully
inserted into the base portion 405) to approximately 3 inches
(i.e., with the adjustable glide 440 fully raised from the base
portion 405). This arrangement is depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 6B, the floor channel assembly 400 is
oriented in a second configuration in which the floor channel
assembly 400 is rotated 180-degrees around its longitudinal axis
(with respect to the first configuration) so that the leveling
guide assembly 400 is resting on its long side 464. In the second
configuration, the base portion 405 of the leveling guide assembly
400 is in a high offset position, i.e., the base portion 405 is
offset away from the surface on which the assembly 400 resting. The
threaded shaft 445 of the adjustable glide 440 is inserted into the
threaded hole 435 so that the support member 450 is at a desired
height. In one embodiment, the second configuration may provide a
height adjustment range of approximately 2.5 inches (i.e., with the
adjustable glide 440 fully inserted into the base portion 405) to
approximately 3.5 inches (i.e., with the adjustable glide 440 fully
raised from the base portion 405).
[0039] As shown in FIG. 6C, the leveling guide assembly 400 is
oriented in a third configuration in which the assembly 400 rests
on its short side 462. In the third configuration, the threaded
hole 430 is positioned so that it extends generally perpendicular
to the surface on which the assembly 400 is resting. The threaded
shaft 445 of the adjustable glide 440 is inserted into the threaded
hole 430 so that the support member 450 is at a desired height. In
one embodiment, the third configuration provides a height
adjustment range of approximately 3 inches (i.e., with the
adjustable glide 440 fully inserted into the base portion 405) to
approximately 4 inches (i.e., with the adjustable glide 440 fully
raised from the base portion 405).
[0040] FIGS. 7A and 7C show front and perspective views,
respectively, of the floor channel assembly 200 with the leveling
guide assembly 400 oriented in the first configuration (see FIG.
6A) at its minimum height. FIGS. 7B and 7D show front and
perspective views, respectively, of the floor channel assembly 200
with the leveling guide assembly 400 oriented in the first
configuration at its maximum height. The leveling guide assembly
400 is oriented within the channel 320 of the floor track 300 so
that its long side 466 is resting on the bottom portion 315 and the
base portion 405 is in its low offset position. The legs 410 and
415 are received within the tracks 335 and 340, respectively. To
improve stability and prevent the leveling guide assembly 400 from
tipping over while in the floor track 300, at least one of the legs
(e.g., the leg 410) may include a protrusion (e.g., a protrusion
455), which may extend into one of the recesses defined by molds
(e.g., a mold 325). The leveling guide assembly 400 may be slidably
disposed within the channel 320. As such, the leveling guide
assembly 400 may be positioned and repositioned anywhere along the
length of the floor track 300.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, adjustable glide 440 extends
into the channel 545 of the support track 500, with the top portion
515 of the support track 500 resting on the support member 450 of
the adjustable glide 440. The sidewalls 505 and 510 of the support
track 500 are slidably disposed within the channel 320, adjacent to
the sidewalls 305 and 310, respectively. The low-profile trim 600
is connected to the top portion 515 and the upper sidewalls 520 and
525 of the support track 500.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 7A, the floor channel assembly 200 has a
minimum height of approximately 2 inches in the first configuration
when the adjustable glide 440 is fully inserted into the base
portion 405 of the leveling guide assembly 400. As shown in FIG.
7B, the floor channel assembly 200 has a maximum height of
approximately 3 inches in the first configuration when the
adjustable glide 440 is fully raised from the base portion 405 of
the leveling guide assembly 400. Moreover, the floor channel
assembly 200 may be adjusted to any height between 2 and 3 inches
by raising or lowering the adjustable glide 440 to any desired
intermediate position. As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7D, the adjustable
glide 440 lifts the support track 500 as the adjustable glide 440
is raised from the base portion 405, thereby raising the height of
the wall 100 (not shown) supported in the channel 530.
[0043] FIGS. 8A and 8C show front and perspective views,
respectively, of the floor channel assembly 200 with the leveling
guide assembly 400 oriented in the second configuration (see FIG.
6B) at its minimum height. FIGS. 8B and 8D show front and
perspective views, respectively, of the floor channel assembly 200
with the leveling guide assembly 400 oriented in the second
configuration at its maximum height. As shown, the leveling guide
assembly 400 is rotated 180-degrees around its longitudinal axis
(with respect to the first configuration) so that the assembly 400
is now resting on its long side 464 and the base portion 405 is in
its high offset position. Thus, the minimum and maximum height
adjustments of the second configuration are greater than the
minimum and maximum height adjustments of the first
configuration.
[0044] For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the floor channel assembly
200 has a minimum height of approximately 2.5 inches in the second
configuration when the adjustable glide 440 is fully inserted into
the base portion 405 of the leveling guide assembly 400. As shown
in FIG. 8B, the floor channel assembly 200 has a maximum height of
approximately 3.5 inches in the second configuration when the
adjustable glide 440 is fully raised from the base portion 405 of
the leveling guide assembly 400. Moreover, the floor channel
assembly 200 may be adjusted to any height between 2.5 and 3.5
inches by raising or lowering the adjustable glide 440 to any
desired intermediate position.
[0045] FIGS. 9A and 9C show front and perspective views,
respectively, of the floor channel assembly 200 with the leveling
guide assembly 400 oriented in the third configuration (see FIG.
6C) at its minimum height. FIGS. 9B and 9D show front and
perspective views, respectively, of the floor channel assembly 200
with the leveling guide assembly 400 oriented in the third
configuration at its maximum height. As shown, the leveling guide
assembly 400 is oriented in the channel 320 so that the assembly
400 is resting on its short side 462. Thus, the minimum and maximum
height adjustments of the third configuration are greater than the
minimum and maximum height adjustments of the first and second
configurations.
[0046] For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the floor channel assembly
200 has a minimum height of approximately 3 inches in the third
configuration when the adjustable glide 440 is fully inserted into
the base portion 405 of the leveling guide assembly 400. As shown
in FIG. 9B, the floor channel assembly 200 has a maximum height of
approximately 4 inches in the third configuration when the
adjustable glide 440 is fully raised from the base portion 405 of
the leveling guide assembly 400. Moreover, the floor channel
assembly 200 may be adjusted to any height between 3 and 4 inches
by raising or lowering the adjustable glide 440 to any desired
intermediate position. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-9D only
three positions are possible, since the base portion 405, extends
substantially the entire length L of the leveling guide 400. As
discussed above, other embodiments, such as in FIGS. 5A-5E include
a base portion which is offset and does not extend the entire
length L of the leveling guide. In those embodiments, a fourth
position may be employed for even greater height adjustment.
[0047] As described above, the leveling guide assembly 400 may be
oriented in different configurations within the floor channel
assembly 200 and may provide overlapping height adjustment ranges
within which the adjustable glide 440 may be positioned. Through
choice of leg length L, leg height H, and the placement and size of
the base portion and screw size, a wide range of adjustment can be
achieved using a single leveling guide. In preferred embodiments,
the adjustment range from one position to the next overlap to
provide the ability to achieve any height between the lowest
position and the highest. Thus, the floor channel assembly 200 may
provide an overall height adjustment range for leveling wall panels
that is much greater than the height adjustment range afforded by
any single configuration.
[0048] The foregoing description of the invention is illustrative
only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to
the precise terms set forth. Although illustrated and described
herein with reference to certain specific embodiments, those
skilled in the art also will appreciate that many other variations
for the specific embodiments described herein are intended to be
within the scope and spirit of the invention. In particular, the
floor track 300, the leveling guide assembly 400, and/or the
support track 500 are not limited to the specific height adjustment
ranges depicted in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, but may be
sized to provide any desired set of height adjustment ranges.
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