U.S. patent application number 13/490572 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-27 for method and apparatus for adjusting heights of objects.
Invention is credited to Steven Lee Christian, Michael S. Maize.
Application Number | 20120241568 13/490572 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46876510 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120241568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Christian; Steven Lee ; et
al. |
September 27, 2012 |
Method and Apparatus for Adjusting Heights of Objects
Abstract
A leg adjusting assembly has a housing, a rod that moves through
the housing, a foot mechanism, and a biasing member. The rod moves
through a hole in the housing and a hole in the foot mechanism. The
biasing member moves the foot mechanism against the rod and
prevents the rod from moving within the housing. A foot-activated
force applied to the foot mechanism enables the rod to move and
alter a height of the leg of a table or chair.
Inventors: |
Christian; Steven Lee;
(Houston, TX) ; Maize; Michael S.; (Houston,
TX) |
Family ID: |
46876510 |
Appl. No.: |
13/490572 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11546649 |
Oct 12, 2006 |
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13490572 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/188.3 ;
248/188.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 91/02 20130101;
A47B 91/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/188.3 ;
248/188.2 |
International
Class: |
A47B 91/02 20060101
A47B091/02; A47B 91/04 20060101 A47B091/04 |
Claims
1. A leg adjusting assembly, comprising: a housing that has a hole
and that has a shape to connect to a leg of a table; a foot
mechanism that extends outwardly from the housing and that has a
leg with a hole that aligns with the hole in the housing; a rod
that moves through the hole in the housing and through the hole in
the foot mechanism; and a biasing member positioned around the rod
in order to bias an interior wall of the hole in the foot mechanism
against an exterior surface of the rod to prevent the rod from
moving during absence of a force applied to the foot mechanism.
2. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 1, wherein the foot
mechanism is T-shaped.
3. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 1, wherein the force applied
to the foot mechanism with a foot of a user causes the interior
wall of the hole of the foot mechanism to disengage from the
exterior surface of the rod and enables the rod to vertically move
within a cavity formed in the housing to adjust a height of the
table.
4. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing has a
rectangular shaped main body with two winged rectangular portions
that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the main body.
5. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 1, wherein housing has an
elongated and rectangular-shaped flat support with a rounded end
that extends outwardly from the housing.
6. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing has a
cavity that houses a leg of the foot mechanism and the rod.
7. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a cap
that connects to one end of the rod in order to prevent the rod
from falling through the hole in the foot mechanism and through the
hole in the housing.
8. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing has
(1) a first portion with a rectangular configuration forming a
cavity for receiving the rod and a leg of the foot mechanism and
(2) a second portion having an elongated rectangular shape with a
hole for attaching to the leg of the table.
9. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 1, wherein the foot
mechanism has a leg that includes the hole in the foot mechanism,
has a lever portion that is perpendicular to the leg, and has a
canted portion that connects the leg of the foot mechanism to the
lever portion.
10. A leg adjusting assembly that adjusts a height of a table leg,
comprising: a housing that includes an internal cavity and two
oppositely disposed holes that align with each other; a foot
mechanism that includes a hole that aligns with the two holes in
the housing, a leg portion that extends into the internal cavity,
and a lever portion that connects to the leg portion and extends
outwardly from the housing; a rod that is moves through the two
holes in the housing and through the hole in the foot mechanism and
that includes one end with a glide that supports the leg adjusting
assembly on a ground and that includes another end with cap that
holds the rod within the internal cavity; and a biasing member
connected to the rod in order to bias an interior wall of the hole
of the foot mechanism against an exterior surface of the rod to
prevent the rod from moving during absence of a force applied to
the foot mechanism.
11. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 10, wherein the rod moves
inside the internal cavity to adjust the height of the table
leg.
12. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 10, wherein the foot
mechanism has a T-shape with a leg portion that extends within the
internal cavity and a lever portion that extends outwardly from the
housing.
13. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 10, wherein the rod moves
within the internal cavity in a vertical direction with respect to
a surface on which the table leg is positioned in order to adjust
the height of the table leg.
14. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 10, wherein the housing has
a rectangular shaped main body with two winged rectangular portions
that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the main body.
15. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 10, wherein the rod moves
within the internal cavity while the force is applied to the lever,
and the foot mechanism re-engages against the rod when the force is
removed from the foot mechanism.
16. A leg adjusting assembly, comprising: a housing including a
cavity and body that abuts a leg of a table; a rod movable through
a hole formed in the housing and into the cavity; a T-shaped foot
mechanism including a leg being positioned in the housing and
having a hole with an interior surface, and including a lever
connected to the leg such that the lever extends outwardly from the
housing and is perpendicular to the leg; and a biasing member that
moves the foot mechanism against the rod until the interior surface
wedges against an exterior surface of the rod and prevents the rod
from moving within the housing, wherein a foot activated force
applied to the lever disengages the interior surface of the hole
from the exterior surface of the rod to alter a height of the
table.
17. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 16, wherein the biasing
member is a spring that fits around the rod.
18. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 16, wherein the rod has one
end with a removable cap and another end with a glide that supports
the leg of the table on a ground.
19. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 16, wherein the lever has a
flat rectangular shape with two rounded ends oppositely disposed
from each other.
20. The leg adjusting assembly of claim 16, wherein the housing has
a rectangular shaped main body with two winged rectangular portions
that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the main body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application having Ser. No.
11/546,649 that was filed on 12 Oct. 2006.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Tables and chairs are designed to be placed on level
surfaces. When the legs of such devices are positioned on flat
surfaces, the seating surface of the chair or surface of the table
is level. In this level position, tables and chairs are sturdy and
not prone to wobble. By contrast, when the legs of such devices are
positioned on uneven surfaces, the seating surface of the chair or
surface of the table is not level. Here, tables and chairs can
wobble, become unsteady, and even fall over.
[0003] Wobbling tables and chairs can negatively impact the success
of a business. In the restaurant and entertainment industry, uneven
tables and chairs can inconvenience and annoy customers. In a
restaurant, some customers will refuse to eat at a wobbling table
and request another table. If the restaurant cannot provide a
sturdy table, then customers may have an unpleasant experience and
not return or even leave before eating. Further, if the table
cannot be stabilized, then it may be removed from the eating area
and thus reduce the seating capacity and profit for the
restaurant.
[0004] In many instances, employees or even customers of a
restaurant use one of a variety of techniques to manually stabilize
wobbling tables and chairs.
[0005] Sometimes customers wedge an object, such as folded paper or
napkins, under the leg of the table in an attempt to stabilize the
table. This option is a quick-fix and often does not work since the
object compresses or will not remain lodged under the leg. Even if
the table is leveled with such an object, the table can become
uneven again as soon as the table is moved or the object dislodges
from the leg. Further, when objects are jammed under the legs, the
tables and chairs present an unprofessional appearance that does
not encourage repeat customers. Also, placing an object under the
table base is performed with a hand and is thus unsanitary.
[0006] Wobbling tables and chairs present numerous other
inconveniences as well. Users can fall out of an unstable chair and
become injured. Further, businesses can lose significant profit if
employees spend time repeatedly attempting to adjust a table or
chair on an uneven surface.
SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments include methods and apparatus for stabilizing
tables and chairs. One embodiment is a leg adjusting assembly that
has a housing connected to a leg of a table. A foot mechanism
extends outwardly from the housing and from the leg. When a force
is applied to the foot mechanism with a foot of a user, a rod
vertically moves in the housing and adjusts a height of the table
leg.
[0008] Another embodiment includes a method for adjusting a height
of a table. The method includes attaching a leg adjusting assembly
to a cavity formed in a leg of the table; extending a lever
outwardly from the leg; biasing the lever against a movable rod
such that a force applied by a foot of a user to an end of the
lever disengages the lever from the rod and enables a user to
adjust the height of the table; and re-engaging the rod when the
foot mechanism is released.
[0009] Other embodiments and variations of these embodiments are
shown and taught in the accompanying drawings and detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table having plural leg
adjusting assemblies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken
along a dashed circle of FIG. 1 showing a leg adjusting assembly
attached to a leg in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a leg adjusting assembly in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2
showing a leg adjusting assembly in a contracted position in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a view side taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 showing
a leg adjusting assembly in an extended position in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a leg adjusting
assembly attached to a leg in accordance with another exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stool having plural leg
adjusting assemblies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view taken along a dashed circle of
FIG. 7 showing a leg adjusting assembly in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is an enlarged exploded view taken along lines 9-9 of
FIG. 8 showing a leg adjusting assembly in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of a leg adjusting assembly
connected to a leg in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a leg
adjusting assembly attached to a leg in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11
showing a leg adjusting assembly in an extended position in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another leg adjusting
assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing of the leg
adjusting assembly of FIG. 13 in accordance with another exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another leg adjusting
assembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the leg adjusting assembly of
FIG. 15 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the leg adjusting assembly of
FIG. 15 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a side view of the leg adjusting assembly of FIG.
15 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a back view of the leg adjusting assembly of FIG.
15 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Embodiments in accordance with the invention are directed to
methods and apparatus for adjusting the heights of objects. One
exemplary embodiment includes a leg adjusting assembly that
attaches to a bottom portion of a leg of a table, or chair. The leg
adjusting assembly enables a user to easily adjust or alter a
height of one leg. When the legs of such devices are positioned on
an uneven surface, the seating surface of the chair or surface of
the table is readily stabilized with a foot mechanism. In this
stabilized position, tables and chairs are sturdy and not prone to
wobble or fall over to the point of injuring a customer or
employee.
[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, the leg adjusting assembly
attaches to a leg or bottom surface of a table or chair and
includes a foot mechanism that extends outwardly from a housing.
When the foot mechanism is actuated (example, depressed with a foot
of a user), the leg adjusting assembly vertically moves upwardly or
downwardly. This vertical movement causes the leg to vertically
move with respect to a surface (such as the floor or ground). Since
the position of one leg is vertically movable with respect to the
supporting surface and three other legs, users are able to adjust
the leg height (level) of tables and chairs that rest on a variety
of uneven surfaces.
[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, the leg adjusting assembly is
activated with only the foot of a user. Users are not required to
bend down to activate the leg adjusting assembly and stabilize a
table or chair. Instead, the legs of objects are adjusted while the
user is standing. Thus, a user can adjust the table without using
his or her hands that may be being used to serve food. Further, the
leg adjusting assembly provides a relatively wide range of vertical
motion so objects can be stabilize on a wide variety of uneven
surfaces. In one embodiment for instance, the leg adjusting
assembly enables a leg to vertically move up to an infinite number
of adjustable positions that range up to about one inch or more. In
another exemplary embodiment, the leg adjusting assembly enables
the leg to vertically move up distances greater than about one
inch, such as two inches, three inches, etc. For example, the leg
adjusting assembly moves the leg up to 5/8 of an inch.
[0032] Exemplary embodiments are easy to use and install. The leg
adjusting assembly can be retrofit to attach to legs having
different shapes and sizes. Users can thus separately install the
leg adjusting assembly onto existing devices, such as existing
tables and chairs. In other exemplary embodiments, the leg
adjusting assemblies are integrally formed onto one or more legs of
the device. For instance, the leg adjusting assemblies are
permanently attached or connected to one or more legs during
manufacturing or assembly.
[0033] Embodiments in accordance with the invention are applicable
to a wide variety of cavity based objects including, but not
limited, to movable objects, such as tables and chairs, appliances,
and the like. For illustration purposes, exemplary embodiments are
shown in conjunction with tables and chairs, but embodiments
include various objects and device that are movable and/or require
a level surface.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of plural leg adjusting
assemblies 100 attached to a table 102 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. The table 102 includes a
central post 104 having a first end connected to a table top 106
and a second end connected to a plurality of legs 108, with four
legs being shown. The legs extend from the central post 104 to a
distal portion or end 110.
[0035] As shown, each leg adjusting assembly 100 is attached and
connected to the distal portion 110 of a corresponding leg 108. A
first portion 112 of a leg adjusting assembly 100 connects to an
underside 113 of a leg, and a second portion 114 extends outwardly
from the distal portion 110. This outwardly extending portion 114
includes a foot mechanism 120 that is activated with pressure from
the foot of a user.
[0036] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken
along a dashed circle 114 of FIG. 1 showing one leg adjusting
assembly 100 attached to one of the legs 108 of table 102 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3
shows an exploded view of this leg adjusting assembly 100 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0037] Looking to FIGS. 2 and 3, the leg adjusting assembly 100
generally includes the foot mechanism 120 and a housing 130. The
housing extends from a first end 132 to a second end 134. The first
end 132 includes a rectangular or square shaped structure 136
having a cavity 138 formed therein. In one exemplary embodiment,
this cavity 138 extends through the entire structure 136. The
second end 134 includes an elongated flat support 140. The support
140 has a rectangular shape and includes two parallel, spaced apart
ridges 142 that extend lengthwise along an outer periphery of the
support. An elongated opening or slot 144 extends along a portion
of the support 140 between the two ridges 142. In one exemplary
embodiment, the opening 144 has an elongated rectangular shape with
rounded ends.
[0038] The foot mechanism includes or cooperates with a lever 150,
a biasing member 152, and an elongated cylindrical rod 154. These
elements fit fully or at least partially into the cavity 138 of
structure 136.
[0039] The lever 150 has a flat rectangular shape having a length L
and width W1. This width W1 is slightly smaller than a width W2 of
the opening to cavity 138 so the lever can freely move into and out
of the cavity 138. In one exemplary embodiment, the lever includes
an opening 156 centrally located about the width W1 of the body of
the lever 150.
[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the rod 154 has a size and
shape to fit through the opening 156 in the lever 150 and two
openings 160 formed in the structure 136. A first end 164 of the
rod 154 extends completely through the cavity 138 and projects
outwardly from a top surface of the housing 130. A cylindrical cap
168 fits on the first end 164 of the rod. The cap prevents the rod
from falling through the openings 160 and out of housing 130.
[0041] A second end 170 of the rod 154 includes a glide 172. This
glide is adapted to seat against a surface, such as a floor. In one
exemplary embodiment, the glide 172 has disk-shape that is
substantially larger than the openings 160. Thus, when cap 168 is
attached to the first end 164 and the glide 172 is attached to the
second end 172, the rod is captured in the housing 130.
[0042] In order to assemble the leg adjusting assembly 100, one end
of the lever 150 is positioned into the cavity 138 until the
opening 156 concentrically aligns with the two openings 160 formed
in housing 130. The biasing member aligns with openings 156 and 160
and is positioned inside the cavity 138 between the lever 150 and a
bottom surface 174 of housing 130. In one exemplary embodiment, the
biasing member 152 is shown as a helical or coiled spring, but it
may have various configurations. First end 164 of rod 154 passes
through bottom opening 160, through biasing member 152, through
opening 156, and finally through top opening 160 until the first
end 164 protrudes above a top surface of housing 130. Cap 168 is
attached (example, press fit or screwed) onto first end 164 to
maintain rod 154 inside cavity 138.
[0043] Leg adjusting assemblies 100 in accordance with exemplary
embodiments can be adapted to attach or connect to a wide variety
of objects. The specific connection mechanisms utilized to connect
a leg adjusting assembly to such an object will depend, in part, on
the design of the leg. By way of example, FIGS. 4 and 5 are side
views showing the leg adjusting assembly 100 connected to a leg of
such an object.
[0044] As shown, support 140 attaches to an underside 200 of leg
108. By way of example, the leg 108 includes a cavity 202 and a
cylindrical projection 204 extending downwardly inside cavity 202
and from an underside surface 206 of leg 108. A bushing or spacer
210 fits around an exterior of the projection 204 and extends
between the surface 206 and support 140.
[0045] In order to attach the leg adjusting assembly 100 to the leg
108, the support 140 slides under the leg 108 until a canted
surface 212 of housing 130 abuts against an exterior end portion
214 of leg 108. Opening 144 in support 140 aligns with concentric
openings 216 in both the projection 204 and bushing 210 (see also
FIGS. 2 and 3). In one exemplary embodiment, projection 204
includes a threaded interior that receives a threaded end of a
screw 220.
[0046] As shown best in FIGS. 4 and 5, glide 172 includes a central
opening 222 for receiving a screw 224. This screw passes through
opening 222 and threadably engages with interior threads located in
a hollow portion of second end 170 of rod 154. The screw 224 is
threaded to abut against a plate or surface 226.
[0047] As shown, the leg adjusting assembly 100 removably connects
to a leg 108. Although a screw is used to connect the leg adjusting
assembly to the leg, one skilled in the art will appreciate that
various mechanisms are within exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows an example embodiment wherein the leg 108 is
positioned off from a surface 240. In this position, the leg
adjusting assembly 100 is in a contracted state or position. This
situation occurs, for example, when the table 102 (FIG. 1) is not
level (example, the surface 240 is uneven or not flat). In this
instance, if the leg were not corrected then the table or
corresponding object attached to the leg 108 would not be sturdy
and prone to wobble or fall over.
[0049] The leg adjusting assembly 100 is easily adjustable so the
leg can be quickly leveled with the surface 240. Specifically, a
downward force, shown at arrow 250, is applied to one end 252 of
lever 150. This force (example, from a foot of a user) causes the
end 252 to rotate downwardly and opening 156 to move along rod 154.
A second end 254 of lever 150 abuts against a stop or wall 256 and
prevents end 254 from moving. As the end 252 moves, the lever 150
disengages from rod 154. This disengagement enables rod 154 to fall
downwardly toward surface 240 until glide 172 abuts the surface
(see FIG. 5).
[0050] The rod 154 is thus able to slide or move vertically within
housing 130. This movement enables a user to adjust the position of
glide 172 and ultimately adjust the vertical height of leg 108.
[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, the length of the rod dictates
the amount of vertical adjustability for the leg. More
specifically, the rod has a portion 260 (see FIG. 2) that extends
above the housing 130. A length of this portion determines the
vertical height for raising the leg from the surface 240. In one
exemplary embodiment, this portion 260 has a length less than about
one inch to three-quarters of an inch.
[0052] Once the downward force 250 is released from the lever 150,
the biasing member 152 forces or biases the lever 150 upwardly.
More specifically, end 252 moves upwardly until interior walls of
opening 156 pinch or contact an exterior or outer surface of rod
154. The biasing member 152 functions to wedge lever 150 against
the rod 154 so the rod is not capable of vertically moving.
[0053] Exemplary embodiments can be modified to include a wide
variety of alternate embodiments. FIGS. 6-10 illustrate some of
these alternate embodiments.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a leg adjusting
assembly 100 attached to a leg 290 in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the leg
adjusting assembly 100 connects to a side 292 of leg 290.
Specifically, support 140 extends under the leg along a side of the
leg.
[0055] The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 illustrates that the leg
adjusting assembly 100 can be positioned around or at various
locations on a leg. Such locations include, but are not limited to,
an end of the leg, along a side of a leg, and/or fully or partially
within a cavity formed in the leg.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of plural leg adjusting
assemblies 300 attached to a chair 302 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. The chair 302 includes a
seating surface 306 and a plurality of legs 308 with four legs
being shown. The legs extend from the seating surface 306 to a
distal portion or end 310.
[0057] Looking to FIGS. 7-9, each leg adjusting assembly 300 is
attached and connected to the distal portion 310 of a corresponding
leg 308. A first portion 312 of a leg adjusting assembly 300
connects to an underside or bottom side 314 of a leg, and a second
portion 314 extends outwardly from the distal portion 310. This
outwardly extending portion 314 includes a foot mechanism 320 that
is activated with pressure from the foot of a user.
[0058] The leg adjusting assembly 300 generally includes the foot
mechanism 320 and a housing 330. In one exemplary embodiment, the
housing has a disk-shaped or cylindrical shaped structure 336
having a cavity 338 formed therein. In one exemplary embodiment,
this cavity 338 is cylindrical and is formed within an outer or
peripheral wall 340.
[0059] The foot mechanism includes and/or cooperates with a lever
350, a biasing member 352, and an elongated cylindrical rod 354.
These elements fit fully or at least partially into the cavity 338
of structure 336.
[0060] The lever 350 has a flat rectangular shape having a length
and width. This width is slightly smaller than a width of an
opening (such as a slot) 355 formed in the end of leg 308. In one
exemplary embodiment, the lever includes an opening 356 centrally
located about the width of the body of the lever 350.
[0061] In one exemplary embodiment, the rod 354 has a size and
shape to fit through the opening 356 in the lever 350 and another
opening 360 formed in the structure 336. A first end 364 of the rod
354 extends completely through the cavity 338 and projects
outwardly from a top surface of the housing 330. A cylindrical cap
or head 368 is formed or fits on the first end 364 of the rod. The
cap prevents the rod from falling through the openings 356 and 360
and out of housing 330.
[0062] A second end 370 of the rod 354 includes a glide 372. This
glide is adapted to seat against a surface, such as a floor. In one
exemplary embodiment, the glide 372 has disk-shape that is
substantially larger than the openings 360. Thus, the head 368 and
glide 372 capture the rod within housing 330.
[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, the lever 350 and the biasing
member 352 are integrally formed together. In other words, the
lever and biasing member form a single, one-piece unit.
[0064] In order to assemble the leg adjusting assembly 300, one end
of the lever 350 is positioned into the cavity 338 until the
opening 356 concentrically aligns with the opening 360 formed in
housing 330. The biasing member is positioned inside the cavity 338
between the lever 350 and a bottom surface 374 of housing 330. In
one exemplary embodiment, the biasing member 352 is shown as a bent
or rounded portion of the lever that provides resilience and
biasing. Second end 370 of rod 354 passes through opening 356 in
biasing member 352 and through opening 360 until head 368 abuts or
contacts lever 350 at opening 356.
[0065] Leg adjusting assemblies 300 in accordance with exemplary
embodiment can be adapted to attach or connect to a wide variety of
objects. The specific connection mechanisms utilized to connect a
leg adjusting assembly to such an object will depend, in part, on
the design of the leg.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 8-10, rod 354 has a hollow end 400 that
includes a threaded recess 401. This threaded recess threadably
connects to a threaded screw 402 that extends upwardly from a
center of glide 372 until a head of the screw abuts against a plate
or stop 403. In this manner, the leg adjusting assembly 300
attaches to an underside or bottom of leg 308. By way of example,
the leg 308 includes a cavity 404 formed in the end of the leg.
This cavity is sized and shaped to receive and house head 368 and
portions of at least housing 330, rod 354, foot mechanism 320, and
biasing member 352. By way of example, housing 330 permanently or
removably attaches to the end of leg 308 (best shown in FIG. 10).
The glide 372 removably threads to the bottom surface of housing
330 so the glide can be replaced if it becomes worn or damaged.
Alternatively, the glide 372 can be integrally formed with or to
the leg adjusting assembly 300. The leg adjusting assembly 300 is
easily adjustable in a similar manner as discussed in connection
with FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0067] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a leg adjusting assembly 500 attached
to a leg 502 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, the leg adjusting assembly 500 is
similarly configured to the leg adjusting assembly discussed in
connection with FIGS. 1-6 (with common components having identical
numbers and some differences being discussed hereafter).
[0068] As one difference, the support 504 has an L-shape that
includes a first portion 506 (similar to support 140 discussed in
FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second portion 508. A bridge portion 510
connects the first and second portions such that the second portion
is vertically lower than the first portion.
[0069] In one exemplary embodiment, the second portion 508 has an
elongated rectangular shape with an end 512 that extends outwardly
from a side of leg 502. When a downward force is applied to the
second portion, the rod 154 is vertically movable as discussed in
connection with FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0070] As another difference, the leg adjusting assembly 500 is
fully positioned or enclosed within a cavity 520 formed on the
underside or end of leg 502. Only the second portion 508 extends
outwardly from an exterior surface of the leg. This second portion
functions as the foot mechanism to enable users to raise and lower
the height of the leg.
[0071] FIGS. 13 and 14 show showing another leg adjusting assembly
600 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, the foot mechanism 602 is enclosed
within a housing 604. The housing extends around or encloses lever
606, biasing member 608, and rod 610 and protects mechanical parts
of the leg adjusting assembly.
[0072] In one exemplary embodiment, the housing 604 is shaped as an
elongated cylinder having a sufficient length so the rod 610 can
freely move in a vertical direction from the contracted to expanded
positions (discussed in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5). The rod
moves entirely within the housing. By way of illustration, FIG. 14
shows the leg adjusting assembly in a contracted position with the
glide 612 being adjacent a bottom portion 614 of housing 604.
[0073] The leg adjusting assembly 600 can attach to legs and
objects in a variety of ways. By way of example, a leg 620 (FIG. 4)
includes a cavity 624 that is sized and shaped to receive house
604. In another exemplary embodiment, the leg does not include a
cavity. Instead, the leg adjusting assembly 600 attaches to a
bottom surface of the leg. For example, a top portion 630 of
housing 604 abuts against a bottom portion (example, the portion
contacting a surface or ground) in order to connect the leg
adjusting assembly to a leg or object. Various attachment
mechanisms and methods (such as glue, screws, pins, nails, etc.)
can be used to attach the housing to an undersurface of a leg or
object.
[0074] FIGS. 15-19 show another leg adjusting assembly 700 in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0075] The leg adjusting assembly 700 generally includes the foot
mechanism 720 and a housing 730. The housing extends from a first
end 732 to a second end 734. The first end 732 includes an
elongated structure 736 having a cavity 738 formed therein. In one
exemplary embodiment, this cavity 738 extends through the entire
structure 736. The second end 734 includes an elongated flat
support 740. The support 740 extends outwardly from the housing and
has a rectangular shape with a rounded end 742 and a hole or an
opening 744.
[0076] The housing 730 has a rectangular shaped main portion 722
with two winged rectangular portions 724A and 724B. These winged
portions extend outwardly from opposite sides of the main portion
722 with the cavity 738 extending through the main portion 722.
[0077] The foot mechanism 720 cooperates with a biasing member 752
and an elongated cylindrical rod 754 that also form part of the leg
adjusting assembly 700. These elements fit fully or at least
partially into the cavity 738 of the structure 736.
[0078] The foot mechanism 720 has a T-shape such that its leg 750
can freely move into and out of the cavity 738. In one exemplary
embodiment, the foot mechanism 720 includes a hole or an opening
756 located in the leg 750. A lever portion 758 is integrally
formed as part of the foot mechanism 720 and extends perpendicular
to the leg to form the T-shape. This lever portion has a flat
rectangular surface with two rounded ends that are oppositely
disposed from each other. The lever is adapted to receive a foot of
a user in order to adjust the height of the leg adjusting assembly.
A canted portion 759 connects the leg 750 to the lever portion
758.
[0079] In one exemplary embodiment, the rod 754 has a size and
shape to fit through the opening 756 in the leg 750 and two
oppositely disposed openings 760 formed in the structure 736. A
first end of the rod 754 extends into the cavity 738 and connects
with a cylindrical cap 768. This cap fits on the end of the rod and
prevents the rod from falling through the openings 760, the hole
756, and out of housing 730. The cap can be removably or
permanently connected to the rod.
[0080] A second end of the rod 754 includes a glide 772. This glide
is adapted to seat against a surface, such as a floor, and support
the leg adjusting assembly on the ground. In one exemplary
embodiment, the glide 772 has a round or disk-shape that is
substantially larger than the openings 760. Thus, when cap 768 is
attached to the end of the rod 754 and the glide 772 is attached to
the other end of the rod 754, the rod is captured in the housing
730.
[0081] The biasing member sits and floats on the rod 754 and biases
the foot mechanism 720 against the rod 754 inside housing 730. In
one exemplary embodiment, the biasing member 752 is shown as a
helical or coiled spring positioned around the exterior surface of
the rod. The biasing member can have various configurations.
Further, the cap 768 can attach (for example with a press fit or a
screw) onto the end of the rod 754.
[0082] The leg assemblies in accordance with the invention can be
fabricated from a variety of materials including, but not limited
to, metals, plastics or polymers, and combinations thereof, to name
a few examples. Further, embodiments in accordance with the present
invention can utilize a modular connective architecture. If a
particular component within the leg adjusting assembly fails or
otherwise needs to be replaced, the component can be removed from
the assembly and replaced with a new and/or different component. As
such, the assemblies can be constructed with standardized
components and/or dimensions to enable flexibility and variety of
uses in different legs and exchanges of components. Further yet,
the leg adjusting assemblies can be retrofit or attached to legs
after manufacture of the legs. Alternatively, the leg adjusting
assemblies are permanently or removably attached to one or more
legs during manufacturing or during assembly.
[0083] One skilled in the art will appreciate that a discussion of
various methods of using, constructing, replacing, altering, or
attaching the leg adjusting assemblies should not be construed as
steps that must proceed in a particular order. Instead, while the
invention has been disclosed with respect to a limited number of
embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate, upon reading
this disclosure, numerous modifications and variations. It is
intended that the appended claims cover such modifications and
variations and fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention.
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