Self leveling adaptor

A self leveling adaptor that forms a substantially level and planar mounting surface on a curved or otherwise irregular external surface for mounting of an external device having a substantially planar mounting base. The self leveling adaptor of the invention includes a rigid plate having a substantially planar mounting surface and a pliable boot thereabout that is structured to substantially conform to the curved or otherwise irregular external surface. Three nipples between the rigid plate and the external surface cause the rigid plate to be firmly seated against the external surface without rocking.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a self leveling adaptor for converting a curved or irregular surface to a substantially planar surface, and in particular to a self leveling adaptor having a plurality of support nipples and a pliable boot projected from one surface of a mounting plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is generally well known that many vehicle surfaces are curved, rounded or otherwise irregular so that mounting any device having a flat mounting surface is challenging, both structurally and cosmetically.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the structural and cosmetic mounting limitations of the prior art by providing a self leveling adaptor that forms a substantially level and planar mounting surface on a curved or otherwise irregular external surface for mounting of an external device having a substantially planar mounting base such as, by example and without limitation, a coupler of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,885 entitled “Universally Positionable Mounting Device,” issued to Jeffrey D. Carnevali on Dec. 8, 1998, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The self leveling adaptor of the invention includes a rigid plate having a substantially planar mounting surface and a pliable boot thereabout that is structured to substantially conform to the curved or otherwise irregular external surface.

According to one aspect of the invention, the rigid plate is structured with opposing and separate substantially planar mounting and coupling surfaces and is formed with one or more fastening holes there through with the pliable boot thereabout. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the rigid plate includes one or more fastening holes there through each having a surrounding support nipple protruding outwardly from the coupling surface, each support nipple having a contact surface at a distal end thereof. Three of the support nipples for contacting the curved or otherwise irregular external surface cause the plate to seat securely against the external surface and further cause the plate to self-level relative to the external surface. The plate thus forms a self leveling adaptor for mounting of another flat bottomed device against the curved or otherwise irregular external surface. The pliable boot is formed, by example and without limitation, having a substantially hollow corrugated skirt and is mated to the coupling surface of the rigid plate with a waist portion of the skirt being formed around a peripheral lip portion of the plate. The skirt is optionally flared or straight. The pliability of the boot permits the skirt to flow smoothly around the self leveling adaptor between the plate and the external surface, even when the external surface is curved or otherwise irregular in contour.

According to one aspect of the invention, the boot portion of the self leveling adaptor of the invention is a substantially hollow cup formed from a resiliently flexible or pliable material. The pliable boot is formed to fit around a substantial portion of the peripheral lip of the plate and is coupled thereto through the waist portion. The skirt portion of the boot is formed with an outer facing surface which includes the skirt waist and extends to a distal skirt hem portion thereof. The skirt hem forms a border or distal edge of the skirt which makes substantially direct contact with the curved or irregular external surface to which the self leveling adaptor is attached. The skirt portion is, by example and without limitation, configured having one or more substantially cosmetic cords or “hoops” formed of the resiliently flexible or pliable material.

Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a self leveling adaptor10that creates a substantially level and planar mounting surface on a curved or otherwise irregular external surface S for mounting of an external device E having a substantially planar mounting base B and a quantity of holes H each structured to accommodate a fastener F. The external device E is, by example and without limitation, a coupler of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,885 entitled “Universally Positionable Mounting Device,” issued to Jeffrey D. Carnevali on Dec. 8, 1998, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The self leveling adaptor10of the invention includes a rigid plate12having a substantially planar mounting surface14and a pliable boot16thereabout that is structured to substantially conform to the curved or otherwise irregular external surface S.

FIG. 2is a top perspective view that illustrates one embodiment an apparatus and method of the invention for a self leveling adaptor10of the invention having the rigid plate12that is structured with opposing and separate substantially planar mounting and coupling surfaces14,18(shown in subsequent figures) and is formed with one or more fastening holes there through with the pliable boot16thereabout. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the rigid plate12includes one or more fastening holes20there through each having a surrounding support nipple22(shown in subsequent figures) protruding outwardly from the coupling surface18, each support nipple22having a contact surface23at a distal end thereof. Three of the support nipples22for contacting the curved or otherwise irregular external surface S cause the plate12to seat securely against the external surface S and further cause the plate12to self-level relative to the external surface S. The plate12thus forms a self leveling adaptor for mounting of another flat bottomed device against the curved or otherwise irregular external surface S. The pliable boot16is formed, by example and without limitation, having a substantially hollow corrugated skirt24and is mated to the coupling surface18of the rigid plate12with a waist portion26of the skirt24being formed around a peripheral lip portion28of the plate12. The skirt24is optionally flared, as shown, or straight. The pliability of the boot16permits the skirt24to flow smoothly around the self leveling adaptor10between the plate12and the external surface S, even when the external surface S is curved or otherwise irregular in contour.

As embodied inFIG. 2and shown in subsequent figures, the boot16portion of the self leveling adaptor10of the invention is a substantially hollow cup formed from a resiliently flexible or pliable material. The pliable boot16is formed to fit around a substantial portion of the peripheral lip28of the plate12and is coupled thereto through the waist portion26. The skirt portion24of the boot16is formed with an outer facing surface30which includes the skirt waist26and extends to a distal skirt hem32portion thereof. The skirt hem32forms a border or distal edge of the skirt24which makes substantially direct contact with the curved or irregular external surface S to which the self leveling adaptor10is attached. The skirt portion24is, by example and without limitation, configured having one or more substantially cosmetic cords or “hoops”34formed of the resiliently flexible or pliable material.

FIG. 3andFIG. 4both illustrate the plate12as including the substantially planar coupling surface18opposite from the plate mounting surface14which is surrounded at its circumference or outer edge by the integral peripheral lip28. The plate12also includes one or more of the integral support nipples22each encompassed on the underside coupling surface18of the plate12by one of the support nipples22.

The plate portion12of the self leveling adaptor10is formed, by example and without limitation, as a generally circular, substantially planar object having an outer diameter D that is approximately, but not limited to, more or less about 1 inch and having a thickness T which supports an external load applied to its mounting surface14. The plate portion12of the self leveling adaptor10is formed of a substantially rigid material such as but not limited to a metal, plastic, composite or another substantially rigid material capable of supporting external objects mounted thereon. The plate portion12has the one or more fastening holes20formed there through, with each fastening hole20having a surrounding nipple22formed integral with the coupling surface18and protruding outwardly therefrom. Each fastening hole20is structured to accept one of the fastening devices F there through for securing the self leveling adaptor10of the invention to the external surface S with an external device E applied to its mounting surface14. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the fastening holes20are circular in form and structured to accept a standard or non-standard fastening device such as a screw, bolt, pin, stud, clasp, rivet or other fastener.

According to at least one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the nipples22protrudes from the coupling surface18of the plate12and forms a contact point between the plate12and the curved or irregular surface S to which the self leveling adaptor10of the invention is attached, with three of the support nipples22forming a plane on substantially any curved or irregular surface S.

According to one embodiment of the invention, three fastening holes20and three corresponding support nipples22are distributed in any triangular pattern for providing the three contact points that form a plane on substantially any curved or irregular surface S.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening holes20and corresponding support nipples22are uniformly spaced in a substantially equilateral triangle such that the fastening holes20and corresponding support nipples22form a substantially circular pattern with the nipple contact surfaces23forming a substantially flat plane that is substantially parallel with the plate mounting and coupling surfaces14,18.

As embodied inFIGS. 3 and 4, the nipples22are substantially tubular in form with the fastening holes20forming central canals there through, the fastening holes20being structured to accept any selected standard or non-standard fastening device such as a screw, bolt, pin, stud, clasp, rivet or other fastener.

As illustrated by the embodiment ofFIGS. 3 and 4, the peripheral lip28of the plate12is formed to seat coplanar or flush to the waist portion26of the boot16and is structured to be sufficiently rigid to prevent the boot16from excessive movement or excessive or non-elastic lateral or radial bending or other deformation. As embodied inFIGS. 3 and 4, the cross section of the peripheral lip28of the plate12is, by example and without limitation, substantially rectangular in shape and for illustrative purposes, includes a peripheral lip crown36, rim38, and seat40. The crown36forms a top surface of the peripheral lip28of the plate12and is coincident with the mounting surface14of the plate12. The crown36forms a smooth transition42to the mounting surface14of the plate12, the transition42is for example a chamfer or radius (shown). The description of the transition from the peripheral lip28to the mounting surface14of the plate12as a rounded chamfer in no way limits the possible equivalent forms which this transition42may be practiced.

The rim38forms an outer radial border or extremity of the peripheral lip28of the plate12. The seat40forms a bottom or under surface of the peripheral lip28of the plate12and is substantially coincident with the coupling surface18of the plate12.

To aid in the description of the invention, the plate portion12has been described in terms of a mounting surface14and a coupling surface18. These terms are intended as merely descriptive and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The mounting surface14is generally described as the top or outer side of the plate12where the device E or other attachment may be placed. The coupling surface18is generally described as the under side of the plate12where the invention is to be attached or mated to the external curved or irregular surface S.

As embodied inFIGS. 3 and 4, the plate12and boot16portions are structured as wholly separate and discrete units that together form the self leveling adaptor10when the boot16is assembled to the plate12. Alternatively, an interior base portion44of the cup-shaped boot16contacts the coupling surface18of the plate12and is optionally vulcanized or otherwise adhered to the coupling surface18of the plate12. Additionally, nipple apertures46surround the protrusion of the nipples22and are optionally adhered thereto. Simultaneously, the waist portion26of the boot16is structured to fit around all or at least a substantial portion of the peripheral lip portion28of the plate12. According to different embodiments of the invention, the waist portion26of the boot16contacts any one or more of the crown36, the rim38and the seat40of the plate peripheral lip28.

FIG. 5illustrates the boot16portion of the invention as being formed of a resiliently pliable material. The boot16is formed with the outer surface30of the skirt24having one or more of the hoops34surrounding the interior base portion44of the cup-shaped boot16. As illustrated, the interior base portion44of the cup-shaped boot16is formed as an integral substantially planar “sheet” portion that is coupled to the skirt24through the integral waist26portion. The boot interior base portion44is formed around each of the protruding nipples22of the plate12and is structured to contact the coupling surface18thereof. The pliable boot16is injection molded or otherwise formed of a resiliently flexible or pliable material such as, but not limited to, a resiliently flexible or pliable plastic, a rubber or elastomer, a composite or another resiliently flexible or pliable material capable of forming resiliently compressible boots of the type described here. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the skirt24of the boot16is structured to engage and maintain substantial contact at the curved or irregular external surface S to which the self leveling adaptor10of the invention is attached when the plate12is coupled to the external surface S and the boot16is compressed under load provided by the one or more fastening devices through the fastening holes20such that the nipples22are secured in substantially permanent contact with the external surface S. Nipple apertures46are formed through the interior base portion44the cup-shaped boot16for each of the fastening hole nipples22of the plate12. The nipple apertures46may be realized by cutting, or may be formed during an injection mold process, whereby the boot16is formed.

Optionally, the interior base portion44of the boot16is vulcanized or otherwise substantially permanently adhered to the plate coupling surface18, and the skirt apertures46are vulcanized or otherwise adhered to an outer surface48of each nipple22(shown in previous and subsequent figures). Alternatively, the nipple apertures46are pre-cut to fit around the nipple outer surface48prior to mating of the boot16to the coupling surface18of the plate12, the nipple apertures46being cut using any form of machine cutting of resiliently compressible materials such as, but not limited to, a water jet cutting system.

Alternative Embodiments

FIG. 6illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the skirt waist26is formed as an over-mold to the peripheral lip28of the plate12. The over-mold of the boot16is substantially accomplished in the waist26portion of the skirt24. The over-mold of the boot16to the peripheral lip28of the plate12results in a substantially coplanar, or flush, interface between the waist26of the boot16and the mounting surface14of the plate12. The over-molded waist portion26of the boot16completely encompasses the seat40and rim38of the peripheral lip28of the plate12. The over-molded waist portion26of the boot16also completely covers the crown portion36of the peripheral lip28up to and including the transition42from the peripheral lip28to the mounting surface14of the plate12. The formation of the over-molded waist portion26is accomplished, by example and without limitation, by injection molding of the boot16, and adhesion of the over-molded waist portion26to the peripheral lip28of the plate12is accomplished, by example and without limitation, using vulcanization or any other method where a resiliently flexible or pliable material may be molded to envelope and adhere to a rigid, angular surface as described here.

FIG. 7illustrates another alternative embodiment wherein the interface of the over-molded waist portion26of the boot16is formed to seat substantially beneath the peripheral lip28of the plate12and adhered to the peripheral lip seat40. In this embodiment, the skirt waist26is substantially coincident with the interior base portion44of the boot16. The boot16and plate12portions are optionally wholly separate and independent units. However, according to one embodiment of the invention, the boot interior base portion44and waist26are optionally integrally formed, as by injection molding as a single unit, and vulcanized or otherwise substantially permanently adhered to the coupling surface18of the plate12. Additionally, the nipple apertures46are optionally adhered to the protrusion of the fastening hole nipples22at the nipple outer surface48.

FIG. 8illustrates another alternative embodiment of the boot16wherein the skirt outer surface30is formed with a smooth or non-corrugated surface which smoothly transitions from the skirt waist26to the skirt hem32with a tapering thickness. Also illustrated is the peripheral lip28of the plate12being configured having a substantially rectangular structure that eliminates both the crown portion36and the transition42to the mounting surface14. The structure of the peripheral lip28in cross section is thus, by example and without limitation, substantially rectangular, right-angled, semi-circular or another combination of forms. These terms are merely descriptive and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

FIG. 9illustrates another alternative embodiment wherein the fastening hole nipple22is formed having a necked-down stalk or re-entry area50between the coupling surface18of the plate12and a button-shaped nipple end cap52, whereby the nipple22is configured having a “mushroom” shape. The nipple apertures46are more or less concurrent in dimension with the re-entry area50of the nipple22and are formed to fit snugly over the nipple end caps52and reside in the re-entry area50adjacent to the coupling surface18when the boot16is fully mated to the plate12. When the plate12and boot16portions are embodied as wholly separate units, the nipple apertures46are formed to fit snugly enough within the re-entry areas50to prevent the plate12and boot16detaching from one another.

FIG. 10illustrates another alternative embodiment wherein the fastening holes20through the plate12are eliminated. Rather, each nipple22is formed with an integral threaded stud54. The plate12, nipples22, and integral threaded studs54are formed of a substantially rigid material capable of supporting objects.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the plate12, nipples22and threaded studs54are optionally configured as wholly separate and non-integral units. When the plate12, nipples22and threaded studs54are configured as wholly separate non-integral units, those separate parts are optionally formed of different materials. The stud54attachment structure is not limited to a threaded interface, but is optionally configured as a tapered screw threaded with any standard or non-standard thread pitch. Alternatively, the stud54is formed with a crosswise hole to accept a set pin or cotter key, or is structured to receive another conventional retaining device, such as a snap ring.

FIG. 11illustrates another alternative embodiment wherein the plate fastening holes20are replaced by internally threaded fastening holes56that are formed in the nipples22and are structured to receive a screw, bolt, stud or other standard or non-standard threaded fastening device. The internally threaded fastening holes56are not limited to a through hole configuration, but are optionally configured as blind threaded holes where the threaded fastening holes56are open to and accessed from the mounting surface14side of the plate12and are enclosed entirely within the nipple22and bottom therein. Alternatively, the blind threaded fastening holes56are optionally open to and accessed from the coupling surface18side of the plate12at the nipple cap52and are entirely enclosed within the nipple22and inaccessible from the mounting surface14side of the plate12. Commensurate with this embodiment of the leveling adaptor10having the internally threaded fastening holes56, the plate12thickness is optionally increased to provide added strength when the plate12portion itself is thus the primary attachment mechanism. The plate12thickness and nipple22structures are optionally increased or decreased to accommodate any alternate configurations of the invention. In the alternate embodiment ofFIG. 7(right side), the internally threaded fastening holes56are formed entirely within the plate12. However, the internally threaded fastening holes56are optionally realized with the use of a separate threaded insert embedded in each of the fastening holes20. The separate threaded insert are conventional commercially available devices formed of any material such as, but not limited to, a hardened steel. When the internally threaded fastening holes56are realized using a threaded insert, it is understood that the structure of the plate12required to accommodate such a device is fully included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 12illustrates another alternative embodiment wherein the boot16and plate12are wholly separate units and the skirt waist26is formed having a radial groove or channel58that is structured to fit around and couple to a substantial portion of the peripheral lip28of the plate12. Also illustrated is the fastening holes20optionally being a non-tapered hole through the plate12that is optionally counter-sunk at the mounting surface14. Also illustrated is another alternative embodiment of the boot skirt24having the optionally smooth and non-corrugated outer surface30formed with a substantially constant thickness60.

FIG. 13illustrates another alternative form of the boot16and plate12portions of the leveling adaptor10wherein the support nipple22and the skirt interior base portion44are integrally formed within the cup-shaped boot16. Accordingly, the boot16portion is formed of a resiliently flexible or pliable material such as, but not limited to, a resiliently flexible or pliable plastic, a rubber or elastomer, a composite or another resiliently flexible or pliable material capable of forming resiliently compressible skirts of the type described here. The integral pliable support nipples22of the boot16are each formed with an aperture62through the skirt interior base portion44that is aligned with corresponding fastening holes20through the plate12. The integral pliable support nipples22of the boot16each contact the curved or otherwise irregular external surface S and thus cause the plate12to seat securely against the external surface S and further cause the plate12to self-level relative to the external surface S. The boot16thus forms the self leveling adaptor for mounting of another flat bottomed device E against the curved or otherwise irregular external surface S.

FIG. 14illustrates another alternative embodiment of the plate12wherein the fastening holes20and surrounding nipples22are structured to accept a discrete fastener64. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, by example and without limitation, the fastening holes20include a recessed portion66, such as a countersink or counter bore (shown), that is aligned with and optionally formed into the corresponding support nipple22for accommodating and retaining the discrete fastener64. For example, for a discrete fastener64having a hexagonally shaped bolt head64aand corresponding threaded shaft64b, the counter bore portion66of the fastening holes20is formed having a recessed hexagonal shape that is structured to prevent the hexagonally shaped bolt head64afrom rotating freely. The discrete fastener64is embodied as a hexagonally shaped fastener only for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The counter bore portions66of the fastening holes20are optionally structured to fully envelope the bolt head64aof the discrete fastener64, which is optionally fully recessed within the fastening holes20. Alternatively, the bolt head64aof the discrete fastener64protrudes from the fastening hole above the plate mounting surface14. Additionally, the bolt head64aof the discrete fastener64is optionally inserted into and rotationally secured within the counter bore66using other structures, such as a press fit or adhesive, without limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

FIG. 15illustrates another alternative embodiment of the plate12wherein the discrete fastener64is embedded in the fastening holes nipples22and molded entirely within the plate12structure. Accordingly, the fastening holes20and corresponding support nipples22are molded over the discrete fastener64. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the hexagonally shaped bolt head64aand corresponding bolt shaft64bare molded entirely within the plate12and nipple22structures. The discrete fastener64is embodied as a hexagonally shaped fastener for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

FIG. 16illustrates another alternative embodiment of the plate12wherein the self leveling adaptor10of the invention is configured having the support nipples22structured independently of both the plate12and the pliable boot16. Accordingly, the support nipples22are each formed with a single fastener hole69there through that is matched to the corresponding fastening holes20. One of the independent support nipples22is provided for each of the one or more fastening holes20, with the single fastener hole69substantially aligned with the corresponding fastening hole20. The independent nipples22serve the same function as the integral nipples22that are illustrated and described herein. Thus, three of the independent nipples22are distributed around the substantially planar mounting surface14of the rigid plate12to form a plane on substantially any curved or irregular surface S. The independent support nipples22substantially rigid to support the plate12when fasteners F are used to clamp the plate12to the surface S. Accordingly, the independent support nipples22are optionally formed of a substantially rigid material such as metal or rigid plastic. As illustrated on the left, the single fastener hole69in each of the independent nipples22is optionally sized the same or larger than the corresponding fastening hole20.

Alternatively, the independent support nipples22are formed of a minimally pliable material, such as a hard rubber or elastomer, so that the independent support nipples22provide some “give” or compress slightly upon being clamped against the surface S by the fasteners F. According to one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated on the right, when the independent support nipples22are formed of a minimally pliable material, the fastener hole69are slightly smaller than the corresponding fastening holes20so that the fastener F is slightly larger in diameter than the fastener holes69. Accordingly, the fastener F is actually threaded into the fastener holes69, with the fastener F self-threading within the fastener holes69. Thus, the independent support nipples22are secured in position adjacent to the plate12during installation onto the surface S.

The interior base portion44of the cup-shaped boot16is optionally formed with apertures71that are aligned with the corresponding fastener hole20through the plate12. As illustrated here on the left, the apertures71are optionally sized to clear the outside diameter of the independent support nipples22. Alternatively, as illustrated on the right, the apertures71are optionally sized about the same as the outside diameter of the independent support nipples22, whereby the independent support nipples22are secured in position adjacent to the plate12during installation onto the surface S.

FIG. 17illustrates another alternative embodiment of the self leveling adaptor10of the invention wherein the support nipples22are structured independently of both the plate12and the pliable boot16. Here, the apertures71that are formed through the interior base portion44of the cup-shaped boot16and aligned with the corresponding fastener hole20through the plate12are optionally substantially the same size as the corresponding fastener holes20through the plate12. Accordingly, the independent support nipples22are spaced away from the coupling surface18of the plate12by the thickness of the interior base portion44of the boot16. The interior base portion44of the boot16is thus captured between the independent support nipples22and the plate12.

As illustrated on the left, the single fastener hole69in each of the independent nipples22is optionally sized the same or larger than the corresponding fastening hole20.

As illustrated on the right, the single fastener hole69in each of the independent nipples22is optionally sized slightly smaller than the corresponding fastening holes20so that the fastener F is slightly larger in diameter than the fastener holes69. Accordingly, the fastener F is actually threaded into the fastener holes69, with the fastener F self-threading within the fastener holes69. Thus, the interior base portion44of the boot16is captured between the independent support nipples22and the plate12when the independent support nipples22are secured to the plate12during installation onto the surface S.

FIG. 18illustrates another alternative embodiment of the plate12wherein the self leveling adaptor10of the invention is configured to accept a single one of the discrete fasteners64at the center of the mounting surface14, while the support nipples22provide the three-point contact that causes the plate12to self-level relative to the external surface S. Accordingly, a single fastening hole68is positioned central of the plate12and the triangular or circular pattern of support nipples22protruding from the coupling surface18thereof. By example and without limitation, the central fastener hole68is a chamfered, non-tapered, hole through the plate12. The single central fastener hole68is optionally tapered as being formed by an injection molding process. According to one embodiment of the invention, the central fastener hole68is optionally formed with the countersink or counter bore portion66(shown in previous figures) that is recessed into the mounting surface14of the plate12to ensure that the mounting surface14remains smooth and substantially planar for mounting of an external device thereto. Alternatively, the central fastener hole68is threaded (shown in previous figures) to accept a threaded fastening device. The single central fastener hole68is optionally either a blind or through hole, either a threaded or non-threaded hole. Additionally, the single central fastener hole68is optionally configured as a hole that is threaded with the use of a threaded insert without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The interior base portion44of the cup-shaped boot16is formed with an aperture70that is aligned with the corresponding central fastener hole68through the plate12.

FIG. 19illustrates another alternative embodiment of the self leveling adaptor10of the invention wherein the support nipples22are structured independently of both the plate12and the pliable boot16. Here, the independent support nipples22are combined with the single fastening hole68positioned central of the plate12. The single fastener holes69through each independent support nipples22are structured to accept fasteners73that secure the independent support nipples22to the coupling surface18via corresponding fastener holes75formed in the plate12. As illustrated on the left by example and without limitation, the fastener holes69are threaded to accept threaded fasteners73thereinto. Alternatively, as illustrated on the right by example and without limitation, the fastener holes69are provided as clearance holes for the fasteners73, and the corresponding fastener holes75formed in the plate12are threaded to accept the threaded fasteners73thereinto. The threaded fastener holes75formed in the plate12are optionally formed either as holes through the plate12or as blind holes (shown).

Alternatively, the fastener holes69are formed with smooth bores to accept rivet fasteners or threaded fasteners with nuts thereon for securing the independent nipples22. Other means of securing the independent nipples22to the plate12are generally well known and such other securing means are similarly considered to be within the scope of the invention.

As discussed above, the interior base portion44of the cup-shaped boot16is optionally formed with the apertures71that are aligned with the corresponding fastener hole20through the plate12. As illustrated here on the left, the apertures71are optionally sized to clear the outside diameter of the independent support nipples22. Alternatively, as illustrated on the right, the apertures71are optionally sized about the same as the outside diameter of the independent support nipples22, whereby the independent support nipples22are secured in position adjacent to the plate12during installation onto the surface S.

As illustrated here, the three support nipples22, whether integral or independent of the plate12or boot16, are optionally formed having one or more different lengths.

FIG. 20illustrates the smooth flow of the skirt24around the self leveling adaptor10between the plate12and the external surface S, even when the external surface S is curved or otherwise irregular in contour. An optional bevel washer72is provided for mounting the leveling adaptor10of the invention. The optional bevel washer72is a discrete device that may be used to provide a substantially level surface opposite the mounting surface S of the leveling adaptor10if the external surface opposite the mounting surface is curved. A separate nut or other retaining device74is coupled to the discrete fastener64for fastening and retaining the self leveling adaptor10relative to the surface S. The threaded fastener64, optional bevel washer72and separate retaining device74are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Also illustrated is an alternative configuration of the peripheral lip28wherein the peripheral lip28includes a substantially right-angled ridge76with the seat40forming a bottom or under surface thereof, whereby the peripheral lip seat40resides below and non-coplanar with the substantially planar coupling surface18of the plate12. The alternative configuration of the peripheral lip28as described here is merely descriptive and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

FIG. 21illustrates assembly of the self leveling adaptor10of the invention, including assembly of the pliable boot16to the coupling surface18of the rigid plate12with the nipple apertures46fitting over the support nipples22. Installation of the self leveling adaptor10on the curved or otherwise irregular external surface S provides a planar and level mounting surface14for an external device E having a substantially planar mounting base B, by example and without limitation, a coupler of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,885.

The fasteners F operate through three fastening holes20to secure both the self leveling adaptor10and the external device E to the curved or otherwise irregular external surface S. The three support nipples22of the self leveling adaptor10level the substantially planar mounting surface14and secure the rigid plate12from rocking on the non-flat surface S. The pliable boot16fills the space left between the coupling surface18of the rigid plate12and the external surface S while its hem32substantially conforms to the curved or otherwise irregular external surface S.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the support nipples22are alternatively any length so that the plate12is spaced any desired distance from the surface S. Additionally, the three different support nipples22are alternatively of various different lengths so that, for example, the mounting surface14is made substantially horizontal when the self leveling adaptor10of the invention is secured to an inherently non-horizontal surface S. Furthermore, the skirt portion24of the pliable boot16is optionally made any desired length to fill any desired distance between the plate12and the surface S. Therefore, the inventor makes the following claims.