Abstract:
A universal leveling device for outdoor structures of wood and other vulnerable materials for leveling, stabilizing and protecting against ground hazards, has at least a first and a second flat groove on its top, at right angle to each other, and on its bottom has first and second vee grooves each with two opposing angled walls. The reversible device can accommodate vertical and tilted support structures.

Description:
REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PATENTS 
       [0001]    The present invention claims priority, as it is a non-provisional application of a provisional patent application by the same inventors herein, filed on 28 Nov. 2012, and having a Ser. No. 61/730,870, and titled “A Universal Leveling Device That Protects Against Ground Moisture, Weed Whacking And Has Stackable Capabilities”. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    a. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates generally to the field of stabilizing, anchoring and leveling outdoor free standing structures, such as swing sets, elevated forts, wooden slides, gazebos, sheds, picnic tables, benches and the like. The legs or support structures of these products are subject to and often victims of the ground below them. Exposure includes uneven or sloped ground, ground moisture, weed whacking and mowing damage, rot and other problems. The present invention is a unique reversible support pad that performs numerous functions simultaneously and both protect the outdoor structures and reduce accidents sometime otherwise cause by tilted structures. 
         [0004]    b. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention: 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,347,571 B2 to Fehr et al describes a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like that is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post&#39;s bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,188 to Monteiro, Jr. describes a lawn chair leveling block includes a portable rigid, flat ground-engaging pad designed to support the lawn chair in a level position on a sloped ground surface. The pad is provided with an upstanding elevation block having a deep groove along a top surface, and the groove is designed to cradle a U-shaped leg of the chair. Blind holes positioned in the pad at opposite ends of the elevation block are designed to support individual tubular, vertical chair legs. In addition to being utilized for leveling a lawn chair on a sloped surface, the block prevents a chair leg from sinking into soft soil so as to eliminate the risk of the chair tipping over. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,342 to Gagnon describes a support is provided for positioning on the base of a wooden lawn furniture leg. The support has an area that is at least five times the area of the bottom of the leg to distribute the load over a large area. This permits easy sliding of the leg across a lawn. The support is arranged to prevent prolonged contact of the leg with a source of moisture. In addition, the support provides venting to the bottom of the leg to minimize dry-rot. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,076 to Joyce et al. describes a device to be used on the legs of standard wooden folding stepladders to insure the stability of said ladders while being used on weak, non-compacted or slippery areas, into which a stepladder might tend to sink, or across which a stepladder might tend to slide. Said device consists of a semi-rigid pad that when attached to the bottom of any or all of the legs of any standard wooden folding stepladder will then increase the stepladder leg footprint area resulting in more stability of said stepladder. In addition, the high friction material of which the stepladder foot pad may be constructed will tend to prevent the stepladder legs from slipping across slippery surfaces. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,335 to Miles describes a stabilizer for a lawn chair, sand chair, chaise lounge, as well as other similar chairs, which, in a first embodiment, has an adapter that readily fits over the front and/or rear lower horizontal tubing of the chair-frame, which adapter is provided with right-angled end-corners directly and laterally adjacent the rounded, curved ends of the respective lower horizontal tubing, where such lower horizontal tubing curve upwardly in transition to join with an upwardly, angularly-extending upright tubing of the chair-frame, whereby such curved ends, about which lateral tipping over typically occurs, are negated. In a second embodiment, the stabilizer of the invention snap-fits onto a lower horizontal tubing of the chair-frame, with such stabilizer also having a length greater than the length of the lower horizontal tubing, the ends of which stabilizer are provided with generally triangular-shaped, flat projections. The stabilizer is readily rotatable about the lower horizontal tubing to which is attached, so that the end-projections may be oriented at any desired angle. Thus, the flat end-projections may be oriented so that they lie flat against the ground when the chair is used on firm ground or cement, or may be oriented 90 degrees therefrom so that the pointed apices or corners of each flat end-projection faces toward the ground, which is especially useful when using a chair on soft sand. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,439,961 to Witte describes a leveling and locating or positioning device is disclosed which includes a force-bearing structure which is guided for vertical leveling movement by a vertical reference device which also provides a horizontal position reference. Horizontal movement of a tapered wedge device, which operatively interfaces with a sloped floor member of the force-bearing structure, causes vertical movement of the force-bearing structure and the resulting leveling function. A horizontal extender device, slidably mounted to and supported by the force-bearing structure, provides the horizontal locating or positioning function. A support device is operatively included or mounted to one end of the horizontal extender device and is configured to operatively interface with the member or device which is to be leveled and located or positioned. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,462 to Jordan describes the present invention relates to furniture joints and ground-engaging i.e. foot, members of furniture associated with such joints. There is provided a joint in an article of furniture between two interengaging members, the joint having a first part with an H cross section elongated element and a second part including a pair of bosses spaced apart by a distance generally equal to the width of the H central web. These joint parts are a push fit together and are bonded by a heat-treated resin adhesive. A ground-engaging member associated with one part of the joint is so curved that in an unloaded state only the end regions of the curve engage the ground whereas in a loaded state not only the end regions but also at least some intermediate regions engage the ground. There is also provided an improved method of making a part of the joint disclosed. 
         [0013]    Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention is directed to a universal leveling device for outdoor structures of wood and other vulnerable materials for leveling, stabilizing and protecting against ground hazard. The device includes a pad, the pad having a top, a bottom and at least one side wall, the pad having a first flat groove on its top, and having a second flat groove on its top, the second flat groove being positioned at a right angle to the first flat groove, the bottom having a first vee groove with two opposing angled walls, being a first wall having an angle of about 70 degrees to about 35 degrees from horizontal and a second wall having an angle of about 55 degrees to about 20 degrees from horizon, and having a second groove with two opposing walls, being a first wall having an angle of about 60 degrees to about 45 degrees from horizontal and a second wall having and angle of about 45 degrees to about 30 degrees from horizon. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the two grooves on the top of the pad are parallel to one another. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the top of the pad has horizontally flat corners and wherein the bottom of the pad has horizontally flat corners. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the top includes three flat grooves. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, two of the three flat grooves are parallel to one another. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, at least one of the grooves on the top of the pads traverses less than the full width of the top of the pad and has at least one end wall. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, at least one of the grooves has two end walls. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, at least one of the grooves on the top of the pads traverses the full width of the top of the pad and has no end walls. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the pad has a top view selected from the group consisting of square, rectangle, circle, oval and polygon of at least five sides. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the pad is made of a moisture resistant material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, recycled tires and combinations thereof. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, there is at least one ground-anchoring mechanism. In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the ground-anchoring mechanism includes at least one orifice through the pad for receiving an anchor. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the anchor is included and is selected from the group consisting of a rod, a nail, a pin, a coil pin and a bolt. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the anchor includes at least one attachment mechanism for attachment to the outdoor structures and at least one elongated earth penetrating member for insertion through the at least one orifice. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the pad is stackable with identical other pads. In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the pad further includes at least one stacking stabilizer. In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the pad has a plurality of stacking stabilizers on the top and a plurality of stacking stabilizers on the bottom. In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, the plurality of stacking stabilizers are a combination of nesting protrusions and recesses. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, there are a plurality of stacking stabilizer recesses on one of the pad top and the pad bottom, and plurality of complementary stacking stabilizer protrusions on the other of the pad top and the pad bottom. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments of the present invention universal leveling device, there are four stacking stabilizer recesses on one of the pad top and the pad bottom, and four complementary stacking stabilizer protrusions on the other of the pad top and the pad bottom. 
         [0030]    Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. 
         [0031]    Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS(S) 
         [0032]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of one embodiment of the present invention universal leveling device showing multiple flat grooves on its top; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  shows the present invention leveling device of  FIG. 1  with a right angled play fort leg contained therein; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  shows the same present invention universal leveling device as shown in  FIG. 1 , but in a reverse position with its bottom facing up and revealing two vee grooves; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  shows the present invention universal leveling device of  FIG. 3 , but supporting a 45 degree angled support member of a swing set; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  shows the present invention universal leveling device of  FIG. 3 , but supporting a 60 degrees angled support member of a swing set; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative present invention universal leveling device with multiple protruding stacking stabilizers; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  shows the obverse of  FIG. 6  with the present invention leveling device having recessed stacking stabilizers; 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  shows two of the FIG.  6 / FIG. 7  present invention universal leveling devices in a stacked position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of another present invention universal leveling device that has a rectangular shape; 
           [0042]      FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  show variations of present invention universal leveling devices, with one end open and one end closed, of a flat groove and a vee groove, respectively; and, 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  shows a block diagram listing some of the preferred embodiment features of present invention universal leveling devices. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0044]    Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, various embodiments of the present invention are shown. 
         [0045]      FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of one embodiment of the present invention universal leveling device  1 . It includes a front wall  3 , a back wall  5 , a left wall  7 , a right wall  9 , a top  11  and a bottom  13 . Device  1  has an anchoring orifice  21  which may be used to insert an anchor member therethrough. Any anchoring device that may be hammered or otherwise forced into the ground may be used, but a rod such as a rebar with a welted large washer at one end is preferred. Such as anchoring device may be used to position and hold a present invention universal leveling device in place while a screw may be inserted into the washer into a wooden structure leg to help stabilize and maintain its position. 
         [0046]    Top  11  of universal leveling device  1  has two parallel flat grooves  17  and  19  that intersect at right angles with flat grooves  15 . Flat groove  15  has both ends open, but could alternatively have one end or both ends closed. These flat grooves are created to receive bottom ends of upright (vertical) legs or supports for such structures as elevated forts, slides and swing sets. Alternatively, they could be used to level or stabilize small unanchored structures such as sheds and gazebos. Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a portion of vee groove  23  on bottom  13 , which will be discussed in conjunction with  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 , below. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  shows the present invention leveling device  1  of  FIG. 1  with a right angled play fort leg contained therein. The leg includes a first upright  12  connected to a second upright  14 . These uprights conveniently fit into flat grooves  15  and  19 , as shown. The universal leveling device  1  performs a number of functions. First, it creates a level surface for an outdoor structure. Second, it may be used to elevate one or more corners of a structure to bring the entire structure into a vertical or horizontal position from a tilt. Third, it creates a moisture barrier between the ground and the outdoor structure. Forth, it protects the outdoor structure from weed whacker and lawnmower damage. Fifth, when stacked, the devices will eliminate a free moving corner on the downside of a hill or recess in the ground. Sixth, in some cases, they eliminate the need for and work involved in concrete bases or footings. In flat environments, one present invention device for each corner of a structure is ideal. If the structure needs leveling, it is preferred to use at least one device under each corner and additional stacked units where additional elevation is need. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  shows the same present invention universal leveling device  1  as shown in  FIG. 1 , but in a reverse position with its bottom  3  facing up and revealing two vee grooves. Vee groove  25  is closed at both ends and one side may have a 45 degree angle while its opposite side may have a 60 degree angle. It may range from 35 to 70 degrees. This vee groove  25  also includes anchoring orifice  21 . A tilted 4 inch by 4 inch post support may be positioned in vee groove  25 , an anchoring rod with washer may be passed through orifice  21  and hammered into the ground with the washer bolted, nailed or screwed onto the two by four support. Vee groove  23  is open on both ends and may be used for tilted linear supports. For example,  FIG. 4  shows the present invention universal leveling device  1  of  FIG. 3 , but supporting a 45 degree angled support member  22  from a swing set. Another example is  FIG. 5  which shows the present invention universal leveling device  1  of  FIG. 3 , but supporting a 60 degrees angled support member  24 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 6  shows an alternative present invention universal leveling device  51  with multiple protruding stacking stabilizers  83 ,  85 ,  87  and  89 . It includes a front wall  53 , a back wall  55 , a left wall  57 , a right wall  59 , a top  61  and a bottom  63 . Device  51  has an anchoring orifice  71  which may be used similarly to orifice  21  described above in conjunction with the prior Figures. Top  61  of universal leveling device  51  has two parallel flat grooves  57  and  69  that intersect at right angles with flat groove  65 . These flat grooves function in the same manner as those flat grooves described above. The protruding stacking stabilizers  83 ,  85 ,  87  and  89  are symmetric, as shown, so that stacking may occur with receiving recess stacking stabilizers with and of four orientations, i.e., the stacked devices need not have the grooves aligned. However, alignment is necessary where the orifice  71  is utilized on all stacked devices. (An anchor could pass through only the bottom orifice of a stack, but will preferably penetrate all devices in a stack.) 
         [0050]      FIG. 7  shows the obverse of  FIG. 6  with the present invention universal leveling device  51 , revealing receiving, recessed stacking stabilizers  93 ,  95 ,  97  and  99 , corresponding and position and size to protrusions  83 ,  85 ,  87  and  89  of  FIG. 6 , to create optimal stacking and nesting, as needed. 
         [0051]      FIG. 8  shows two of the FIG.  6 / Figure 7  present invention universal leveling devices  51  in a stacked position, designated as devices  51 A and  51 B. as many devices may be stacked as needed, until stability becomes an issue, e.g., two, three or four may be used. 
         [0052]      FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of another present invention universal leveling device  101  that has a rectangular shape, instead of a square shape. Any other shape may be used for a top view footprint without exceeding the scope of the present invention. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  show variations of present invention universal leveling devices  110  and  112 , respectively, with one end open and one end closed, of a flat groove in  FIG. 10  and a vee groove in  FIG. 11 , respectively. 
         [0054]      FIG. 12  shows a block diagram listing some of the preferred embodiment features of the present invention universal leveling device  120 . These include block  122 , listing some preferred shapes; block  124  describing angled (vee) grooves; block  126  describing flat grooves; and block  128  showing anchoring options. 
         [0055]    The devices of the present invention are generally made of waterproof or water resistant materials, such as recycled rubber/tire chips melted and heat bound into the desired forms, rubber, recycled plastic, plastic, mixes of the foregoing, strong foams, such as micro-porous urethane, composite materials and other functional choices. Further, the present invention universal leveling devices may structurally be homogeneous or contain diverse materials. For example, they made have strengthening elements impeded therein, e.g., rigid foam with plastic or metal pieces, rods or plates. Further, although the exact overall shapes are not critical, the grooves should be designed for supported structure compatibility and the tops and bottoms should have flat corner areas, as shown, to enhance stacking capabilities. 
         [0056]    Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.