Patent Abstract:
An improved leveling device for adjusting the height of a substrate with a leveling device located between the floor and the bottom of the piece of furniture. The leveling device is comprised by a threaded stud which resides in a propel nut. The threaded stud is comprised by a first end, an end cap, and a second end, a leveling surface. The leveling device is inserted into a bore in the bottom of the piece of furniture. The propel nut of the leveling device grips the bore and holds the leveling device in the bore. The oversized end cap with respect to the threaded stud and the propel nut in combination with the bore of the substrate is resistably movable and exerts a force against the bore in the substrate to counter forces exerted against the leveler by the floor when dragging the furniture.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is in the field of leveling devices. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The related art leveling devices have the deficiency of poor drag and drop performance. Simply put, the related art is susceptible to damage caused by the moment created by applying a force to the foot of the leveler by moving the support structure (i.e. furniture). Support within a furniture leg via a propel nut, for example, counteracts torque applied to the foot of a leveling device. Longer propel nuts may be used to provide better support as the foot is coupled to the propel nut with a threaded stud. However, longer propel nuts are difficult and expensive to form as they are stamped from sheet steel and drawn longer and longer by a progressive die. This is difficult however due to thinning of the material and long propel nuts are difficult to tap. 
     FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view  100  of a prior art leveler  109  attached to a wood, plywood, or pressboard substrate  101 . Alternatively, levelers may be used with plastic substrates. The substrate  101  may be a furniture leg or support. The device may be, for instance, applied to industrial equipment. A propel nut  104  resides in a bore  102  of the substrate  101 . The propel nut has skives  105  which engage the bore  102  of the substrate and surrounding substrate material and which assist in retaining the propel nut in the substrates. The propel nut has a flange  107  which abuts exterior surface  106  of the substrate  101 . The propel nut is fixed in the substrate. The flange surface  108  engages the surface  106  of the substrate. A threaded stud  103 A is threaded into the propel nut  104  and is rotatably and translationally movable with respect to the propel nut. 
   The threaded stud  103 A includes an integral nut  109 A and floor engaging surface  109 B. Threads  103  extend from the nut  109 A to the end of the stud. The threaded stud  103 A rotates and moves translationally with respect to the internal threads of the propel nut. In this way the floor engaging surface  109 B may be positioned relative to the substrate (i.e. leg of the furniture) to adjust the height of the furniture with respect to the floor. When the propel nut is installed into the substrate there is a slight rotational movement of the skives  105  and the barrel of the nut as the nut is forced into the bore  102  of the substrate  101 . The height of the leveler is based on the translational movement of the threaded stud within the propel nut. Deformation  130  occurs in the substrate  101  near the surface of the propel nut as it is forced into the substrate. 
     FIG. 2  is a bottom view  200  of the prior art leveler in substrate  101 . The wood substrate has cracks  201  in the surface  106  and distortions  210  or bowing in the plane of the wood. The cracks or other disruptions in the surface are caused by dropping or sliding the furniture. Dropping applies a force generally along the axis of the threaded stud  103 A and dragging applies a force generally perpendicular to the axis of the threaded stud  103 A. 
   Propel nuts are used in the furniture industry to secure levelers in substrates. Propel nuts are shorter than the threaded studs which are inserted inside the propel nut so that adjustments may be made. The height of the prior art leveler is changed by adjusting the threaded stud relative to the propel nut. 
   When extended to its full length, the leveler is especially susceptible to bending or breaking which can damage either the substrate or the entire piece of furniture. The leveler is more susceptible when fully extended because the bending moment or torque which is applied when the furniture is moved by sliding it on the floor is large. Also, the furniture may be lifted and dropped which tends to fracture the substrate  101 . 
   Correcting a defect in an article supported and positioned by a leveler can be difficult, time consuming, labor intensive, and expensive. In some cases, the entire substrate or the furniture may have to be discarded and/or the furniture disassembled if a leg of the furniture is fractured. 
   Two approaches to solve the aforementioned problems involve the use of thicker side panels or longer propel nuts. Use of aforementioned thicker side panels adds to the weight of the substrate and can significantly add to the expense of the furniture produced. Longer propel nuts also contribute to increased cost in manufacturing the final piece of furniture. 
   Levelers for the legs or walls of furniture are also sometimes described as leveling mounts, swivel levelers, rigid levelers, adjustable feet, leveling pads, furniture glides, leg levelers, desk glides, table glides, furniture sliders, threaded T-nuts for wood legs, and low profile levelers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,365 to Jackson discloses a foot pad attached to a shaft portion for leveling panels in a relocatable wall. U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,431 to Hansen Jr. et al discloses the use of a built-in riser in the base of a wall section. U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,275 discloses the use of a riser in an adjustable ladder assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,814 to Giles et al. discloses the use of a nut-and-bolt type leveler consisting of a threaded bolt portion which cooperates with a nut against a washer to extend or retract a foot. 
   The structure of the instant invention and the advantages its provides will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art when reference is made to the Summary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, Description of the Invention and Claims which follow hereinbelow. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A leveling device is disclosed and claimed which exhibits superior drag performance. An end cap is pressed onto an end of the threaded stud which is used in combination with a propel nut and a bore in the substrate. In this way, the effective length of the propel nut in the bore and the effective arm length is extended which counteracts a drag force applied to the foot of the device which engages the floor or the mounting surface. The end cap snugly fits within the bore of the substrate providing support while enabling rotational and translational movement of the threaded stud with respect to the propel nut. 
   Use of the device enables larger adjustment ranges through the use of longer threaded studs while providing improved performance in regard to drag tests. 
   A leveling device for leveling furniture includes a propel nut and threaded stud in a bore of a substrate. The threaded stud includes a nut for rotating the stud, a leveling surface for engaging the floor or other surfaces, and an end cap secured to the end of the stud. The distal (with respect to the foot) threaded stud includes a first end (top end) and a second end (bottom end). The top end is cylindrically shaped. The bottom includes a foot and an integral nut. The propel nut includes a flange which abuts on the outer surface of the substrate and skives which grip the bore. 
   The first end of the threaded stud is not threaded and passes through the propel nut when the treaded portion of the threaded stud interengages the propel nut. Then an end cap is pressed on the top end. The bottom end of the threaded stud contains a nut and a leveling surface. 
   Once assembled the leveling device is fit into the bore of a substrate by forcefully pressing the propel nut with skives on its barrel into the bore. The diameter of the cylindrical end of stud with the end cap pressed thereon is greater than the diameter of the threaded stud and at least as large as the diameter of the propel nut  104 . As a result, the end cap snugly engages the bore of the substrate when forced into the bore. The end cap is rotationally and translationally movable within the bore, so that the leveler and the threaded stud may be repositioned. 
   However, the end cap has a translational movement limitation. The end cap can not move past the top end of the propel nut, thus preventing the extraction of the threaded stud and foot. The nut surface  109 C can not move beyond the top end of the bore  102 . The end cap has a snug fit within the bore which prevents movement of the threaded stud. 
   The range of movement of the threaded stud is limited by the end cap as far as extension of the stud is concerned. Further, the range of movement of the threaded stud as far as the minimum extension is concerned is limited by the nut of the stud engaging the flange of the propel nut. The snug fit of the end cap in the bore prevents non-axial movement of the threaded stud and this then increases the stability and strength of the leveling device and improves its resistance to drag. One end (the lower end) of the end cap engages the propel nut and prevents the threaded stud from being removed and thus defines the maximum extension of the threaded stud. The end cap adds strength to the leveling system and helps prevent splitting of side panels if the furniture is dropped and especially if the furniture is dropped such that the foot strikes the floor at an angle. The threaded stud can not be removed or overextended from the leveling device. As a result, stability of the leveler is significantly increased. 
   Use of the device allows adjustability between a first full extended position of the stud and foot of the leveler and a second fully inserted position of the stud and foot of the leveler. 
   A method for forming and using the leveling device is disclosed and claimed. The method includes the steps of: threading a threaded stud into a propel nut, forming an end cap on a first end of the threaded stud, inserting and pressing the propel nut and end cap of the threaded stud into the bore of the substrate. Adjusting the leveling surface of the threaded stud is accomplished by turning the nut attached to the second of the threaded stud until the desired position is achieved. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a leveling device which includes a propel nut, a threaded stud, and an end cap mounted on the threaded stud. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a stable height adjustment device for a substrate containing a bore. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide level adjustment using an end cap on a threaded stud press fit within a bore in which the end cap has a diameter greater than the threaded stud. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide level adjustment of a substrate with a threaded stud in which one end contains a level adjustment surface and the other end of the threaded stud has a end cap which resides in a bore of the substrate. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a method for forming a leveling device having a threaded stud, end cap, and propel nut. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a leveling device which has superior drag resistance. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a leveling device which is able to absorb a large bending moment which is created when the furniture in which it is installed is dragged along a floor to a new position. 
   It is an object of the instant invention to provide a leveling device which counteracts a large bending moment through the use of an end cap on the threaded stud. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a leveling device which may be installed for use and then shipped with the threaded stud retained therein. 
   It is an object of the invention to enable use of longer threaded studs which provide a greater range of height adjustment due to increased stability of the device. 
   It is an object of the present invention to obtain the functionality of a long propel nut using the end cap and a shorter propel nut. 
   These and other objects of the invention will be best understood when reference is made to the Brief Description Of The Drawings and Claims which follow hereinbelow. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view of a prior art leveler inserted and secured to a wood, plywood, or press board substrate. 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the prior art leveler of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded assembly view of the rolled end cap, propel nut, and threaded stud. 
       FIG. 3A  is an assembled view of the end cap, threaded stud, and propel nut. 
       FIG. 3B  is a top view of the threaded stud of  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines  3 C- 3 C of  FIG. 3B  of the threaded stud and propel nut assembly. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded assembly view of the improved leveling device. 
       FIG. 4A  is an assembled view of the improved leveling device. 
       FIG. 5  is exploded assembly view of the improved leveling device with a rolled end cap. 
       FIG. 5A  is exploded assembly view of the improved leveling device with a press fit end cap. 
       FIG. 6  is perspective view of the assembled leveling device which uses a longer the threaded stud. 
       FIG. 6A  is perspective view of the assembled leveling device of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 6B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembled leveling device employing a long threaded stud completely inserted into the base of a substrate. 
       FIG. 6C  is partial cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 6B  with the threaded stud just about completely retracted. 
       FIG. 6D  is a partial cross-section view of the assembled leveling device where a drag force is applied perpendicularly to the foot of the assembled device in a state of adjustment. 
       FIG. 6E  is a partial cross-section view of the assembled leveling device where a drag force is applied perpendicularly to the foot of the assembled device in another state of adjustment. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of another example of the leveling device. 
       FIG. 7A  is a top view of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 7B  is a side view of another example of the leveling device. 
       FIG. 7C  is a top view of  FIG. 7B . 
       FIG. 7D  is a side view of another example of the leveling device. 
       FIG. 7E  is a top view of  FIG. 7D . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a desk with a leveler attached to the bottom of a side wall of the desk. 
       FIG. 8A  is an enlarged cut-away perspective view of the assembled leveling device mounted in the side wall of the desk in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of a piece of furniture. 
       FIG. 8C  is an enlarged cut-away similar to  FIG. 8B . 
   

   The drawings will be best understood when reference is made to the Description of the Invention and Claims below. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1-2  have been described above in connection with the Background of the Invention. 
     FIG. 3  is an exploded assembly view  300  of the rolled end cap  301 , propel nut  104 , and threaded stud  103 A. The rolled end cap  301  has a seam  302 . Propel nut  104  has internal threads  304 , a plurality of skives  105 , and a flange  107 . Flange  107  has a contact or engagement surface  108  for interengaging the substrate. See  FIGS. 6B-6D . Threaded stud  103 A has a cylindrical end  120 , an end  303 , a nut  109 A, and a leveler  109 . It is specifically contemplated that levelers having a shape other than that described and shown in the drawings may be used. The cylindrical end  120  terminates in surface end  303  of the threaded stud as viewed in  FIG. 3 . The diameter of the cylindrical end  120  is less than the diameter of threads  103  of the stud  103 A. Cylindrical end  120  of the stud  103 A is not threaded. The threaded stud is threaded from the nut  109 A to the cylindrical end  120 . The nut  109 A is part of the threaded stud adjacent to the leveler and has a hexagonal shape. Leveler  109  is disk shaped, has a diameter greater than nut  109 A, and is located on the bottom of the threaded stud. The leveler has a bottom surface  109 B which engages the mounting surface such as a floor. See  FIG. 3C . 
     FIG. 3A  is an assembled view  300 A of the end cap  301 , threaded stud  103 A, and propel nut  104 . Threads  103  extend from the nut  109 A to the cylindrical end  120  of the stud  103 A. End cap  301  is pressed onto the cylindrical end of stud  120 . End  303  is exposed at the top of the threaded stud. The threaded stud  103 A is threaded into the propel nut  104 . Flange  107  of the propel nut  104  is shown engaging nut  109 A in  FIG. 3A . Nut  109 A is integral with leveler  109 . Leveler  109  is located at the bottom of the threaded stud  103 A and is integral therewith. 
     FIG. 3B  is a top view  300 B of the assembled leveling device. The end  303  of the threaded stud is viewed in  FIG. 3B . Rolled end cap  301  is located on the outer circumference of the cylindrical end  120 . Propel nut  104  is threadedly interconnected to threads  103  of stud  103 A. The position of the stud  103 A may be adjusted by rotating the threaded stud within the propel nut. Skives  105  are located around the circumference or barrel of the propel nut  104 . Surface  108  of the flange  107  of the propel nut  104  interengages the surface of the device into which it is installed. See  FIGS. 6B-D . The diameter of the leveler  109  is greater than the diameter of the flange  107  of the propel nut  104 . 
     FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view  300 C taken along the lines  3 C- 3 C of  FIG. 3B  of the threaded stud  103 A and propel nut  104  assembly. End  303  of the threaded stud  103 A and rolled end cap  301  are viewed in  FIG. 3C . Rolled end cap  301  surrounds cylinder  120  and seam  302  is viewed therebetween. The internal threads  304  of the propel nut  104  are shown threadedly interengaging the threaded stud  103 A which extends therethrough. Skives  105  are located on the outer surface of the propel nut. The contact surface  108  of the flange  107  of the propel nut  104  is located above the leveler  109 . There are a few threads of the threaded stud shown in between the flange  107  and the top surface  109  of the nut  109 A on the threaded stud. The nut is located directly on top of the leveler  109  and is integral therewith. The outer diameter of the leveler is slightly larger than the diameter of the flange of the propel nut. The surface of the leveler  109 B is located at the bottom of the assembly and engages the floor. 
     FIG. 4  is an exploded assembly view  400  of the improved leveling device. Press fit end cap  401  is fitted over the cylindrical end  120  of the threaded stud. A larger diameter end cap may be used and will result in a tighter fit in bore  102  making rotational and translational movement of the stud  103 A more difficult but still possible. The press fit end cap has an internal and external radius. The external radius is roughly equivalent to the outer radius of the shaft of the propel nut which lies beneath the end cap. 
   Internal threads  304  line the inside of the propel nut  104 . Skives  105  are located on the upper part of the outer shaft (barrel) of the propel nut  104 . The cylindrical end  120  is not threaded and receives the press fit end cap. The threaded stud  103 A has a threaded area extending from after the cylindrical end  120  to nut  109 A. Nut  109 A has a hexagonal shape and is integral with the threaded stud  103 A which is integral with the leveler  109 . 
   Leveler  109  is disk shaped with a diameter greater than the nut  109 A, flange  107  of propel nut, shaft (barrel) of the propel nut, and end cap  301 / 401 . 
     FIG. 4A  is an assembled view  400 A of the improved leveling device. The end cap  401  is press fit over the cylindrical end  120  of the threaded stud  103 A. Threads  103  are located intermediate end cap  401  and nut  109 A of the threaded stud. The propel nut is threaded onto the threaded stud. The flange  107  of the propel nut is shown abutting nut  109 A of the threaded stud  103 A. 
     FIG. 5  is an exploded assembly view  500  of the improved leveling device with a rolled end cap  301 .  FIG. 5A  is an exploded assembly view  500 A of the improved leveling device with a press fit end cap  401 .  FIGS. 5 and 5A  illustrate different stud lengths, different propel nuts,  504 ,  504 A with different lengths, and different end caps  301 , 401 . Additionally, it will be noticed that the stud lengths and propel nut lengths of  FIGS. 5 and 5A  are longer than those shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     FIG. 6  is perspective view  600  of the assembled leveling device with a longer threaded stud  103 A. The threaded stud in  FIG. 6  is longer than the threaded stud in the leveling device of  FIG. 4A  or the leveling device in the Prior Art in  Fig. 1 . A greater range of level adjustments that can achieved with the improved leveling device of  FIG. 6  because of the support of the end cap within the bore  102 . 
     FIG. 6A  is perspective view  600 A of the assembled leveling device employing a longer threaded stud  103 A as in  FIG. 6 . Rolled end cap  301  is wrapped around and secured to cylindrical end of stud  120  as in  FIGS. 4A and 6 . Propel nut  604  is illustrated closer to the top of the threaded stud  103 A showing an adjustment in the position of the propel nut from its position in  FIG. 6 . Propel nut  604  is fixed in the substrate and the threaded stud is moved relative thereto. Threaded stud  103 A is adjustable in a plurality of positions with respect to the propel nut. The rolled end cap  301  at the end of threaded stud does not allow the threaded stud to move past the point where the bottom of the end cap  301  and the top of the propel nut  104  engage preventing complete extraction of the threaded stud. Threaded stud  103 A is limited in its translational positions with respect to the propel nut in that the rolled end cap  301  abuts against the top of the propel nut  604  or the nut  109 A engages against the flange  107 . 
     FIG. 6B  is a perspective view  600 B of the threaded stud  103 A inserted into the bore  102  of a substrate  101 . The assembled leveling device uses a threaded stud  103 A. Rolled end cap  301  is located near the top of the bore  102  and this represents the fully inserted position of the foot  109 . The outer surface of the rolled end cap engages the bore  102  as indicated by reference numeral  601 . Propel nut  104  is fixed in position in the bore  102  of the substrate  101 . Skives  105  are illustrated as embedded into the substrate  101 . Slight deformation of the wood  130  is observed in the vicinity of the substrate  101  intermediate the shaft of the propel nut  104  and the bore  102  of the substrate  101 . Flange  107  of the propel nut abuts bottom surface  106  of the substrate  101 . The top of the nut  109 A abuts flange  107  of the propel nut  104 , Leveler  109  is integral with nut  109 A and bottom surface  109 B rests upon a surface (not shown). 
   The threaded stud is able to move in an up and down translational direction by rotating the nut  109 A which enables the threaded stud to move relative to propel nut  104 . The movement of the threaded stud  103 A with respect to the propel nut is limited by the position of the nut  109 A on the outside of the bore  102  and the position of the end cap  301  in the bore  102  of the substrate  101 . 
   End cap  301  is diametrically larger than the threaded stud  103 A. End cap  301  has a snug fit within bore  102  and is rotationally movable as the end cap  301  passes along the cylindrical bore  102  when the threaded stud  103 A rotates with respect to the interior threads of the propel nut  104 . The height of the substrate and leveling device is adjustable based on the length of the threads  103  of the threaded stud  103 A. As shown in  FIG. 6B , the leveler is illustrated in a second position fully inserted into and through the propel nut. This second position provides the shortest possible leg height adjustment. At the lowest height adjustment position of the leveling device, the length of the threaded stud within the bore  102  of the substrate is at its maximum and this is referred to herein as the first position of the leveler. The leveler, which may be longer using the end cap, is fully adjustable in a range of positions between the first and second positions. 
     FIG. 6C  is partial cross-sectional view  600 C of the threaded stud  103 A and propel nut  104  inserted into the plastic substrate  610 . In comparison to  FIG. 6B , another height adjustment of the leveling device is shown in  FIG. 6C . Rotating nut  109 A, adjusts the length of the threaded stud  103 A which extends into and out of the bore  102  of the substrate  101 . Adjustment of the nut  109 A enables different lengths of the threaded stud  103 A to extend beyond the bottom surface of the substrate  106 . In  FIG. 6C , the leveling device has been adjusted by rotating the nut so as to provide a different height adjustment with respect to the substrate. In this view, it can be seen that the height of the leveling device is limited at the point where the bottom of the end cap  301  engages propel nut  104 . The height of the leveling device will reach its maximum when the bottom of end cap  401  abuts the propel nut  104 . At the maximum height of the leveling device and hence the device it supports, the length of the threaded stud  103 A within the bore of the substrate will be at its minimum. Reference numeral  601 B represents support of the bore on the end cap  601 B. 
     FIG. 6D  is a partial cross-sectional view  600 D of the leveling device having a threaded stud  103 A where a force F is applied perpendicularly to the orientation of the threaded stud  103 A and bore  102 . The threaded stud  103 A illustrated in  FIG. 6D  has an increased length. Bore  102  counters the applied force by reacting against the propel nut as indicated by reference numeral  611 . Skives  105  on propel nut grip the bore  102 . End cap  401  engages bore  102  as indicated by reference numeral  612 . Put another way, the exterior of the cylindrical barrel of propel nut  104  engages the bore  102  as indicated by numeral  611 . The invention enables the use of a longer threaded stud  103 A which provides a greater range of height adjustment and also stabilizes the leveling device in response to the force F applied to the leveler  109 . Additionally, moment M is absorbed by the engagement of the flange surface  108  with the substrate surface  106 , the engagement of the propel nut  104  with bore  102  as indicated by reference numeral  611 , and the engagement of end cap  401  with bore  102  as indicated by reference numeral  612 . 
     FIG. 6E  is a partial cross-sectional view  600 E of the leveling device having a long threaded stud  103 A where a force F is applied to the foot  109 .  FIG. 6E  illustrates the stud adjusted so as to provide a different height for the substrate (i.e. a furniture leg). In this way position, the moment M 1  will be larger than the moment M for the position of the  FIG. 6D  given the same force because the foot  109  has been rotated out of the propel nut  104  and the moment is larger since the force F is applied through a longer radius since the foot has been rotatably moved and translated downwardly. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 6E , long threaded stud  103 A is adjusted to a level position where a significant section of the threaded stud  103 A extends outside the bore  102  past the bottom surface of the substrate  106 . In this position, the leveling device including the threaded nut and the substrate has a greater height. A force F is applied to the leveler. This applied force is counteracted by the end cap  401  and propel nut  104  reacting against bore  102 . Reference numerals  611  and  613  indicate the counteraction of the bore  102  against the propel nut  104  and end cap  401  respectively. 
   Skives  105  on propel nut grip bore  102 . The bore  102  counters the applied force by supporting the propel nut  104  as indicated by reference numeral  611 . End cap  401  engages bore  102  as indicated by reference numeral  613 . The exterior of the cylindrical barrel of propel nut  104  engages the bore  102  as indicated by numeral  611 . 
   The invention enables the use of a longer threaded stud  103 A which provides a greater range of adjustment and also stabilizes the leveling device in response to the force F applied to the leveler  109 . Additionally, the moment M 1  is absorbed by the engagement of the flange surface  108  and the substrate surface  106 . 
     FIG. 7  is a side view  700  of another example of a leveling device. The slab base  2  prong tee nut  701  has a flange  703  with upwardly pointed prongs  702 A and  702  commonly used on the T-nuts. 
     FIG. 7A  is a top view  700 A of  FIG. 7 . Intermediate rolled end cap  301  and leveler  109  is flange  703  of a tee nut used in place of a propel nut. Flange  703  includes straight edges in a generally rectangular shape with ends of the flange forming prongs  702 ,  702 A. 
     FIG. 7B  is a side view  700 B of another example of the leveling device. A press fit end cap  401  is located at the top of the threaded stud  103 A. A slab base two hole tee nut  707  has a generally rectangularly shaped flange  704  with long straight edges on opposite sides. Tee nut  707  includes apertures for tacking the tee nut to a substrate. The flange  704  of the tee nut extends past the leveler  109  horizontally on both sides. Each of the straight edges of the flange  704  are connected with a rounded arc on each end. 
     FIG. 7C  is a top view  700 C of  FIG. 7B . From this view, flange  704  is seen to have a generally rectangular profile with rounded arcs on the shorter ends. Apertures  705  and  706  are located in the flange on opposites of the flange  704 . Flange  704  has two longer straight edges with rounded edges on the shorter sides. The straight line edges of the flange  704  extend past the circular profile of the leveler  109  which is located underneath the flange  704 . 
     FIG. 7D  is side view  700 D of another example of the leveling device. Slab base two tab tee nut  711  has arc shaped wings  708 ,  709  that extend in an upward direction  708 ,  709  much like a napkin holder. The arc shaped wings of the flange  710  extend in a horizontal direction past the nut  109 A and the leveler  109 . 
     FIG. 7E  is a top view  700 E of  FIG. 7D . Flange  710  is seen to have a generally rectangular shaped profile with the extended wings  708 ,  709  on flange  710  seen as long straight sides with shorter arc shaped edges at both ends in this view. The extended wings  708 ,  709  extend past the outer circumference of the leveler  109 . 
     FIG. 8  is a perspective view  800  of a desk  801  with a leveler  109  attached to the bottom of a side wall  802  of the desk. 
     FIG. 8A  is a cut-out perspective view of the leveler  109  attached to the bottom of side wall  802  of the desk  801  in  FIG. 8 . The threaded stud  103 A is located in a bore  102  in the side wall  802  with end cap  301  located at the top of the threaded stud  103 A near the top of the bore  102 . The propel nut  804  is located in the bore  102  and interengages the threaded stud  103 A. Skive  105  of the propel nut engages the bore  102 . Contact surface  108  of the flange of the propel nut engages the bottom of side wall  802 . 
     FIG. 8B  is a perspective view  800 B of a piece of furniture  801 . Roller  809  is located on the bottom of the side wall  802 . 
     FIG. 8C  is an enlarged cut-away view  800 C from  FIG. 8B . Threaded stud  103 A is located in a bore  102  in the cutout  803  of the file cabinet. The outer surface of the top end of the thread stud  303  is located near the top of the bore  102 . Rolled end cap  301  on the cylindrical end of the threaded stud has a snug fit within the bore  102 . Propel nut is located on the threaded stud with skive  105  of the propel nut gripping the bore  102 . Nut  109 A is located on the threaded stud  103 A beneath the flange of the propel nut. Nut  109 A is integral with roller  809 . Roller  809  is located at the bottom of the side wall of the desk. The threaded stud  103 A and the side wall of the desk rests on the roller  809 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8-8D , when the furniture is moved, the bore in the substrate, the end caps, the propel nut and the flange of the propel nut absorb the moment applied due to the threaded stud. 
   LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
   
       
         100  cross-section view of the prior art leveler of  FIG. 1   
         101  wood, plywood, or pressboard substrate 
         102  bore or aperture in substrate 
         103  threads 
         103 A threaded stud 
         104  propel nut 
         105  skive of propel nut 
         106  bottom surface of wood, plywood, or pressboard substrate 
         107  flange of propel nut 
         108  contact surface of flange 
         109  leveler 
         109 A nut 
         109 B outer surface of leveler for engagement with the floor 
         120  cylindrical end of stud 
         130  deformation in substrate 
         200  bottom view of the prior art leveler in substrate 
         201  cracks in surface of substrate 
         210  distortions in substrate 
         300  exploded perspective view of leveler 
         300 A perspective view of assembled leveler 
         300 B top view of leveling device 
         300 C cross sectional view along line  3 C- 3 C 
         301  rolled end cap 
         302  seam of rolled end cap 
         303  top end of stud 
         304  internal threads of propel nut 
         315  radius of propel nut joining barrel 
         320  end cap fit over cylinder in the bore 
         400  exploded assembly view of leveler 
         401  press fit end cap 
         500  exploded assembly view of leveler with shorter propel nut 
         504 A extended length of propel nut 
         504  shorter propel nut 
         600  perspective view of leveler with adjusted position of propel nut 
         600 A perspective view of leveler with long threaded stud 
         600 B partial cross-sectional view of leveler in substrate 
         600 C partial cross-sectional view of leveler in substrate 
         600 D partial cross-sectional view of leveler with force applied perpendicularly to the leveler 
         600 E partial cross-sectional view of leveler with force applied perpendicularly to the leveler 
         601  rolled end cap 
         601 B support of end cap in plastic substrate 
         602  seam of rolled end cap 
         604  propel nut 
         610  plastic substrate 
         611  support of propel nut embedded in substrate 
         612  support of end cap of cylinder end of threaded stud in the bore 
         613  support of end cap of cylinder end of threaded stud in the bore 
         700  partial cross section view of propel nut with pointed flanges 
         700 A end view of propel nut with toothed flanges 
         700 B partial cross section view of propel nut with extended rectangular flange 
         700 C view of propel nut with generally rectangular flanges 
         700 D partial cross section view of propel nut with extended downward directed arc-shaped flange 
         700 E view of propel nut with extended downward directed arc-shaped flange 
         701  slab base  2  prong tee nut 
         702 ,  702 A prongs 
         703  flange of slab base  2  prong tee nut 
         704  rectangular flange of propel nut 
         705 ,  706  aperture 
         707  shaft of propel nut with rectangular flange 
         708  extended wing on flange 
         709  extended wing on flange 
         710  flange 
         711  shaft of propel nut 
         800  perspective view of side wall of desk using improved leveling device 
         800 B perspective view of file cabinet using improved leveling device 
         801  furniture, 
         802  side wall of furniture 
         803  cutout of sidewall of furniture 
         809  roller 
       F force applied perpendicular to the threaded stud 
       M-moment 
       M 1 -moment 
     
  
   Those skilled in the art will realize that the invention has been set forth with particularity by way of example only and that many changes may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0