A levelling foot

Abstract

The levelling foot 10 for furniture or an appliance has a screw-threaded shaft (12, figure 1), and two-part base element. A first base part 16 is rotatably engaged with a first end 28 of the shaft, an

Description

The present invention relates to a levelling foot for interior and / or exterior furniture and / or an appliance. The invention further relates to a method of simplifying a levelling adjustment of such furniture and / or appliances, preferably using said levelling foot. The invention also relates to such a levelling foot in the form of a kit of parts, and additionally or alternatively an item of furniture and / or an appliance comprising the levelling foot. To use furniture and / or appliances efficiently and stably, the furniture and / or appliances should ideally be level. Furniture and / or appliances are generally mounted on levelling feet in order to accommodate any unevenness in the ground or other supporting surface. Shaking of an appliance when in use, such as a washing machine, may cause damage to a neighbouring appliance or cabinets, pipework and the like, if all the supporting feet are not in firm contact with the ground. With furniture, such as an indoor or outdoor cabinet, barbeque, drinks cabinet, refrigerator and the like, movement or rocking of the unit could be dangerous while a user is, for example, cutting up food, placing a hot item on a surface, or opening a door. The movement or shaking may also loosen fastenings between the furniture and / or appliance and its levelling feet, increasing the risk of the furniture and / or appliance becoming increasingly unstable or even toppling over if freestanding. Should the attachments between the furniture and / or appliance become loose, adjustment or tightening of the levelling foot may be required. This adjustment can be difficult for the user, especially if the levelling foot has been subject to corrosion or other dirt, detritus or particulate matter. The inaccessibility of the levelling foot, particularly the rear levelling feet, can also be particularly difficult. Should the user attempt to adjust a levelling foot via its base, the weight of the furniture and / or appliance may prevent or inhibit the user from imparting the required rotation. The friction between the base of the foot and the ground may be unsurmountable for some users, and the furniture and / or appliance may need to be inconveniently disassembled or lifted to adjust the existing levelling foot or apply a new levelling foot altogether. It is an object of the present invention to solve or overcome the aforementioned problems. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a levelling foot for interior and / or exterior furniture and / or an appliance, the levelling foot comprising: a screw-threaded shaft having a first end and a second end which is opposite the first end; and a base element having a first base part and a second base part mounted on the first base part, the first base part rotatably engaged with the first end of the shaft, and the second base part angularly fixed relative to the shaft, so that the shaft is rotatable via the second base part whilst sliding on the first base part. The levelling foot is able to be adjusted from both outside and within the unit depending on the user’s preference and access. This is due to the angular fixation of the second base part relative to the shaft, so that if the shaft is rotated, the second base part also rotates. The second base part is mounted on the first base part, and advantageously as the second base part rotates, it slides over the first base part. The sliding motion between the first and second base parts is made easier as the user does not have to work against the friction between the base element and the ground. Instead, the friction is only between the first and second base parts which will often be less than the friction between the base element and the ground. Preferably, an upper surface of the first base part and a lower surface of the second base part are smoothly planar. A smooth interaction between the first and second base parts reduces the friction between them and so enhances the ease of adjustment of the levelling foot. Optionally, the screw-threaded shaft has a first flange which is engageable with the first base part. The first flange provides a surface over which the first base part can rotate independently of the shaft and so enhances the ease of adjustment of the shaft relative to the first base part. Advantageously, the said first flange may be circular. Beneficially, the first base part may include a first-base recess for receiving the said first flange. Preferably, the first-base recess is dimensioned to receive the first flange for rotation. The receipt of the circular flange in the first-base recess, which is dimensioned to receive the circular flange, provides unhindered rotation of the shaft relative to the first base part. This is because a circle has a smooth circumference and if the first-base recess is dimensioned to receive this then regardless of the shape of the recess the circular first flange will be free to move without restriction. The unhindered rotation further improves the ease of rotating the shaft of the levelling foot. Optionally, the first-base recess includes a first-base aperture through which the first flange is push-fit or interference-fit insertable to be received in the first-base recess. A push-fit or interference-fit insertion is a simple way a user can assemble the levelling foot. A push-fit or interference-fit insertion also means that there is no requirement for an additional fastener to fasten the first base part to the shaft. Additional fasteners may restrict the movement of the first base part and so having no additional fasteners improves the simplicity of adjusting the levelling foot. Advantageously, the first flange may be received in the first-base recess, a first shaft portion of the screw-threaded shaft is received for rotation in the first-base aperture, the said first shaft portion being threadless. The first shaft portion being threadless provides a smooth surface around which the first base part can rotate. There is reduced friction here in comparison to rotation around a screw thread, and so the adjustment of the levelling foot is simplified. Preferably, the screw-threaded shaft has a second flange which is engageable with the second base part. The second flange provides a surface to which the second base part can be engaged and so positioned correctly on the levelling foot for easy adjustment by the user. Beneficially, the second flange may be angularly-fixed relative to a screw thread of the said screw-threaded shaft. The second flange therefore rotates with the shaft and the second flange also provides a stationary surface on which the second base part is mounted. Preferably, the second base part includes a second-base recess for receiving the said second flange. The receipt of the second flange in the second-base recess provides a surface on which the second base part is mounted and prevents movement of the second base part towards the ground as the levelling foot is adjusted. The interaction between the second-base recess and the second flange mounts the second base part onto the first base part so that the second base part slides over the first base part efficiently. The efficient sliding of the second base part over the first base part simplifies the adjustment of the levelling foot. Advantageously, the second-base recess may include a second-base aperture through which the or a screw thread of the screw-threaded shaft is slidingly insertable, a second shaft portion of the screw-thread shaft being received in the second-base aperture, the second shaft portion being threadless. The sliding insertion provides ease of assembly of the levelling foot as the user can input minimal effort into the addition of the second base part onto the shaft. Optionally, the second-base aperture and the second shaft-portion are a non-circular complementary fit. Preferably, the second-base aperture and the second shaft-portion are polygonal shaped. Most-preferably, the second-base aperture and the second shaft-portion are hexagonal. The edges and sides of the second-base aperture provide abutment surfaces for the second shaft-portion to push against when the second base part and / or the shaft are rotated. In other words, as one of the second base part or the shaft are rotated, the abutment of the second shaft-portion against the corresponding surfaces of the second-base aperture causes the other of the second base part or the shaft to be rotated as well. As the second base part is rotated, it slides over the first base part which simplifies the adjustment of the levelling foot. Beneficially, an outer surface of the second base part may be non-circular. Advantageously, the outer surface of the second base part may be polygonal. Preferably, the outer surface of the second base part is hexagonal. The second base part can be easily rotated, and thus the shaft easily adjusted, using a conventional tool such as a spanner, wrench or pliers. The non-circular nature provides edges and surfaces for a tool or user’s fingers to grip to more easily rotate the second base part. Optionally, the second end of the screw-threaded shaft further comprises a tool-engageable portion. Preferably, the tool-engageable portion includes a slot for receiving a screwdriving element. If the user is unable to manually adjust the levelling foot with their hands, the tool-engageable portion can be used to adjust the levelling foot with a tool. The slot provides an abutment surface for the screwdriving element to push against and so simplifies the adjustment process. Beneficially, the tool-engageable portion may include a non-circular socket-receiver element for receiving a complementary socket of a driver device. If the user is unable to adjust the levelling foot using a screwdriving element, then the user can make the adjustments with a driver device, such as a drill. The provision of the non-circular socket-receiver element allows a driver device to fit to the second end of the shaft and rotate the shaft easily. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a levelling foot according to the first aspect of the invention in the form of a kit of parts. The individual features of the levelling foot can be provided together and the levelling foot assembled by the user to meet their needs. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an item of interior and / or exterior furniture and / or an appliance comprising a levelling foot according to the first and second aspects of the invention. The item of furniture and / or appliance can be provided together as a set so that the user can quickly and easily adjust the height of the item of furniture and / or appliance. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of simplifying a levelling adjustment of interior and / or exterior furniture and / or an appliance using a levelling foot according to the first and second aspects of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a first base part of a levelling foot which is ground engageable on a screw-threaded shaft so as to be freely rotatable thereon; b] mounting a second base part of the levelling foot on the first base part, the second base part being angularly fixed relative to the screw-threaded shaft; c] screw-threadingly engaging the said screw-threaded shaft with the said interior and / or exterior furniture and / or appliance; and d] rotating the second base part and / or an end of the screw-threaded shaft at or adjacent to the said furniture and / or appliance, the second base part slidably rotating on the first base part to smoothly height-adjust the associated furniture and / or appliance. The assembly of the levelling foot is simple because the first and second base parts are simply mounted on the shaft. The levelling foot can be adjusted easily from both outside and within the furniture or appliance depending on the user’s preference. This is due to the angular fixation of the second base part relative to the shaft, so that if the shaft is rotated, the second base part also rotates. The second base part is mounted on the first base part, and advantageously as the second base part rotates, it slides over the first base part smoothly. The sliding motion between the first and second base parts is made easier as the user only has to work against the friction between the first and second base elements which is far less than the friction between the base element and the ground. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a levelling foot for interior and / or exterior furniture and / or an appliance, the levelling foot comprising: a screw-threaded shaft having a first end and a second end which is opposite the first end; a base element at the first end of the shaft; and an adhesive port for receiving an adhesive agent to bond the base element to a supporting surface, the adhesive port being in liquid communication with one or more cavities in an undersurface of the base element. The adhesion of the base element to the supporting surface, which may be the ground, a floor, flagstones, decking or the like, secures the levelling foot in place should a force large enough be applied to the interior and / or exterior furniture and / or an appliance. The furniture and / or appliance is therefore more securely fixed in place for use. Preferably, the adhesive port is part of a liquid conduit which extends from or adjacent to the second end of the screw-threaded shaft to or adjacent to the first end. The liquid conduit provides a means for the adhesive to advantageously flow from the second end of the shaft to the first end. The first end is inaccessible to the user once the levelling foot is assembled and applied to the furniture and / or appliance, and so having an adhesive port allows the user to apply the adhesive easily to secure the base element to the ground. Optionally, the adhesive port is an inlet port of the liquid conduit, and the liquid conduit further includes an outlet port at or adjacent to the at least one cavity in the undersurface of the base element. The liquid conduit has an inlet for the adhesive to be applied to and an outlet for the adhesive to exit the levelling foot and adhere the levelling foot to the ground effectively. Preferably, one or more adhesive channels extend from the or each cavity, the or each adhesive channel being in the undersurface of the base element. The channels allow all the adhesive to propagate radially outwardly from a centre of the base element. As a result, the channels facilitate a larger surface area for the adhesive to secure the levelling foot to the ground, and so the bonding of the levelling foot to the ground is improved. Advantageously, a plurality of said adhesive channels preferably extend radially outwardly towards a perimeter wall of the base element. This provides a further improvement on the adhesion of the levelling foot to the ground as a number of radial channels enable a larger surface area for the adhesive to secure the levelling foot to the ground. Beneficially, the said plurality of adhesive channels may be equi-angularly spaced apart. The adhesive can thus be distributed equally across the undersurface of the base element, ensuring that the base element is securely adhered to the ground. Preferably and in an optional embodiment, the adhesive port and the said at least one cavity may be part of a liquid conduit which extends from a perimeter side wall of the base element. In this case, the adhesive port is an inlet port of the liquid conduit, and the cavity is at least a spiral adhesive channel in the undersurface of the base element. The adhesive can be applied at the base element rather than the shaft, removing the need to provide a shaft with a port and conduit therein. This reduces the distance over which the adhesive has to travel and thus removes the risk that the adhesive could solidify prematurely before the adhesive reaches the undersurface of the base element. The channel being a spiral provides a larger surface area for the adhesive to secure the levelling foot to the ground, thus improving the securement. Optionally, the levelling foot further comprises a plug for the adhesive port. The plug prevents the adhesive escaping the liquid conduit and provides a small amount of pressure to push the adhesive along the liquid conduit and in contact with the ground. The plug also prevents or inhibits further liquid, such as rain if the levelling foot is outside, from entering the liquid conduit and breaking down the adhesive and rendering the adhesive ineffective. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a levelling foot according to the fourth aspect of the invention, in the form of a kit of parts. The individual features of the levelling foot can be provided together and the levelling foot assembled by the user to meet their needs. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an item of interior and / or exterior furniture and / or an appliance comprising a levelling foot according to the fourth aspect of the invention. The item of furniture and / or appliance can be provided together as a set so that the user can quickly and easily adjust the height of the item of furniture and / or appliance and secure the levelling foot to the ground using an adhesive. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of improving the stability of interior and / or exterior furniture and / or an appliance using a levelling foot according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] levelling the furniture or appliance via the said levelling foot; and b] applying an adhesive to the adhesive port to bond the base element to a supporting surface. The application of an adhesive to the levelling foot restricts the movement of the levelling foot when the furniture and / or an appliance is moved by external forces. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a levelling foot for interior and / or exterior furniture and / or an appliance, the levelling foot comprising: a screw-threaded shaft; a base element at a first end of the shaft; and a collar mountable on the base element for preventing or limiting corrosion of the shaft, the collar having at least a first detent part of a detent element for engagement with a like said collar and / or the base element having at least a second detent part of the said detent element for engagement with the said first detent part. The application of a collar shields the shaft from external factors such as rain, and thus prevents or restricts the formation of rust. The formation of rust on the shaft may make it more challenging for the user to adjust the height of the levelling foot. The use of a collar therefore allows the user to continue to easily adjust the height of the levelling foot even if the levelling foot is applied to an exterior item of furniture or appliance. The detent element secures the collar to the base element and / or secures a further collar to the other collar. The detent element keeps the collars in position to protect the shaft from corrosion. Preferably, the collar has a or substantially a C-shaped body for an interference engagement with the screw-threaded shaft. Optionally, a circumferential extent of a collar bore of the collar is greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees so as to form a shaft-insertion opening which is radially-spaced apart from an axis of the collar bore, the collar bore being dimensioned to captively engage the screw-threaded shaft as a snap-fit. The shape and dimensions of the collar allows the collar to be easily attached to the shaft even when the levelling foot is already engaged with the item of furniture and / or appliance. If the circumferential extent of the collar bore is less than or equal to 180 degrees then the collar will not be captively held to the shaft. It is therefore preferable that the circumferential extent of the collar bore is at least greater than 200 degrees and less than 360 degrees for a more secure attachment to the shaft. Preferably, the first detent part is or includes a detent projection and the second detent part is or includes a detent recess or vice versa. The detent projection and detent recess provide a secure interengagement between the collar and a like said collar and / or the base element. The interengagement prevents the collar from siding freely over an upper surface of the base element and / or a lower surface of a further collar. The collar can be secured in place to cover a portion of the shaft that the user wants to protect, for example the portion of the shaft which is visible to a user. Beneficially, the detent projection may include a head for positive mechanical engagement with the detent recess. Optionally, the detent recess includes a shoulder for engagement with the head. The interaction between the head and shoulder provides an improved securement between the collar and the base element, and / or the collar with the further collar. This improved securement further prevents the rotatable shifting or sliding of the collars over the base element and so protects the shaft in a desired position. Preferably, a plurality of said collars are interengageable with the screw-threaded shaft so as to be stackably mounted on the base element, the collars being engaged with each other and with the base element via said detents so as to be rotationally-fixed relative to the screw-threaded shaft. Having more than one collar allows the user to cover the shaft more effectively and so further protects the shaft. Corrosion of the shaft is therefore prevented or limited. Beneficially, the or each said collar and / or the base element may include a plurality of first detent parts and a plurality of second detent parts. Having more than one first and second detent part provides further interengagements for an improved attachment between the collars and the base element. The collars are prevented from sliding around the shaft and exposing a portion of the shaft which the user would prefer to be protected. Preferably, a perimeter side wall of the or each collar matches or substantially matches a perimeter side wall of the base element. Should the levelling foot need to be adjusted, the collars can be moved with the shaft and the second base part using a tool such as a spanner as the side walls preferably match or substantially match. The appearance of the levelling foot is also not substantially altered if collars are added on top of the base element. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a levelling foot according to the fifth aspect of the invention, in the form of a kit of parts. The individual features of the levelling foot can be provided together and the levelling foot assembled by the user to meet their needs. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an item of interior and / or exterior furniture and / or an appliance comprising a levelling foot according to the fifth aspect of the invention. The item of furniture and / or appliance can be provided together as a set so that the user can quickly and easily adjust the height of the item of furniture and / or appliance and apply collars to the shaft to limit the corrosion of the shaft. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preventing or limiting corrosion of a screw-threaded shaft of a levelling foot according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] levelling the furniture or appliance via the said levelling foot; and b] push-fit mounting one or more said collars onto the screw-threaded shaft so as to stackably sit on the base element, the detent rotationally-fixing at least one said collar relative to other said collars and / or relative to the said base element. The shaft can be covered easily by the user using the collars. The shaft is then protected against the ambient environment, thereby preventing or limiting issues such as corrosion and rusting. The height adjustment of the levelling foot can thus continue to be smooth and effective. For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a levelling foot in accordance with the aspects of the invention, the levelling foot having a screw-threaded shaft and a base element; Figure 2 shows a top-plan view of the levelling foot of Figure 1, the view showing a port at an upper surface of the second end of the screw-threaded shaft; Figure 3 shows a bottom-plan view of the levelling foot of Figure 1, the view showing at least one cavity on an undersurface of the base element; Figure 4 is a side view of the levelling foot of Figure 1, the base element shown to be substantially the same size as two collars stacked thereon; Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the levelling foot of Figure 1, the section being along line A-A of Figure 4, the sectional view showing an adhesive port forming part of a liquid conduit extending from a second end of the screw-threaded shaft to or adjacent to a first end of the screw-threaded shaft; Figure 6 is an exploded isometric view from above of the levelling foot of Figure 1, a first flange and a second flange being visible at a first end of the shaft; Figure 7 is an exploded isometric view from below of the levelling foot of Figure 1, the shape of a first base recess and a second base recess being shown in more detail; Figure 8 is an exploded side on view of Figure 4, the second flange being larger in diameter than the first flange; Figure 9 is an exploded side on view of Figure 5; Figure 10 shows the levelling foot of Figure 1 in use, a tool-engageable portion shown engaged with a drill, the Figure showing the ability of the levelling foot to be adjusted from within an appliance; and Figure 11 shows the levelling foot of Figure 1 in use, where the levelling foot is attached to a base of the appliance. Referring to Figures 1 to 9, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a levelling foot 10 having a screw-threaded shaft 12, a base element 14 having a first base part 16 and a second base part 18, an adhesive port 20, a first collar 22 and a second collar 24. The screw-threaded shaft 12, also referred to throughout as a shaft 12, is an elongate member having a screw thread 26 along a majority of its length. The majority of the length of the shaft 12 is defined as over half of the length of the shaft 12, but it is feasible that in an alternative embodiment that the screw thread extends along less than half of the length of the shaft. The shaft 12 is dimensioned to be received by a mounting collar on a piece of furniture or an appliance (not shown). The mounting collar has an internal screw thread to receive the shaft 12, thereby enabling the shaft 12 to be screw-threadingly attached to the piece of furniture or the appliance. The shaft 12 and mounting collar are preferably formed of metal or a metal alloy such as steel. However, other materials or combination of materials may be considered, such as plastics. At a first end 28 of the shaft 12, there is located the base element 14. The base element 14 is preferably made of plastics but may be made of metal or more preferably a metal alloy such as steel. The base element 14 includes the first base part 16 and the second base part 18, the first and second base parts 16,18 each respectively having a first- base aperture 30 and a second-base aperture 32. The second base part 18 is mounted or stacked on the first base part 16 as shown in the Figures, the first and second base parts 16,18 having substantially the same dimensions and both each have an outer surface 34, 36 which is hexagonal in shape. It is feasible that the outer surface of the first and second base parts may not be hexagonal in shape and may instead be a different polygonal shape such as a pentagon. It is also feasible that the first base part may have a different polygonal shape compared to the second base part. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second base parts may both be hexagons, but the size of the hexagons may differ to one another. The first and second-base apertures 30, 32 are each respectively located at a central portion of the first base part 16 and the second base part 18. The first and second-base apertures 30, 32 are the means by which the first and second base parts 16,18 are able to be inserted onto the shaft 12. The first and second-base apertures 30, 32 are preferably not screw-threaded. As shown more clearly in Figures 6 and 7, the first and second-base apertures 30, 32 are respectively a circular aperture and a hexagonal aperture. The shaft 12 has a first flange 38 and a second flange 40 located at the first end 28 of the shaft 12. The first and second flanges 38, 40 are spaced apart from one another and are angularly fixed to the shaft 12 such that they do not rotate independently of the shaft 12. In other words, in this embodiment, the first and second flanges 38, 40 are integrally formed with the shaft 12. However, in this embodiment, it is not essential that the flanges 38, 40 cannot rotate relative to the shaft 12. In an alternative embodiment, it is feasible that the first and second flanges could be attached to the first end of the shaft. This could be via a screw threaded engagement between an aperture of the first flange for example, and a screw-threaded first shaft portion of the shaft. The same could be said for the second flange, where the second flange has an aperture which screw-threadingly engages with a screw-threaded second shaft portion. The aperture of the flanges may be polygonal so as to restrict rotation of the flange around the shaft. The polygonal aperture of the flange may interengage with a polygonal outer surface of the first and second portions in this alternative embodiment. The first and second flanges 38, 40 of this embodiment are best seen in Figures 5 to 9. The first and second flanges 38, 40 are both circular in shape. The first base part 16 is engageable with the first end 28 of the shaft 12 via interengagement with the first flange 38. The second base part 18 is engageable with the first end 28 of the shaft 12 via interengagement with the second flange 40. It is feasible that in an alternative embodiment that there may not be a first flange. Instead, the first base part may by interengaged with the first end of the shaft via a screw-threaded fastener, such as a bolt, into the first end of the shaft along an axis of rotation of the shaft. The bolt preferably allows the first base part to rotate around an axis of rotation of the shaft. A first-base recess 42 and the first-base aperture 30 of the first base part 16 are dimensioned to receive the circular first flange 38. The first-base recess 42 and the first-base aperture 30 are therefore also circular, as best seen in Figures 6 and 7. The interaction between the first base part 16 and the first flange 38 via the first-base recess 42 allows the first base part 16 to rotate freely over an upper surface 44 of the first flange 38 without the first base part 16 disengaging from the shaft 12. Although the first flange 38 has a slightly larger diameter compared to the diameter of the first-base aperture 30, the first base part 16 is an interference press-fit onto the first flange 38. The first base part 16 then is able to receive a first shaft portion 46 of the shaft 12 and the first base part 16 is mounted on the first flange 38. The first shaft portion 46 is a threadless portion about which the first base part 16 rotates. The first shaft portion 46 preferably comprises a smooth cylindrical portion, as shown best in Figure 7, so that the first base part 16 can spin freely around the shaft 12 with limited restriction. Due to the slight difference in diameter between the first flange 38 and the first-base aperture 30, the first base part 16 cannot easily be removed from the first flange 38 unless a force is applied. The second base part 18 is mounted on the second flange 40 by sliding the second base part 18 along the length of the shaft 12 via the second-base aperture 32 until a second-base recess 48 abuts the second flange 40. Once mounted on the second flange 40, the second-base aperture 32 receives a second shaft portion 50 of the shaft 12, the second shaft portion 50 having a first part 52 and a second part 54. The first part 52 includes the second flange 40 and the second part 54 includes a driven element 56, and in this embodiment the driven element 56 is threadless and hexagonal in shape. It is possible that the driven element could be other non-circular or polygonal shapes. The driven element may be circular with a slot or projection to engage a complementary feature of the second base part, thereby preventing independent rotation. The second-base recess 48 is dimensioned to receive the second flange 40 such that the second-base recess 48 and second flange 40 form a complementary fit. The second flange 40 and the second-base recess 48 are both circular in shape. The second flange 40 is larger than the second-base aperture 32 so that the second base part 18 does not slide off the shaft 12 once the levelling foot 10 is assembled. The second-base aperture 32 is hexagonal in shape, as best seen in Figure 6 and 7. The hexagonal second-base aperture 32 is dimensioned to be received complimentarily by the driven element 56 of the second shaft portion 50. The interaction between the second-base aperture 32 and the driven element 56 is such that the second base part 18 is angularly fixed relative to the shaft 12 and screw thread 26 of the shaft 12. In other words, when the second base part 18 is rotated, the shaft 12 is also rotated because an internal surface 58 of the second-base aperture 32 abuts the second shaft portion 50. The angle between the second base part 18 and the shaft 12 does not change as the second base part 18 and the shaft 12 move together. It is feasible in an alternative embodiment that the driven element and the second-base aperture are not hexagonal and are instead polygonal in shape. One of the driven element and the second-base aperture could be circular, but the other polygonal so that the second base part is restricted from rotating with the first base part when adjusted. The second base part 18 is mounted in stacked-fashion on the first base part 16. As the first and second base parts 16,18 are stacked on top of one another, the first and second base parts 16,18 are able to rotatably slide over one another. For example, if only the second base part 18 is rotated, and so the shaft 12 rotates with it, the first base part 16 can remain stationary against the ground. The sliding motion is preferably promoted by smooth planar surfaces on both an upper surface 60 of the first base part 16 and a lower surface 62 of the second base part 18. Due to the smooth interaction between the surfaces 60, 62, friction between the surfaces 60, 62 is significantly reduced and so the rotation of one of the base parts relative to the other base part is easier for the user. The upper and lower surfaces of the first and second base parts respectively may be made of a different material compared to the other surfaces and body of the first and second base parts. This different material could be a low friction material, so that the smooth interaction between the first and second base parts can be further enhanced. Mounted on an upper surface 64 of the second base part 18 of the base element 14 are two collars. In the Figures 1 and 4 to 9, there is shown the first collar 22 and the second collar 24 which are stacked on top of one another. The collars 22, 24 are the same size as one another and are the same size or substantially the same size as the base element 14. The outer surfaces 34, 36 of the base element 14 and outer surfaces 66, 68 of the collars 22, 24 can therefore line up or substantially line up with one another. It is feasible that the first collar may have a different shape compared to the second collar, and that the first and second collars may have a different shape to the base element. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second collars may both have a hexagonal outer surface, but the size of the collars may differ to one another. The collars 22, 24 cover the shaft 12 and so protect the shaft 12 against the external elements, such as rain, detritus, particulate matter and the like. Shielding the shaft 12 against the elements prevents or limits corrosion of the shaft 12. Furthermore, if the or each collar 22, 24 is dimensioned to abut an undersurface of the supported unit, it will then additionally provide the shaft 12 with additional strength and support. Instead of a plurality of collars stacked on top of one another, it is feasible that there is provided one large collar which has an overall height of the combined height of a plurality of the said collars when stacked. The collars 22, 24 are preferably made of the same material as the first and second base parts 16,18, but it is feasible that they may each be made of different materials. The first and second collars 22, 24 are incomplete hexagonal rings. There is a first shaft opening 70 between the outer surface 66 and a first bore 72 of the first collar 22. There is also a second shaft opening 74 between the outer surface 68 and a second bore 76 of the second collar 24. The first and second collars 22, 24 are substantially C-shaped. Each of the first and second shaft openings 70, 74 are thus radially-spaced apart from a rotational axis of the first and second collars 22, 24 and collar bores 72, 76. Both of the first and second shaft openings 70, 74 of the first and second collars 22, 24 are shown to be orientated in the same position as shown in the Figures 1 to 9. Each of the first and second shaft openings 70, 74 may provide the first and second bores 72, 76 with a circumferential extent which is greater than 270 degrees in Figure 2. It is feasible that the circumferential extent is greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees. If the angle of the circumferential extent is 180 degrees or less, then the first and second collars 22, 24 will not be captively held in place on the shaft 12. An angle of over 180 degrees is thus required to prevent or limit the collars 22, 24 from being unintentionally disengaged from the shaft 12. The first and second collars 22, 24 are C-shaped so as to allow the collars 22, 24 to be attached to the shaft 12 via an interference snap-fit or interference push-fit when the levelling foot 10 is already attached to the furniture and / or appliance. The first collar 22 is preferably held in place on the base element 14, and / or the second collar 24 held in place on the first collar 22, by a detent element (not shown). There may be a plurality of collars stacked on top of one another which are all prevented from moving over one another in a rotational motion due to the restriction provided by the detent elements thereon. The detent element preferably includes a first detent part and a second detent part. The first and second detent parts are preferably each one of a projection and a recess, the projection being receivable into the recess by a push-fit motion ora slide-fit motion. There may feasibly be a plurality of first detent parts and second detent parts, for example the first detent parts forming a castellated surface to be received into the second detent parts which is a complementary castellation surface. To aid the interengagement between the projection and recess, there may be a portion of the projection which is larger than the rest of the projection, i.e. the projection may have a head. The head may be larger in width than the recess, but once the head is inserted into the recess the projection is held in place effectively due to the head abutting against the ledge, also referred to as a shoulder, of the recess. The first collar 22 preferably has at least the first detent part of the detent element on a lower surface 78 of the first collar 22, and the second detent part is preferably on an upper surface of the base element 14. In this embodiment, the second detent part is preferably on an upper surface 64 of the second base part 18. It may also be the case that a further first detent part is on an upper surface 80 of the first collar 22 and a further second detent part is on a lower surface 82 of the second collar 24. This would mean that both the first and second collars 22, 24 are interengaged with one another, as well as with the base element 14. Rotational movement of the first and second collars 22, 24 relative to the shaft 12 is preferably restricted due to the interengagement between the detent parts. The restriction of movement of the first and second collars 22, 24 means that the first and second shaft openings 70, 74 can be securely positioned pointing away from where an environmental factor such as rain may be applied. It is feasible that there may be no interengagement between the first collar and the base element due to lack of a detent element between the two. At a second end 84 of the shaft 12, there is a tool-engageable portion 86. The second end 84 of the shaft 12 is opposite the first end 28 of the shaft 12. The tool-engageable portion 86 is dimensioned to receive a tool, such as a screwdriving element so that the shaft 12 can be rotated. The screwdriving element is therefore able to be slotted into, or received by, a slot 88 of the tool-engageable portion 86 as shown in Figure 2. The slot 88 extends across a length of the tool-engageable portion 86 but it is feasible that the slot is located at a central portion only. In an alternative embodiment, the tool-engageable portion may be a crosshead instead of a slot to align with a complementary screwdriving element or drill bit. The slot 88 may be located at or in a socket-receiver element 90. The socket-receiver element 90 is shown as a non-circular projection, and preferably a hexagonal projection in Figure 1. It is feasible that the socket-receiver element may be an alternative polygonal shape. The socket-receiver element 90 is preferably received by a complementary socket or appropriately dimensioned socket bit of a drill, also referred to as a driving device. The tool-engageable portion 86 may therefore be engaged at the slot 88 or by the bit engaging the non-circular socket-receiver element 90. As shown in Figures 5 and 9, there is shown a liquid conduit 92 extending along a longitudinal extent of the shaft 12, and so from the first end 28 of the shaft 12 to the second end 84 of the shaft 12. The adhesive port 20 is located at the second end 84 of the shaft 12, where adhesive can enter the liquid conduit 92. The adhesive is preferably a glue. It is also feasible that the adhesive port is located in a side wall of the base element rather than at the second end of the shaft. In this alternative embodiment, the liquid conduit is solely located within the base element. The liquid conduit 92 in the present embodiment is in liquid communication with an outlet port 94, where the adhesive exits the levelling foot 10 and adheres the levelling foot 10 to the ground. The outlet ports 94 are at or adjacent to one or more cavities 96 which are located on an undersurface 98 of the base element 14 and in this embodiment the outlet ports 94 are on an undersurface 98 of the first base part 16. The cavities 96 in the present embodiment as shown in Figures 3 and 7 are circular holes which are equally spaced apart from one another. The cavities may also be other shaped holes which may be irregularly spaced apart. Alternatively, the cavities may all be connected to one another via an adhesive channel on the underside of the base element. The adhesive channel may be a ring or a spiral connecting the said cavities. In an alternative embodiment, there may be multiple adhesive channels which extend from equally spaced cavities towards the outer surface or perimeter of the base element. Figures 10 and 11 show the levelling foot 10 in use attached to a base 100 of a cabinet 101 used outside of a building. The screw-threaded shaft 12 of the levelling foot 10 is provided and the first base part 16 engaged with the first end 28 of the shaft 12. The first-base aperture 30 is push-fitted onto the first flange 38 of the first shaft portion 46 by applying a force. The user can apply this force using their hands or could place the first base part 16 on a surface and push the first end 28 of the shaft 12 down onto the first base part 16 at the first-base aperture 30. Due to the complementary circular shapes of the first-base recess 42 and the first flange 38, the first base part 16 is able to rotate freely over the first flange 38. The second-base aperture 32 of the second base part 18 is initially received by the second end 84 of the shaft 12. The second base part 18 is then slid along the length of the shaft 12 towards the first end 28. The driven element 56 is then received in the second-base aperture 32, and the second flange 40 is received in the second-base recess 48. The driven element 56 and second-base aperture 32 have the same hexagonal shape and so the second base part 18 is restricted from independently rotating about an axis of rotation of the shaft 12. In other words, the interengagement between the corners and edges of the driven element 56 and second-base aperture 32 means that if the second base part 18 rotates about the axis of rotation, the shaft 12 also moves and vice versa. Although no collars are shown attached in Figures 10 and 11, the first and second collars 22, 24 can be slidingly engaged along the length of the shaft 12. In other words, the first and second collars 22, 24 can be slid in a downwards motion from the second end 84 of the shaft 12 via the first and second bores 72, 76 of the first and second collars 22, 24 until the collars contact the second base part 18. Alternatively, one or more of the said collars 22, 24 can be snap-fitted onto the shaft 12 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft 12. This may occur pre- or postengagement of the shaft 12 to the unit. The first and second collars 22, 24 can then be secured in place on the base element 14 by the first and second detent parts. The interengagement is preferably between both the first collar 22 and the base element 14 and between the first and second collars 22, 24. The detent parts are interengaged by rotation of the first collar 22 over the base element 14 and / or rotation of the second collar 24 over the first collar 22. The second end 84 of the shaft 12 is then inserted into the mounting collar 102 of the furniture and / or appliance at the base 100 of the furniture and / or appliance. To engage the shaft 12 with the mounting collar 102, the shaft 12 is screw-threadingly engaged with the internal screw thread of the mounting collar 102. The engagement between the levelling foot 10 and the furniture and / or appliance is such that the base element 14 is in contact with the in use ground. The height of the furniture and / or appliance can be adjusted by rotating the shaft 12 and / or second base part 18 to screw threadingly engage the shaft 12 with the mounting collar 102 at a different position along the shaft 12. The said adjustment is achieved in one of two ways: the first is by rotating the second base part 18 from outside the furniture or appliance using an adjustment tool such as a spanner. The first base part 16 is freely rotatable about the shaft 12, and so when the second base part 18 moves the shaft 12 around the rotation axis, the first base part 16 typically remains stationary due to the contact between the first base part 16 and the ground. In other words, the second base part 18 slides over the first base part 16 in a rotating motion and the first base part 16 remains in stationary contact with the ground. The height of the levelling foot 10 is therefore able to be adjusted by the user more easily as the user is not working against the friction between the base element 14 and the ground. The second option for adjusting the height of the furniture and / or appliance is from within the unit, for example, from within a carcass of a cabinet 101, at the tool- engageable portion 86 of the shaft 12. As the tool-engageable portion 86 has a slot 88, a manual device such as a flat-head screwdriver or an electrically-drivable screwdriver bit 103 can be used to rotate the shaft 12 along the mounting collar 102. A user could also use a mechanical driving device 104, such as a drill, by engaging an appropriately dimensioned socket bit 103 with the socket-receiver element 90 of the tool-engageable portion 86. The shaft 12 can then be rotated and the second base part 18 along with it. Once the height of the furniture and / or appliance is optimal for the user, a single or additional further collars can be snap-fitted onto the shaft 12 at this point. The number of collars which can be attached to the shaft 12 depends on the length of exposed shaft 12. As the shaft 12 and second base part 18 are rotated, and the shaft 12 moves upwards in relation to the furniture or appliance, the adjustment of the levelling foot 10 can be restricted by the number of collars 22, 24 and / or the base element 14 contacting the underside of the furniture or appliance. In other words, there may be a clamping force between the base element 14 and the mounting collar 102 due to the screw-threaded engagement between the shaft 12 and the mounting collar 102. If the user wants to adjust the height further, one, more or all of the collars can be removed, as necessity dictates. A backing nut may be applied above the collars before the shaft 12 is engaged with the mounting collar 102. The backing nut can be used to create a clamping force between the backing nut and the furniture or appliance and / or the mounting collar 102 to prevent or inhibit unintentional rotation of the shaft 12, such as through vibrational motion applied to the unit over time. An adhesive can be applied to secure or bond the levelling foot 10 to the ground. This is achieved by applying an adhesive to the adhesive port 20. The adhesive port 20 in this embodiment is located at the second end 84 of the shaft 12. The adhesive is applied to the adhesive port 20 and is forced to flow along the liquid conduit 92 within the shaft 12. The adhesive then exits the shaft 12 and fills the available volume of the first-base recess 42. The adhesive flows into the cavities 96 in the first base part 16 of the base element 14 and exits the first base part 16 at the at least one outlet 96 of the cavities 96. In this embodiment, the outlets 96 are holes in the undersurface 98 of the first base part 16. It is feasible that the cavities are interconnected by the adhesive channel, which is a ring or a spiral, and so the adhesive is spread along a larger area of the ground for improved adhesion of the levelling foot to the ground. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive port may instead be located in the side wall of the base element. In this case, the associated liquid conduit may be a channel formed in an undersurface of the first base part. The liquid conduit may, for example, be a spiral. The adhesive port 20 may be closed by use of a plug to prevent the adhesive flowing out of the adhesive port 20 as it cures. In an alternative embodiment, the levelling foot may not have an adhesive port. Additionally or alternatively, the levelling foot may not have one or more said collars. To facilitate lower friction rotation between the two base parts, a low friction material may be interposed. The low friction material may be a PTFE layer, for example. In this case, the low friction material may conveniently be a disk, ring or washer, and it may be received on the first base part only, the second base part only, or both facing surfaces of the first and second base parts. Conveniently, the or each low friction material may be slightly or partially recessed into the or each facing surface of the first and / or second base parts in order to prevent or limit unintentional dislodgement or movement. It is therefore possible to provide a levelling foot which can be adjusted with little or less effort from outside or inside an item of furniture or an appliance. It is also possible to adhere a levelling foot to the ground, and / or to prevent or limit the corrosion of the shaft of the levelling foot. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

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