Geometrical instruments – Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media – Level or plumb – terrestrial gravitation responsive
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-17
2001-09-04
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media
Level or plumb, terrestrial gravitation responsive
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282805
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to carpenter's or box levels employed in the construction trades for establishing a level (horizontal) reference line, or a plumb (vertical) reference line.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the construction trades the need often arises to establish a reference line which is level or a reference line which is plumb and to this end various devices have been developed for establishing such reference lines. One of the most common devices for establishing a reference line is the carpenter's level.
The carpenter's level has at least one reference edge and one or more bubble vials for correctly aligning the reference edge along a true horizontal or vertical line. Carpenter's levels are commonly available in various lengths ranging from about eight inches up to about forty-eight inches. While levels in the common range of lengths are suitable for most tasks, the need often arises for a level of extended length, such as a level of over forty-eight inches in length. Levels of extended length are not widely available and those which are available tend to be expensive on account of their unusual size. In addition, levels of extended length are unwieldy due to their size and present problems in transport and storage.
It is well-known that even though the carpenter's level is a valuable and oftentimes costly tool, it is subject to the vicissitudes of use. Bumping and jarring in the course of everyday handling can cause the bubble vials of the level to become misaligned with respect of the reference edge, thereby degrading the accuracy of the level and ultimately its usefulness.
In view of the need for a level of extended length and versatility and the drawbacks associated with such levels as are presently known in the art and the need for maintaining the accuracy of such a level, the inventor has developed the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A level thus equipped may be used individually when a level of short length is needed, or two or more levels may be coupled together when a level of extended length is needed for a particular job. In addition, the invention comprises a bubble level for establishing a horizontal level line or a vertical plumb line which is adjustable relative to the reference edge of the level in order to calibrate the level.
In a first aspect of the invention, the level comprises a frame having longitudinally spaced-apart end portions with at least one reference edge extending from a first spaced-apart end portion to the second spaced-apart end portion. The level also comprises at least one level indicator means. The indicator means may be a bubble vial, an electronic level device or other means for establishing a horizontally level line or a vertically plumb line. The ends of the level are adapted for releasable coupling with one another, so that two or more levels so equipped may be joined together to form a level of extended length. The levels may also be joined to form a square.
In another aspect of the invention the carpenter's level includes one or more bubble vials for determining the orientation of the reference edge. A bubble vial of the invention may be adjusted by an adjustment assembly relative to a reference edge of the level to thereby calibrate the level. The adjustment assembly preferably incorporates a pinion gear to achieve the proper vial reference edge relationship.
The invention accordingly comprises the several elements of the invention and the relation of one or more such elements in respect to each of the others, and the article possessing the features, properties, and relation of elements exemplified in the following detailed disclosure.
An object of the invention is to provide a modular level assembly which is highly versatile.
Another object of the invention is to provide a modular level assembly for use in the construction trades which comprises a releasable coupling means disposed at the longitudinal ends of the level for the coupling together of two or more such levels thereby forming a level assembly of extended length.
A further object of the invention is to provide a level having one or more bubble vials for determining orientation of the level, wherein the level vials are adjustable to provide for the calibration and improvement in accuracy of the level.
A yet further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved modular level assembly which is selectively configurable to form a carpenter's square.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification and the drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2551524 (1951-05-01), Bullivant
patent: 3104477 (1963-09-01), Edwill
patent: 4130943 (1978-12-01), Talbot
patent: 4152838 (1979-05-01), Cook
patent: 4928395 (1990-05-01), Good
patent: 5249365 (1993-10-01), Santiago
patent: 5433011 (1995-07-01), Scarborough et al.
patent: 6041510 (2000-03-01), Huff
patent: 6047478 (2000-04-01), Sowers
Alix Yale & Ristas, LLP
Bennett G. Bradley
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