Geometrical instruments – Straight-line light ray type – Alignment device
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-15
2003-07-22
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Straight-line light ray type
Alignment device
C033S281000, C033SDIG002
Reexamination Certificate
active
06594910
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to apparatus for and a method of providing a reference point or line, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to apparatus and a method that incorporates a laser.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
It is known to incorporate lasers into apparatus that can provide reference points (e.g. levels, plumb lines etc) such as plumb levels. Plumb levels are used particularly in the building trade to establish straight lines for brickwork, plumb points for wall corners and various other functions.
The design and configuration of conventional apparatus incorporating lasers varies, but generally they require some form of tripod stand for support or alternatively some surface on which they are placed. Once placed on the surface or on the tripod, the apparatus requires to be levelled either manually or automatically using various adjustment mechanisms.
The operation of conventional apparatus is limited due to the limitations of a tripod stand or other surface upon which the apparatus rests. It is often required to provide levels at various heights, and the conventional mounting of the apparatus cannot always be used as its height variability is limited. Where tripod stands are used, the tripods are limited by their size and extension capabilities and generally do not have the capability of being extended to allow the apparatus to be positioned at or near a ceiling, particularly in rooms with high ceilings. Additionally, where the apparatus merely rests on a surface, height adjustment is dependent on having a suitable surface at the correct height, which is not always possible.
Additionally, conventional apparatus requires a user to adjust the height either by manually moving the apparatus to a different surface, or by manually adjusting the height of the tripod or other stand. This can be a time-consuming process particularly where the user is working up a ladder or on scaffolding for example, and has to climb down before manually adjusting the apparatus, and then climb up again.
Furthermore, conventional apparatus typically does not provide for a full range of motion i.e. they normally allow for 360° rotation about a vertical axis, but do not provide for 360° rotation about a horizontal axis.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for providing a reference point or line, the apparatus comprising a body and an elongate member having a longitudinal axis, the body having a laser and being capable of movement substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a reference point or line, the method comprising the steps of providing a body and an elongate member having a longitudinal axis, the body having a laser and being capable of movement substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member; securing the elongate member in a substantially vertical orientation; positioning the laser at a pre-selected position on the elongated member; and actuating the laser.
The elongate member is typically adapted to be fixed to a support. The elongate member is typically provided with a first bracket for engaging a first supporting surface or structure. The elongate member is typically also provided with a second bracket for engaging a second supporting surface or structure.
The elongate member is typically provided with adjustment means to facilitate adjustment of the length of the elongate member. The adjustment means typically comprises a telescopic or sliding portion of the elongate member. The adjustment means typically includes a locking means. The locking means typically comprises a locking collar and a tightening sleeve.
Optionally, the elongate member can be adapted to be held using one or more guy ropes attached to the member.
The elongate member preferably comprises two or more portions that are coupled together. The portions are typically of different lengths. Thus, different portions having different lengths can be coupled together so that the elongate member can be braced between the first and second surfaces or structures The length of the elongate member can be adjustable in use, and this can be achieved by providing a second telescopic portion or sliding pole portions either side by side or concentrically.
The elongate member preferably has a counterweight attached thereto. The counterweight is typically suspended from a plumb line. The plumb line is typically attached at a first end thereof to the body, and at a second end thereof to the counterweight. The plumb line typically passes through or over a pulley provided at an end of the elongate member. The body can optionally be moved substantially parallel to the elongate member by varying the length of the plumb line. The counterweight is typically used to ensure that the elongate member is plumb before and/or during use.
The elongate member is typically provided with a bore in which the plumb line and/or the counterweight can be located. The counterweight can engage a portion of the elongate member.
The body can move relative to the elongate member itself, or can be fixed in relation to one of the portions of the elongate member and can be moved along the axis of the elongate member by moving the location of the portion within the member.
The movement of the body substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member can be remotely controlled.
The body is optionally provided with a motor and gear assembly to move the body substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The elongate member is optionally provided with engagement means for engagement with the motor and gear assembly provided on the body.
The laser is typically capable of rotation about a first axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The laser is typically also capable of rotation about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The laser can preferably rotate through 360° about the first and/or second axis. Thus, a light beam emitted by the laser can be directed in substantially any direction. Optionally, rotation of the laser about the first and/or second axis can be remotely controlled.
The laser can be interchangeable so that a number of different lasers can be used for different functions. Alternatively, two or more different lasers can be provided that are capable of being operated independently of one another. Optionally, the or each laser can be remotely controlled so that they can be remotely interchanged or operated.
The laser is typically mounted to the body using a swivel. The laser is typically mounted to the swivel using a mounting plate, the mounting plate being capable of rotation about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The mounting plate is typically capable of 360° rotation about the axis.
Optionally, the mounting plate is provided with indication means. The indication means typically comprises a plurality of lines indicating angular positions of the laser relative to the pole or plate. The mounting plate and/or the body are typically provided with a locking means to lock the laser at a certain angle.
The elongate member is typically secured in a substantially vertical orientation by bracing it between first and second surfaces or structures.
The first surface typically comprises a ceiling, and the second surface typically comprises a floor
The method typically includes the additional step of adjusting the adjustment means so that the elongate member is braced between the first and second surfaces or structures.
The method optionally includes the additional steps of providing one or more guy ropes and attaching these to the elongate member to secure the elongate member in a substantially vertical orientation.
The method typically includes the additional steps of coupling the portions together to form the elongate member.
The me
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Gutierrez Diego
Jagan Mirellys
LandOfFree
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