Geometrical instruments – Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media – Combined
Utility Patent
1998-11-02
2001-01-02
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media
Combined
C033S451000
Utility Patent
active
06167630
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of alignment tools used in the construction industry, such as levels and squares, and more particularly to a novel combined level and square device with laser beam alignment indication and which incorporates a level having a measuring rule or square with alternate positions for accommodating 90 degree angles as well as 45 degree angles.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
In the past, it has been the conventional practice for construction workers to employ a level device of a laser and/or bubble type for determining a level surface or for making certain measurements. Other instruments are employed for determining angular relationships with respect to the level surface and such instruments are referred to as “rules” or “squares”. By employing separate devices and instruments, such as levels and squares, the workman must purchase and store several different sizes and must make separate measurements using each separate device individually. Such a procedure is time-consuming, labor intensive and requires a considerable expense and investment in acquiring levels and squares of different sizes and angles. Furthermore, by using separate levels and squares at different times, the workman must make multiple notations in order to record the measurements and/or alignment positions being taken which, again, requires time and subsequent evaluation of the measurements so as to combine the results into a satisfactory workpiece or construction.
Therefore, there has been a long-standing need to provide a unitary device in combination with a laser beam generator which will permit the workman to make level measurements and square measurements simultaneously and in one procedure or operation. In most instances, when using a square instrument, the instrument must be maintained in a certain level or angular position and it is extremely useful to combine a level and a rule or square into a single instrument so that simultaneous measurement and recording of resultant data can be made without subsequent review and interpolation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are avoided by the present invention which provides a novel combined laser beam level and square apparatus which includes an elongated level with a laser beam generator emitting a laser beam which is parallel with respect to a level surface on either the top or the bottom of the level. The level includes an adjustable rule or square which may be carried in the storage recess when not in use on the side of the level and which further includes slots or openings along a common side of the level into which the rule or square may be placed for use in alternate positions in combination with the level itself. The rule or square includes measuring indicia along edges and is pivotally mounted on the level so as to be selectively placed in selective slots or openings of the levels in order to accommodate a variety of measurement and/or alignment positions. The slots or openings include shoulder guides which align the rule or square into a particular angular orientation, such as a 90 degree position with respect to the level or a 45 degree position with respect to the level.
A further feature of the invention couples the level to a base for alternate usage which may include a slope alignment device. In such instance, the base is elongated having a slot at its top for accommodating insertion of the level into the slot wherein the level includes guide rails for accommodating insertion and aligning the level with the base so as to become an integral part. The base includes slots or openings along a common side so that the slots or openings may be aligned with and be coextensive with the slots or openings on the side of the level. In this manner, the rule or square may project through the coextensive slots or openings so as to provide a particular angular orientation desired by the user. Releasable securement means are provided for retaining the level and the base in a fixed position and other retaining means are provided for holding the rule or square fixed to the level while in a selected coextensive slot or opening.
Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention to provide a novel combined laser beam level and rule or square combination which may be readily employed on a selective surface in order to provide angular measurements with respect to the selected surface. The angles may selectively take the form of 90 degree angles, 45 degree angles or any other selected angular requirement.
Still a further object of the invention is to provide a novel single unitary instrument which includes a laser beam level device as well as an angular measurement device in the form of a square or rule which are both carried on a single instrument or may be combined with a base wherein the level and the base include cooperative and extensive slots or openings for accommodating the length of the square and the rule.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel combined laser beam level and square apparatus which may make simultaneous measurements without employing separate tools or instruments and which represents a labor-saving device for construction workmen.
Still a further object resides in providing a combined square and level device with a laser beam generating system that may be employed simultaneously along a horizontal surface, a vertical surface, a corner installation or any other flat surface wherein the apparatus has the ability to reside in a flush orientation with respect to that surface.
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Bennett G. Bradley
Marrs Roger A.
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