Geometrical instruments – Straightedge type – Plural straightedges – relatively moveable
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-27
2001-12-18
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Straightedge type
Plural straightedges, relatively moveable
C019S066100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330751
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to leveling devices, and, more particularly, to leveling devices especially adapted for leveling docks.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is well known to use conventional T-squares for orienting one object to be perpendicular to another object. Exemplary T-squares are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 557,804, 1,082,626, 3,398,449, and 5,103,570. However, for purposes of leveling docks, none of those T-squares has a readily accessible handle that can be used to hold the T-square in a vertical orientation as the dock is being leveled. In this respect, it would be desirable if a device for leveling a dock had a handle that is readily accessible to hold the device in a vertical orientation as the device is being used.
Another problem associated with the use of conventional T-squares in leveling a dock relates to what may happen if a T-square falls into the water. Were this to occur, the T-square may sink if not made from buoyant materials. In this respect, it would be desirable if a device for leveling a dock were provided that is made from buoyant material that floats in water. Further, if the dock leveling device were to fall into water, it would be desirable if the device were designed so that a handle is oriented upward as the device floats in the water.
Turning to U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,643, this patent may be of interest for its disclosure of an inflatable bag structure used for leveling a dock. In this respect, it would be desirable if a device for leveling a dock did not include complex inflatable structures.
Still other features would be desirable in a dock leveler apparatus. For example, for purposes of retaining iron-based metal tools, it would be desirable if a dock leveler apparatus included a magnet for attracting an iron-based tool.
Also, for purposes of hanging the dock leveler apparatus up on a wall when not in use, it would be desirable if a device for leveling a dock included a channel allowing the device to be hung on a wall-mounted nail.
For purposes of storage, it would be desirable if a ruler member of a dock leveler apparatus could be oriented parallel to a base member of the apparatus. Further, in this respect, it would be desirable if a dock leveler apparatus had means for locking the ruler member into either a perpendicular orientation or a parallel orientation with respect to the base member.
Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be well known to use T-squares for general leveling purposes, the prior art described above does not teach or suggest a dock leveler apparatus which has the following combination of desirable features: (1) has a handle that is readily accessible to hold the device in a vertical orientation as the device is being used for leveling a dock; (2) is made from buoyant material that floats in water; (3) has a handle that is oriented upward as the device floats in the water; (4) does not include complex inflatable structures; (5) includes a magnet for attracting and holding thereto an iron-based tool; (6) includes a channel allowing the device to be hung on a wall-mounted nail; (7) includes a pivot assembly so that a ruler member can be oriented parallel to a base member, and (8) has means for locking the ruler member into either a perpendicular orientation or a parallel orientation with respect to the base member. The foregoing desired characteristics are provided by the unique dock leveler apparatus of the present invention as will be made apparent from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over the prior art also will be rendered evident.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, briefly described, provides a dock leveler apparatus which includes a base member which is floatable on water, and the base member includes a planar base bottom surface. A ruler member is connected to the base member. The ruler member includes a planar ruler bottom edge which is perpendicular to the base bottom surface, and the ruler member includes indicia of linear length. When the base bottom surface is placed on a dock surface and when the ruler member projects downward from the dock surface, the indicia on the ruler member can be used for setting the dock surface at a desired level. When the dock leveler apparatus is employed, a dock level adjustment assembly can be used to make adjustments to the height or level of the dock surface. The base member is made sufficiently large so that if the dock leveler apparatus falls into the water, the entire apparatus will float in the water.
The water-foatable base member can be made from a hollow shell. Also, the base member can be made from a material less dense than water such as a plastic foam. One or more magnets are attached to a side wall of the base member. A handle is attached to a top wall of the base member. The base member includes a hanger receiver.
In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the base member includes a first base member portion, a second base member portion, and base member fasteners for connecting the first base member portion to the second base member portion.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a pivot assembly is interconnected between the ruler member and the base member. The pivot assembly includes a pivot pin support member connected to the base member. The pivot pin support member includes a first pivot pin reception aperture, a second pivot pin reception aperture in the ruler member, and a pivot pin member received in the first pivot pin reception aperture and the second pivot pin reception aperture when the first pivot pin reception aperture and the second pivot pin reception aperture are placed in registration. The pivot pin member includes transversely biased pivot pin portions.
The pivot assembly further includes ruler orientation locks located between the pivot pin support member and the ruler member. The ruler orientation locks include lock bumps located on the ruler member and bump reception wells located on the pivot pin support member.
The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least two preferred embodiments of the invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved dock leveler apparatus which has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved dock leveler apparatus which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved dock leveler apparatus which is of durable and reliable constructi
Gutierrez Diego
Verbitsky Gail
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