Geometrical instruments – Distance measuring – By flexible tape
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-29
2001-04-03
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Distance measuring
By flexible tape
C033S768000, C033S227000, C033SDIG002
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209219
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a measuring device with a focused light-beam source that can be used to measure a distance of the device from a point on a reference plane and to illuminate a point on a surface remote from the device to indicate a point on the remote surface that is the same distance from the reference plane as the measured distance.
It is known to provide a measuring device, such as a coilable rule assembly, that incorporates a tilt compensated laser beam for projecting the position of the assembly onto a surface remote therefrom (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,182,863; 5,287,627; and 5,075,977). Such a device requires the use of a tilt compensating pendulum that carries a mirror to ensure that the laser beam is always plumb. The device disclosed in the patents, however, is a relatively complex mechanism, and is expensive to manufacture. Moreover, even with such complexity, said device cannot simultaneously provide the user with a direct indication of whether a surface being measured is level or plumb.
Accordingly, a need exists for a measuring device that obviates the shortcomings of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a measuring device comprises a housing, a distance measuring apparatus, a focused light-beam source, and a housing orientation indicator.
The distance measuring apparatus is carried by the housing and is adapted to measure a distance between a reference point on a reference plane and the housing along a measuring axis that is perpendicular to the reference plane. The focused light-beam source is carried by said housing and is adapted to emit a focused light beam from the housing. The housing orientation indicator is carried by the housing and is oriented with respect to the focused light beam source so as to indicate whether the focused light beam source is in a level or plumb orientation. Thus, when the housing orientation indicator provides the level or plumb indication, the focused light beam is projected from the housing onto a remote surface at a point on the remote surface that is spaced from the reference plane, along an axis that is parallel to the measuring axis, by a distance that is the same as the distance, along the measuring axis, between the reference point on the reference plane and the housing. The housing orientation indicator is also oriented with respect to a housing surface so as to indicate whether a surface upon which the housing surface rests is in a plumb or level orientation.
Other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation of the invention and the function and interrelation of the elements of structure, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this disclosure, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures.
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Bijawat Viresh
Wakefield David L.
Gutierrez Diego
Pillsbury & Winthrop LLP
The Stanley Works
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