Joints and connections – Interfitted members – Assembled by plural manipulations of member
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-29
2001-03-06
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Interfitted members
Assembled by plural manipulations of member
C403S379200, C403S109300, C403S315000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06196758
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to carpenter's levels and similar devices, and more particularly to a quick connect accessory mounting system for such a level, the system enabling the level to engage handles, mounting fixtures and other accessories when they are needed, and to disengage such devices quickly when necessary.
2. Description of Related Art
The following art defines the present state of this field:
Lemile, U.S. Pat. No. 676,330 describes improvements in the construction of spirit-levels, more especially the manner of mounting the level or glass or vial, and to enable the latter to be readily adjusted vertically from the exterior and to cushion the same.
James, U.S. Pat. No. 778,130 describes improvements in spirit levels, and the object is to provide an improved construction of spirit-level having simple and effective means for attaching the liquid-tube to the support and conveniently adjusting the same.
McCain, U.S. Pat. No. 808,862 relates to leveling and plumbing instruments, and it consists of a chambered bar provided with a pivoted spirit-level and a shaft and cam for adjusting the same to an extent indicated by a pointer on the shaft.
Oswald, U.S. Pat. No. 935,807 describes an improvement in the construction of spirit level attachments, and to provide a simple, inexpensive and efficient device of this character capable of ready adjustment to arrange the bubble tubes in proper position with relation to the instrument, and adapted to permit a bubble tube to be readily removed and replaced by a new tube, should the bubble tube be broken or otherwise impaired through rough handling of the instrument.
Lofberg, U.S. Pat. No. 1,012,668 describes improvements in levels and has for its object the provision of an improved level of simple construction and efficient operation.
Ellison, U.S. Pat. No. 1,298,024 describes a spirit level which may be easily and readily applied to or detached from a level-stock, so that bricklayers, masons, or other artisans who use such leveling instruments may carry the spirit level to and from their work and apply the same to any suitable level-stock.
Hubbard, U.S. Pat. No. 2,487,245 relates to a level of the type used by carpenters, bricklayers, and other workmen erecting buildings and other structures which must be kept perpendicularly and horizontally accurate. If such levels are not carefully handled the casings or rings holding bubble glasses are liable to move out of their proper positions and the level will not be accurate.
Scheyer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,767 describes a water level or spirit level having at least one water level member whose angular adjustment relative to the contact surface can be changed. The water level member is rotatably mounted on the level body or a structural part fixedly connected to the level body. The water level member is fixable in the desired angular position relative to the level body or the structural parts connected to the level body. The rotatable water level member has at least one circumferentially extending flange which engages under a clamping jaw. The clamping jaw can be pressed against the surface of the flange by means of a manually operated clamping member.
Dengler, U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,459 describes a bubble level with a hollow metal section that has a circular window, in which a cylindrical level tube for a vertical level can be inserted with a positive interlock in the axial direction and can be fastened with a material interlock. A level support is inserted into the hollow section in the axial direction. The support has a cylindrical seat aligned with the window, to receive a level holder that bears a level. An interlock device is disposed between the level support and the level holder. By means of this interlock device, the level holder is mounted axially fixed, but rotatable until it is fastened by the material interlock.
Bird et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,921 describes an adjustable spirit level having a plurality of spirit levels therein. A first spirit level measures vertical orientation, a second adjustable spirit level is adjustable to a true horizontal position, and a third spirit level is adjustable to any desired position between vertical and horizontal. The second level may be adjusted with a rotatable cam-shaped end piece secured within the level body, while the third level is ratcheted to a predetermined angle. The third level may be held in place by a spring member biasing the level against the level body.
Tate, U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,589 describes an adjustable plumb level formed from an I beam with wood side panels. A circular hole is formed through the I beam and side panels, within which an indicating mechanism is disposed. The indicating mechanism is easily replaceable so that the present invention can be used as a plumb or a level.
Tate, U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,873 describes an adjustable plumb level having a first gear driven by a second gear. The second gear has a smaller external diameter than does said first gear. The second gear is operatively coupled to first gear so that when an external force causes the second gear to rotate, the first gear also rotates. The first gear includes a straight vial disposed in the center thereof.
The prior art teaches the use of levels with mechanical clamping devices for attachment to various surfaces. However, the prior art does not teach a level incorporating a quick connect/disconnect device for accessory attachments. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages including the use of an accessory receiver adapted for general use with tools such as levels, squares and other devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
The present invention provides an accessory receiver adapted for mechanical engagement with a level sensing device such as a carpenter's level or with other similar tools. The accessory receiver provides a receiver body for engagement within a box frame structure by spring action so that surfaces of the receiver and the level are forced into intimate contact. A pair of springs forces a receiver body into a flush position on the face of a box frame. A keyhole slot in the receiver is adapted for receiving a shaft for an accessory and for capturing it with snap-action.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide an accessory receiver having advantages not taught by the prior art.
Another objective is to provide such an accessory receiver capable of accommodating a wide range of accessories with quick connect and disconnect action.
A further objective is to provide such an accessory receiver adapted for being engaged within a box beam style leveling tool and enabled for true alignment therewith.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 808862 (1906-01-01), McCain
patent: 935807 (1909-10-01), Oswald
patent: 1012668 (1911-12-01), Lofberg
patent: 1231120 (1917-06-01), Brasseur
patent: 1298024 (1919-03-01), Ellison
patent: 2487245 (1949-11-01), Hubbard
patent: 4455723 (1984-06-01), Umetsu
patent: 4774767 (1988-10-01), Scheyer
patent: 4860459 (1989-08-01), Dengler
patent: 5062213 (1991-11-01), Kolesky
patent: 5716154 (1998-02-01), Miller et al.
patent: 872653 (1942-06-01), None
Browne Lynne H.
Gene Scott-Patent Law & Venture Group
Malcolm Tomlyne A.
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