Abstract: A rack for displaying a number of magnetic measuring/gauging devices held in a releasable manner. The rack has a rigid, vertically planar, magnetically-attractable holder, a rigid, horizontal tray secured to the lower edge of the holder and configured to engage one of the ends of each device, and an attachment member secured to the rear edge of the holder for mounting the rack to a display structure. Preferably, the measuring/gauging devices are torpedo levels. A label-plate can be attached to the front edge of the holder. The display rack in certain embodiments is capable of attachment to either a cross-bar or a pegboard. In other embodiments, the display rack has two holder-plates and a stand member for engaging a display surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to mount a spirit level on an elongate support such as a pipe, length of wood or the like so that the effective “levelling line” is greatly lengthened. The apparatus includes an elastic band having first and second ends and a body member to engage the level, preferably by bridging a rib on the level or by fitting to an aperture formed in the level. The body member has first and second hooks extending from it to receive the first and second band ends, respectively. In highly preferred embodiments, there are two elastic bands and two body members, each with a pair of hooks for engaging and retaining a respective one of the bands.

Abstract: A levelling apparatus for a laser level includes a base having a central axis and a sphere-shaped socket component mounted to the base. A sphere-shaped ball device is received in the socket component for relative movement with respect thereto. A retention mechanism is spaced radially outwardly from the central axis and includes first and second locking members in overlapping relationship to one another, thereby retaining the ball device in the socket component. In a second embodiment of the levelling apparatus, the sphere-shaped ball device is mounted to the base and the sphere-shaped socket component mounted to the ball device for relative movement with respect thereto. The retention mechanism is in registry with the central axis and includes first and second locking members in overlapping relationship to one another, thereby retaining the socket component to the ball device. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A levelling apparatus for a builder's laser level includes a base having a central axis and a sphere-shaped socket component mounted to the base. A sphere-shaped ball device is received in the socket component for relative movement with respect thereto. A retention mechanism is spaced radially outwardly from the central axis and includes first and second locking members in overlapping relationship to one another, thereby retaining the ball device in the socket component. In a second embodiment of the levelling apparatus, the sphere-shaped ball device is mounted to the base and the sphere-shaped socket component mounted to the ball device for relative movement with respect thereto. The retention mechanism is in registry with the central axis and includes first and second locking members in overlapping relationship to one another, thereby retaining the socket component to the ball device.

Abstract: The improved builder's level is used by carpenters, masons and the like for determining parallelism or perpendicularity with respect to a horizontal plane. The level has opposed depressed channels extending along its length, thereby permitting the level to be more securely gripped. The body of the level has interior ridges and an interior web for reinforcement and to properly position liquid-containing vials in such body.

Abstract: A method for making a builder's tool such as a rafter square includes severing a segment from an elongate strip of material, forming a plurality of holes in the segment and marking the segment with dimensional indicia. The segment is then divided into two semi-finished components which are finish-machined to make two of the tools. In more specific aspects of the method, the forming step includes forming, in sequence, first and second sets of holes. The second set of holes includes a tool-receiving hole and the dividing step includes moving a cutting tool along the tool-receiving hole. Most preferably, the method is carried out using a press having a bed with first, second and third work stations, a movable platen carrying first and second hole-punching tools above the first and second work stations, respectively, and a marking tool above the third work station.

Abstract: A new method for labeling an elongate tool comprising the steps of providing a tool having (a) a pair of first and second placard retention edges, and (b) at least one support surface extending along the length of the tool. A display card has first and second placard edges opposite one another. A pair of retention fold lines are formed on the card and a pair of support surface boundary fold lines are formed between the retention fold lines. The card is folded along the boundary fold lines, thereby forming a spine panel. The spine panel is placed against the tool support surface and each placard edge is engaged with a separate first placard retention edge. The retention fold lines are then pressed into engagement with respective second placard retention edges, thereby affixing the card to the tool. A new display placard for labeling tools and the like is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand tool usable as a combination square having a precalibrated angle measuring vial and enhanced tensile strength, comprising a composite metal and plastic body, wherein a frame, including the working surfaces of the tool, is made from metal for precision and long-term durability, and the remainder of the body, including critical interactive portions of the tool, is made from an injection molded plastic matrix and the method of manufacture. The molded matrix is retained by frame elements providing blade support in cooperation with the frame, structure for a blade retaining means and structure for vial mounting.

Abstract: A measuring instrument provided with measuring vials for determining level or pitch relationships and a graduated straight edge for measuring linear distance. In the first embodiment, the instrument consists of a composite aluminum and plastic structure where the plastic structure forms the body portion having the vial holders and viewing windows and the aluminum portion forms the graduated straight edge. A second embodiment consists of an aluminum structure having a flat elongated frame portion and an integrally formed base portion disposed perpendicularly thereto. The frame portion forms the graduated straight edge and carries the measuring vials.

Abstract: A level vial for use in connection with a level instrument for determining angular relationships wherein the geometry of the internal vial components and, in particular, the bore and core surfaces co-act with the bubble to produce a level vial having an increased radius of curvature while maintaining standard sensitivity and having the capability of providing a visual measure of a relatively wide range of angular deflections from horizontal.

Abstract: The composite level consists of an I-shape aluminum frame having ribbed or working surfaces and a pair of one-piece plastic cover plates integrally formed with end plates secured to the frame. A plurality of measuring vials are supported by the frame and retained by the cover plates. The alignment between the plastic cover plates and the metal frame is provided by an indexing system that minimizes the deleterious effect of the shrinkage of the plastic material of the cover plates during the curing process on the fit between the cover plate and frame. The use of the plastic cover plates and the ribbed working surfaces of the aluminum frame eliminate the necessity of painting and milling the level.

Abstract: An improved carpenter's square and protractor which can accurately duplicate a desired angle onto a surface to be cut. Accurate duplication of the desired angle is accomplished by a unique securing of the T-head on a bladed ruler wherein a securing by the draw bolt adjustment is accomplished in a transverse manner with respect to the plane of rotation of the T-head and the ruler member. In order to provide for center location of the draw bolt adjustment, a slide member which receives the ruler member is positioned in an offset manner with angular arm members. The T-head is multifunctional in that it not only provides a simplified protractor function with respect to the ruler but it also affords a supporting wall member onto which projections can be placed so that this device can be utilized to locate the centers of large circular objects. In addition, the T-head can so accommodate a level vial as well as a plumb vial.

Abstract: A specially contoured cavity or recess for the precise alignment and retention of a uniform cylindrical level vial in Polycast plastic level instruments or other hand tools. The recess is accurately oriented with respect to tool measuring surfaces during the Polycast molding process. The contoured cavity or recess is dimensioned to tightly receive the level vials thereby accurately indexing the vial in relation to the measuring surfaces. The retention recess has a semi-cylindrical contour and a vial receiving opening defined between a pair of opposed ridges. The ridges include a sloped vial receiving forward surface and extend inwardly into the receiving opening a selected dimension to permit entry and retention of the level vial.

Abstract: A pitch measuring device for measuring the deviation of one line or plane from a referenced line or plane. The device comprises a pitch vial including a cavity containing a liquid and a bubble hermetically sealed therein. Indicia, pre-calibrated to the axis of the vial body, are applied to the vial body to provide a visual display of the amount of pitch of a measured surface by reference to bubble position in the vial cavity in relation to the body indicia. The vial cavity is symmetrically disposed about the vial axis with a larger radius at one end than at the other of the vial to provide pre-selected bubble orientation in response to selected pitch conditions.

Abstract: A level instrument for determining angular relationships includes a frame having a rail section defining a working surface, a vial, and an end plate affixed to the frame. The end plate has a plastic body with integral lip, shoulder and stake or pawl elements. The frame includes passages which receive the stake or pawl elements to permanently interconnect the end plate and frame. Indexing elements automatically orient a shoulder and an edge of the end plate adjacent to the rail section defining the working surface to prevent false level readings occasioned by displacement. A method for constructing the level of the invention which includes affixing the end plate to the frame, displacing a portion of the lip overlaying the frame passage into the passage, to permanently anchor the end plate to the frame.