Hand Implement (e.g., Tool, Rifle, Camera, Etc.) Patents (Class 33/334)
  • Publication number: 20020133959
    Abstract: An alignment device (10) for indicating alignment between two component parts, the first component part (12) having an arcuate track (14) with a track following member in the form of a ball bearing (28) to follow the track under the influence of gravity to seek an equilibrium position. The body having a signal input (18) and a signal output port (20) and the second component part comprising an alignment member axially mounted within the body in restraining engagement with the track following member (28) so as to be rotationally displaceable within the body in response to displacement of the member 28, whereby alignment between the alignment member and the input and output ports in response to displacement of the alignment member by the ball bearing, effects operation of an indicator means to provide an indication that such alignment between the alignment member and the alignment ports has been achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel Bone, George Ch Fung
  • Patent number: 6434842
    Abstract: The invention is a new building tool for leveling a flat surface while removing irregularities in the surface by sanding. The tool, named a “rasping level,” integrates into one instrument the functions of leveling and sanding a surface. The rasping level consists of a frame, levels positioned on the top surface of the frame, and sandpaper on the under surface (second surface) of the frame. Along the lengthwise edges of the top surface of the frame are “grippers” for holding and manipulating the tool. The frame and grippers are made of light weight but rigid material. The levels may be typical spirit levels that are used to measure the level and plumb of wall surfaces. Heavy grit sandpaper covers the under surface of the frame. The sandpaper is attached to the under surface of the frame by aerosol adhesive or semipermanent liquid adhesive. Worn-out sandpaper can be removed and replaced by fresh sandpaper as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Rasping Level Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Cruz
  • Publication number: 20020088130
    Abstract: A combination square including a body including two opposing members, each having a plurality of straightedged surfaces, and a clamping element adapted to clamp the opposing members together, the opposing members defining a recess therebetween for receiving therein a rule member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Manny Szumer
  • Patent number: 6385133
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus with an azimuth meter is capable of measuring an accurate azimuth and is made small even if one or a plurality of magnetized members for generating a magnetic field exists. Magnetic screen is provided for shielding an azimuth sensor from a magnetic field generated from a battery and a stepping motor. Moreover, when the stepping motor rests, an azimuth is measured, and rotor rest time and a direction of the magnetic field generated from a rotor are predicted based on rotor rotation starting time and a direction of a driving current flowing through a coil, and the measured azimuth is corrected according to the predicted result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 6345448
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a combination protractor/chalk line device, including: a housing; a chalk line string disposed in the housing and withdrawable from the housing at a first end of the housing; a manually graspable handle loosely attached to the housing; a protractor disposed on a side of the housing; and the combination protractor/chalk line being arranged such that, when the chalk line string is withdrawn from the housing and held taut and the handle is grasped, the protractor will indicate an angle from horizontal defined by the chalk line string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Chontos
  • Patent number: 6256901
    Abstract: A measuring tape comprises a housing in which a pivot is disposed for mounting a reel. A tape blade is releasably wound on the reel such that the tape blade can be pulled out of an opening of the housing. The bottom of the housing is provided with an action slot in which a stop member is slidably disposed. As the stop member is pushed forward, the press portions of the front end of the stop member and the urging portion of an arresting piece pivoted in the housing work together to prevent the rewinding of the tape blade. When the stop member is pushed backward, the arresting piece is pushed to swivel backward so as to move away from the tape blade, thereby enabling the tape blade to be rewound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Hsin-Yun Lin
  • Patent number: 6237236
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for bore sighting a gun. A hollow shell casing is attached to a single light source and then placed in the breech of a gun. Light is projected from the gun onto a pre-calibrated target. The user is then able to adjust the gun sights accordingly. There are a plurality of shell casings interchangeably mountable to the single light source, enabling the user to sight in a variety of guns using only one system. The shell casings may be the same shape as standard shells for the type of gun being sighted in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Tim Schnell
  • Patent number: 6237242
    Abstract: An assembly for providing microradian adjustment of the alignment of objects such as optical devices is disclosed. The microradian adjustment assembly is comprised of a mounting plate suitable for mounting an object and a torque adjustment assembly. A circular channel is formed in the plate so as to define a disk area surrounded by a deflection area. The torque adjustment assembly torsionally deforms the deflection area, rotating the disk area with respect to the mounting plate. This rotation is utilized to provide microradian adjustment of the alignment of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Woytassek, John Larison, Richard Robertson
  • Patent number: 5887355
    Abstract: A level indicator attachment for a power hand tool to indicate the angle of inclination of the tool for making cuts at a predetermined angle. In a preferred embodiment, the level indicator comprises a circular bubble level adjustably positioned in a housing and frame mounted to the tool by use of preexisting fasteners used in assembly of the tool. Adjustment of the bubble level in the housing enables the level indicator to be calibrated or adjusted for different angle cuts. The invention is particularly suitable for use in cutting plumb cuts on rafter tails during construction of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Denny Wolff
  • Patent number: 5883861
    Abstract: The timepiece (42) includes within the case (44) an electronic compass and a sighting device formed of two sighting marks (14, 15) arranged in the upper portion of the case (44) diametrically opposite each other and defining a reference axis of the case (44). The optical means formed by three light emitting diodes (54, 55, 56) are arranged on the surface of the case (44) in a peripheral region situated at six o'clock for warning or informing a user performing a sighting that the reference axis of the sighting device is aligned with a given azimuthal direction. In another embodiment, instead of the optical means, acoustic means or a buzzer are provided, capable of providing a vibration which is audible or perceptible by a user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Nicolas Moser, Christophe Germiquet
  • Patent number: 5768790
    Abstract: An angle indicator for connection to a pipe bender having an elongated handle or the like, which is generally characterized by the presence of: (a) a pivoting linear member having a spirit level thereon/therein for determining when it is horizontal; (b) which pivoting linear member is pivotally attached to another linear member which includes means by which it may be attached to the handle of the pipe bender being used in such manner that it is horizontal when the pipe bender is initially affixed to a pipe to be bent; and (c) means by which the relation between the two linear members may be nonpermanently set at a preselected angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Robert C. Norman
  • Patent number: 5715607
    Abstract: A telescopic sight has a light source on the inner tube in the area of the graticule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Swarovski Optik KG
    Inventor: Erwin Murg
  • Patent number: 5697162
    Abstract: The arrangement (42) according to the invention is formed by a watch comprising a dial (8) on which is shown a map (14) centered on a given geographic location, Mecca in particular. The arrangement (42) comprises a device (48) for indicating the direction of the terrestrial magnetic north and a device (16) enabling the angular positioning of the map in the general plane of the arrangement (42) corresponding to the plane of the dial (8). The different geographic regions shown on the map (14) are graphically arranged so that any point whatsoever of the contours of such regions substantially shows an angular spread (.OMEGA.), relative to a center of reference (22) corresponding to the above-mentioned given geographic location and to a reference direction (24) equal to the magnetic azimuth of the great circle passing through said point and the reference point (22) augmented by 180.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Etienne Bornand, Jean-Jacques Born
  • Patent number: 5692310
    Abstract: A level indicator attachment for a power hand tool to indicate the angle of inclination of the tool for making cuts at a predetermined angle. In a preferred embodiment, the level indicator comprises a circular bubble level adjustably positioned in a housing and frame mounted to the tool by use of preexisting fasteners used in assembly of the tool. Adjustment of the bubble level in the housing enables the level indicator to be calibrated or adjusted for different angle cuts. The invention is particularly suitable for use in cutting plumb cuts on rafter tails during construction of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Denny Wolff
  • Patent number: 5669147
    Abstract: A tilt sensor comprises at least two elastically deformable electrodes, a ball having conductivity on at least a surface thereof, and a case which is non-conductive on at least an inner surface thereof for sealing therein the electrodes and the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Noriaki Nakajima, Hiroshi Hasegawa, Tetsuro Goto
  • Patent number: 5632484
    Abstract: A referenced, liquid-filled, domed vial, attachable to the free-end of a golf club shaft as indicative of a selected postural shaft angle, offset from the perpendicular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: William S. Lambert
  • Patent number: 5582554
    Abstract: A device for ascertaining the natural break to the west of a golf green is obtained by the incorporation of a compass with an existing golf implement in accordance with one or more of a plurality of embodiments. The compass includes indicia indicating west, the direction of the natural green break, and, in one preferred configuration, the indicia directly indicates only west. The several embodiments disclosed and discussed include the combination of a compass and a golf glove, a compass and a ball marker, a compass and a golf club (in variant configurations) as well as broadly adaptable compass golf accessory embodiments which include special purpose structure by which the break finder may be removable or permanently fixed to a golf implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Strystar International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael E. Stryczek
  • Patent number: 5509657
    Abstract: A golf club positioning and position indicating device having a mounting base that is releasably attached to the shaft of a golf club below the handgrip of the club. A positioning head support for support and orientation of a positioning head which can be visually inspected by a golfer when addressing the golf ball in preparation for the intended golf stroke. The positioning head support is releasably received in specifically oriented relation by the mounting base to provide for simple and efficient assembly or disassembly of the positioning head relative to the mounting base. A spirit level support is connected in adjustable pivotal relation with the positioning head support and retains a circular spirit level of a dimension that can be easily visually inspected by a golfer holding the golf club at the ball addressing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Joe M. Guthry
  • Patent number: 5492329
    Abstract: A putter including an electronic leveling device contains:(a) a source of electrical energy;(b) a display means for producing a signal composed of a plurality of light emitting diodes when the circuit is energized;(c) a light diffusion means placed over said signal for displaying messages and the like for promotional and advertising purposes;(d) an electric circuit means for electrically joining the display means to said source of electrical energy; and(e) a switch means in said electric circuit means and movable between a closed position where electrical energy is permitted to pass from said source of electrical energy to said display means through the aforementioned electric circuit means to electrically energize said display means producing a signal composed of a plurality of LEDs and illuminating the light diffusing means that lights a message or the like on the surface of said light diffusing means, said switch means being in said closed position when said longitudinal axis of said putter head is held at
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Edward J. Kronin
  • Patent number: 5467532
    Abstract: A hedge trimmer aid including a reference indicator similar to a bubble level wherein an included air bubble is replaced by a small sphere of lower density than a surrounding fluid provides a true horizontal reference, an adjustable pointer with magnifier which is manually set to a particular angular disposition substantially equivalent to the desired angle of the finished trim, and a frame which couples the pointer and the horizontal reference indicators and furthermore affixes the hedge trimmer aid to the static housing portion of a hedge trimmer in clear view of an operator. In use, the angular disposition desired for the hedge is selected and set by rotating the adjustable pointer to a fixed marking disposed upon the surface of a hemispherical bubble level. The hedge trimmer is then manually rotated about a horizontally disposed axis until the colored sphere within the level and a magnifying sight disposed upon the adjustable pointer are in alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Sherry A. Ames
  • Patent number: 5421098
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the loft and lie of a golf club head. The invention includes three components. The first is a fitting gauge removably attachable to the shaft for identifying the ideal angles of the loft and lie of the club. The fitting gauge includes a first indicator for measuring the loft angle and a second indicator for measuring the lie angle. The second component of the invention is a bench to which the golf club head is attached. The bench includes a lie reading gauge and a loft reading gauge. The bench may be used for either left-handed golf clubs or for right-handed golf clubs. The third component is an adjusting tool that may be removably attached to the hosel of the club fixed to the bench. The shaft of the club is manipulated relative to the golf club head to adjust the actual lie and loft angles to match the ideal angles of loft and lie by movement of the adjusting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Douglas P. Muldoon
  • Patent number: 5402579
    Abstract: A C-clamp with integral bubble levels comprising a C-clamp which has a horizontal portion with two generally parallel vertical portions extending perpendicularly from the ends of the horizontal portion. The first vertical portion is formed with a threaded circular aperture with the axis of which is parallel with the horizontal portion. The second of the vertical portions is provided with a planar surface perpendicular to the axis of the aperture. A rod with exterior threads extends through the aperture and is rotatably coupled thereto whereby rotation of the rod will effect its axial movement. The end of the rod between the vertical portions is provided with a planar surface parallel with the planar surface of the first vertical portion. A planar surface is formed on the horizontal portion on the side thereof remote from the vertical portions. A bubble level is removedly secured to the planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Robert K. Smith
  • Patent number: 5361504
    Abstract: A universal guide for an electric drill includes a transparent elongated L-shaped member with two mutually perpendicular faces. Each face has two parallel long edges and two short edges, and they share a common long edge. For each face, one of the two short edges is a perpendicular edge and the other of the two short edges is an angled edge in which the perpendicular edges are perpendicular to the long edges, and the common edge is formed such that the perpendicular edges are mutually adjacent to each other and the angled edges are mutually adjacent to each other. Magnetic areas are formed on surfaces of each of the faces. Level indicators are attached to each face perpendicular to the common long edge and to the common long edge in a direction perpendicular to the perpendicular level indicators. At least one long edge is ruled and guide lines are marked on the faces in a direction parallel to the long edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Hung C. Huang
  • Patent number: 5280781
    Abstract: There is disclosed a guide device for guiding an endoscope. The guide device includes an elongate, tubular guide body so flexible as to be bent. An insertion portion of the endoscope is adapted to be inserted into and guided by the guide body. A direction indication mechanism is mounted on an inner periphery of a front end portion of the guide body. The direction indication mechanism includes an annular holder member, and a displacement member supported by the annular holder member for displacement circumferentially of the holder member under the influence of gravity. The endoscope itself is not provided with a direction indication mechanism, and by observing the displacement member from the inner side of the front end portion of the guide body, the direction is confirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Machida Seisakusho
    Inventor: Toshio Oku
  • Patent number: 5274928
    Abstract: A combination of a compass and a connective arrangement for facilitating connection of the compass to a firearm or other portable object. The connective arrangement includes a one or two part elongated and hollow sleeve having an interior opening therein opening outwardly at opposite first and second ends. A housing containing the compass works is received in the first end of the sleeve. The interior opening at the second end of the sleeve has an internal thread threadedly secured to an externally threaded screw to thereby facilitate the connection of the compass works containing housing to the firearm or other portable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Michigan Outdoor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley L. Arnt
  • Patent number: 5274927
    Abstract: A combination of a compass and a connecting arrangement. The compass includes a compass housing having a base wall, a circular wall connected to and upstanding from the base wall and a transparent window connected to the circular wall to define a sealed chamber in which is located the compass works. The compass housing has a radially outwardly extending flange thereon which is greater in dimension than the outer diameter of the circular wall. The connecting arrangement includes a strap for securing the compass housing to an archer's bow. The strap includes an elongated, uniformly thin strip of material having oppositely facing surfaces. The strap has a centrally disposed, circular-shaped first hole therethrough, the diameter of the circular-shaped hole being less than the diameter of the aforesaid flange. The compass housing is received in the circular-shaped first hole, the flange abutting the second surface on the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Michigan Outdoor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley L. Arnt
  • Patent number: 5246197
    Abstract: An optical drill guide and a drill guide support for electric hand drills. The drill guide consists of a front sight aperture framed with a light color and a rear sight aperture formed by a translucent ring. The line of sight through the guide is arranged to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the drill. The drill guide is used in conjunction with a mirror placed on the work surface so that when the guide is aligned a reflected image of the front sight surrounds the translucent ring. The guide is adapted to be integral with or detachable from the electric hand drill. When detachable, a drill guide support is provided which includes mounting means the ends of which are resiliently biased towards each other and adapted to be received in the housing of the drill to align the guide with the axis of the drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Stewart F. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5235755
    Abstract: An angle finding device particularly in the form of a hammer having a circular or part circular spirit level vial (8) provided with a graduated scale mounted in the hammer head (3). A straight spirit level vial (10, 11) may be positioned across a diameter of the circular vial (8) such that its axis lies at an angle .alpha. to the axis (A) of the shaft. This combination enables the hammer to be used as an angle finding device and a general levelling device when the striking face (6) of the hammer and the end (5) of the shaft are placed against a work surface (W) to be level tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: David A. Fowler
  • Patent number: 5219169
    Abstract: A golf club orientation and alignment system for use when addressing and hitting a golf ball. A bubble indicator is carried at the top surface of a club head and can be adjusted to compensate for different club face offsets. The bubble indicator shows the alignment and orientation of the club head about both a line-of-aim axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the line-of-aim axis. When the club head is aligned and oriented in this manner, a golfer can shoot more accurately, and eliminate hooks and slices. Arrangement is disclosed also for controllably adjusting the bubble indicator for varying the inclination of a hitting face of the club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Rex L. Martini
  • Patent number: 5174572
    Abstract: A golf club includes a shaft and a rubber mounting seat which is provided on the shaft. The mounting seat confines a blind bore with a hemispherical bottom and has an open top end and an annular flange which projects inwardly from the open top end. A position indicator is received in the blind bore and includes a cylinder body which has a hemispherical bottom, a top end that is formed with a fluid cavity and a window that covers the fluid cavity. The window has a position marker formed thereon. The fluid cavity contains a volume of liquid therein. The liquid forms a positioning bubble beneath the window. The hemispherical bottom of the cylinder body extends into and is in frictional contact with the hemispherical bottom of the blind bore to permit tilting and rotative adjustments of the cylinder body within the blind bore. The cylinder body is initially adjusted so as to move the position marker to a desired position which corresponds to an optimum golf club striking position of a golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Chin L. Ho
  • Patent number: 5151753
    Abstract: An optical sighting instrument having a main optical path including an objective lens, an eyepiece lens and a beamsplitter for combining or superimposing images. At least three image planes are defined with reference to the main optical path and the beamsplitter, and at least one of the three image planes is optically superimposed with the other two by the combining effect of the beamsplitter. Movable indicia elements are positioned in two of the image planes, and a fixed indicia element is positioned in the third one of the image planes. As a result, images of all three of the indicia elements are superimposed for viewing through the eyepiece lens, and the image of the fixed indicia element serves as a sighting reference. Illustratively, one of the movable indicia elements is a magnetic compass, the other of the movable indicia elements is a magnetic declination adjustment, and the fixed indicia element is a cross-hair sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Hobart A. Whitman, III
  • Patent number: 5140753
    Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the deviation of an underground storage tank from level which is conveniently referred to as a tank inclinometer. The apparatus, or inclinometer, includes an elongate member having a feeler bar mounted to the end thereof which is aligned with the elongate members for insertion through the restricted opening of the fill neck of an underground storage tank and then pivoted to a position such that, when the elongate members are pulled upwardly, the feeler bar contacts the inside top surface of the underground storage tank. Deviations of the top surface of the tank from level are sensed and an output provided by which the deviation is observed by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Tanknology Corporation International
    Inventor: John E. Tuma
  • Patent number: 5112053
    Abstract: A device (10) for facilitating use of the shaft (28) of a golf club (30) for plumbing is disclosed. The device comprises two concentric members (12, 16), one freely movable inside the other, with the inner member (16) seated about the shaft (28) of the club (30). Plumbing is achieved by gripping the outer member (12) between two or more fingers, whereupon the free movement of the inner member (16) relative to the outer member (12) permits the club (30) to assume a truly vertical orientation with the head (44) of the club (30) serving as a plumb weight. The shaft (28) may then be used to judge the relief of the putting surface in the usual manner, but with the assurance that the club (30) is in a true vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Alexander Brucker
  • Patent number: 5052112
    Abstract: An optical drill guide and a drill guide support for electric hand drills. The drill guide consists of a front sight aperture framed with a light color and a rear sight aperture formed by a translucent ring. The line of sight through the guide is arranged to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the drill. The drill guide is used in conjunction with a mirror placed on the work surface so that when the guide is aligned a reflected image of the front sight surrounds the translucent ring. The guide is adapted to be integral with or detachable from the electric hand drill. When detachable, a drill guide support is provided which includes mounting means the ends of which are resiliently biased towards each other and adapted to be received in the housing of the drill to align the guide with the axis of the drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Stewart F. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5046261
    Abstract: A leveling device for leveling tools and workpieces which has extending shafts at opposite ends with one shaft being adapted to be inserted into a tool so as to adjust and indicate whether it is level and the other shaft being adjusted to receive a drilling or grinding tool or a flat plate such that the surface of a workpiece can be leveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Kwik-Way Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Jimmie D. Scott
  • Patent number: 4993710
    Abstract: A lie indicator for a golf clubhead that has utility as a golf practice aid. The indicator includes a straight bubble tube mounted in slightly skewed relation to a base member so that the axis of the tube and the axis of the base member are skewed at about one degree with respect to one another. The base member includes a flush mounted magnet that releasably secures the indicator to the face of the clubhead. The base member is aligned with a score line on the face of the clubhead so that when the golfer centers the bubble in the tube, an apparent one degree over compensation is provided. However, the lie angle of the clubhead is correct at the moment of ball impact because the mass of the clubhead causes it to rotate during the swing by about one degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Perry C. Marshall
  • Patent number: 4986002
    Abstract: A torch angle measuring device, comprising: (a) a support rigidly clampable to the nozzle of the torch; (b) a reference member; (c) joint means between the reference member and the support providing axes of rotational movement therebetween, the axes being at 90.degree. to each other and each being transverse by 90.degree. to the nozzle axis; and (d) plumb level means on the reference member for displaying levelness in planes parallel to the joint means axes. The joint means has the first of the axes effective to determine lead angle and the second of said axes effective to determine transverse angle. The device additionally includes means for holding the device in an adjusted angle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Alvin K. Oros, Rudolf P. Noworyta, Fred G. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 4973205
    Abstract: An apparatus is set forth wherein a hand drill includes a conventionally configured elongate housing with an elongate orthogonally extending handle relative thereto, with a forwardly mounted collet to receive drill bits therewithin. The apparatus further includes a transparent drill bit housing pivotally mounted to an upper surface of the central housing body of the drill formed with a snap-fit cover to receive drill bits in a convenient and accessible manner. A bifurcated chuck-key holder includes resilient legs defining a slot to resiliently secure a chuck-key therewithin. A series of spirit levels are further provided wherein the levels include a mercury encapsulate leveling member to accommodate vibration in use of the drill, wherein the levels are positioned within an extension housing of the drill bit housing to provide various visible orientations of the levels during use of the drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Silas Spaulding
  • Patent number: 4934706
    Abstract: A golf training aide is attached to a golf club shaft and visually indicates to the golfer when the club shaft is held in a vertical plane and when the club head is held in proper angular relation to the ground. An indication of vertical alignment of the shaft is given when a first bubble is centered in a first bubble tube member and an indication of proper club head position is given when a second bubble is centered in a second bubble tube member. In a first embodiment, the second bubble tube member is linear-in-configuration and is rotatable about a horizontal axis. In a second embodiment, the second bubble tube member is arcuate-in-configuration and has a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Perry C. Marshall
  • Patent number: 4930787
    Abstract: A device for producing a warning signal when a golf club is held with the longitudinal axis of the head thereof unparallel to the ground, or when the putter head undergoes any clockwise or counterclockwise rotation on the backstroke. The device includes a battery; signal structure for producing a signal when electrically energized; electrical circuit for electrically coupling the signal structure to the battery; and switch structure movable between an open position in which electrical energy is prevented from passing from the battery to the signal structure through the electrical circuit and a closed position in which electrical energy is allowed to pass from the battery to the signal structure through the electrical circuit to electrically energize the signal structure, the switch structure being in the closed position when the longitudinal axis of a golf club head is held at an angle unparallel to the horizon, or when the putter head undergoes any clockwise or counterclockwise rotation on the backstroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Eugene R. Nobles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4908949
    Abstract: Air-bubble level for portable tools which can be used and operated independently from any changes in position of the tool and which can be easily transferred between tools due to its articulated fastening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: La Maison Dentaire S.A.
    Inventor: Leon Jaccard
  • Patent number: 4888875
    Abstract: An instrument used to level equipment, particularly useful with exercise equipment like a barbell. In preferred form, the instrument includes a tapered tube filled with a liquid and having a ball therein indicating level. The tube is supported and is magnetically coupled to a metal surface such as the barbell. The use of the leveling instrument with a barbell facilitates weight training in that the bar may be maintained level and the muscles on each side of the body developed equally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: John M. Strother
  • Patent number: 4824114
    Abstract: A golf club putter is disclosed for use on a golf green for judging the desired path to the cup. The putter comprises a shaft with a putter head secured on one end thereof. The putter has a vertically oriented striking surface for striking a golf ball on swinging movement of the club and a second surface positioned at substantially a right angle to the striking first surface. Level means is supported in the second or right angle surface for indicating the desired angle at which the putter striking surface should strike the ball and the desired curvature of the path of the ball to the cup. The level means comprises a pendulum, recessed in the second, right angle surface, operating as a plumb bob to determine the angle from the horizontal of the putting green. The level means comprises a thin, flat disc-shaped housing mounted in a recess in the second, right angle surface of the putter having a circular rear wall, a circular front wall and a cylindrical side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Guy G. Catalano
  • Patent number: 4794701
    Abstract: A level device for a chainsaw is formed from a hollow closed transparent plastic tube filled with a colored liquid. An air bubble is trapped in the liquid within the tube. Alignment indicia in the form of perpendicular intersecting lines are inscribed on the cylindrical side wall of the tube and on both end faces. An aluminum mounting bracket consists of a pair of spaced circular rings connected by a strut. A standard extends perpendicular to the strut, and is attached thereto at a point equidistant from each of the rings. A slotted mounting prong is formed at the free end of the standard for engagement with a threaded fastener on a chainsaw. In use, the device functions as a spirit level for making horizontal and vertical cuts with the blade of the chainsaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: Kevin J. Clark
  • Patent number: 4785544
    Abstract: A spirit level accessory for an electric drill is provided and consists of a clamp member to fit on mounting surface of the electric drill, a dial member mounted on the clamp member and adjustable to obtain correct position with respect to center line of the electric drill, a bracket member held at any desired angle to the dial member by a spring force, a spirit level member held by the bracket member and a cover member having a mirrored inside surface and hinged on the spirit level member to protect the spirit level member against damage when not in use, allowing the spirit level member to be viewed when fully opened and viewed from the mirrored inside surface when halfway opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventors: Robert Heinsius, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4763419
    Abstract: There is provided an optical viewing system, which is preferably a compass which eliminates the parallax and sighting problems of prior art optical systems. The compass includes a beam splitter which displays a sighted image both on a reference screen and a free-floating magnetized sphere or other moving surface. The sighted image on the reference screen and on the sphere are superimposed upon each other when viewed through one facet of the beam splitter. In this manner parallax is eliminated, thus the direction and elevation of the image may be readily and accurately determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: Hobart A. Whitman, III
  • Patent number: 4656749
    Abstract: A hand drill level is provided and consists of a mounting frame removably mountable to top surface of a shank portion of a hand drill and a vial that has a bubble chamber operably affixed within the mounting frame and parallel to a longitudinal axis of a drill bit to aid in drilling holes straight through a work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Inventors: Donnie L. Ashley, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4622837
    Abstract: The conduit bending tool of this invention has on its body a pair of pads which are spaced apart in the direction lengthwise of the arcuate bending shoe and which define recesses that open to one side of the body wherein end portions of a straight cylindrical spirit level vial are closely receivable. Cement on a surface of each recess that embraces the vial partway around it secures the vial in place. The pads and recesses are defined by one of the two main mold elements that form the body, which have their parting place on a plane of symmetry in the body, and the vial is installed by simply inserting it into the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Gardner Bender, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian A. Bergman
  • Patent number: 4591250
    Abstract: A level attachment for cameras is flanged to interengage with channel tracks of a camera hot shoe in either of two positions on orthogonal axes. The arrangement enables leveling the camera side-to-side and fore-and-aft. The level attachment is screw-threaded and can serve as a mounting for various camera accessories directly or through a threaded adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Inventor: Robert L. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 4581782
    Abstract: A common hammer having a common hammer head. The handle, however, is different from a common one in that the bottom edge forms a square with the lower edge. Both a verticle and horizontal level have been embodied in the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Inventor: Randolph Riley