Encircling Clamp, Loop, Or Strap Patents (Class 33/373)
  • Patent number: 11898877
    Abstract: A level device may include a housing, a vial, a retention well and a multidirectional vial protection assembly. The housing may have a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a rear face, a first end and a second end. The vial may include a generally cylindrical tube with a bulge formed at a middle portion thereof. The vial may contain a liquid therein and an air bubble formed in the liquid such that the air bubble sits in the bulge when the vial is oriented such that one of the bottom face, front face, rear face, first end or second end is level or plumb. The retention well may be formed in the top face and extend through portions of the front and the rear faces toward the bottom face. The vial may be retained at opposing axial ends thereof in the retention well and may include an axis that extends substantially perpendicular to respective planes of the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Baxter, Sujith Sunny, Bryan Washburn
  • Patent number: 11365968
    Abstract: A level indicator for a telescopic sight can comprise a lower clamp member including a first end defining a threaded aperture and a second end defining a cylindrical head, and an upper clamp member including a first end defining an access hole and a second end defining a socket in which the cylindrical head is receivable. The upper clamp member is rotatable about the cylindrical head to form between the respective first ends of the clamp members a gap through which the telescopic sight is receivable into a space defined between the upper and lower clamp members. A level housing in which a level is received can extend from either clamp member. A single threaded fastener is receivable in the threaded aperture through the access hole to secure the upper clamp member to the lower clamp member around the telescopic sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: FLATLINE OPS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. McCoy, II, Brent R. McCoy
  • Patent number: 11105588
    Abstract: A device comprised of bubble level inserted into and secured within a cavity located above the rifle grip and behind the barrel to facilitate the measurement and compensation of the rifle's cant while lining up the rifle's sights. The device is precision machined to allow the bubble to be aligned with the axis of the barrel to produce a true “zero-cant” condition. Graduation markings are placed on either left or right of the bubble level to allow the user to better judge the relative degree of cant. A light source is placed adjacent to the bubble level to illuminate cant for a shooter in a dark environment. Methods of using the embedded cant indicator for precision shooting are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: McRee Scott
  • Patent number: 10935380
    Abstract: A leveling tool is disclosed having a clamp that attaches to tubing, plumbing or other objects to determine whether the object is horizontally level or vertically plumb. The clamp of the leveling tool is capable of attaching to an object with the use of a single hand and/or is capable of remaining attached to an object without requiring a hand to hold the leveling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Perpetual Motion Company
    Inventor: Jack Walter Cochran
  • Patent number: 10767964
    Abstract: Systems for leveling a firearm receiver and aligning a scope to the receiver are precisely fabricated and assembled to maximize accuracy, including high sensitivity spirit levels. A bar assembly with a high sensitivity spirit level is received in the receiver with the bar in direct contact with the receiver rails. The bar may directly contact the full length of the receiver rails. A plate assembly includes a lower plate for connection to a bench rest, an upper plate for connection to the receiver, and a mechanism to pivot the upper plate relative to the lower plate about a pivot axis for windage adjustment. Methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: 90° True North, LLC
    Inventor: D'Arcy Echols
  • Patent number: 10480940
    Abstract: A leveling device coupler assembly that includes a coupling head and a joint assembly coupled to the coupling head. The joint assembly can include a first and second rotatable coupling. The leveling device coupler assembly can also include a base coupler coupled to the joint assembly, with the base coupler and coupling head being coupled on opposing ends of the joint assembly. The leveling device coupler assembly can also include an electronic coupler assembly leveling device configured to at least detect a configuration status of the leveling device coupler assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: OTL DYNAMICS LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Schubert, Robert P. Donker
  • Patent number: 9999979
    Abstract: A method for the cutting of hair, in particular for the cutting of human head hair, wherein a slice of hair is taken up and is guided by a hand, namely the guide hand, with the slice of hair being pinched between two fingers, namely the guide fingers of the guide hand, and wherein the slice of hair is cut along the guide fingers using a cutting device that is actuated by another hand, namely the cutting hand. The guide hand is moved continuously or step-wise after the taking up of the slice of hair and the cutting of the slice of hair takes place at least partially during the movement of the guide hand or, in the case of step-wise movement, during and/or between the movement steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventors: Petra Brockmann, Thomas Brockmann-Knodler
  • Patent number: 9777992
    Abstract: A device comprised of bubble level inserted into and secured within a cavity located above the rifle grip and behind the barrel to facilitate the measurement and compensation of the rifle's cant while lining up the rifle's sights. The device is precision machined to allow the bubble to be aligned with the axis of the barrel to produce a true “zero-cant” condition. Graduation markings are placed on either left or right of the bubble level to allow the user to better judge the relative degree of cant. Methods of using the embedded cant indicator for precision shooting are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: McREE'S MULTI SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Scott McRee
  • Patent number: 9593909
    Abstract: A device comprised of bubble level embedded into a solid block of material and located above the rifle grip and behind the barrel to facilitate the measurement and compensation of the rifle's cant while lining up the rifle's sights. The device is precision machined to allow the bubble to be aligned with the axis of the barrel to produce a true “zero-cant” condition. Graduation markings are placed on either left or right of the bubble level to allow the user to judge the relative degree of cant. Methods of using the embedded cant indicator for precision shooting are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Scott McRee
  • Patent number: 9551574
    Abstract: A spirit type level that may be used to plumb any vertical pole or post, may be used to horizontally set an object and may also be used to quickly and easily set a pipe at a selected slope of between 0 and 3 percent. The spirit type level of the invention includes a plurality of differently oriented spirit vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that, if any one of the spirit vials become broken, or otherwise damaged, it can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The spirit type level of the invention can be quickly and easily removably attached to the object to be leveled thereby freeing the hands of the user to position the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Mark L. Silberberg
  • Patent number: 9181725
    Abstract: A visualization, alignment and support tool permitting one person fence rail installation, and greatly speeding the installation when more than two persons are employed. Specifically, the tool affixes temporarily to a fence pipe by way of friction and magnets and offers support for a length of fence rail; especially the ends of adjacent fence rails, so that the rails are supported and level relative to a fence pipe bracket which is affixed to the fence pipe. The rail ends can then be fastened with screws or other fasteners to the fence pipe bracket when desired without further adjustment required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth J Roddy, Jeffrey H Roddy
  • Patent number: 9170067
    Abstract: A device comprised of bubble level embedded into a solid block of material and located above the rifle grip and behind the barrel to facilitate the measurement and compensation of the rifle's cant while lining up the rifle's sights. The device is precision machined to allow the bubble to be aligned with the axis of the barrel to produce a true “zero-cant” condition. Graduation markings are placed on either left or right of the bubble level to allow the user to judge the relative degree of cant. The location allows cant adjustment without having to change the shooter's position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Scott McRee
  • Patent number: 9084558
    Abstract: A guidance device for determining the angular orientation of the distal end of a surgical instrument, comprising an indicator portion containing a constant vertical reference attached to a securing portion for attaching to the surgical instrument shaft. The guidance device has graduated markings upon it for indicating angle of surgical instrument rotation from the vertical reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Syntervention, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman C. Furbush, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9068827
    Abstract: The invention is a method and device for measuring the slope of a surface. The device includes a frame, one or more clear tubes containing a liquid and a gas bubble, and an attachment facilitating attachment to a sloped surface. The attachment may be a removable strap or magnets. The tubes are fixed at angles greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees relative to the bottom surface of the frame and a visual indication of the angle of each tube is present on the device. The device is designed to be placed parallel to the slope of a sloped surface and the slope of the surface can then be increased or decreased such that the gas bubble will become centered within the tube when the angle of slope conforms to a desired standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: 7 COUSINS LLC
    Inventors: Alan David Webb, Lloyd David Booth
  • Patent number: 8850710
    Abstract: The present invention is a construction level system having interconnectable level sections and attachments that can be stored in a carrying bag. Each level section has a construction level and a pair of locking mechanisms that enable interconnections to other level sections or attachments. The locking mechanisms have mating profiles and a locking lever that enable a user to securely mate the locking mechanisms of different level sections together. The carrying bag has pockets sized to the level sections. The bag further comprises a carrying strap and a plurality of compartments for retaining small objects such as pencils and tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy J. Rodrigue, Scott W. Adams
  • Patent number: 8819985
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a level indicator for a firearm that is configured to be repositioned from a home position, generally above the barrel of the firearm, to an extended position, generally above and to the side of the barrel of the firearm. Several different mounting apparatuses are also disclosed, as well as variations of adjustment mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Charles A. McCoy, James A. Tryon
  • Patent number: 8701305
    Abstract: A level has a pair of knobs extending beyond a housing on opposite sides thereof to receive a strap. The level also has a bottom with a V-shaped profile to set atop a flat surface or receive a convex surface therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Scott Schoenebeck
  • Patent number: 8484856
    Abstract: The invention is a method and device for measuring the slope of a surface. The device includes a frame, one or more clear tubes containing a liquid and a gas bubble, and an attachment facilitating attachment to a sloped surface. The attachment may be a removable strap or magnets. The tubes are fixed at angles greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees relative to the bottom surface of the frame and a visual indication of the angle of each tube is present on the device. The device is designed to be placed parallel to the slope of a sloped surface and the slope of the surface can then be increased or decreased such that the gas bubble will become centered within the tube when the angle of slope conforms to a desired standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: 7 Cousins LLC
    Inventors: Alan David Webb, Lloyd David Booth
  • Patent number: 7775899
    Abstract: The present invention helps golfers consistently execute the ideal golf swing. To consistently execute the ideal swing, golfers must consistently align the shafts of their clubs at the ideal angle with respect to the horizontal at setup, prior to executing the swing. The present invention helps golfers set their clubs at the ideal angle by attaching an angle indicating device to the club that indicates the angle of the club with respect to the horizontal. The preferred embodiment of the angle indicating device is a small, lightweight circular bubble level, that has angle markings around its edge, and quickly clips onto an off of the golf club. The angle indicating device is sufficiently small and lightweight that it does not affect the golfers swing. The same device may be used on different golf clubs to show the desired angle for the club in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Calvin Cannon
  • Patent number: 7707733
    Abstract: A support unit for a level indicator capable of being mounted on a geomatic pole, such as a prism pole or a GPS pole. A housing of the support unit is mounted on the geomatic pole. A first holder in the housing holds the level indicator and a second holder holds a tool, such as a stylus or a hex wrench, for use along with of the support unit. The level indicator is pivotally adjustable with respect to the housing for alignment with the geomatic pole when mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Crain, Ralph C. Mize
  • Patent number: 7676940
    Abstract: A level includes a body having first and second arms attached to each other for relative pivotal movement about a pivot axis between open and closed positions. The level also includes a bubble vial mounted to the body and having a longitudinal axis coaxial with the pivot axis. Movement of the arms from their closed position to their open position exposes a measurement portion of the first bubble vial for use. Movement of the arms from their open position to their closed position shields the measurement portion of the first bubble vial within the body to protect the bubble vial from damage during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: James Spaulding, Joseph Martone
  • Patent number: 7644506
    Abstract: Present invention provides an edge level that can be used for measuring angles or levelness on all X, Y and Z axis simultaneously and in hands-free type operation, due to the use of Velcro or external clamps used together with the features introduced herein. A removable pod, containing the Z-axis bubble, provides the flexibility of insertion to the pod seat for measuring Z-axis angle and can be stored or put aside when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Harry Wong
  • Patent number: 7555842
    Abstract: A leveling tool which can be attached quickly and simply to a utility service line, pipe, or cable and a method of use to check the line's, pipe's or cable's levelness and plumbness. In its preferred embodiment, the leveling tool comprises a base and two level vials attached to the base, to check a line's levelness and the line's plumbness. The leveling tool also comprises attaching means to attach the tools to the line or cable. The tool can be firmly attached to the line or cable and measure the line's levelness and plumbness via the appropriate level vial. The present invention, therefore, provides a more versatile and convenient leveling tool, one that can be quickly attached to a cable or line and left there indefinitely, while the user continues to work on the cable hands-free, and refer to the cable's levelness or plumbness at a glance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Steve R. Asay
  • Patent number: 7530174
    Abstract: A level assembly for a wading rod used to measure current flow velocity of a wadable body of water, such as a stream or a river. The level assembly includes a level body that is attached to the hexagonal or depth rod of the wading rod at a desired position using a fastener. The level body has a level indicator to determine whether the wading rod is plumb. An alignment bar is attached to the level body and positioned parallel to a wading tagline to aid in maintaining a perpendicular orientation of the wading rod. The level assembly can be repositioned by loosening the fastener, sliding it up or down the depth rod, and re-tightening the fastener at another desired position. The level assembly is used to maintain a level and perpendicular orientation of the top setting wading rod to the tagline, enabling more accurate flow velocity measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventors: Scott Andrew Kimball, Edward C. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 7526874
    Abstract: A tool for precisely determining the height and setback of a bicycle seat so that the seat can be adjusted to desired parameters. The tool can also be employed to determine the exact height of a bicycle's frame. The tool includes an adapter member that is attached to the bottom bracket spindle of the bicycle after removal of the crank arm. An elongate measuring pole is attached to the adapter member. Measuring indicia are inscribed on the outer surface of the pole. The measuring pole is provided with two components adjustably positioned along the length of the pole. One component is adapted to attach to the frame of the bicycle. The second component includes an adjustable position rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventors: Michael D. Okura, Billy B. McNeill
  • Patent number: 7500654
    Abstract: A fencing system includes an anchor that is insertable into the ground and a pole having an end that is mounted over the anchor such that the pole is supported by the anchor. A fastener is located on the pole and is used to secure fencing material to the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Lars Rosaen
  • Patent number: 6963284
    Abstract: A level apparatus for indicating the orientation relative to vertical of a surface of an object extending along a user line of sight, including a fluid vessel containing an indicator fluid including a liquid and having a fluid surface, the fluid vessel having a vessel abutment region with a rearward abutment wall for placing against a surface of an object to be evaluated for tilt and with a forward display wall including a fluid display window extending generally perpendicular to the user line of sight, the fluid surface being visible in the fluid display window when the abutment wall is substantially upright, and includes a vessel reservoir region extending at least one of: rearwardly and forwardly from the vessel abutment region along the user line of sight, the vessel abutment region and the vessel reservoir region being in mutual fluid communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Harold A. Leasure
  • Patent number: 6839973
    Abstract: A portable multiple-axis leveling device for removably attaching to selected objects includes a main body portion having a plurality of distinct alignment detection units disposed therein, with each alignment detection unit being configured to measure and display levelness along respective axes such that at least two distinct axes may be simultaneously measured for respective levelness without adjustment of the main body portion, and a clamping portion operably coupled to the main body portion, with the clamping portion having a recessed portion for receiving selected objects therein. The portable multiple-axis leveling device further includes a securement apparatus operably coupled to the clamping portion for removably securing the clamping portion to the respective selected object that is operably positioned in the recessed portion. The portable multiple-axis leveling device is preferably sufficiently portable to readily fit within a typical clothes pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Christopher M. Woodward
  • Patent number: 6823600
    Abstract: An adjustable fit laser-projecting tool used to project a light beam outward from the end of any cylindrical object for reference to the object's centerline axis or reference to points parallel to the centerline axis some distance away from the cylindrical object. The tool is comprised of a clamping means utilizing the outer surface of the cylindrical object as the contact surface. The tool contacts the outer surface of a cylindrical object as to orient the tool to the centerline of the cylindrical object. A laser diode module is mounted on a sliding centering scale, allowing the laser diode module to be moved to the centerline of the cylindrical object or another desired position parallel to the centerline axis of the cylindrical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Jason Michael Vaughan
  • Patent number: 6502322
    Abstract: A post level device that is used to align post or pipe materials horizontally, vertically or diagonally. The device utilizes two adjustable brackets that are attached to the ends of a structural support bar. “U”-bolts, wing nuts and a Neoprene insert are used to adjustably hold the two spirit levels which can vary in length. A hook and loop fastener secures the device to the post or pipe materials, thereby freeing up the user's hands to conduct other activities. A second embodiment of the device is also provided which can be used for aligning smaller post pipe materials and requires only a single bracket. Other embodiments employ an attachment block with appropriate slots for a bracket and a peripheral portion of the spirit level, in place of slotted bracket and “U”-joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Stanley J. Smochek
  • Patent number: 6499219
    Abstract: An electric hand drill system comprises a hand held electric drill containing a motor. A coupling ring with a radial slot is formed with an interior bearing surface positionable in contact with a recipient surface on the drill. A handle is in a cup-shaped configuration. A first disk is received upon the coupling ring and has indicia upon the exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Wightman
  • Publication number: 20020174553
    Abstract: The present invention provides a leveling apparatus which is capable of gripping items to be leveled, such as pipes and poles. The invention further contemplates a one piece level for leveling flat surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Calvin W. Dolezal, Ervin J. Pundsack
  • Patent number: 6439524
    Abstract: A measuring head holder for securing a measuring head to an object to be measured, comprising a receiving portion for definedly securing a measuring head thereto, and at least one securing element for fixing said receiving portion to said object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Andreas Ettemeyer
  • Patent number: 6389709
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking elevation between reference markers. The apparatus includes a measuring device (e.g., a tape measure) that can measure the distance from an elevated location to the ground immediately below the location. A sighting device and a leveling device (e.g., a hand level) are secured to the distance-measuring device so that a remote reference marker can be sighted. The distance-measuring device is calibrated such that it measures the distance from the ground to the centerline of the sighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignees: Enthios Corporation
    Inventor: Scott M. Lunde
  • Patent number: 6332277
    Abstract: A level including a frame having a reference surface, a level sensor secured to the frame, and an articulated arm pivotally connected at one end to the frame for securing the reference surface to a test surface. The articulated arm includes an inner member pivotally connected to the frame at one end and an outer member extending from a free end of the inner member. The inner member is rotationally biased against the frame while the outer member is pivotally connected to the inner member and rotationally biased against the inner member. The inner and outer members are rotationally biased in opposite directions for folding against the frame. The level may also include spools, idler wheels, take-up fingers, and swivels for supporting the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventors: Greg J. Owoc, Timothy D. Mika
  • Patent number: 6324767
    Abstract: A level formed of a flat card that has a series of register marks that are printed on it. The register marks are designed to fit square on the rectangular card. The primary marks are positioned at the two ends of the card. When looking at the register marks, the user can see any angular displacement between them. This angular displacement indicates an out of level condition. If the marks are viewed as being completely horizontal, the card is level. To use the device, simple stand the card up on the surface to be leveled. The angular displacement of the register marks instantly show whether the surface that the card is resting on is level. In this way, just about anything can be tested for level. The device can also be placed on walls or other objects to draw level lines or reference marks. It is also useful as a template for tracing or drawing straight lines for sewing or other activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Todd Houston
  • Publication number: 20010034945
    Abstract: A post level device that is used to align post or pipe materials horizontally, vertically or diagonally. The device utilizes two adjustable brackets that are attached to the ends of a structural support bar. “U”-bolts, wing nuts and a Neoprene insert are used to adjustably hold the two spirit levels which can vary in length. A hook and loop fastener secures the device to the post or pipe materials, thereby freeing up the user's hands to conduct other activities. A second embodiment of the device is also provided which can be used for aligning smaller post pipe materials and requires only a single bracket. Other embodiments employ an attachment block with appropriate slots for a bracket and a peripheral portion of the spirit level, in place of slotted bracket and “U”-joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Stanley J. Smochek
  • Patent number: 6094833
    Abstract: A tape blade level that includes a housing that has an attaching means that secures the level to a tape measure blade. The attaching means includes an arcuate opening that conforms in shape to a typical tape measure blade. The opening is constructed in such a manner that the device can also be readily affixed to a string line. The housing allows the level vial bubble to be viewed from both the front and the rear of the level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Travis D. Medley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6073356
    Abstract: An inclinometer comprising a housing having transparent front plate and flat bottom, a gravitated rotational protractor having angle graduation printed on the front panel, a pendulum swing needle and protractor rotation locking device. By controlling the locking device, the protractor can be released to rotate freely and can be locked in a position. When the protracted is unlocked, the pendulum swing needle and the gravitated rotational protractor will always rotate to the relatively same position (the needle point to "0" degree angle). Then the locking device can lock the protractor to prevent rotation and the needle continues to rotate to measure the angle to which the inclinometer has been tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Tianfu Li
  • Patent number: 6029359
    Abstract: A post level including a pair of arms pivotally attached to each other at a hinge, each arm defining at least one level face for plumbing a surface, and at least one bubble vial mounted on at least one of the arms on a surface generally opposite to the at least one level face, wherein the arms may be swung about the hinge so as to be positioned generally parallel with each other with the at least one bubble vial being between the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Kapro Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Emanuel Szumer
  • 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: 5483748
    Abstract: A sound indicative leveling apparatus comprising an arcuate leveling tube having free and sealed ends extended upwards; a coupling mechanism for securing an external object to be leveled above or below the leveling tube; leveling circuitry further comprising a power source for supplying electrical energy; oscillation circuitry coupled to the power source and adapted to be keyed by an oscillation activation signal for generating speaker activation signals at given frequencies; a speaker coupled to the oscillation circuitry for generating audible tones upon receipt of the speaker activation signals; a switch mechanism disposed along the leveling tube and extended therein and coupled between the oscillator circuitry and the power source; and liquid conductive material disposed within the leveling tube of an amount to electrically engage the switch mechanism based upon leveling tube orientation and thereby generate an oscillator activation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventors: Lyle W. Groves, Martha R. Groves, John D. Hamtil
  • Patent number: 5459934
    Abstract: A circular target type bubble level slides easily onto and off of a standard surveyor's sight rod. When slid into position at any desired elevation on the rod for optimal viewing and released, the device automatically assumes a position such that the indicating plane of the level is exactly at right angles to the long axis of the rod. When the rod is adjusted so that the bubble level indicates the true horizontal, then the rod will be plumb. The rod is received in a through hole of a rod-encircling member. A spring bias element within the hole is forced against the rod. This forces a diametrally opposed support wall portion of the member against the rod with sufficient force to hold the level at any position on the rod without operator adjustment. It also automatically positions the indicating plane of the level orthogonal to the long axis of the rod, because the bubble level element is rigidly mounted with the desired orientation relative to the support wall portion forced against the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Lionel G. Heroux
  • Patent number: 5450677
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in marking a length of cylindrical pipe to permit the pipe to be cut for use in an assembly and arranged so that a plurality of markings on a length of pipe can be accurately oriented relative to each other. The device has a tubular plastic sleeve that is split in a plane of the sleeve longitudinal axis, the sleeve being flexible so as to permit the sleeve to be expanded over and subsequently to conform to the external surface of a pipe. The sleeve has at least one end with a configuration of a desired marking. A bubble level is affixed to the exterior surface of the sleeve so that when the sleeve is used to make more than one marking on a length of pipe, the markings can be axially oriented with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Gordon C. Casey
  • Patent number: 5421094
    Abstract: An adjustable level having an angled base with legs extending normal to one another from a common edge and with magnets spaced along and extending fully through each leg; an L-shaped bracket having at least one bubble housing fixed to a leg thereof; a post extending from the base and through a hole in the bracket; a spring on the post and between a head on the post and the bracket to bias the bracket towards the base and to thereby engage ribs on the bracket into grooves on the base; and a retainer for retaining the level to objects, including a flexible cord connected to a return spring and a loop and hook to secure the cord in a pulled out condition surrounding an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventors: David W. McCord, Steven A. Turner
  • 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: 5359781
    Abstract: A self centering guide pipe axis laser guide is based on the use of three parallel links spaced 120 degrees apart which are engaged to be expanded or contracted. When expanded the links contact the inside diameter of the pipe which accordingly establishes the center axis of the pipe. The driving means for the links is a rotating screw mounted in a base centrally located with respect to the three links. In the front of the base is a laser module whose beam is aligned with the center axis of the pipe once the links contact the inner diameter of the pipe. Gauges mounted in a saddle on top of the pipe determine the proper slope once the center axis has been established. A calibrated scale on the guide can be used for determining both inner and outer diameters of the pipe. While the laser guide has been illustrated in determining the center line of pipes, it also has other uses such as aligning pillow blocks to a center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Melville
  • Patent number: 5255443
    Abstract: A post level having two spaced holders fixed to two plate-like body members with a notch between the holders. A floor member is integrally attached to the body members. Each holder provides a channel that receives the end of a level vial. One of the holders has a stop to engage an end of the vial. The other holder has a detent fixed thereto that urges and resiliently engages a second end of the vial to hold the vial in position in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Great Neck Saw Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheldon P. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5253425
    Abstract: An instrument used to establish precise perpendicular quill (32) alignment with respect to the work table of vertical milling machines with adjustable head assemblies (34). This instrument incorporates three basic tools into one device: (a) an internal cylindrical square; (b) a straight collet with flanged base; (c) a horizontal crosstest level with two vials at right angles to each other. This instrument is designed to be used on machines which have been set on concrete foundations, leveled, and then grouted to machine manufacturers specifications. The squaring process includes first setting the instrument flange (10) down on the work table directly under the quill (32). The quill is then telescoped into the collet bore (18) and the collet closing block (20) is then locked by bolt (20B). The position of the crosstest vial readings (24L) and (24F) are then noted and the head alignment bolts (30F) and (30A) are manipulated to establish a level condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Gerard S. Wozniak
    Inventor: Gerard S. Wozniak
  • Patent number: 5207004
    Abstract: A post level is defined by a pair of right-angle walls. A horizontal bubble vial is mounted in each wall, and a vertical bubble vial is mounted at the intersection of the walls. The vials are mounted in the interior of a pair of spaced protrusions formed in each wall, which define internal structure engaging and cradling an end of the vial without positively retaining the vial within the protrusion. The protrusions open onto the inner surface of the walls, and a retainer plate is positioned over the opening of the protrusions to retain the vials within the interior of the protrusions. The retainer plate is light-reflective to enhance visibility of the vial bubble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Johnson Level & Tool Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Gruetzmacher