Relatively Movable, Coacting, Reference-surface Sections Patents (Class 33/374)
  • Patent number: 11255667
    Abstract: A level apparatus is disclosed including a body with a slide channel, a slider coupled with the body via the slide channel to slide parallel with respect to the body to extend a length of the level apparatus, a planar base surface on a side of the body to allow the level apparatus to rest on a work surface the orientation of which is to be measured, and a non-coplanar contact member at an endcap of the slider to rest on the work surface when the slider is in an extended position, wherein a tip of the non-coplanar contact member resting on the work surface is coplanar with the planar base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventors: Michael H. Panosian, Joshua M. Keeler
  • Patent number: 11193763
    Abstract: A level apparatus is disclosed including a body with a slide channel, a slider coupled with the body via the slide channel to slide parallel with respect to the body to extend a length of the level apparatus, a planar base surface on a side of the body to allow the level apparatus to rest on a work surface the orientation of which is to be measured, and a non-coplanar contact member at an endcap of the slider to rest on the work surface when the slider is in an extended position, wherein a tip of the non-coplanar contact member resting on the work surface is coplanar with the planar base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Michael H. Panosian
  • Patent number: 11181366
    Abstract: An expandable level capable of expanding from a fully closed position to a fully open position, with full functionality in both positions. The expandable level includes a central body having at least one horizontal bubble, and two slide portions each having two bubbles, where one bubble on each slide portion is also a horizontal bubble. Even when the expandable level is fully closed, the vertical bubble, the diagonal bubble, and both horizontal bubbles on the slide portions are visible. When the expandable level is fully opened, at least one additional horizontal bubble of the central body becomes visible, thereby showing at least five bubbles. The expandable level can be made in a size that makes it easy to carry and store when closed, nevertheless providing a fully-functional and convenient level tool when open. Thus, the expandable level eliminates the need to carry more than one non-expandable level of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Roderick Sanders
  • Patent number: 11085763
    Abstract: An extendible or adjustable length level is provided. The level includes a frame, a slidable member, and a bushing. The slidable member is coupled to the frame and extends and retracts along the frame. The bushing is coupled to one of the frame or the slidable member and couples the frame and slidable member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Haoming Tang, Samuel J. Howard, Anthony S. Graykowski, Daniel L. Block
  • Patent number: 11073388
    Abstract: A leveling device may include a first level portion having a first leveling vial disposed thereon, and a second level portion having a second leveling vial disposed thereon. The second level portion may be configured to be nested within the first level portion to define a fully nested configuration. The first and second level portions may be separable from each other to define a fully de-nested configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: APEX BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Siebert Beckwith, Tobias McKay Bridges, Trent Kahute, Stephanie Lewis, David Trettin, Andrew Bauer
  • Patent number: 10591297
    Abstract: A tool, such as a level, including one or more covers or sleeves is provided. The level body and sleeve each have a cooperating engagement structure that allows the sleeve to be removably coupled to the level body. A level kit including a level body and a plurality of removable sleeves is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Eric S. Mackey
  • Patent number: 10267633
    Abstract: A spirit level (10) having a base body (12) with a first measuring sole (52) and a runner element (14) with a second measuring sole (54), being connected to the latter and able to move relative to it in its longitudinal direction, wherein the first and the second measuring sole run at the same level. In order to accomplish a low-friction displacement, that a first sliding element (26) emerges from the base body (12), which interacts by form fitting with the runner element (14) for a section and applies force to it in or approximately in the normal direction of the measuring soles (52, 54), and a second sliding element (28) emerges from the runner, which interacts by form fitting with the base body for a section and applies force to the runner element in or approximately in the direction of the measuring soles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: STABILA MESSGERĂ„TE GUSTAV ULLRICH GMBH
    Inventors: Gabriel Kallabis, Thorsten Setzer
  • Patent number: 9546867
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and marking level and plumb is providently disclosed herein. The multi-function level includes: modular ends that allow attachment of mating levels for linear extension in one direction. The modular, or jointed, end includes a structure to hold a connector or to selectively receive a connector from another level such that that only applies a load to the jointed end and not the body of the level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: THE REGULAR GUYS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael T Lueck, Russel J Borg
  • Patent number: 8898916
    Abstract: A portable device for measuring a deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference support adjacent the first end, a second removable reference support adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference support and the second removable reference support, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference support and the second removable reference support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: EFI Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Heyer
  • 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: 8739423
    Abstract: A marking and leveling device for assisting in the hanging of an object such as a portrait on a structure such as a wall. The marking and leveling device generally includes a central portion having a first extension extending in a first direction from a first end of the central portion and a second extension extending in a second, opposite direction from a second end of the central portion. Each of the extension members include a guide member slidably positioned thereon. Each guide member includes a support member for supporting a fastener or marking device used. A leveling assembly which includes a liquid-based leveling member is rotatably secured within the central portion of the present invention. By utilizing the leveling assembly and guide members, an operator of the present invention may accurately level and mark/fasten a structure using a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Cortum, Jeffory D. Freed, Herbert O. Dixon, Jr., Jonathan F. Freed
  • Publication number: 20130167387
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and marking level and plumb is providently disclosed herein. The multi-function level includes: modular ends that allow attachment of mating levels for linear extension in one direction. The modular, or jointed, end includes a structure to hold a connector or to selectively receive a connector from another level such that that only applies a load to the jointed end and not the body of the level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Michael T Lueck, Russel T Borg
  • Patent number: 8413343
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an extendable plumb and level measuring device and associated usage method. The device can utilize interconnected members including a first, a second, and a third member. For example, the third member can be slidingly disposed within the first and second members to extend the device to a set and arbitrary length. The measuring device utilizes a spirit level or digital reader to determine when the device itself is level responsive to positioning a extendable stopper against a construction, such as a wall, door, panel, and the like. Once level, a measuring device, such as a ruler, disposed within the device can be utilized to measure the plumb of the construction. Additionally, the device can function as an extendable level to measure an arbitrary length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Brian K. Hale
  • Patent number: 8407906
    Abstract: A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cunningham Lindsey U.S., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Heyer
  • Publication number: 20130035557
    Abstract: A hinged level and method for utilizing the same in connection with the leveling of a pressure transducer with respect to a reference point are provided. The hinged level includes a plurality of elongate members interconnected to one another by a hinge. The hinge allows the elongate members to be pivoted relative to one another within a first plane. A level device is aligned with the first plane. The level or elevation of a pressure transducer relative to a reference point, which corresponds to the elevation of an implanted catheter, is determined by placing the free ends of the hinged level relative to the reference point and the pressure transducer. The height of the pressure transducer is then adjusted until the level device indicates that the elongate members are level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: LEPPERT LEVEL LLC
    Inventors: Joshua J. Leppert, Joseph C. Livengood, Barry T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8261459
    Abstract: An extendable edge reference tool is disclosed. A first segment having a extending end and a receptacle end is provided. The receptacle end includes a coupling mechanism for joining a second segment using an over-center locking force to secure said second segment to said first segment. This tool provides for a useful continuous reference edge over extended distances through adjoining segments. Each segment is suitably compact to be easy stowed. The segments are useful individually. The segments can be joined to extend tool to lengths useful in common construction tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: D2M International PTY Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward Cooper, Jeff Hayashida, Andrew Butler, David Titzler, Brian Lamb, John Johnston, Christopher Tacklind
  • Patent number: 8205347
    Abstract: A tool level indicator is provided. The tool level indicator has a rod sliding in a coiled wire cylinder, with one end having an enlarged helical hook that can be slid onto an actuator barrel when at a substantial right angle to the actuator, then tightens on the actuator barrel as the coil is rotated and attached to the upper actuator pin. The upper coils are spaced such that a particular set of closely wound coils indicates a first tool level at ground and a second particular set of closely wound coils indicates a second tool level at ground when the tip of the rod aligns with the second particular set of closely wound coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Henry Friesen, Alison M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120042530
    Abstract: A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Heyer
  • Patent number: 8104187
    Abstract: A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Heyer
  • Patent number: 8046929
    Abstract: A level 11 is provided comprising a base 1 having a top reference edge 2 and recession 3 wherein a slidable member 8 fits within the recession 3 of the base 1 and is slidable to extend the top reference edge 2 of the base for multiple lengths. Further embodiments of the present invention provide a level 11 having attachment means to level at various angles and additional lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Stretch Level, LLC
    Inventor: Frank T. Yowonske
  • Patent number: 7963044
    Abstract: A construction level with modular detachable sections is herein disclosed. In its detached state, the level resembles a conventional two-foot level with the typical three bubble vials indicating levelness at angles of zero degrees (0°), forty-five degrees (45°), and ninety degrees (90°). If levelness over a larger distance is required, one (1) or both detachable end portions of the level are attached using sliding joints thus allowing the device to extend to a four (4) foot length. The attaching joints allow for the extension without a loss of accuracy. Each end piece has its own bubble vial to verify levelness at any point along the device. In such a manner, the device may also be used as a one-foot torpedo level. The use of the modular construction level allows for the accuracy and precision of a long level with the convenience and usability of a shorter level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Shown B. Bartholomew
  • Publication number: 20110107609
    Abstract: A portable device for measuring deflection of a surface, comprising an elongate frame having a first end and a second end and a first datum surface, a first removable reference assembly adjacent the first end, a second removable reference adjacent the second end, a deflection gauge attached to the elongate frame between the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly, and wherein the deflection gauge engages and measures a deflection of the surface relative to the first removable reference assembly and the second removable reference assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Heyer
  • Publication number: 20100325906
    Abstract: A level 11 is provided comprising a base 1 having a top reference edge 2 and recession 3 wherein a slidable member 8 fits within the recession 3 of the base 1 and is slidable to extend the top reference edge 2 of the base for multiple lengths. Further embodiments of the present invention provide a level 11 having attachment means to level at various angles and additional lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Frank T. Yowonske
  • Patent number: 7832113
    Abstract: The present invention resides in a collapsible level comprising a first segment; at least one additional segment, physically independent of the first segment and operable with the first segment to form the level; a leveling vial supported in at least one of the segments; and a linking member operable with the segments to permit the segments to be assembled and to secure an assembled relationship between the segments, as well as to maintain a connection between the segments when disassembled. In an alternative embodiment, the linking member is removed and the segments link together magnetically. The present invention further provides means for longitudinally extending the length of the collapsible level, thereby providing the collapsible level with the ability to level a wide range of shaped and sized surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Light Path, LLC
    Inventor: Russell D. Richins
  • Patent number: 7805850
    Abstract: An extendable edge reference tool is disclosed. A first segment having a extending end and a receptacle end is provided. The receptacle end includes a coupling mechanism for joining a second segment using an over-center locking force to secure said second segment to said first segment. This tool provides for a useful continuous reference edge over extended distances through adjoining segments. Each segment is suitably compact to be easy stowed. The segments are useful individually. The segments can be joined to extend tool to lengths useful in common construction tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Design to Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Cooper, Jeff Hayashida, Andrew Butler, David Titzler, Brian Lamb, John Johnston, Christopher Tacklind
  • Patent number: 7797848
    Abstract: A folding carpenter's level is disclosed which has two level segments, each of which has a smooth flat top and bottom surface, that are hingeably attached at a distal tip by means of a recessed, flat hinging means. The two level segments can be rotated laterally in the plane of the level so as to be oriented with respect to each other at angles of from 0 to 180 degrees, thus effectively doubling the length of the level. At least one of the level segments has one or more tubular spirit vials attached to the segment for measuring the levelness of the top surface with respect to horizontal. The level segments usually have additional tubular spirit vials oriented vertically to allow the tool to be used to measure plumb. Such tubular spirit vials are generally located in apertures so that the spirit bubble in the vials can be seen from the front or the back of the folding level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Ray Cobb, Corey Keith Dillon, Todd Steven Shipp
  • Patent number: 7748128
    Abstract: An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45* angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called a spirit level. A box level including an elongate body, plumb and level vials, and spaced handholds having outer edges together defining first and second parallel application planes beyond first and second face planes of the elongate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Ross Martin
  • Publication number: 20100000107
    Abstract: A folding carpenter's level is disclosed which has two level segments, each of which has a smooth flat top and bottom surface, that are hingeably attached at a distal tip by means of a recessed, flat hinging means. The two level segments can be rotated laterally in the plane of the level so as to be oriented with respect to each other at angles of from 0 to 180 degrees, thus effectively doubling the length of the level. At least one of the level segments has one or more tubular spirit vials attached to the segment for measuring the levelness of the top surface with respect to horizontal. The level segments usually have additional tubular spirit vials oriented vertically to allow the tool to be used to measure plumb. Such tubular spirit vials are generally located in apertures so that the spirit bubble in the vials can be seen from the front or the back of the folding level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Ray Cobb, Corey Keith Dillon, Todd Steven Shipp
  • Publication number: 20090320303
    Abstract: A spirit level (1) comprises a planar base (14) for resting, in use, on a surface whose level is to be determined, and levelling means (27) comprising a vial (41) filled with sufficient liquid that an air bubble (47) is formed within the vial (41). The spirit level (1) comprises indicia (43, 45) relative to which the bubble (47) moves as the orientation of the spirit level (1) is altered so as to indicate the orientation of the spirit level. Optical means (29) is provided on the spirit level (1) to provide an image indicative of the position of the bubble (47) relative to the indicia (43, 45).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Sparrow
  • Patent number: 7562463
    Abstract: A combination level and square includes a straight generally rectangular first level including a number of attachment elements and a cavity defined therein. It further includes a straight generally rectangular second level including a number of attachment elements adapted to cooperatively engage with the attachment elements of the first level, such that the first level cavity is dimensioned to releasably receive the second level therein, such that the level can be placed in nested position. Preferably the attachment elements are so arranged that the two levels can further be placed in a long position, a square position, a t-square position and an angled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Ed Vaes
  • Patent number: 7530175
    Abstract: A twin level assembly including two levels, wherein one of the two levels also contains an indicating device for performing a separate function, is disclosed. The twin level assembly comprises a first level and a second level that is selectively receivable into the first level through an opening in an end cap and into a receptacle of the first level. The second level is held in the first level by a retention mechanism. The first level and the second level each have at least one bubble vial for visually displaying level indications, while the indicating device in the second level is a type of stud sensor, laser pointer, metal detector, wire detector, or a sonic measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin John Strutt, Oleksly P. Sergyeyenko, Gregory Scott Snider
  • Patent number: 7520066
    Abstract: The present invention resides in a collapsible level comprising a first segment; at least one additional segment, physically independent of the first segment and operable with the first segment to form the level; a leveling vial supported in at least one of the segments; and a linking member operable with the segments to permit the segments to be assembled and to secure an assembled relationship between the segments, as well as to maintain a connection between the segments when disassembled. In an alternative embodiment, the linking member is removed and the segments link together magnetically. The present invention further provides means for longitudinally extending the length of the collapsible level, thereby providing the collapsible level with the ability to level a wide range of shaped and sized surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Light-Path, LLC
    Inventor: Russell D. Richins
  • Patent number: 7509752
    Abstract: A level assembly includes a housing having a level mounted within. The housing includes a first arm and a second arm slidably attached to the housing. The first and second arms are both stored in storage positions. Fastener locators associated with each arm are both stored in storage positions. During use the fastener locators are pivoted to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: The Faucet Queens, Inc.
    Inventors: William Schmidt, Kathleen Fisher, Jeffrey A DeBoer, Michael Nellenbach
  • Publication number: 20090071023
    Abstract: An object is to provide a novel level in which a mounting base can be pressingly fixed in a container case in a reliable manner by a simple operation while having a simple configuration, wherein the level has excellent mass-productivity and is advantageous in terms of cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: EBISU CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20090056154
    Abstract: The present invention resides in a collapsible level comprising a first segment; at least one additional segment, physically independent of the first segment and operable with the first segment to form the level; a leveling vial supported in at least one of the segments; and a linking member operable with the segments to permit the segments to be assembled and to secure an assembled relationship between the segments, as well as to maintain a connection between the segments when disassembled. In an alternative embodiment, the linking member is removed and the segments link together magnetically. The present invention further provides means for longitudinally extending the length of the collapsible level, thereby providing the collapsible level with the ability to level a wide range of shaped and sized surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Russell D. Richins
  • Patent number: 7497022
    Abstract: An infinitely adjustable level with a least one extender that extends outward from the end of a central body. The level indicating devices can be attached to the extenders, to the central body, or to the extenders and the central body. In this manner the level indicating devices will never be obscured as the extenders are adjusted, no matter what the length of adjustment might be. The infinitely adjustable level provides a method of positioning a level indicating device in a manner such that the level indicating device can be moved to a location for best and most accurate viewing by the operator. The infinitely adjustable level provides a method of locking the central body with the extenders so that relative lateral movement is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: James Arthur Aarhus
  • Patent number: 7363719
    Abstract: A pocket level having a detachable line level whose bubble vial doubles as the pocket level's horizontal bubble vial, and an angle finder for enabling the determination of the angle of an inclined surface which includes a bubble vial housed in a wheel rim directly rotated by a user applying a rotation force to a portion of its exterior non-slip circumferential wheel rim surface preferably accessible via a throughgoing cutout formed in the pocket level's upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kapro Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Amy Levinson, Gabriel Kohner
  • Patent number: 7290346
    Abstract: An extension set for a spirit level having an elongated leveling face for setting on a surface and defining a nominal working length, an opposite face to the leveling face, a pair of opposite major side surfaces, and a pair of opposite end sections, the extension set including a pair of discrete elongated U-shaped profile spirit level extenders for lengthwise accommodating an end section of the spirit level with its leveling face facing towards the surface and its opposite face facing away therefrom on spaced apart alignment on the surface such that the pair of spirit level extenders partially underlie the spirit level's leveling face and their remaining portions extend lengthwise therebeyond for extending its nominal working length, and a pair of spirit level clamps for mounting on the pair of spirit level extenders for clamping the spirit level thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kapro Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Emanuel Szumer, Stephen Sweet, Mordechai Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7281335
    Abstract: A level assembly includes a main level with a base wall, end supports at opposite ends of the base wall and at least one intermediate support extending from the base wall at a location between the end supports. Bubble tubes may be mounted in the end supports and/or the intermediate support of the main level. At least first and second auxiliary levels are releasably mounted to the base wall of the main level and can be used independently of the main level. Alternatively, the main level can be used with the auxiliary levels in place and in certain embodiment can be used while the auxiliary levels are separated from the main level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Pedro Feliciano
  • Patent number: 7210243
    Abstract: A level assembly includes a housing having a level mounted within. The housing includes a first arm and a second arm slidably attached to the housing. The first and second arms are both stored in storage positions. Fastener locators associated with each arm are both stored in storage positions. During use the fastener locators are pivoted to an extended position. If additional distance between the fastener locators is needed the first and second arms can also be extended by sliding them along another axis relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: The Faucet Queens, Inc.
    Inventors: William Schmidt, Kathleen Fisher, Jeffrey A. DeBoer, Michael Nellenbach
  • Patent number: 7159328
    Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a handle 32 for manipulating the device and an extending rule portion 18 having a series of markings or measurements 26 embossed along its edge serving as a base of spacing measurement for a pivotally mounted swing arm 22 and a slide arm 24 perpendicularly attached thereto that may be adjusted to a desired distance. After a desired distance is set the swing arm 22 serves to maintain spacing and parallelism by having a bubble level 36 fabricated into each of its ends to test if the materials held flush are level. After correct measurements are made the apparatus 10 may then be used as a gauging tool for the quick and ready spacing and setting of materials afterwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Thompson Duda
  • Patent number: 6981330
    Abstract: The present multi-axis installable and adjustable level is permanently installed to a suitable panel on or in a movable structure, such as a recreational vehicle or the like, or a portable work table or the like. The present level enables a user of the structure to level the structure precisely as required, and/or to determine the level of the structure, once the present level has been properly installed. The present level comprises a pair of leaves or panels which are hinged together, with one of the leaves providing coarsely adjustable permanent attachment to the structure and the opposite leaf including a bull's eye type level thereon. The first leaf is secured to a suitable panel (which may be sloped, horizontal, or vertical) of the structure, and the second leaf is extended and locked in a substantially horizontal orientation. The bubble level is then leveled precisely using the infinitesimal adjustment provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Dwayne A. Tieszen
  • 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: 6915585
    Abstract: A spirit level including first and second profile elements which can be displaced relative to one another in a telescopic manner and fixed relative to one another by means of a fixing element. In order to ensure that the first and second profile elements remain aligned with each other irrespective of their position, the first profile element is a hollow profile consisting of two sections which can be joined by means of the second profile element. The first section is joined to the second profile element and the second section can be moved along the remaining area of the second profile element. When the second profile element is at least partially uncovered by the second section, the second profile element can be subjected to the action of force in the direction of a profile wall of the second section of the first profile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: STABILA Messgerate Gustav Ullrich GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Von Wedemeyer
  • Patent number: 6912794
    Abstract: A bricklayer's combination level and plumb having a first I-section beam, a second I-section beam, and a connector pivotally and slidably connecting the second I-section beam to the first I-section beam wherein the second I-section is angularly displaceable up to and including a right angle relative to the first I-section beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Hannah
  • Patent number: 6836973
    Abstract: A tool for household, commercial, and industrial use is disclosed. The tool would be a multi-sectional level that would comprise many individual sections that would be pivotally attached to one another, with each section having a cylinder and a volume of liquid in the cylinder. Each cylinder would also have an internal bubble for use in measuring flat surfaces. The level could also be placed in a slide-lock mechanism to force the level into a straight shape. Either one or two slide-lock mechanism could be used with the level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Eccles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6810592
    Abstract: An adjustable door jamb setting jig for installing metal door frames in building structures. The adjustable door jamb setting jig includes a base frame being made of wood material; and also includes an extension frame being made of metal material and being extendable from and fastenable to the base frame; and further includes fastening members for fastening the extension frame to the base frame; and further includes magnets being attached to the base frame for holding the base frame to a metal door jamb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick J. Oldfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6807743
    Abstract: An improved tool comprising a carpenter's combined level and square includes: (a) a first elongated, straight section having distal and proximate ends and a centerline therebetween, with the proximate end having a flat surface whose upper part forms a 45 degree angle with the section's centerline, (b) a first leveling bubble fixed in this first section, (c) a second elongated, straight section having distal and proximate ends and a centerline therebetween, with the proximate end having a flat surface whose upper part forms a 135 degree angle with the section's centerline, and with the second section proximate end being proximate the first section proximate end, (d) a second leveling bubble fixed in this second section, (e) a coupling means having a bottom portion that is connected to the first section proximate end and a top portion that is connected to the second section proximate end and a connecting rod that is configured so as to connect these portions and allow them to independently rotate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Odachowski
  • Patent number: 6796045
    Abstract: The present invention provides a level including an elongated level body defining an exterior workpiece contacting surface thereon. A hanger structure is movably connected to the level body so as to be capable of being moved between a retracted position and a deployed position. The hanger structure includes a contacting surface thereon that, when the hanger structure is in the deployed position, is disposed outwardly from the level body to be engageable with a support surface and thereby enable the level to be hung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: Kristofor Milton Hallee
  • Publication number: 20040134082
    Abstract: A spirit level including first and second profile elements which can be displaced relative to one another in a telescopic manner and fixed relative to one another by means of a fixing element. In order to ensure that the first and second profile elements remain aligned with each other irrespective of their position, the first profile element is a hollow profile consisting of two sections which can be joined by means of the second profile element. The first section is joined to the second profile element and the second section can be moved along the remaining area of the second profile element. When the second profile element is at least partially uncovered by the second section, the second profile element can be subjected to the action of force in the direction of a profile wall of the second section of the first profile element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Von Wedemeyer