Abstract: An angle measurement tool includes first and second elongate members, one of the first and second longitudinal members having an aperture defined by an inner circumference shaped as an outer circumference of an eight-pointed star polygon, the other one to the first and second elongate members having a fixing means adapted for engagement in the aperture of the first elongate member so as to fix the first and second elongate members at a predetermined angle relative to each other.

Abstract: A device for positioning an object such as a framed wall plumb or perpendicular relative to a support surface therefor. The device features first and second elongated members which are rotationally engaged. With a first end of the second elongated member engaged to the vertically disposed object, and the distal end of the first elongated member positioned upon the support surface, a tilting of the wall is accomplished by pressure applied to a handle portion of the second elongated member. The tilting causes movement of a projected light beam from a position at the first end of the second elongated member. Continued tilting allows a user to align an illumination point of the light beam, with a mark on the support surface, and ascertain the object is plumb relative to the support surface.

Abstract: A column includes a shaft, a capital assembly, and a base assembly. The capital assembly has an indexing member that attaches to an overhead support. The indexing member aligns the capital, which in turn, vertically aligns the shaft. The base assembly includes a retaining ring that attaches to an underlying support surface. The retaining ring has a plurality of notches arranged to form a cross-hair with an intersection located at the center of the retaining ring. The column also includes an alignment mechanism configured to be suspended from a center of the indexing member. When being aligned, the alignment mechanism is suspended below the indexing member substantially over the center of the retaining ring.

Abstract: A device for constructing plumb brick columns includes: (a) a base suspension portion including: a base, a base pole, and a substantially L-shaped swing arm movably attached to the base pole; (b) a hanger mechanism, including a hanger rod attached to a center of the upper template, and to a hanger clamp that is affixable around the swing arm; and (c) a suspended template portion including: (1) an upper template; (2) a same-sized, removable lower template below the upper template; and (3) vertical guide lines, each extending between a corner of the upper template and a corresponding corner of the lower template, each corner of the lower template including a line attachment device attachable to a corresponding attachment device on a lower end of each guide line. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A device for constructing plumb brick columns includes: (a) a base suspension portion including: a base, a base pole, and a substantially L-shaped swing arm movably attached to the base pole; (b) a hanger mechanism, including a hanger rod attached to a center of the upper template, and to a hanger clamp that is affixable around the swing arm; and (c) a suspended template portion including: (1) an upper template; (2) a same-sized, removable lower template below the upper template; and (3) vertical guide lines, each extending between a corner of the upper template and a corresponding corner of the lower template, each corner of the lower template including a line attachment device attachable to a corresponding attachment device on a lower end of each guide line. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A column assembly includes a shaft, a capital, an opening formed in the capital, and a retaining member. The capital has a lower surface and a substantially planar upper surface. The opening is sized to receive the shaft therethrough, and extends from the lower surface to the upper surface. A channel is formed in a surrounding wall of the opening. The length of the channel may, for instance, extend at least partially around the perimeter of the opening. Regardless, the retaining member advantageously holds the capital at a fixed vertical position along the shaft by engaging the channel and the shaft. The retaining member may be a resilient member (e.g., foam) that seats within the channel and frictionally engages the outer surface of the shaft. Alternatively, the retaining member may be a spring member that mounts onto the upper end of the shaft and engages the channel.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a flag in a desired position, and comprising a position transducer is disclosed. A support mounts the position transducer on a flagstaff. An alarm indicates a deviation in the position of the transducer from the desired position. The alarm has an audio output. The audio output of the alarm optionally indicates the direction of the deviation whereby a user may correct the position of the flag. The position transducer may comprise a central conductive member and a plurality of contacts surrounding that central conductive member. More particularly, the central conductive member may be a conductive ball resting on a concave conductive electrode.

Abstract: A construction hole alignment device includes a tapered body having a smaller diameter first end, a larger diameter second end, and a series of stepped sections having progressively larger diameters extending between the first and second ends. The body has a central axis extending between the first and second ends, and the first end of the body includes a center aligned with the central axis. Each of the stepped sections has an annular outer wall. The tapered body includes flanges extending outwardly from the central axis for interconnecting adjacent stepped sections. The tapered body is insertable into a first construction hole until the outer diameter of one of the stepped sections matches the inner diameter of the first construction hole, whereby the center at the first end of the inserted body defines a target location for a second construction hole on a second floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the azimuth of a tube having a bore axis includes a centering mandrel having a longitudinal axis; a flexible member for defining a bore axis projection of the bore axis; a tensioner fixed to one end of the flexible member, and a pair of adjusters connected to the tensioner, the adjusters for moving the tensioner along a respective pair of axes that are perpendicular to the bore axis projection, the axes of the adjusters being mutually perpendicular.

Abstract: A plumb probe assembly for a level measuring device has a plumb and a connection assembly. The plumb has an inner connecting tube. The connection assembly has two connectors and two clip brackets. The connectors are slidably mounted together while one of the connector firmly connects to the inner connecting tube of the plumb. The clip brackets are movably connected together by at least one resilient device supplying a clipping force and clip around the connectors to hold connectors firmly together. When a force greater than the clipping force, applied to the plumb, the clip brackets separate and the plumb falls into the particulates in the container. The plumb will not cause damage to a particulate discharging device and will disconnect with the connection assembly. A replacement plumb may then be attached to the connection assembly for continued operation.

Abstract: A plumb probe assembly for a level measuring device has a plumb and a connection assembly. The plumb has an inner connecting tube. The connection assembly has two connectors and two clip brackets. The connectors are slidably mounted together while one of the connector firmly connects to the inner connecting tube of the plumb. The clip brackets are movably connected together by at least one resilient device supplying a clipping force and clip around the connectors to hold connectors firmly together. When a force greater than the clipping force, applied to the plumb, the clip brackets separate and the plumb falls into the particulates in the container. The plumb will not cause damage to a particulate discharging device and will disconnect with the connection assembly. A replacement plumb may then be attached to the connection assembly for continued operation.

Abstract: A support assembly for a counter weight of a laser level is disposed in a main body of the laser level for supporting the counter weight with a laser module mounted therein in the main body. The support assembly includes a fixing unit and a universal bearing. The fixing unit is disposed in the main body and the universal bearing is mounted in the fixing unit. The counter weight has a shaft portion formed on an upper end thereof and connected with the universal bearing. The counter weight is swingingly supported in the main body by the universal bearing. Basing on the structure, the present invention has a simple structure for easy assembly and disassembly, thereby being manufactured, maintained and corrected conveniently.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to plumbing control joints in masonry walls, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for plumbing a control joint in a brick wall surface. The invention includes a plumb rod which is positioned in a vertical control joint as bricks are being laid against a wall surface. A mounting bracket supports a bracket rod and cylindrical collar which may slide axially along and pivot about the bracket rod. The plumb rod is slidably received in an adjustable holding member. The plumb rod is then secured relative to the holding member. A spirit level is fixed within a circular bore of the holding member, which can be adjusted to the user's desired position. The plumbing apparatus is used to ensure that a control joint is vertical or plumb to level ground. The mounting bracket is attached to the wall surface, and the collar adjusted to position the plumb rod. The plumb rod is secured when the desired vertical position of is attained.

Abstract: A plumb bob with adjustable weights for suiting different applications is disclosed that includes, in one embodiment, a bottom point; a shank extended upward from the point and having a lower portion and an upper threaded section; hollow first weight elements adapted to put on the lower portion of the shank and rested upon the point; hollow second weight elements having an axial threaded hole and being adapted to put on a portion of the threaded section of the shank to threadedly secure thereto with the first weight elements being fastened thereunder; a hollow projecting knob including an axial bore having lower threads and a top shoulder; and a string including a bottom knot engaged with and stopped at the shoulder. The knob is adapted to threadedly secure to the remaining portion of the threaded section of the shank.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring linear distances comprising a wheel to be rolled along a surface to be measured, wherein the wheel comprises a plurality of incremental line markers to facilitate measurement of selected intervals, and wherein the wheel is maintained within a housing dimensioned and configured to measure sizes and angles most often encountered during framing.

Abstract: A plumb bob bracket is disclosed for use in building construction having a first stud wall and a second stud wall each having an upper beam, a lower beam, and a plurality of vertical beams therebetween. The plumb bob bracket includes a first leg, a second leg attached to the first leg at an angle, a plumb bob attached to the plumb bob bracket by a string, wherein the first leg comprises a first flat panel and a second flat plat panel attached to the first flat panel at a right angle, and a bar member attached to the first flat panel at one end and the third flat panel at a second end.

Abstract: A vertical alignment device (10) between a downwardly extending upper spindle (12) on an upper mounting plate (14) of an upper pivot assembly (16) in a head jamb (18) and an upwardly extending lower spindle (20) on a lower mounting plate (22) of a lower pivot assembly (24) on a floor (26) for a glass door structure (28) comprising a body (30). A facility (32) is for attaching in a removable manner an upper portion (34) of the body (30) to the upper spindle (12). A plumb line (36) is provided with a plumb bob (38) affixed to a first end of the plumb line (36). An assembly (40) is for securing a second end of the plumb line (36) to a lower portion (42) of the body (30). The plumb bob (38) will hang down on the plumb line (36) to indicate an aligned location for the lower spindle (20) when the lower mounting plate (22) is bolted up on the floor (26), thereby allowing the glass door structure (28) to operate properly in a swinging manner.

Abstract: An inspection tool for measuring the true of metal door frames uses a plumb bob. The plumb bob is suspended from a holder which may be attached to a door frame by magnets in the body of the holder. The relationship of the holder dimensions models the relationship of the dimensions of a metal door frame. The point indicated by the plumb bob will have the same dimensions from the door frame if the frame is true. If the frame is not true, the point will have different measurements.

Abstract: The improved plumb-bob is mainly consisted of a body section, a point section, and a fixing element, wherein a connecting means is arranged at the top of the body section by which it may be connected to a suspending cord, and the point section is a cylinder with a flange arranged at the shank, and the point section is provided at least at one end with a conical-pointed part, and the fixing element is bored from the low end to the upper end forming an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is of larger diameter and the lower portion is of reduced diameter but is larger than that of the point section, thus forming an angular shoulder against which the fringe abuts when the parts are assembled to enable the conical-pointed part to project outwardly under the fixing element. The fixing element can hold and fix the point section in a proper position between the body and the fixing element.

Abstract: A line producing system includes an input beam of radiant energy that enters a side of a low cost, radiant energy altering device. The radiant energy emerges from the light altering device radiating in a nearly 360 degree disc pattern forming a ring of ever expanding light.

Abstract: A pointed tool and sheath combination allow for use of the tool as a string line anchor and/or as a plumb bob and provide safe storage of the tool when not in use. The preferred tool is comprised of a dart-like body having a longitudinal axial bore, and a sharpened spike clamped within the longitudinal bore. Sheaths are provided that with snap-in installation of the tool down past curved, inwardly-protruding walls of the sheath, or of the tool into engagement with a latching arm that cooperates with a recess or other latching surface on the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus used with a range pole and survey instruments for leveling and setting elevations and a method of use of the apparatus. A frame holds a range pole, on an embed plate, without assistance of a surveyor's assistant while a surveyor communicates with an iron worker to effect elevation adjustments of the embed plate.

Abstract: A pointed tool and sheath combination allow for use of the tool as a string line anchor and/or as a plumb bob and provide safe storage of the tool when not in use. The preferred tool is comprised of a dart-like body having a longitudinal axial bore, and a sharpened spike clamped within the longitudinal bore. Sheaths are provided that with snap-in installation of the tool down past curved, inwardly-protruding walls of the sheath, or of the tool into engagement with a latching arm that cooperates with a recess or other latching surface on the tool.

Abstract: A laser verticality/horizon indicator for construction is provided that realizes irradiation of laser beam, and indication of both a vertical point and a horizontal line using optical refraction. The laser verticality/horizon indicator embodies a scientific and systematic use mechanism through electrically controlled operation of equipment to indicate vertical and horizontal positions as a precise measurement, and to enhance the handling efficiency of the equipment. The laser verticality/horizon indicator includes a mounting board having a driving motor, a rotary bulb, a prism mounted in the rotary bulb, a battery receiving bulb used as a power supply, and a laser inducing hole. The laser verticality/horizon indicator further includes a laser generator separately mounted on the mounting board, and a plumb bob forming a body structure of the verticality/horizon indicator, the mounting board and the laser generator being installed in the plumb bob.

Abstract: The current invention discloses an improved clinometer which can be used as an inexpensive form of builder's level or transit due to its capability of orienting itself to a predetermined vertical angle, and maintaining said angle through the use of gravity.

Abstract: This invention is a tool combining the function of a string line or chalk line anchor and a plumb bob. This combined tool is comprised of a dart-like body having a longitudinal axial bore. A sharpened spike is clamped within the longitudinal bore. The amount of the spike extending from the body may be adjusted to accommodate the variety of material hardnesses encountered at the work site. In addition this tool has the added functionally of being able to easily and quickly replace a damaged or broken spike.

Abstract: A self-leveling device having a modular unitary suspension (1) for a measurement system carrier (2) of a tiltable housing (3), with the carrier oscillating freely in at least one direction, and the device being distinguished by a flexible connector assembly (5) formed of rubber-like elastic material and situated between two mounting structures (4). The connector assembly is designed as a compact structural component and forms a rotationally symmetrical flexural moment at least in one axial mid region of flexure.

Abstract: A plumb bob system for allowing an individual to easily utilize a plumb bob in determining whether a wall is plumb. The plumb bob system includes a pole, an engaging structure attached to an upper end of the pole, a pulley rotatably positioned within the engaging structure, a spool containing a length of string passing about the pulley, and a plumb bob attached to the end of the string opposite of the spool. The engaging structure is comprised of a first member and a second member having a first edge and a second edge respectively. The first edge and second edge have a common length of radius from a center point of the pulley to provide an average upper distance (Z) of the string from the wall. The center of the plumb bob has a distance from the lower portion of the wall (X) that is compared to the upper distance (Z). If the upper distance (Z) and the lower distance (X) are equal then the wall is being constructed plumb and no modifications are required in the construction of the wall.

Abstract: This invention is a tool combining the function of a string line or chalk line anchor and a plumb bob. This combined tool is comprised of a dart-like body having a longitudinal axial bore. A sharpened spike is clamped within the longitudinal bore. The amount of the spike extending from the body may be adjusted to accommodate the variety of material hardnesses encountered at the work site. In addition this tool has the added functionally of being able to easily and quickly replace a damaged or broken spike.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for measuring the position of a lower positioning reference system with respect to an upper positioning reference system located above the former, comprising a pendulum including a pendulous mass and a metrological wire fixed on one side to the pendulous mass and on the other to the higher reference system, and a first proximity sensor capable of supplying a signal representing the position or the variation of position in the vertical direction of a planar zone of the surface of the pendulous mass relative to the lower reference system. Second and third proximity sensors, both optional supply each a signal representing the position or variation of position of a zone of the wire relative to the planar vertical surfaces of measurement related to the lower reference system and perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sheath for a pointed tool are described, which tool may be a combination string/chalk line anchor and plumb bob. The sheath includes a cavity for housing the pointed needle or spike that extends out from the combination tool, and a cavity for at least partially encircling the body of the tool. A locking mechanism is included to secure the tool in the sheath until removed is desired. The sheath may include a system for attaching it to a chalk box, and a slot defining an exit-point for string line to extend out from the sheath to the chalk box or other container or spool.

Abstract: A self-aligning plumb apparatus has an elongated housing with a laser beam module in the housing. The end of the housing is pointed and is magnetized for suspending the apparatus from metallic beams and the like. The switch is mounted on the housing in a position where it is activated by a slidable plumb bob weight.

Abstract: A brick placement guiding apparatus and method of the same for guiding placement of a vertical series of protruding bricks in a plumb orientation. The brick placement guiding apparatus and method of the same includes a base plate adapted for mounting on an outer surface of the building adjacent to an opening in the building. An elongate arm is mounted on the base plate for extending outwardly from the outer surface of the building adjacent to the opening. A line support structure is mounted on the arm in a manner permitting movement of the line support structure in the longitudinal direction of the arm. A line is mounted on the line support structure for depending from the arm.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a conventionally shaped plumb-bob containing an internal laser emitting member 34 contained in a cylindrically shaped compartment 56 being battery 64 operated. The lower tip 30 of the present invention is threadably 38 connected to the main housing 36 and has an aperture 48 therein through which the laser beam 22 is emitted wherein the beam 22 is aligned with the target point 18. An on/off switch 24 is provided along with a rechargeable receptacle 26 for the battery. Attachment means 28 for the plumb-bob line 20 is provided on the upper, wider top of the plumb-bob.

Abstract: A self-leveling device having a modular unitary suspension (1) for a measurement system carrier (2) of a tiltable housing (3), with the carrier oscillating freely in at least one direction, and the device being distinguished by a flexible connector assembly (5) formed of rubber-like elastic material and situated between two mounting assemblies (4). The connector assembly is designed as a compact structural component and forms a rotationally symmetrical flexural moment at least in one axial region of flexure.

Abstract: A dual purpose picture hanging aid which serves as both a device for holding the picture wire in position away from the back of the picture and as an adjustable length plumb bob for straightening the picture after hanging. The device incorporates openings for receiving the plumb bob string as it is wound around the body and a hook for engaging the string in a partially wound position, providing the adjustable length. Notches in the outer edge engage the picture wire allowing the device to be wedged between the wire and the picture. A smoothly curving edge opposite the edges allows the device to be easily removed after hanging the picture.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a plumb-bob device for vertical pointing operation with a beam-casting housing supported vertically by a plurality of legs via a gyroscope mechanism. The device has a reduced size, so that it can be handled quickly and conveniently on a construction cite. The legs are mounted for expansion and contraction in and around an upper end portion via the gyroscope mechanism on and around an upper end portion of the housing. The legs each have an inner surface complementary to the outer periphery of the housing. The device thus can assume a shape just like a long pencil when the legs are contracted. For vertical pointing operation, the housing is held vertically by the legs in an expanded state. The device can be used as an inverted plumb-bob device and also as a pointer by mounting a retaining member, which has a string, on lower end portions of the legs in the contracted state thereof.

Abstract: A laser beam focus and alignment apparatus is provided for a focus engraving laser or the like and has a housing having an attaching portion for removably attaching to a laser apparatus over a laser beam output lens and a linear adjustable portion linearly adjustable relative to the attaching portion. A flexible plumb line has a predetermined length and is attached to the housing linear adjustable portion and has a plumb bob attached to the end thereof with a generally pointed end portion so that a laser beam focus and alignment apparatus can be attached to a laser beam apparatus and linearly adjusted until the plumb bob touches an item being focused upon to determine the focus and alignment of a laser beam. The housing attaching portion and linear adjustable portion can be threaded together so that rotating the linear adjustable portion moves it in a linear fashion to move the flexible bob line and bob.

Abstract: The tool of this invention comprises a collar which may be attached to a pivot rod extending from the underside of the upper pivot assembly of a swinging or revolving door, the collar having a recess in the top surface of the collar for receiving the upper pivot rod, said recess being dimensioned to snugly fit the pivot rod without substantial lateral movement of the collar, so as to align the central vertical axes of the collar and upper pivot rod, the bottom of the recess having a central aperture, a means for rigidly but removably attaching the collar to the pivot rod, and means associated with the collar for generating a marker in vertical alignment with the central aperture in the bottom of the recess to thereby designate the center point of the bottom pivot.

Abstract: A plumb bob assembly including a plumb bob for use adjacent to a wall or other vertical surface, a cord, cord spool attachable to the plumb bob for storage and a tip cover. A pencil may be inserted through a vertical slot in the plumb bob body to mark the position of the plumb bob relative to an adjacent wall. The plumb bob has a relatively flat, tear-drop shaped plastic body, to which two disk-shaped brass weights, a brass cord attachment ball and a conical brass tip are attached. A plastic spool has a cord receiving region defined by two walls and a plate that protrudes beyond one of the walls. Opposed hooks on the plate provide a means for tying-off the cord and hanging the plumb bob assembly from a nail during use. A collar on the plate locks the spool on the plumb bob during storage by inserting the plate into the slot in the plumb bob body.

Abstract: A laser beam focus and alignment apparatus is provided for a focus engraving laser or the like and has a housing having an attaching portion for removably attaching to a laser apparatus over a laser beam output lens and a linear adjustable portion linearly adjustable relative to the attaching portion. A flexible plumb line has a predetermined length and is attached to the housing linear adjustable portion and has a plumb bob attached to the end thereof with a generally pointed end portion so that a laser beam focus and alignment apparatus can be attached to a laser beam apparatus and linearly adjusted until the plumb bob touches an item being focused upon to determine the focus and alignment of a laser beam. The housing attaching portion and linear adjustable portion can be threaded together so that rotating the linear adjustable portion moves it in a linear fashion to move the flexible bob line and bob.

Abstract: A carpenter's square having a first and second leg at right angles to each other, and a third leg extending between the first and second legs. A magnetic strip on the first leg for attaching the tool to a metallic surface to be plumbed. A first notch in the third leg a first distance from the first leg and a second notch in the third leg a second distance from the first leg so that a plumb string can be threaded through the first and second notches and thereby held in place to support a plumb bob to allow a plumb reading to be taken without the need for manually supporting the plumb bob.

Abstract: An aligning tool, involving plumb bob usage, for a fully assembled underground elevator ram system is provided and makes it possible to align the elevator ram into a required vertical position. Further this allows the fully assembled elevator to be vertically installed at site in a hole which often is flooded by groundwater.

Abstract: A marking plumb bob having a separable two-part body assembly defining a reservoir for containing dry marking material and containing a ball check valve mechanism produces a circular ring shaped marking pattern to indicate the set position of a plumb line relative to a reference surface. A biasing spring associated with the check valve mechanism moves within the reservoir to agitate the marking material contained therein each time the ball check valve mechanism operates.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed which incorporates both a stick-pin peg and an eyelet-shaped hook, either of which may be used to anchor a chalk line. The tool can also double as a plumb bob. The tool has a peg-shaped body with a longitudinal axis. The body has a tapered lower end which terminates in a sharpened stick pin. The body has a recess for holding the eyelet-shaped hook and also incorporates a clamping mechanism which both releaseably secures the hook within the recess, and eliminates any need for tying and untying the string to the tool. The string remains secured to the eyelet-shaped hook. In order to secure the line with the eyelet-shaped hook, the hook is removed from the body by releasing the clamping mechanism. In order to secure the line with the stick-pin peg, the eyelet-shaped hook is secured within the body recess and the string is secured to the needle point by looping the string over itself twice. In order to utilize the anchor/bob as a plumb bob, the body is suspended from its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A plumb bob includes an asymmetrical device 22 and the bob weight 20. The asymmetrical device 22 includes a plug 20 which can be received in a cavity 24 of the bob weight 20. Appropriate material such as solder or an adhesive is selected for securing the asymmetric device 22 and the bob weight 20 in a manner that causes the center of gravity of the asymmetric device 22 to be aligned with that of the bob weight 20.

Abstract: Disclosed is a level indicator device for cranes. A sensor sending unit fixed to the crane base utilizes a free swinging pendulum with a tip which activates sensor portions on a sensor board. An out-of-level attitude of the crane tilts the sensor sending unit and thus moves the pendulum tip to contact a specific sensor portion defined by the crane attitude. The sensors are connected to circuitry including a programmable array logic chip which generates a signal representative of a binary number corresponding to the position of the particular sensor activated. A serial to parallel converter converts the parallel binary number to a serial number and transmits radio frequency signals with said serial binary number indicative of the pendulum position. The RF signal is received by a receiver indicator unit located in the operator control station of the crane. Circuitry converts the signals to indicator activating signals for an indicator panel on the receiver indicator unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a plumb bob having a segmented bob body with an upper bob body segment which is attached to a flexible suspension cord and a removably attached lower bob body segment. The upper segment of the bob body has a marker mechanism which can be an internally contained marker that is resiliently biased within the upper segment by springs which permit the marker to project from the under surface of the body upon impact, registering a point on the lower surface. An alternative marker mechanism comprises a pair of crossed slots in the lower end surface of the upper segment which guide a marker for scribing lines which intersect at the transfer point. The upper segment of the bob body is secured on the transfer point by a central protuberance which permits the body to tilt, but not topple, resting at the transfer point.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the direction to impart to a golf ball when putting is disclosed as having a transparent receptacle including at least one longitudinal line on at least one side thereof. A slot is provided in the top of the receptacle that is adapted for placement of a slidable member therein, the slidable member being adapted for motion within the slot. A plumb line is attached at one end thereof to the slidable member and a weight is attached to the remaining end of the plumb line. In use a golfer looks through the receptacle while aligning the longitudinal line over both the golf ball and the target cup simultaneously. The golfer then slides the slidable member within the slot until any portion of the plumb line or the weight is also superimposed simultaneously over the golf ball and the longitudinal line.

Abstract: A laser plumb bob uses a conventional blumb bob body, hollowed to include a laser device therein. The laser device is affixed within the plumb bob body to preclude relative movement therebetween, to ensure accuracy for the device. With the use of a laser to provide a plumb line of coherent light which beam does not spread, the plumb bob may be suspended from a relatively short line in order to dampen oscillations more quickly. Apparatus providing for use of the plumb bob by a single person is also disclosed, comprising an upper fixture from which the plumb bob is suspended, an extension arm, and a target. The target and upper fixture may be connected by a telescoping column, if desired. The upper fixture may include a wind shield or guard, if desired, so provide greater stability for the plumb bob. The apparatus allows a single person to check plumb lines for walls and the like, thus providing greater efficiency and economy in building construction.